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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This is my first time reading one of Laura Trentham’s books, but it definitely won’t be my last time. Emmett Lawson has returned from Afghanistan minus a leg and feeling guilty for surviving, when his sergeant didn’t. Greer Hadley returns home from Nashville wondering what she’s going to do now. It doesn’t help matters, when she surprises her boyfriend Beau. The surprise is on her though because Beau was getting busy with another woman. Greer gets arrested for disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and resisting arrest. She was trying to destroy the jukebox at Becky’s bar. The judge who happens to be her uncle assigns her to community service at the Music Tree Foundation. One of Greer’s assignments is Emmett, but he shoots a shotgun and tells her to leave. Emmett is just fine drinking his Jack and rocking on his porch. Her other assignment is a teenager named Ally. Ally’s dad was killed in action. I won’t tell what all happens in this beautiful story with some amazing characters, but I highly recommend this book to everyone. This is now one of my favorite reads.
I received a paperback arc of this book from a Goodreads contest and this is my honest and voluntary review.
After I read the blurb for An Everyday Hero, I knew this book was for me. I knew this would be a book that tugged at my heart and made me smile at the same time. One would think this is not a book filled with smiles and laughter but I disagree. That said, there is some intense and heartbreaking situations in this book. The heroine, Greer, was one sassy, take no nonsense woman. Even after the bad luck and lack of success she’d been facing in her music career, Greer still has a strong, likable personality. Did I say she was perfect? No, she is definitely not perfect. But she was perfect for the situations she found herself in as a result of her poor choices. Because of some trouble Greer causes at a bar (I’ll not give away details) she lands herself in community service. Greer is required to volunteer her musical talents at a center for military veterans and/or their families. During her volunteering, Greer will be assigned two people, with two different situations. They will change her life for the better as she will change theirs.
An Everyday Hero was the first book I read from this author. It definitely won’t be my last. This is a book with all the feels, wonderful primary and secondary characters, a believable premise and a happy ending that is sigh-worthy. The pace is steady and this book can easily be read in one sitting if you have no interruptions. I was engaged from the very first pages all the way through, until I got my happy ending. I’m so glad this book came my way. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves novels with great characters, all the feels, and a beautiful ending.
This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. 🙂
I have read a couple of books by this author and continue to come back for more. Her characters are easy to like even when hidden beneath pain and loss. I enjoy the easy read while sometimes her descriptive imagery can sometimes be over the top it does paint a vivid picture in your mind. This time where we are reminded of everyone inherent need to have a hero we are made to understand it’s the everyday heroes that count. It’s a sweet story about loosing oneself in pursuit of a dream and dealing with the resulting failures. This time though one of my complaints is the characters actions while she may be 30 she seems extremely immature, although that could also stem from her finally “growing up”. It’s an easy read with a teen who has a hand in helping them both find their peace and their place.
When down on her luck Greer comes home after a disastrous on-stage performance, her luck continues to decline. After finding her boyfriend with another girl, Greer makes another decision that ends her up in the drink. When before the judge, he makes Greer volunteer with a music program instead of the road clean-up Greer wanted. Greer wanted nothing more to do with music. Ally is a girl who lost her father due to the war. She is angry and rebelling which got her in trouble. What happens when you have two people that love music but enough sass to repel each other in the beginning. The director of the volunteer program adds another person to Greer’s case load. A disabled, grumpier than though, veteran who literally takes a shot at Greer the first time she goes to her house. Greer’s quick tongue and spunk gets both Ally and Emmett to rethink their possibilities and decisions in life. A great read that has so much feeling and emotion in them. The quick wit of the characters have you laughing at times, emotional at times when their true feelings come out, and cheering for them as they travel the road to healing. This is the second book the in the Heart of a Hero series but can be read as a stand-alone. Thank you to Ms. Trentham, St. Martin’s Griffin, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this awesome book!
This was a great book. Greer had left town to become a song writer, but had returned home when things didn’t work out. After some questionable decisions she is assigned community service at a nonprofit organization that aids veterans and their families. She meets 15 year old Ally, and bit by bit they start to connect. Then she’s assigned to former town hero, Emmett who doesn’t think he deserves any help. This story is so fun, sweet, honest, heartwarming, heartbreaking and emotional. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
This book is a one-of-a kind, realistic look at what happens when people face tragedy and pain and are forced to come out the other side. Greer Hadley is a talented musician who has lost her chance in Nashville and returns to her hometown of Madison, TN with her “tail between her legs.” Because of multiple wrong choices, she ends up having to do community service. Thus, the stage is set for a wonderful love story, told with so much pathos that the emotions jump off the pages. One of the persons that Greer is supposed to help is Ally, a sarcastic and bitter teen whose father has just died. She also is assigned to help Emmett, a soldier home from the war who is wounded in body and spirit. The path that Greer takes to help the two of them find joy in life again is amazing! Greer demonstrates sarcastic wit and wisdom in her interactions with those whom she is supposed to help. The characters are well-crafted in such a way that their weaknesses are believable. The drama in the book is slowly revealed, like an old Polaroid photo that slowly becomes colorful and detailed. I loved the entire book, and as the wife of a retired military member, it is hard to impress me with a book having anything to do with war victims. This is a cheerful, clean romance that will uplift the readers and make us all beg for more from this talented author.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
This is the first book by Laura Trentham I have read. From the minute I started reading I was drawn to Greer.
