From award-winning author Laura Trentham comes an emotionally layered novel about redemption, second chances and discovering that life is worth fighting for. At thirty, Greer Hadley never expected to be forced home to Madison, Tennessee with her life and dreams up in flames. A series of bad decisions and even worse luck lands her community service hours at a nonprofit organization that aids … organization that aids veterans and their families. Greer cannot fathom how she’s supposed to help anyone deal with their trauma and loss when everything that brought her joy has failed her.
Then Greer meets fifteen-year-old Ally Martinez, a gifted girl who lost her father in action and now hides her pain behind a mask of sarcasm. But Greer sees something undeniable that she can’t walk away from. To make matters more complicated, Greer finds herself spending more and more time with Emmett Lawson–a man with both physical and emotional scars of his own. When a situation with Ally becomes dire, the two of them must become a team to save her–and along the way they might just save themselves too.
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3.75-4
Greer finds herself on a downward spiral and is ordered to serve 50 hours of community service. Emmett is a veteran who didn’t come home in one piece. After their unconventional first “session”, Greer is dead set on helping Emmett heal. I really have enjoyed both books in the series, while I love what these two bring out in each other, I just wanted to see more interactions while they fell for each other. I was hoping there would be a tie in to THE MILITARY WIFE with the business Harper started, but was disappointed it didn’t happen. I hope this series will continue. The author has a beautiful and honest way of showcasing what our country’s vets go through after they come home.
I have been looking forward to reading Laura Trentham’s “An Everyday Hero” ever since I finished the previous book in her Heart of a Hero series (“The Military Wife”), and I am pleased to say that it exceeded my expectations. It is a complete standalone from the first book in the series, featuring all new characters and a different setting. I found both stories to be very compelling and had a hard time putting them down once I started reading.
The main characters of “An Everyday Hero,” Greer and Emmett, were very likeable and well-developed. Their snarky banter was quite amusing and kept me laughing throughout the book, which helped to lighten what could otherwise have been a very dark story. Also, their relationship developed at a nice pace, with them slowly becoming friends before making the transition to romantic partners. They both needed that time to heal before they were ready to become romantically involved.
In addition to Emmett and Greer’s relationship, I enjoyed the subplot involving Greer’s volunteer work with the music therapy program for veterans and their families. The friendship Greer developed with her teenage client, Ally, and Ally’s mom was quite lovely. They were in a really tough situation and I was happy they were able to get the help they needed.
Overall, “An Everyday Hero” was a very enjoyable read, and I hope that Ms. Trentham plans to continue writing books in this series.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ohmygoodness, I loved this one! Maybe even more than I loved the first in the series ( The Military Wife ), though I can’t be 100% sure because I read that one 12 months ago, so…
(If you haven’t read the first book, no worries–the two really aren’t connected at all beyond having heroes who served in the military and taking place in the south. There were no other connections that I could see, but do yourself a favor and read them both! The order of reading is up to you :))
I adored Greer, Emmett, and Ally–they were wonderfully layered characters who honestly felt like they were my close personal friends by the time I was finished with the book. I wanted to hug them, cry with them, and yes, even give them well-deserved smacks upside the head occasionally. Mostly hugs, though. 😉
I liked that all three characters worked separately as well as together in order to figure out how to get their own lives back on track. Greer, of course, was initially the pain-in-the-butt instigator who wouldn’t let either Ally or Emmett wallow alone in their own misery, but they both called her out on her own bullsh*t and made her look at herself as well, taking responsibility for herself and creating a new future going forward.
There were so many LOL moments while reading this, so many awwwwwww moments, so many swoony ones… I teared up several times–not actual sobbing (this time), but it came close. The conversations between all of the characters, whether they were bantering, having a heart-to-heart, sniping at each other, or flat out not actually communicating, felt real.
And the chemistry between Greer and Emmett? Ah-maze-ing.
