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Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories
2024 Foreword Reviews INDIES Silver Award Winner • Military Writers Society of America 2024 Gold Medal • Readers' Favorite Awards Bronze Medal • Winner Book Excellence Awards 2024 - Military Category • 2024 IAN Book of the Year Awards Finalist • 2025 IPPY Awards Bronze Medal
You knew what you signed up for. These words are often directed at military spouses, yet the true depth of what it will mean to be married to a service member is seldom fully grasped. In Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories, readers are immersed in the captivating world of military spouse life, unearthing the challenges and triumphs faced by those who leave behind the familiar to embrace a life of constant change.
Authored by Jen McDonald, this compelling narrative weaves together the experiences of military spouses across generations, illuminating the unbreakable bonds that unite them. With a keen focus on the impact of frequent relocations, deployments, and the nomadic nature of military life, McDonald also celebrates these spouses' resolute tenacity. Drawing from her personal three-decade journey as a military spouse, alongside stories from contemporary spouses and those from the Korean War and Vietnam conflict eras, Milspouse Matters reveals the remarkable strength within this community.
Whether you're seeking courage, confidence, or a deeper understanding of the military family experience, these shared stories invite you to discover the unyielding resilience that lies within us all.
You knew what you signed up for. These words are often directed at military spouses, yet the true depth of what it will mean to be married to a service member is seldom fully grasped. In Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories, readers are immersed in the captivating world of military spouse life, unearthing the challenges and triumphs faced by those who leave behind the familiar to embrace a life of constant change.
Authored by Jen McDonald, this compelling narrative weaves together the experiences of military spouses across generations, illuminating the unbreakable bonds that unite them. With a keen focus on the impact of frequent relocations, deployments, and the nomadic nature of military life, McDonald also celebrates these spouses' resolute tenacity. Drawing from her personal three-decade journey as a military spouse, alongside stories from contemporary spouses and those from the Korean War and Vietnam conflict eras, Milspouse Matters reveals the remarkable strength within this community.
Whether you're seeking courage, confidence, or a deeper understanding of the military family experience, these shared stories invite you to discover the unyielding resilience that lies within us all.
258 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2023
9 people are currently reading
2391 people want to read
About the author
Jen McDonald
2 books46 followersJen McDonald is an award-winning author and longtime advocate for military spouses—and a master at unpacking a household in under three days while insisting she meant to put the coffee mugs in that cupboard. Over 30+ years as a military spouse and moving around the world, she raised four kids, supported her husband’s Air Force career, and somehow kept a freelance writing career afloat through countless moves and deployment countdowns.
She’s the author of two books offering equal parts encouragement and “been there” wisdom for military families. Her writing has earned multiple awards, including a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America and a Silver Award from Foreword INDIES, proof that scribbling notes on the back of grocery receipts can, in fact, pay off. She’s also the host of the Milspouse Matters podcast, sharing stories and encouragement with military families around the world.
Now happily planted in Texas (and hoping to avoid moving trucks for the foreseeable future), Jen is working on her debut cozy mystery novel and reveling in grandparenting, which comes with all the snuggles and none of the 2 a.m. feedings. She’s perfected the art of writing in the margins of life, whether in the early morning quiet, on the sidelines of a Little League game, or during a suspiciously long coffee break.
She’s the author of two books offering equal parts encouragement and “been there” wisdom for military families. Her writing has earned multiple awards, including a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America and a Silver Award from Foreword INDIES, proof that scribbling notes on the back of grocery receipts can, in fact, pay off. She’s also the host of the Milspouse Matters podcast, sharing stories and encouragement with military families around the world.
Now happily planted in Texas (and hoping to avoid moving trucks for the foreseeable future), Jen is working on her debut cozy mystery novel and reveling in grandparenting, which comes with all the snuggles and none of the 2 a.m. feedings. She’s perfected the art of writing in the margins of life, whether in the early morning quiet, on the sidelines of a Little League game, or during a suspiciously long coffee break.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 23, 2024
As a military spouse of almost 20 years, this book was such a treat to read. It reminded me of so much of our early career, and I loved reflecting on that and so much of our Army journey. I love the short story format; it makes every story stand out and made the whole thing feel like you were listening to your friend at a coffee shop.
