Military themed Christian books are not just for military families. Think about all the battles our warriors fight and how much we can learn as we face our own turmoils and tragedies.
These books may be a bigger segment of the market than you realize. Authors all across the spectrum of military experience have put out fiction for us to both consume and learn from, and several military spouses have stepped up to write incredible nonfiction.
But, as with most books, what is the best? If the military isn’t really your thing but you are willing to give it a try or want to learn more about that lifestyle, where do you start?
How about one of these? Since it’s Military Appreciation Month, it’s as good a time as any!
Side note: If you want to read my reviews or find other great books to read, check out the nonfiction books I’ve reviewed on my blog by clicking here OR join me on GoodReads by clicking here or on BookBub by clicking here! Finally, check out the posts I did in 2019 about my top reads by clicking here and here.
Military Themed Fiction Books
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1. Not My Ways by Carrie Daws
If you know anything about my books, you know that the military is very dear to my heart. I’m an Air Force Brat, was an Air Force sister, and am an Air Force (RET) wife. As we live outside the back gates of Ft, Bragg, many of our friends are Army, and in my husband’s job as a civilian, we’ve worked with Army, Navy, and Marines. I love them all. Many of my books have a military aspect to them, but this is my most recent release in the Home Front Heroines series, Not My Ways, about the very real struggles of a Navy family.
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2. Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green
400 pages, 1861 American Civil War historical, first in 4-book series covering both the North and the South. For disclosure, Jocelyn Green is a friend. Regardless, this is an excellent series. She spends two books on characters living in the North and two books on characters in the South. This offers readers an excellent perspective on a broad range of issues from both sides of the fight.
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3. A Thousand Shall Fall by Andrea Boeshaar
288 pages, 1864 American Civil Way historical, Shenandoah Valley. This is an intense but slow-paced look at living within a small town that flipped sides between the North and the South several times. It forces readers to consider hard questions like, How do you deal with an enemy soldier when he is your childhood best friend? How do you deal with personal crises when war rages around you? It’s a good perspective for those living in present-day war-torn areas around the world.
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4. The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin
365 pages, World War II historical, United Kingdom, first of 3-book series. If you love details or speak US or Royal Navy, this might be a good book for you. Honestly, much of the information was unfamiliar to me so it didn’t stick well, but that didn’t detract much from the overall storyline. And this offers a look into various countries and branches working together for the good of all, which often brings its own drama and complexities.
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5. Grounded Hearts by Jeanne Dickson
350 pages, World War II historical, Ireland. This isn’t among my favorite reads, but overall it was an enjoyable book. It looks at a soldier trapped behind the lines and what may be asked of a civilian who wants to help him. The hero portrayed characteristics common to the military mindset, and the heroine possessed thought processes common to civilians with little military experience. Many of the side characters were fun and believable, and the story ended with a proper happy ending.
Military Themed Nonfiction Books
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1. Living in the Shadow of Death by Carrie Daws
Again, I have a selection of nonfiction books on military topics. But civilians shouldn’t write them off! Non-military spouses have written to tell me how much they learned from The Warrior’s Bride and Beyond Warrior’s Bride series. My most recent nonfiction book written for military spouses, Living in the Shadow of Death, is widely applicable to those who battle the effects of trauma in its many forms. Whether war or a car accident, chronic health issues or a serious diagnosis, childhood pain or the impending death of a loved one, this book is for you.
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2. Attacked at Home! by John Arroyo, Jr.
In most respects, the author and I have nothing in common. While I was raised with very thrifty parents, I wasn’t below the poverty line and never once worried about my next meal. Gangs were unknown to me, violence only part of my favorite television shows and mystery books, and drugs and alcohol only on the farthest peripheral of my knowledge. Yet, he drew me into the depths of his story through his internal battles and inspired me to believe, even more than I already do, in the wonders of God when He brings beauty from ashes.
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3. Flags of Our Fathers by James D. Bradley
Mr. Bradley combines history with storytelling so we get to know the men of the infamous Iwo Jima photograph before they were well-known. However, this is not a book for the faint of heart or the squeamish nor for those who merely want to engage in idol worship of those who go to war to protect us from those intent on harming us. This was a tough book to read on many levels for me, but I’m so glad I did. If you want to know more of my thoughts, take a moment to read my review on GoodReads.
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4. Leaving War, Finding Love by Hillary Sigrist
This wonderful book offers the military spouse incredible insight, beautifully covering the emotional side of all that leaving the military means to both the active duty member and the spouse. For those who haven’t gone through it, transitioning out of the military is a huge mental shift that affects a family’s entire life in multiple ways. This book offers a ton of help for military families as well as good perspective for civilians who want to walk with them through the separation.
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5. Separated by Duty, United in Love by Shellie Vandevoorde
An excellent resource. particularly for newer military spouses or spouses new to or struggling in work separations like conference workers, over-the-road truckers, and many more. Shellie Vandevoorde bravely tackles deployment and all that goes with it, sprinkling in tips, advice, and personal stories from those she knows and has interviewed. From communication to dealing with children to dealing with wounded warriors, the author gently but openly discusses it all.
What about You?
Did your To Read List just grow a little? Which of these military themed reads sound interesting to you?
And I’m curious . . . what would make your list? Find this post on my Facebook page to tell me what you recommend for those wanting a little military in their reading life.
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