My only complaints? One is that Bonnie, the kitten that adopts Emmett, pretty much disappears by the end of the book. I mean, I know she was just the cutest plot device ever and just there to get his butt out of the house, but she still could have had more of a presence later on in the story. Yes, cats are independent souls, but they’re also massive pains in the butt and let their presence be known frequently during the day (especially when it’s dinnertime. And don’t forget five minutes after that, when their dinner has been inhaled and they’re once again starving, bless their hearts) and I was kinda sad that she just stopped showing up on the page.
Two is the “surprise” connection between Ally and Emmet–it just seemed conveniently, obviously inevitable. Don’t get me wrong, I really liked how that figuring out that specific bit of information gave their individual paths to healing the jump starts they needed; it’s just that it was almost too convenient, ultimately; especially since we don’t find out that information until almost the end, yet exactly when we needed to have it.
Neither of these are deal breakers; not even close. They’re not even that big of a deal, either one of them. Giving this 4 1/2 stars was never in question, and it’s more than deserved; I loved every minute of reading this book. And now I absolutely cannot wait for book 3 in the series; bring it on!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I received an eARC of this book via the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
My heart was not prepared for this book. An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham is the second book in her series Heart of a Hero that follows the lives of soldiers and those closest to them. In this installment, we meet Greer Hadley, Emmett Lawson, and Ally Martinez when they are at their lowest point. Dealing with grief, depression, and a glimpse of PTSD, An Everyday Hero shows what a little persistence and a lot of love can do.
Greer Hadley has officially hit bottom. Arrested for being drunk and disorderly at a bar in her hometown, Greer thinks it can’t get any worse. Then her uncle (who is also the judge) sentences her to community service at a local agency that provides music therapy to veterans and their families. After selling her guitar to make rent money, bombing her last performance, finding her boyfriend sleeping with another woman, and moving back in with her parents (in her thirties!), the absolute last thing Greer wants is to pick up a guitar again. Now she has no choice but to confront her newfound stagefright all while helping two people that do not want her help.
Ally Martinez is a fifteen year old who has just lost her father, killed in action. To say she’s acting out is an understatement. Yet Greer sees past her anger and attitude. She sees a girl who is hurting, and all she wants to do is help. The relationship between these two builds naturally. I wanted to reach through the pages and give Ally a hug. She’s a strong young woman that stole my heart as she stole Greer’s.
Then there’s Emmett Lawson, the golden boy that starred in many of Greer’s high school fantasies. Emmett is not the boy she remembers. Haunted and drowning his memories in Jack, everyone has written him off as a lost cause. But not Greer. Like with Ally, Greer sees what Emmett’s anger really is: a front for his insecurities. He lost a leg and friends, and he blames himself for not preventing it. A little tough love is in order.
I absolutely love Greer and Emmett. She doesn’t put up with his bull, and it’s exactly what he needs. Where he pushes, she bucks back. And it isn’t one-sided. Emmett pushes Greer, getting to the root of her anxiety and stagefright. It starts as friendship, and I love the progression the author shows in the book. It felt real and right.
Overall, An Everyday Hero will tug at your heartstrings and may even have you shedding a tear or two. If you enjoy contemporary romance, I highly recommend it.
This is a very nice romance. I really enjoyed reading about Greer and Emmett and how they each help the other to solve their problem that they now have. Emmett has lost a leg and Greer lost her love of music. This made me laugh and cry. I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Well-written military fiction about moving on and figuring out how to maintain memories without getting buried in them. Trentham captures the essences of military wives in both installments of her Heart of a Hero novels.
5 Healing Stars!!!
This book captured my heart from the minute I started it. Ms. Trentham has written a book that brings to life the tragedy of PTSD and shows us how music can not only be healing but also helps to bring people that you never would think belong together into each other’s lives.