The most important thing Milspouse Matters did, though, was remind me that we're not crazy! It's a testament to the precious few of us who has walked this military life. It can be the wildest, craziest, weirdest ride, and it's a comfort and joy to know we're not alone.
I highly recommend this book for families who are anywhere on their military life timeline, as well as for anyone who wants to understand what family life in the American military is like. I feel like this would have been a *gem* of a gift 18 years ago when I married into the military and moved 900 miles away from home and had no idea of what I was getting into. Thank you, Jen, for writing this book!!
The most important thing Milspouse Matters did, though, was remind me that we're not crazy! It's a testament to the precious few of us who has walked this military life. It can be the wildest, craziest, weirdest ride, and it's a comfort and joy to know we're not alone.
I highly recommend this book for families who are anywhere on their military life timeline, as well as for anyone who wants to understand what family life in the American military is like. I feel like this would have been a *gem* of a gift 18 years ago when I married into the military and moved 900 miles away from home and had no idea of what I was getting into. Thank you, Jen, for writing this book!!
October 12, 2023
Wonderful encouragement for when military life becomes a lot - a great reminder on having a positive perspective on dealing with moving, family life, and commitments while not sugarcoating or living in toxic positivity.
The first section was filled with beautiful, tender love stories that highlighted spouses of all backgrounds. The second section focused on the adventures that often come with military life.
I really appreciated the section that talks about deployment and filling the time. So often deployments are a time filled with lofty ambitions. These are great goals, but I thought it was refreshing reading about "the year of Gilmore Girls" and taking the time to relax instead of holding yourself to intense goals.
The author addresses so many aspects of military life - military spouses, military kids, active duty, military friendships, and retirement. All in an approachable, helpful way.
The first section was filled with beautiful, tender love stories that highlighted spouses of all backgrounds. The second section focused on the adventures that often come with military life.
I really appreciated the section that talks about deployment and filling the time. So often deployments are a time filled with lofty ambitions. These are great goals, but I thought it was refreshing reading about "the year of Gilmore Girls" and taking the time to relax instead of holding yourself to intense goals.
The author addresses so many aspects of military life - military spouses, military kids, active duty, military friendships, and retirement. All in an approachable, helpful way.
July 1, 2024
What a book this is! I knew little about military wives and this gives a true insight into their lives. Following their husbands across the world, making a home of their new surroundings to be uprooted a year or few years later. I also wondered how a military wife "does it" but as written in here, "You do it because you love them" That is true but I can't imagine how you feel, emotionally, physically, alone at first while your husband is carted off to some potential unsafe place, not always guaranteed to return. I admire these women and what they've done to uproot their own life and move from family.
It is definitely a way of life, a life long commitment and although, I don't think it's a role for me, I admire the ones that live that life and serve their country. It's hard at times, easier at others.
It makes you think how strong you have to be to make a life for yourself, while you are in a new place, on your own or as these women, with young children. Another way of thinking, it's not being strong, it's just living to get by. Military life becomes the norm, the stable and safe life.
Retiring doesn't always make it easier, it makes you realise what you are leaving behind but that also opens up to starting a newer, more relaxed life, being with the one you love.
It is definitely a way of life, a life long commitment and although, I don't think it's a role for me, I admire the ones that live that life and serve their country. It's hard at times, easier at others.
It makes you think how strong you have to be to make a life for yourself, while you are in a new place, on your own or as these women, with young children. Another way of thinking, it's not being strong, it's just living to get by. Military life becomes the norm, the stable and safe life.
Retiring doesn't always make it easier, it makes you realise what you are leaving behind but that also opens up to starting a newer, more relaxed life, being with the one you love.
October 12, 2023
Wonderful encouragement for when military life becomes a lot - a great reminder on having a positive perspective on dealing with moving, family life, and commitments while not sugarcoating or living in toxic positivity.
The first section was filled with beautiful, tender love stories that highlighted spouses of all backgrounds. The second section focused on the adventures that often come with military life.
I really appreciated the section that talks about deployment and filling the time. So often deployments are a time filled with lofty ambitions. These are great goals, but I thought it was refreshing reading about "the year of Gilmore Girls" and taking the time to relax instead of holding yourself to intense goals.
The author addresses so many aspects of military life - military spouses, military kids, active duty, military friendships, and retirement. All in an approachable, helpful way.
The first section was filled with beautiful, tender love stories that highlighted spouses of all backgrounds. The second section focused on the adventures that often come with military life.
I really appreciated the section that talks about deployment and filling the time. So often deployments are a time filled with lofty ambitions. These are great goals, but I thought it was refreshing reading about "the year of Gilmore Girls" and taking the time to relax instead of holding yourself to intense goals.
The author addresses so many aspects of military life - military spouses, military kids, active duty, military friendships, and retirement. All in an approachable, helpful way.
Read
March 8, 2024MWSA Review
Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength through Our Stories by Jen McDonald is a collection of thoughts and nuggets of advice for military spouses with any length of service. But it is so much more. Much of the material would also offer comfort and strength to single parents, widows and widowers, and civilian family members or friends seeking a better understanding of the military. Some of the advice applies to every human being, like this gem on page 117: “There is never a guarantee of another single day. Live each day the best you can and squeeze all the life out of it that you can get. Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Love them.”
McDonald’s sage advice is interspersed with personal anecdotes that allow readers to identify with her, accept their own emotional responses, and normalize their experiences. Often, we isolate ourselves, thinking we are the only ones, and this book negates that thinking, drawing the reader into the community of others who have walked before us on a similar path. McDonald also quotes seasoned spouses, showing the reader that they can also find the strength to deal with life’s vicissitudes.
Although the book is specific to the military experience, the style of writing and the engaging use of humor will appeal to others in many walks of life.
Review by Betsy Beard (March 2024)
Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength through Our Stories by Jen McDonald is a collection of thoughts and nuggets of advice for military spouses with any length of service. But it is so much more. Much of the material would also offer comfort and strength to single parents, widows and widowers, and civilian family members or friends seeking a better understanding of the military. Some of the advice applies to every human being, like this gem on page 117: “There is never a guarantee of another single day. Live each day the best you can and squeeze all the life out of it that you can get. Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Love them.”
McDonald’s sage advice is interspersed with personal anecdotes that allow readers to identify with her, accept their own emotional responses, and normalize their experiences. Often, we isolate ourselves, thinking we are the only ones, and this book negates that thinking, drawing the reader into the community of others who have walked before us on a similar path. McDonald also quotes seasoned spouses, showing the reader that they can also find the strength to deal with life’s vicissitudes.
Although the book is specific to the military experience, the style of writing and the engaging use of humor will appeal to others in many walks of life.
Review by Betsy Beard (March 2024)
April 2, 2024
As a non-military kid (my dad's service ended before I was born), my family moved multiple times before my junior year of high school. Moving was tough, but my parents were always with me for all of them.
Jen McDonald's series of essays shows the highs and lows of being a military family, where one member is often gone for weeks, months, years at a time. The vignettes are from McDonald's own experiences and from interviews conducted with other service spouses.
Whether you're a military veteran or spouse of a veteran or a regular Jane or Joe, the overall message of this book will touch your heart and remind you that community is key to survival and happiness.
Jen McDonald's series of essays shows the highs and lows of being a military family, where one member is often gone for weeks, months, years at a time. The vignettes are from McDonald's own experiences and from interviews conducted with other service spouses.
Whether you're a military veteran or spouse of a veteran or a regular Jane or Joe, the overall message of this book will touch your heart and remind you that community is key to survival and happiness.
July 12, 2024
I have always had the utmost respect for military spouses and think they might be some of the strongest people on the planet. I miss hearing my grandma’s endless tales of being a military wife and mom to six kids but this book was so relatable that it felt like a piece of her was speaking to me. I am confident that anyone who has been or even loved a military spouse will feel a strong connection to this beautiful book, with its hilarious endearment and honest vulnerability. Kudos to Jen McDonald for sharing this absolutely heartfelt memoir!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
July 12, 2024
I found this book to be truly enlightening and inspiring. I do not know much about the military lifestyle other than what I think must people know so this book really opened my eyes.
I love how the author has pulled together stories from different military families across different generations to really highlight the difficulties faced and what unites them.
I’m very grateful to have had the chance to read this book and hats off to all military personnel and military families!
I love how the author has pulled together stories from different military families across different generations to really highlight the difficulties faced and what unites them.
I’m very grateful to have had the chance to read this book and hats off to all military personnel and military families!
July 17, 2024
An enjoyable look into a military spouse’s life
A fun read about the life of a military spouse. I don’t think those of us in civilian life quite have a grasp on what it is like to be a spouse in a military relationship. There were places where I could relate even though I was not from a military relationship, and places where I could only imagine what life was like in the military world. Well written and well organized, I enjoyed this memoir very much.
A fun read about the life of a military spouse. I don’t think those of us in civilian life quite have a grasp on what it is like to be a spouse in a military relationship. There were places where I could relate even though I was not from a military relationship, and places where I could only imagine what life was like in the military world. Well written and well organized, I enjoyed this memoir very much.
April 7, 2024
This book was so good! It’s full of short stories about the lives of military service members and their families. I think that whether you are part of that military community or just want to learn about their experiences this is a great book to pick up. I feel like this would have been a great book to have 10 years ago when my husband was in the service but I’m glad I was able to enjoy it now.
November 6, 2023
A must-read for any military spouse! Jen weaves her own personal experiences with so many relatable and encouraging stories from spouses all around the world. Couldn’t put it down!
April 5, 2024
Highly recommend this book to any and all military spouses! I am a military spouse and having lived in Guam and soon to be moving to South Korea, I found this book so relatable and helpful. McDonald talks about her numerous moves across the country and around the world. She talks about her time in Guam and Germany. She also interviews military widows, which I found amazing. Getting to hear their perspective of life as a military wife during the Vietnam war. Being separated for years, with little to no communication is unfathomable to me. One of my favorite quotes in the book is "You're stronger than you think." Most military spouses don't realize how tough this life will be when they marry their partner (McDonald talks about this in her book). You realize very quickly that you are in fact stronger than you think.
July 17, 2024
Having experienced both sides of military life—as a spouse and a veteran—Jen McDonald's *Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength through Our Stories* deeply resonates with me. This heartfelt collection authentically captures the essence of military life with compassion.
The book courageously addresses the myriad challenges spouses face: frequent relocations, balancing family life during deployments, and managing our commitments. What sets it apart is its balanced perspective, neither glossing over hardships nor succumbing to toxic positivity. Instead, it encourages maintaining a positive outlook while acknowledging the strength derived from community and shared experiences.
The section dedicated to tender love stories from spouses of diverse backgrounds beautifully illustrates the love and resilience inherent in their lives. It paints a poignant picture of the unique bonds forged within our community. Additionally, the exploration of the adventurous aspects of military life captures the excitement and unpredictability that define our experiences.
Personally, I found the discussion on deployments particularly inspiring. It addresses the daunting uncertainty and distance with a refreshing perspective.
McDonald covers a broad spectrum of military life—from the challenges faced by spouses and children to the dynamics of active duty and retirement—with accessible insight and humor.
Whether you're new to military life or a seasoned veteran, this book offers a wealth of relatable stories and invaluable insights. It transcends mere memoir; it's a testament to the collective journey, filled with moments of laughter, tears, and unwavering resilience.
I wholeheartedly recommend *Milspouse Matters* to anyone seeking to understand the complexities and strength of military families. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices they make and the enduring support of the community.
The book courageously addresses the myriad challenges spouses face: frequent relocations, balancing family life during deployments, and managing our commitments. What sets it apart is its balanced perspective, neither glossing over hardships nor succumbing to toxic positivity. Instead, it encourages maintaining a positive outlook while acknowledging the strength derived from community and shared experiences.
The section dedicated to tender love stories from spouses of diverse backgrounds beautifully illustrates the love and resilience inherent in their lives. It paints a poignant picture of the unique bonds forged within our community. Additionally, the exploration of the adventurous aspects of military life captures the excitement and unpredictability that define our experiences.
Personally, I found the discussion on deployments particularly inspiring. It addresses the daunting uncertainty and distance with a refreshing perspective.
McDonald covers a broad spectrum of military life—from the challenges faced by spouses and children to the dynamics of active duty and retirement—with accessible insight and humor.
Whether you're new to military life or a seasoned veteran, this book offers a wealth of relatable stories and invaluable insights. It transcends mere memoir; it's a testament to the collective journey, filled with moments of laughter, tears, and unwavering resilience.
I wholeheartedly recommend *Milspouse Matters* to anyone seeking to understand the complexities and strength of military families. It serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices they make and the enduring support of the community.
July 17, 2024
𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐜𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5
I absolutely LOVED this. I was on the other side, as the military service member, and I deeply connected to this. I think most of the population doesn’t understand the real extent of what it means to mean to be a military spouse, and this can give those people a glimpse of that life. Being a military spouse is a job in of itself, they’re left for months or even years at a time to take care of everything at home. They go day, weeks, even months without contact, all the while constantly worrying for their safety. I cried, laughed, and smiled while reading this. Can’t recommend this enough!
𝘽𝙇𝙐𝙍𝘽:
You knew what you signed up for. These words are often directed at military spouses, yet the true depth of what it will mean to be married to a service member is seldom fully grasped. In Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories, readers are immersed in the captivating world of military spouse life, unearthing the challenges and triumphs faced by those who leave behind the familiar to embrace a life of constant change.
Authored by Jen McDonald, this compelling narrative weaves together the experiences of military spouses across generations, illuminating the unbreakable bonds that unite them. With a keen focus on the impact of frequent relocations, deployments, and the nomadic nature of military life, McDonald also celebrates these spouses’ resolute tenacity. Drawing from her personal three-decade journey as a military spouse, alongside stories from contemporary spouses and those from the Korean War and Vietnam conflict eras, Milspouse Matters reveals the remarkable strength within this community.
Whether you’re seeking courage, confidence, or a deeper understanding of the military family experience, these shared stories invite you to discover the unyielding resilience that lies within us all.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5
I absolutely LOVED this. I was on the other side, as the military service member, and I deeply connected to this. I think most of the population doesn’t understand the real extent of what it means to mean to be a military spouse, and this can give those people a glimpse of that life. Being a military spouse is a job in of itself, they’re left for months or even years at a time to take care of everything at home. They go day, weeks, even months without contact, all the while constantly worrying for their safety. I cried, laughed, and smiled while reading this. Can’t recommend this enough!
𝘽𝙇𝙐𝙍𝘽:
You knew what you signed up for. These words are often directed at military spouses, yet the true depth of what it will mean to be married to a service member is seldom fully grasped. In Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories, readers are immersed in the captivating world of military spouse life, unearthing the challenges and triumphs faced by those who leave behind the familiar to embrace a life of constant change.
Authored by Jen McDonald, this compelling narrative weaves together the experiences of military spouses across generations, illuminating the unbreakable bonds that unite them. With a keen focus on the impact of frequent relocations, deployments, and the nomadic nature of military life, McDonald also celebrates these spouses’ resolute tenacity. Drawing from her personal three-decade journey as a military spouse, alongside stories from contemporary spouses and those from the Korean War and Vietnam conflict eras, Milspouse Matters reveals the remarkable strength within this community.
Whether you’re seeking courage, confidence, or a deeper understanding of the military family experience, these shared stories invite you to discover the unyielding resilience that lies within us all.
March 23, 2024
Jen McDonald’s book Milspouse Matters is a lovely collection of stories—stories of love, of adventure, difficult times, friendships, and retirement. Some of the stories sound so familiar because they ARE familiar. The names of the locations and wars might change, but the feelings of the spouses at home are the same. The universality of these stories among the military community is evident on each page.
When McDonald’s book begins with the often-heard and seldom-liked statement “You knew what you signed up for,” I will be honest: I bristled. My story is like many: I married a man who was in one job, and he decided to transition to military life later on. Many others knew they were marrying into the service, and even they could not possibly have known what it’s like being married to a military member. It’s different for everyone, and yet as I stated before, there is a sense of community and universality of story.
This book is much different than I expected it to be, and I am so grateful. I will be recommending it to everyone I know who is married to a military servicemember: active duty, reserve, Guard, or even retired. It’s important for us to listen to (or read) each other’s stories, support each other, and of course, love each other.
When McDonald’s book begins with the often-heard and seldom-liked statement “You knew what you signed up for,” I will be honest: I bristled. My story is like many: I married a man who was in one job, and he decided to transition to military life later on. Many others knew they were marrying into the service, and even they could not possibly have known what it’s like being married to a military member. It’s different for everyone, and yet as I stated before, there is a sense of community and universality of story.
This book is much different than I expected it to be, and I am so grateful. I will be recommending it to everyone I know who is married to a military servicemember: active duty, reserve, Guard, or even retired. It’s important for us to listen to (or read) each other’s stories, support each other, and of course, love each other.
July 18, 2024
Milspouse Matters is a memoir of roughly 260 pages, which makes it a fairly quick book. It was written by Jen Mcdonald, who is a military spouse of over 30 years. In it, she shares the highs and low and everything in between.
I am not military nor a military spouse, but I was still eager to read their stories. This is honestly such an interesting, inspirational, and heartfelt memoir. I enjoyed reading this, and I think it could definitely be a book that helps other military spouses embrace and appreciate their relationships.
I loved how transparent and real Mcdonald was in her storytelling. She shared her own real experiences and the experiences of other military spouses even when the experiences weren't the best or were hard. Sometimes, we need to know that things aren't going to be easy but that they are still worth it. It's definitely an inspirational book!
One of my younger friends recently married a servicemen, and I am thinking of sending her a copy of this once they get settled into their new home.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I am not military nor a military spouse, but I was still eager to read their stories. This is honestly such an interesting, inspirational, and heartfelt memoir. I enjoyed reading this, and I think it could definitely be a book that helps other military spouses embrace and appreciate their relationships.
I loved how transparent and real Mcdonald was in her storytelling. She shared her own real experiences and the experiences of other military spouses even when the experiences weren't the best or were hard. Sometimes, we need to know that things aren't going to be easy but that they are still worth it. It's definitely an inspirational book!
One of my younger friends recently married a servicemen, and I am thinking of sending her a copy of this once they get settled into their new home.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2024
I want to start off by saying that I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I picked this book up. Sometimes books pick us. I know that this book took me some time to finish. But I didn’t want to rush into it. My favorite part of this book was the author had other stories in her book. One really took my heart. Read this book… I my grandfather served in the army. Before he married my grandmother. When I lived in Texas I became best friends with women who husbands were in the military. So reading this book bought the times we would hang out and they would talk about the deployment of their husbands. And raising their children. I highly recommend this book. Even if you don’t know anyone in the military. These people go through a lot serving our country. It’s not just the men or women serving their spouses are serving too.
Thank you the lovebooktours and author for the opportunity to read such amazing book. Forever be a 1 favorite and a book I will not stop recommending.
Thank you the lovebooktours and author for the opportunity to read such amazing book. Forever be a 1 favorite and a book I will not stop recommending.
March 19, 2024
No one outside a military community can understand the life we live. We were active duty for 21 years and even retired, the connection is strong. The "service" speaks a different language and follows a different set of rules. Family mores are upside down, traditional values and identities can change within each family. Each installation is different so a PCS, permenant change of station, requires adjustments too. Children learn at a young age that their homes, schools, classmates, even their teachers all have a common thread of support and legacy. Jen McDonald has done an excellent job of giving a limited education and sharing a few of the challenges in this one of a kind lifestyle. She should get more than 5 stars, she's earned a few stripes too.
July 12, 2024
Milspouse matters is a touching, honest and eye-opening memoir of what it’s like to be the spouse of someone in the military. The stress of moving frequently, uprooting the family and sometimes feeling lost and alone or just some of the things brought away in this book. It tells the stories of a group of military spouses and gives an in-depth snapshot of military life. It shines a light on the innermost feelings and experiences of a variety of people as a military life. Some who read it may think that it’s not worth it, but it’s all for love. We don’t choose our spouses based on their careers, we choose them because we love them. I admire the strength of the people in this book for withstanding the challenge military life has brought them.
July 17, 2024
My career has given me the opportunity to work adjacent to many servicemen and -women, and I’ve grown a deep appreciation for the sacrifices they make for our country. What I hadn’t considered are the sacrifices their families make alongside them. Their career becomes their spouse’s.
Jen McDonald’s Milspouse Matters shares stories of those military spouses. While this book may be intended as a reminder to military families that they’re not alone, it deepened my appreciation for those with who
I work and the people who more directly depend on them to stay safe.
I highly recommend this for military families - active duty, reserves, retired, and to civilians who work with our armed forces. This is truly an outstanding book.
Jen McDonald’s Milspouse Matters shares stories of those military spouses. While this book may be intended as a reminder to military families that they’re not alone, it deepened my appreciation for those with who
I work and the people who more directly depend on them to stay safe.
I highly recommend this for military families - active duty, reserves, retired, and to civilians who work with our armed forces. This is truly an outstanding book.
March 16, 2024
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
As a military wife of almost 15 years and a writer for military wives, I am still and always looking for trustworthy and relatable resources.
There are so many great things to share about this book, but my favorite nuggets live within the themes of friendship and celebration. Jen weaves hope and inspiration into her stories and I loved every single moment.
This was just the gem I needed to put more wind in my sails as military life feels chaotic.
No matter what phase of military wife life you’re in, grab this book and be encouraged!!
As a military wife of almost 15 years and a writer for military wives, I am still and always looking for trustworthy and relatable resources.
There are so many great things to share about this book, but my favorite nuggets live within the themes of friendship and celebration. Jen weaves hope and inspiration into her stories and I loved every single moment.
This was just the gem I needed to put more wind in my sails as military life feels chaotic.
No matter what phase of military wife life you’re in, grab this book and be encouraged!!
July 2, 2024
This was a very powerful and moving book for me as coming from a family where some of my family members had been in the British Forces I could relate to some of the things that were discuss. Even with this background it was still a hard read as it highlight some of the things that my sister must have gone through that she didn't let anybody know that she was going through. Thank Jen McDonald for writing this book as it has brought to the fore front how military families struggle with the things that us civilians take for granted some times.
February 25, 2024
interesting
If you like memoirs, as well as short stories, this is a great book option for you. Although I believe these stories are fictional, they are based through historical events which are told with beautiful prose.
Very unique and unlike anything I’ve read before. Grab a cup of tea.
If you like memoirs, as well as short stories, this is a great book option for you. Although I believe these stories are fictional, they are based through historical events which are told with beautiful prose.
Very unique and unlike anything I’ve read before. Grab a cup of tea.
July 21, 2024
I can’t relate to being a military spouse or kid. Until I was in college, I had the same zip code my entire life. But, I didn’t have the same house. I had a single mom, and somehow, we moved around – A LOT – within that one zip code. I don’t remember that. But when my husband and I first moved in together, because of various reasons, we moved every. single. year. for a while. Still in the same zip code (albeit a different one). Still, except for three months of my life, I’ve always lived in Louisiana. But, I know about moving. So, that aspect of Jen McDonald’s memoir stood out to me like a dang. sore. thumb.
Even with all that experience moving, a superhero military spouse I AM NOT!!!
Military spouses (and anyone whose spouse travels a lot) are superhuman! I could NOT do it!! Some of these stories. WOW! The one where the moving trucks turned the corner and orders changed. I think I’d just literally die. And I have ONE child. And a dad with dementia. But still. My husband and I barely hold it together. These people are made of something else!
If you enjoy hearing other people’s stories, you’ll enjoy this. I’m not huge on memoirs, but this one is exciting. I blew through it, and the author included stories from other military spouses she met through the years. This book had it all – romance, adventure, loss, and stories of coming together against odds. It’s a true story of the human condition. Also, if you liked the show “Army Wives” this is like a real-life version of that.
People love to say “You chose this” to all manner of people including military spouses, but it’s so much more complicated than that. Do any of us really know what we’re signing up for when that first flutter of love hits us?
If you enjoy reading and hearing different people’s stories, you’ll enjoy this book. Also, if you’re a fan of the show “Army Wives,” or any slice-of-life sort of stories, you’ll enjoy it. Memoir and biography lovers will also enjoy it.
Content Warnings: Death, Natural Disaster, War, Political Ideology, Religious Ideology, Racism, Sexism, References to 9/11
Even with all that experience moving, a superhero military spouse I AM NOT!!!
Military spouses (and anyone whose spouse travels a lot) are superhuman! I could NOT do it!! Some of these stories. WOW! The one where the moving trucks turned the corner and orders changed. I think I’d just literally die. And I have ONE child. And a dad with dementia. But still. My husband and I barely hold it together. These people are made of something else!
If you enjoy hearing other people’s stories, you’ll enjoy this. I’m not huge on memoirs, but this one is exciting. I blew through it, and the author included stories from other military spouses she met through the years. This book had it all – romance, adventure, loss, and stories of coming together against odds. It’s a true story of the human condition. Also, if you liked the show “Army Wives” this is like a real-life version of that.
People love to say “You chose this” to all manner of people including military spouses, but it’s so much more complicated than that. Do any of us really know what we’re signing up for when that first flutter of love hits us?
If you enjoy reading and hearing different people’s stories, you’ll enjoy this book. Also, if you’re a fan of the show “Army Wives,” or any slice-of-life sort of stories, you’ll enjoy it. Memoir and biography lovers will also enjoy it.
Content Warnings: Death, Natural Disaster, War, Political Ideology, Religious Ideology, Racism, Sexism, References to 9/11
July 21, 2024
I give Milspouse Matters a good rating of 4 ⭐ a thought provoking read that will leave you pondering in places whilst others will leave you smiling. This book will inspire and empower you but also encourages you to get out of your comfort zone. Definitely a recommendation from me.
January 27, 2024
A wonderful read , telling shared and personal experiences. It gives us a greater understanding of how strong and resilient all the members of a military family must be.
December 28, 2024
This book takes a deep dive into the world of a military spouse. As a reader who doesn't belong to that community, I was deeply moved by the content of the book as it gave me a deeper understanding of the lifestyle and the hardships that our service men and women (and their families) go through. It was an emotional read that often left me pondering life's choices and how each moment shapes who we are as individuals and the impact we leave on others. I would highly recommend this book for readers (Military Spouse or not) and would encourage readers to approach this read with the deference and care that it (and our country's military spouses) deserve. The collection is well written and excellently curated and will provide a sense of support for readers for years to come.
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