The only reason I didn't give this book a 10 was because it had language and sexual content. I understand the reasoning for the language being that in time of war and fighting that this in very realistic and the sexual content that was between a husband and wife,but if could have been implied without the details in my opinion. Other than those two buts...I was blown away by the emotion and understanding of a women soldiers struggle with going on deployment, leaving family behind and no knowing what the year will hold and being way unprepared for all the outcomes, emotion, physical, and mentally to return home.

I felt that the story was slow to get going to create the characters,but once it got going...it never stopped pulling you along with it. Jolene had a troubling childhood with alcoholic parents who never chose to change for her or love her enough to change. they died in a car accident just before her 18th birthday. When she did graduate from high school she joined the Guard and became a Chief that flew Black Hawk helicopters. She had a family in the Guard and a best friend, Tami who helped her through the tough training. They had each other's backs. When they married, Tami's husband embarrassed his wife's roll in the Guard and was proud of her. Jolene's husband didn't feel a part of it or understand her fierce commitment until he go the Keller case. A returned marine of two tours of duty that had shot his wife in the head because of his untreated PTSD. This was after Jolene had left and he had sent her away with, "I don't love you anymore." He was angry that he had to step up and help with the kids,house, and work too. Then he realized that he might loose his wife to death or worse to have her home but she would be changed. She would write home and call telling the family that she wasn't in harms way, when really bombs were going off constantly all around her, and while she was flying rescue missions.
When he gets the news that she was shot down, he rushes to get to her side only to have to fight to prove that he really loves her and isn't just filling his duty as her husband. She has lost her leg, some of her crewman, and her best friend is in a coma. She is dealing with guilt, nightmares,pain, and anger. When she gets home it isn't any easier. She has limitations at first and they frustrate her. her daughters are scared when she is changed emotionally. She is depressed. She learns alot. Her family learns alot. She learns through experience that no one can make these tough journey's for you, and no one can advice you what to do, they can stand by, listen and offer support so you aren't alone. This story really made me appreciate all the sacrifices our armed forces make to safe guard our freedoms that we so often take for granted.