Greer has returned to her small hometown after not making it big in Nashville and thanks to finding her boyfriend doing another woman, she’s found herself being sent to do volunteer work with a local foundation that works with veterans and their families suffering from PTSD. It’s an amazing organization and Greer really doesn’t want to do this because she feels like she’s not the best person, but, she really is and this becomes clear as she starts working with a young girl, Ally. She’s also assigned to Emmett Lawson a man she knew in high school that’s recently returned home missing more than a limb.
This book is filled with heart, caring and characters that have touched my soul. I loved how Greer wouldn’t listen to Emmett even with his warnings, and how she wanted to be there for Ally because she saw a little bit of herself in this young girl. This is also a story filled with second chances in more ways that I was expecting.
I found myself consumed by this story not wanting to put it down. I felt Emmett’s frustration and Ally’s fear at letting someone in as well as her frustration of not knowing what happened to her father. This is an instance that fate has a way of working miracles by bringing these three people together.
Greer has her own fears to face and with the help of Emmett she does just that. I loved him for what he was doing for her….letting her see there’s more to her life than thinking she’s a failure because she’s definitely not but she needs a little help in seeing that! Seeing these characters find comfort and redemption in each other and those around them was truly beautiful. There were times my heart hurt for one or all of them and I loved how music was a central theme in this story.
Ms. Trentham is a new to me author and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. Her writing is alive with vivid details and characters that are deep and moving and living lives that that are both painful and healing at the same time. I loved how they interconnected and how not only were they put back together but so were those around them. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time to come!
Laura Trentham writes beautiful stories and this one is another winner. This is an emotional, touching and heartwarming story about two broken people helping each other realize they aren’t as damaged as they thought. It was genuine and lacked unnecessary drama. I loved the depth of the characters, each one of them is written perfectly flawed and beautifully broken.
No one can know what it is like for soldiers who had to endure unspeakable tragedy and loss. Emmett feels like he failed the men under his command. He is stricken with grief and guilt, unable to move forward in his life. An injury has cost him his old life. He spends his days attempting to disconnect himself from the world and denies himself a purpose and a future. He is bitter, angry and cold.
Greer is dealing with a mistake and, as part of her plea agreement, she has accepted to perform hours of community service, working at a foundation that focuses on helping veterans and their families heal through music. This girl has the most beautiful soul. She has a great gentle strength, spirit and whit.
When they first meet, Emmett is being his grumpy, frustrating self and wants nothing more than drive Greer away. I really enjoyed the banter that goes on between Greer and Emmett, they have great chemistry. The connection they form is deep and meaningful. From the beginning I was completely enthralled in their story. Emmett captured my heart and you can’t help but love Greer. Their romance develops very slowly and in a very realistic way. They are attracted to each other but they need to heal first in order to successfully be together, and the way their relationship develops reflects this.
I cannot recommend this book enough if you like beautifully crafted characters, and an inspiring story that grabs at your emotions.
This was an amazing story of a woman who’s given up on her dreams and a man who isn’t “living” since suffering an injury while deployed overseas. Just WOW. Loved everything about it. I’m sure I have the first book in this series on my electronic TBR pile and I’m going to find it to read since I was so moved by this story. Looking forward to more! I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review which I leave voluntarily.
I loved everything about this story! It is a great small town romance. Although the story dealt with serious issues it was also lighthearted and a joy to read. This was my first Laura Trentham read but it won’t be my last.
Thirty year old Greer has made some bad choices recently. As a result she has been sentenced to community service by the court. She is sent to work with vets and their family members in a nonprofit which centers on music as a therapy. Here she meets fifteen year old Ally, whose father was recently killed in combat. She is sullen, sarcastic and deeply unhappy. As Greer, whose whole life has been about music, tries to connect with Ally, she finds that the girl is very musical indeed. Another client Greer is asked to work with is a former high school classmate, Emmett, who is recently back from the war, minus his leg. He is having a hard time adjusting to his loss and is difficult to communicate with, never mind approach. As time passes, Greer finds herself establishing a rapport with both Ally and Emmett which she benefits from as much as they do.
This is a delightful read. It is well written, encouraging, funny, romantic, sad and a great story right up to the very last page. I strongly recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley, the very talented author Laura Trentham and the publisher St.. Martin’s Press for the complimentary digital ARC of this excellent book. The opinion expressed here is strictly my own.
Laura Trentham has once again delivered a heartfelt, emotional story that tells the tale of two people who find exactly what they need from each other to rediscover themselves and heal from the wounds of their pasts.
I just loved Greer Hadley. Even though she’s trying to get over the disappointment of her dreams not panning out, she hasn’t lost her sass and spark, which was what exactly what was needed to help both Ally and Emmett. From Greer’s first meeting with Emmett, I just knew that these two would end up connecting in a way that touched both of their souls. Greer was the kick in the pants that Emmett needed, Emmett was the support that Greer needed to lean on – even if it took them a bit to figure this out!
“Whether he wanted to accept it or not, he was a hero. Better than saving her, he’d given her the courage to save herself.”
And watching Greer work with Ally, as well as Emmett redefine and rediscover his relationship with his parents, was exactly what this story needed to add additional depth to the characters.
I have become a huge fan of Laura Trentham’s ability to craft a story with realistic characters, refreshing dialogue, and a well-designed plot. Although there are some sensitive subjects touched upon in this book, the story is able to promote healing and growth from pain, tragedy, and loss. Ms. Trentham is able to convey both the vulnerability and the strength of her characters through both dialogue and actions, and finds a way to give her characters emotional depth as she tells their story. The love scenes are fade to black, but she is still able to give the reader a sense of the physical intimacy and connection that Greer and Emmett develop and share.
Ms. Trentham is quickly becoming a go-to author for me and is one I would recommend to anyone looking for a book with all the feels that will capture your heart.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book I received from the Publisher on NetGalley.
For some reason, I have been reading a lot (and stress, a lot) of military-themed romances lately. I am not a massive fan of them. 90% of the book I have read, the soldiers come back from battle with PTSD or missing limbs, which is fine by me. But, by the middle or the end of the book, the love of a good woman makes their PTSD go away or they miraculously come to terms with how they lost their limbs. Not realistic, and that is the main reason why I stopped reading them. But, then I picked up the first book in A Heart of a Hero series and read a book where things didn’t go away. The hero and the heroine had to deal with their issues. That reason alone, I decided to read An Everyday Hero. I was impressed with what I read and the tact that the author showed when writing about PTSD in veterans.
The plotline for An Everyday Hero was medium paced. That allowed the author to develop the main character’s personalities and relationships with each other. It also allowed for the two main plotlines to be able to mature and then merge. I loved it.
I loved Greer. She had one of the more epic introductions that I have read, ever. I loved her sass and her wit during the book. She was the right choice to send over to get Emmett off his butt. I did find her character a little too much at times, but she was larger than life presence in the book. Her interactions with Ally were gold also.
Emmett made me cry several times during the book. His guilt and regret over what happened to his sergeant were palpable. I didn’t quite understand why he was so angry at his father at first. But as the book went on, I was able to piece things together. His character growth throughout the book was incredible. I loved seeing him at the end of the book, knowing what he had come from.
Emmett and Greer’s romance was medium paced. There were a few chapters of “does he/she or doesn’t he/she” going on for me. I liked that the author paced it that way, though. It allowed for Emmett and Greer to build their friendship. As for the sex, the author chose to be semi-clean with this book. I say semi-clean because while they do have sex, she didn’t go into detail. I loved it. I feel if she went into detail, it would have taken away from the more critical parts of the book.
The storyline with Ally was heartbreaking. But, I was surprised that when Ally told Greer about the online bullying, that Greer did nothing about it. She didn’t mention it to Angela (the head of the music therapy program). Instead, it was just dropped. I felt that it was an essential part of Ally’s story. It, along with the other issues, showed how tough she had it. I was a little disappointed about that. But overall, I did enjoy how Ally’s character grew during the book. I also enjoyed the twist that was revealed almost at the end of the book. I saw it coming, but I still enjoyed it.
The storyline with Greer, her community service, music therapy, and her issues was excellent. I loved seeing Greer grow during that storyline. I loved seeing her rediscover her love of music as she helped Ally.
The storyline with Wayne (who skeeved me out) was dropped after Greer invoked Emmett’s name. I was a little disappointed because up until that point, I thought he was going to turn out to be a “bad guy.” Plus, I wouldn’t say I liked that Greer had resort to using Emmett’s name to get Wayne to back off. It didn’t sit right with me.
I was also confused as to how An Everyday Hero fits in the A Heart of a Hero series. Other than Karen and Ally coming from Fort Knox, there was no connection to the other book. Maybe I missed something.
The end of An Everyday Hero was bittersweet. From the minute Emmett helped the foal be born to the not so surprising epilogue, I was a mess. The twist with Ally happened during that time. I will say that Greer’s parents were saints and that Emmett’s father ended up being not such a bad guy. The epilogue was a little predictable. I guessed everything that happened. Still, it was a great ending to the book.
An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham is the second book in her Heart of a Hero series. Ms. Trentham writes complex, flawed characters with problems they fight hard to solve. Both Greer Hadley and Emmett Lawson have returned home to lick their wounds; Greer from her failure in Nashville to make it big and Emmett from the loss of his leg in an explosion in Afghanistan. The author does an excellent job of matching these two as just right to help each other heal. I really like this author’s voice. She takes on tough, emotional subjects and draws the reader in with the reality of the characters’ situations. I found myself strongly cheering on Greer and Emmett.
An Everyday Hero took me on such an emotional journey with Greer, Emmett, & Ally. They all have things they are working to get past (none are easy journeys), and it was so interesting to watch how they end up relying on each other to heal.
This was such an enjoyable book!!
An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham
Heart of a Hero #2
Eagerly anticipated and well worth waiting for! The second book in this series takes on a new set of characters living in a new town but continues to deal with life issues of military veterans and the people that are in their lives. In some ways it is the story of dreams and goals that were held dear for years and yet something happened in life to derail, detour or destroy the dream from appearing as reality. Greer had dreams of being a hit in the music business, Emmett dreamed of adding to the family military legacy in a big way, Ally and her mother dreamed of a family life with father and husband and yet…those expectations were not to be. And yet…when things don’t go as expected there is always the opportunity to do one of two things…wallow or move on and make the best of it. I really enjoyed this book!
What I liked:
* Greer: banged up and bruised and wallowing a bit she is given a job to do and in doing community service impacts Ally and Emmett in ways that improved her life, too. I liked the way she interacted with Emmett and with Ally…she is a person I wouldn’t mind having as a friend.
* Emett: withdrawn and nursing his wounds he is hermit-ting and wallowing until Greer shows up and begins to draw him out. When he started to emerge I really REALLY began to like him.
* Ally: an old soul that had more on her plate than a fifteen year old should have to deal with. She was tough with a soft center – was rooting for hermit-i
* The parents of Emmett and Greer – they were a soft place to land for their children even though their children might not have always realized it. It did take a bit to warm up to Emmett’s father but all’s well that ends well.
* The military persons from old and current wars that made appearances
* Eddie the horse and Bonnie the cat
* The big reveal…and how it impacted more than one
* Even the sad bits were heartwarming and gave a positive vibe for the future
* The “realness” of the story
What I didn’t like:
* The fact that sometimes people, for whatever reason, opt to escape and in doing so harm not only themselves but others…but…that is life. If those people are lucky they will have people come into their lives that can help them do a U-Turn.
I can’t wait for book three…
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press – Griffin for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Greer and Emmett are lost souls, needing help to save themselves in An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham, book 2 in her Heart of a Hero series. This was a wonderful and emotional story rich in family, relationships, heartbreak, second chances at living and taking risks. Messing up her life and dreams as a songwriter in Nashville, Greer Hadley finds herself back home. Making a series of bad decisions only makes things worse and lands Greer having to do community service at a nonprofit organization that helps veterans and their families. Greer is lost as to how she’s supposed to use music to help others deal with their trauma and loss when it failed her.
Greer firsts meets Ally Martinez, a fifteen-year-old who recently lost her dad while he was deployed. She is new to town and hides behinds a mask of bitterness and sarcasm. Greer sees past her attitude, recognizing parts of herself in Ally. Next, Greer is assigned to help a veteran, Emmett Lawson, the town’s golden boy, who followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. Greer is shocked when she meets up with Emmett; as he believes he doesn’t deserve anyone’s help. Achieving a breakthrough with Ally reminds Greer that no one is worth giving up on. Showing up with his old guitar, Emmett loses it, showing Greer his anger and stubbornness. Yet Greer is persistent, not giving up on Emmett, forcing him to move outside his comfort zone. When Ally ends up in an awful situation, Greer needs Emmett’s help in order to save her. Somehow, along the way, Greer and Emmett find ways to also save themselves.
Ms. Trentham wrote an amazing and emotional story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing characters who grow throughout this story, saving Greer and Emmett as they find themselves, as well as happiness, love and a future together. I highly recommend An Everyday Hero to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Do you need a heartwarming read? How about a reminder about how good life really is? Or a reminder about just how much the men and women of our military (and their families) sacrifice for us everyday?
If you said yes to any of those, then you need to read An Everyday Hero. In this brand new community, Ms Trentham introduces us to Greer (singer/songwriter at a cross roads), Emmett (a medically discharged Army veteran), and Ally a teen struggling in the aftermath of her father’s death in combat.
Greer is the centerpiece of story, but she gets as much from Emmett and Ally as she gives. These three characters and their evolving relationships (both with each other and externally) are heart warming and I didn’t want to leave them.
Ms Trentham treats the struggles all three characters face with grace and makes them relatable to everyone. Well written (as expected) An Everyday Hero is a book I was sad to see end.
Ms. Trentham does not disappoint in this second installment to her Heart of a Hero series!
When I think of rock stars in the contemporary romance genre, Laura Trentham is on top of the list. The way she writes a story is magical. And she’s brought that magic to An Everyday Hero.
The story immediately captured my attention and never let go. Greer is a down-on-her-luck heroine with a sassy mouth, sarcastic sense of humor and a wounded soul. She’s so funny and so likeable. She had me laughing out loud several times.
Emmett is gruff, bitter and broken. He’s dealing with unimaginable issues that no one should ever face. Yet, so noble and loyal and trustworthy. You can’t help but to love and protect him… if he doesn’t scare you off first.
I absolutely love this book. There is so much heart and brokenness in this story, but there’s also strength and courage and honesty. I could relate to so much. I laughed and wept right alongside the characters. It was beautiful.
I strongly recommend reading An Everyday Hero. It’s brilliantly crafted with compelling characters, real-life emotions, witty dialogue, and a relevant and heartfelt storyline.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects or influences my thoughts and feelings about the story**
I did not expect to love this book so much but I did. It dealt with many issues–loss, grief, PTSD, foregiveness, love–and was told in such a lovely and heartwarming way. The characters were complex but wonderful and likable. I loved the way they were all brought together in the story. Greer Hadley was my favorite character. She had spunk, was witty, and would not take crap from anyone, especially those she was trying to help. This book was filled with so much emotion. I just couldn’t get enough of it and found myself not wanting to stop reading. I actually went out to lunch alone and then hung out at a bookstore so that I could read without interruptions. This was the first book by Laura Trentham I’ve read. She has an tremendous gift for writing, and I’m definitely going to be reading her other books. Thoroughly enjoyed An Everyday Hero and highly recommend it.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the ARC egalley. I also won a paperback ARC in a Goodreads giveaway.