Greer returns home after years of trying to get into the music business has gone nowhere.
Emmett has returned from Afghanistan missing one leg and full of guilt for surviving when others didn’t.
Two lost people who need each other even if they don’t think so.
A very good story that really touched my heart. Has me laughing and crying.
Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
This is an emotionally charged book. The three main characters are all struggle with issues in their lives. Greer is a young woman who feels that her life is failing in all aspects. Emmet is an injured Soldier who is suffering the after effects he got from severe injuries in combat. Ally is a teenage girl whose dad has died in combat. The story shows how each of these people deal individually and collaboratively to solve their issues. It will take you an emotional roller coaster as they swing through various emotions. There are moments of levity and laughter as well as fun encounters. As they grow more confident they find that there are ties that bind them together for life. It is also a story of a love that blossoms between Emmett and Greer that is beautiful.
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
This is the second Heart of a Hero story, and can be read totally as a stand alone.
I like Greer and Emmett’s story a lot more than the first story (not that I didn’t like the first book, just this one better).
This book shows that you that heroes come in every shape and form. Emmett is the quintessential military hero – though he does not see himself that way.
Greer does not think she is any kind of hero, she is just doing what she has to do.
But what neither of them know is that they are a hero of sorts to someone else. Heck, who knows, each of us may be a hero in somebody’s life and not know it – though I do feel that the word hero is bandied around too freely at times.
I loved seeing the growth in all the main characters as the story progresses. Greer and Emmett find love when it is least expected, Ally finds growth through her therapy and friendships.
This book has so much hope, getting everyone through the despair they are feeling in their lives.
Wonderful, uplifting story, and I am looking forward to more in this series from Laura Trentham
This was a very sweet romance that dealt with some very serious issues. I don’t often read military themed novels, but I really enjoyed the hopeful message of An Everyday Hero. Laura Trentham’s writing was wonderful and I found myself highlighting passages throughout the book. I appreciated that both main characters, Greer and Emmett, were bruised but not broken. They each had their own demons to battle, but they supported and pushed each other to be better and move forward. I felt like the author presented Emmett and Greer’s individual concerns and fears realistically, and I loved how she addressed each one. The topics of death, addiction, loss of a parent, anxiety, and the aftermath of war/service were delicately and honestly discussed and I did not see the twist coming. The ending wrapped up a little too perfectly, and it’s possible I may have gotten a cavity from how sweet it is. Readers should note that this is a clean, Hallmark style romance, with fade to black scenes. Overall, I enjoyed this small town feel good romance.
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham is book #2 in the A Heart of a Hero series. That being said it can very well be read as a standalone. Laura Trentham wrote a wonderful story which drew me right in, making me forget everything else and did not let me go until I turned the last page. A very moving and emotional story. This book will make you laugh but it also will make you cry. It is very well written and the characters a well-defined and believable. This was such a great book I sat and read it in one sitting. I highly recommend this series. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out.
The book covers serious topics with humor. I love Greer and her no nonsense way of handling people who are going through major life struggles. Greer is back home after giving up on her dream. She gets into some trouble and is forced to do some volunteer work. This puts some new people in her life as well as has her crossing paths with someone from her past. Emmett is struggling with the loss of his leg suffered while serving in the military. The book is great journey for both characters and how they adjust to the changes in their lives. The struggles are very real and emotional, but the author writes them with a tinge of humor that makes it a very easy and enjoyable read. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two everyday heroes find their way together in this lovely romance!
Greer and Emmett are each at the very end of their ropes, coming back home to repair, regroup, and repent as necessary. They each seek refuge with their very-supportive-but-from-another-generation parents as they try to figure out just what’s left for them in life.
One court-ordered “volunteer” position leads to an unlikely meeting that includes one shotgun and two threats to alert the other’s mama. Soon, however, they find that they each are the kick-in-the-seat-of-the-pants that the other needs:
“And everyone thinks I’m the one who’s screwed up and hiding from life.”
“You are.”
“I know I am, but so are you.”
This is more than a romance; it’s an amazing story of redemption and rebuilding lives. Emmett is haunted by the events that cost him his leg; Greer is floundering from the failure of her dreams. Ally is a young teen struggling to stay afloat after the death of her father, and the connection Greer forges with her changes all three lives.
There’s just so much depth to this book. Even the parents are written as fully-realized, three-dimensional characters. The conflicts and losses are not dealt with lightly, and the author skillfully guides Greer and Emmett through their personal battles and inevitable growth with plenty of humor and a whole lot of heart. The twist near the end was shocking, yet completely realistic and allowed for a very satisfying convergence of all the individual storylines.
