Reviewed by Angela Caban

I was asked a few months ago by a good friend of mine Jocelyn Green, to review a new book she had co-written. I was beside myself with excitement since the last book I had reviewed of Jocelyn’s, Faith Deployed was an absolute favorite of mine. A book that I keep very close to me daily and a book that helps me in everyday life situations – not just deployment. And of course when asked to review a new book, I am also overwhelmed at the fact that my opinion counts to my readers.

I believe I finished this book in about a short month – sounds like a long time, but the book is well over 400 pages! And it is not one of those books where you read and move onto the next page, you sit and contemplate and question yourself as to how you see yourself handling a situation. Once again I was extremely pleased with not just the content, but the message it sends to all spouses and service members of the military. I have read many whiny pointless books in my life, but when it comes to war and the military you need encouragement. 

Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq and Afghanistan

Battlefields and Blessings is co-written by Jane Hampton Cook, Jocelyn Green and John Croushorn. The book is written in a 365 day format and is a collection of stories from over seventy individuals. All stories are experiences that provide encouragement from the battlefield. From service members, military spouses and families, these stories are real and from the heart.

As I finished reading this book, I saw myself going back to stories that really touched me and reading them to my husband. Finally one day he said “just give me the book”. My husband rarely reads books about war or military since this is his life daily. One word came from his mouth “Wow!” And coming from a service member himself he could truly relate to the stories and outcomes. He was so touched and yet in awe at how honest these stories are. It is so rare for service members to share such personal views from war, and he felt privileged to read them.

If you would like to be reminded of how God’s power can overcome any difficult circumstance you may be experiencing, and how He is always present giving us hope and love, this is a book to read. You simply can’t read this book and not feel the inspiration and courage of these real life stories. Regardless of the motions you are feeling; loneliness, fear, anxiety, depression or broken hearted, you will feel at peace and be able to see the light of the situation. If you have never experienced war as either a spouse or service member, or if you have no affiliation with the military, this is also another reason why you should read this book.

To learn how you can win a free autographed copy of this book, please visit my website below.

For more on Angela Caban, visit her website at www.angelacaban.com.

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