Jenna's Cowboy

This book intrigued me from the beginning.  A lot of you may be wondering why, since it's about a soldier returning from war, and my soldier didn't get the chance to come home.  Well, ever since I dealt with the "horrors" of war on the home front, I've met a lot of soldiers. Most of them were suffering. They wouldn't admit it, but they were. I also did a project at school on PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and it really opened my eyes.

That being said, I read this book in about 3 days. I absolutely loved it. Sharon Gillenwater brought the characters and the issue the characters face to life in a way that made it real and believable.  This book intrigued me because it was about PTSD, something I think this country needs to recognize a lot better. It didn't disappoint. The author knew her stuff and did her research on the widespread trauma that our soldiers are facing.  The fact that it also portrays how God can heal your broken spirit and heart in a way that doesn't over power you is great too.

I felt I could relate to both characters, having gone through what I did. The main female character, Jenna Callahan Colby, is a beautiful mother with a broker, bruised spirit. Her husband, Jimmy Don, left her and her son.  She suffered from a deep depression, which only the Lord and her son could help bring her out of.  After moving back home, she never thought she would love again. I can relate to the depression and the feeling alone and helpless. When Jenna realized that there was only one person who could heal her, and that was God, I was right there with her. She has a strong faith, one which I admire greatly, and tried hard to be the mother, daughter, and woman she needed to be for those she loved.

The main male character in the book is Nate Langley, former cowboy, farmer, and Iraqi/Afghanistan war hero.  He is coming home after 10 years, 2 deployments, and a severe injury in the Army to help his parents on the farm.  He is also starting to noticed the signs of PTSD. I won't go in to detail about the plot of the book.  Suffice it to say that the author portrays the symptoms quite well. I know because I've heard stories and witnessed it first hand in some of the soldiers I've met since my husband died. His story ends happily, while many soldiers, in real life, will not.  He faces his problem and seeks what little help there is out there for him, and especially comfort from his God.

There is no action, mystery or great suspense.  Just a sweet love story about healing and the power of God to make things whole. I loved this book, bought the second and third book in the series and can't wait to read them!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jennas-cowboy-sharon-gillenwater/1100376998?ean=9780800733537