The Story Behind Soldier of Love - Part Four

I’ve shared a lot over the last few weeks about what went into the creation of my upcoming novel, Soldier of Love . Today I thought I’d have a little fun and share with you an interview with the hero himself. Heath Garrick hasn’t appeared in the Hometown Heroes series previously, but as soon as he shows up in Lindsey Point, he has people talking:

Good morning, Heath! We know you didn’t grow up with the rest of the gang in this series. So how old are you, anyway?
    I’m 35 (and yes, I’m single). I was a soldier in the Army for 17 years and enlisted right out of high school.


Why did you leave the Army?
    I loved serving my country, don’t get me wrong. But I saw a lot over those 17 years. When my best friend Roberto was killed in a mortar attack, I developed symptoms of PTSD and was advised to seek medical discharge. Wasn’t my first choice, but I wasn’t the same soldier I’d been before my buddy died. I left 3 years short of retirement age.

Where did you grow up?
    My Dad was in the Army too, so we moved around a lot. I finished high school in Bluffet Edge, which is close to the town of Lindsey Point, Connecticut. That’s where I live now, at least temporarily. I’ve always loved the New England coast.

What do you like most about Franny, the heroine?
    Man, she’s about the nicest person I know. Within fifteen minutes of meeting me, when she found out I was looking for a place to live, she offered me a rental at her bed and breakfast. Plus she’s one hell of a baker. I think I gained 5 pounds the first week I moved in with her.  

Here’s a tougher one: what’s your greatest fear?
    That I won’t find purpose living as a civilian. When you’re a soldier, you know what’s expected of you, every day. Now that I’m home, I’m scared of never feeling like I really matter again.

What do you want readers to know about this book?
    Allie did a lot of research to find out what soldiers go through when they leave active duty. She has a good friend who’s served even more time than I  have, plus her father-in-law is a Vietnam veteran, so she has some good resources to draw on. I’m a tough guy, and sometimes I have a hard time keeping my temper in check, but I’m 100% devoted to the people I love. Wait until you see how that plays out in this book...
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Readers, I adore this character, and I hope you will too. (One of my beta readers said about Heath, “Okay, I LOVEEEE him.”) You’ll get to know a lot more about Heath when Soldier of Love releases ...soon!

Soldier of Love is the story of a veteran returned from war and the woman he falls in love with. It will release at all retailers on March 18 and is available for exclusive pre-order NOW on iTunes. Heads-up: beginning March 1, you'll be able to read the first 3 chapters for free! Stay tuned for the link.