Dear John… been through so much together over the last several years. Sniffing out bombs, searching the hills and mentoring his team, he feels so alone and unsure of his future- until a letter reminds him that there’s more to life in this world he’s protecting. Simple words, a kind gesture and feeling that he isn’t forgotten out there in the desert, compels him to write back. Before long, he finds himself looking forward to the care packages and letters from his pen-pal halfway across the world.
With every letter and every word, they begin to develop a friendship and wonder what the other person is truly like? Major life changes are scary enough as it is – but is it possible to fall in love with someone before you’ve even laid eyes upon them? Can the magic of the season bring the sweetest gift of all?
The Lawkeepers is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations. Join bestselling authors Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes and many others as they weave captivating, sweet and inspirational stories of romance and suspense between the lawkeepers — and the women who love them.
The Lawkeepers is a world like no other; a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love.
** Note: Each book in The Lawkeepers series is a standalone book, in a mini-series, and you can read them in any order.
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REMEMBER HOME (previously titled LAWFULLY GIFTED) is part of both A CHRISTMAS LAWKEEPER ROMANCE anthology series, and is also book #1 in Ginny Sterling’s HEALING HEARTS military series. REMEMBER HOME drew me in, grabbed my heart, and I so hoped CPO Griffin and Lily would get their well deserved HEA. I loved REMEMBER HOME (my first book by Ginny Sterling) and I definitely plan to read the next book in the HEALING HEARTS series & check out her anthology series, as well.
Afghanistan, 2015 – CPO John Griffin/MMC, 38yrs and currently deployed in Afghanistan as a bomb and ammunitions expert with his latest dog, Radar, has served nearly twenty years in the military. John is beginning to sense it’s time to finish up his duty and finally return stateside for good – while he still can. He’s much older now than each new group of recruit arrivals and a deep loneliness is settling in. Meanwhile stateside in Tyler, TX, 32yr old fourth grade teacher Lily Hogan/FMC hears about an opportunity for her class to reach out to the military men and women serving overseas through a letter correspondence program. As part of her students’ assignment, Lily decides to write her own letter and includes a large box of Twinkies (her personal addiction) when she mails the class package. And so begins the correspondence and growing friendship between teacher Lily Hogan and CPO John Griffin.
My nephew served 2 terms overseas in the Marine Corp – one term in Afghanistan during 2015. Our family sent various care packages, encouraging him to share with his buddies who perhaps were not receiving anything. REMEMBER HOME brought back all the emotions and feelings we experienced as family for a loved one putting his life in danger every single day. REMBER HOME was a wonderful tribute to those who serve. I have read other stories involving the military – some intrigue, others thrillers, sci-fi and/or romance, but I especially felt the building friendship and love reflected in REMEMBER HOME. This touched my heart. I will absolutely be checking out others books by Ginny Sterling and I’m sure I will be re-reading REMEMBER HOME again in the future. It was lovely and I highly recommend it for a heartfelt read. (The additional epilogues pulled everything together, completing the story perfectly). REMEMBER HOME is a Strangers to Friends to More, HEA military trope story.
READER CAUTIONS – NONE.
REMEMBER HOME is an entirely Clean romance novel with no strong language, violence, or sexual situations to concern anyone. IMO, it could certainly be read and enjoyed by any YA who enjoys romance novels as well as by adult reader
This is a good story of a teacher caring for our men in the military. It also turns out to be a love story as they get married after he returns home. A good way for all of us to show our concern for our military men & women.
Lily gave her students an assignment to write letters to soldiers. She wrote also one and her receiver John was very happy to receive not only letters but also packages. They both fell in love through their letters, but what will happen when they finally meet each other?
While reading this story you will fall in love with John and root for this couple.
I recommend not only this story but the whole series.
What a great story. I just loved the premise of writing to a soldier and becoming pen pals. But not only that, they start to have feelings for each other. John was a wonderful hero. He loved Lily very much and was almost overpowering in showing his love and devotion to her. Lily didn’t have a lot of self-confidence and she was easily hurt when there was a few weeks of silence from John because of the low self-esteem. But with John’s love, she bloomed into a confident young woman.
Let’s not forget Radar either. A beautiful German Shepard K-9 partner of John’s. What a wonderful addition to the story. I just adored it.
This book was written in a dual POV format. It is my favorite as I get a look into the character’s thoughts and emotions to completely understand that character’s actions.
I highly recommend this wonderful Christian romance. It was a joy to read. I couldn’t put it down until it was finished. I had a few tears at the end. It was so beautiful. What a gifted author.
Such a wonderful book! This story made me laugh and cry happy tears! Talk about your Prince Charming, John is all that and more. I feel in love with Radar, she is so smart. This book just helps you find that happy place and you can’t put the book down until finished. I will be thinking on this story for days!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I love books about pen pals! Lily is an elementary school teacher and decides her class needs to write to some soldiers in Afghanistan. Such a worthy project! Soldiers are always needing a diversion and words from home are a lifeline for them! They need “normal” and what is better than letters from children?! Lily also writes a letter and that one happens to go to John who especially needs a letter like hers. I really liked John. He is the epitome of a soldier in my opinion…responsible, faithful, fulfills his duty, a great leader….but he’s lonely. He has his dog, Radar, and I loved the relationship between the two of them. However, John only has his mother at home but he’s been in the military a long time and it’s time to start deciding about his future. The letter from Lily starts him thinking about getting out of the military and going home. The letters between the two of them are what each of them needs. They are two lonely souls and have just the right thing that each other needs. Funny how that works out. It’s a very romantic book. When John gets out and returns to the USA, he goes to visit Lily and oh my, their meeting is so romantic! You have to read this book! Pick up a copy