I highly recommend this book, especially to anyone who loves military heroes and compelling characters. Greer and Emmett are the perfect embodiment of quiet, everyday heroes who save themselves while saving each other. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
“An Everyday Hero” by Laura Trentham
A truly emotional read. A very well written contemporary romance with so much life being lived in this story. You will not want to put it down for any reason. Well at least I couldn’t stay away for very long at a time. Until my eyes said, “Please give me a break. I need rest.” Yes I loved this story, enjoyed my time within this story and I say this is a Worthy Read. Happy Reading ! !
A solidly good story about a 30 yo woman moving back home with her parents after her music career doesn’t go as planned. She reconnects with a high school classmate who is now a vet with issues of his own. There is also a 15 yo troubled teen who has lost her father in combat that figures prominently here.
This is a story about losing one’s way, struggling but ultimately finding that one (or two ) person(s) who helps you get your life back on track. This threesome find strength and encouragement from each other when things look their bleakest.
This is my third book to read from Trentham, and I’ve enjoyed them all.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
Loved this story! I love Greer’s snarkiness. It is what is needed by more than one person. Emmett has come home with one leg and a real attitude. He just wants to be a hermit. Greer isn’t about to let that happen. Even when he shoots at her, she doesn’t back down and that is just the way to get to him. Greer’s life is in a shambles, but there are others who have it worse than she does. If she can just help them, maybe her life with sort itself out.
This is the first time I’ve read a book by Laura Trentham and I enjoyed it very much. The story of Greer and Emmett was well written and the issue of veterans returning from war was handled in a good way. It wasn’t shied away from and it was presented realistically.
The interaction between Greer and Ally was wonderful and it is a fact of life in this world today that many children lose a parent to war.
There’s quite a bit that happens in this book and I don’t want to give things away so it’s tough to write a good review, but please know how very much I enjoyed this book. There is romance, but it certainly wasn’t the primary focus of the book, nor was it graphic which I appreciate.
I’ll definitely read more by this author and would suggest if you haven’t read anything by her, you give this book a try.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for approving my request for an ARC. All thoughts in this review are my own.
I have been a fan of Laura for a while now, I started with her historical spy books. Anyway this book was definitely different than what I am used to with her, and not in a bad way if that is what you are thinking. This book gave you some different feels. We meet Greer who is back home and in a humiliating fashion. After finding her boyfriend cheating on her Greer goes a little crazy and trashes a bar and since her uncle is judge she thinks she can get out of it with a slap on the wrist but that is not what happens. Her uncle sends her for community service and honestly that was the best thing that could have happened to her. She meet Ally who is new in town and has just lost her dad whom she loved dearly, and gets reacquainted with Emmett who she had a crush on in highschool. Emmett is not who she remembers, hear is a lost soldier who has lost his leg and is so angry. Emmett tries to get rid of Greer but she continues showing up and pushing him and eventually they both help each other overcome the fear that they both had and find live when they both least expect it and also end up helping Ally be the friend and adult that she needs at this time..
Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
Ms Laura Trentham is on her way to being one of my favorite go-to authors. Her writing, to me, is reminiscent of Nora Roberts. The writing/prose is beautifully done and rolls off the pages. This is the 3rd book of hers that I have had the honor to read/review as an uncorrected digital galley.
This story is about a number of lost souls. The main characters Greer and Emmett’s first meeting starts with a bang, literally; he is shooting to keep people away from him. Greer has just returned home with her tail between her legs, so to speak. She had forgone the standard route to college after high school and went to Nashville with a dream of making it big. These two have serious self-esteem and bruised heart issues; among other things. Into the mix is an arrest, community service, a mouthy teen (never met one that wasn’t), and a foundation that uses music to help troubled youth and service men/women. This is also a story about family, understanding, addiction, coping with death, and self-discovery.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Three Lost Souls Who Mend Each Other
An Everyday Hero is the life of a musician/songwriter, an injured military vet , and an angry, rebellious teenager who lost her dad in the war – the three of them turn into a hero for each other as they offer each other healing and redemption. This is a well-written and engaging story that I didn’t want to put down. The characters were well-defined and interesting, the friendship, then romance is paced right and flows smoothly. I loved that Greer doesn’t hold back with Emmett, she stands up to him, challenges him and does not pity him. Emmett gives her the push and courage to save herself. They have fantastic banter which makes their friendship and eventual romance realistic. They both have a mix vulnerability, compassion, strength and eventual happiness. They’re both hiding from life; she from her mistakes, her fears, and her future; he’s grappling with survivors’ guilt, regrets, physical and mental pain. Ally is full of teenager attitude and anger. She’s in pain after the loss of her father and a mother who is slipping away. She ends up helping save both Greer and Emmett. I’m a sucker for broken wounded hero’s/heroines and this is well written. I enjoyed every minute of this book and once I started it I could not put it down.
Reviewed by Comfy Chair Books/Lisa Reigel (November 15, 2019)
ARC received from St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley