Today is a big release day for my friend, Lutheran author Vanessa Rasanen! She’s a great friend, blogger, and sometime journalist. Plus, you know, there’s her family and job and being married into the Army. Her debut novel, releasing today, is Soldier On (Hearts on Guide Book 1)
Soldier On Review
This is a great book with a deeply applicable title. How do we soldier on, whether we’re in the military or not? How do military families cope with deployments and crises? For that matter, how are husbands and wives supposed to support one another when they’re different from each other?
In Soldier On, Vanessa Rasanen has written a gripping debut novel that will reshape prayers for military families. It explores anxieties and doubts that Christians can feel, especially after months of lost control and uncertainty. She is, quite simply, a needed voice in contemporary Christian novels, as she combines realism with God’s mercy and the gifts of the church, in particular by recognizing pain after prayer and doubt within faith.
The story begins slowly, with an approaching deployment. Then it cranks up with tender sentiments, bits of daily chaos, laugh-out-loud moments, and sudden heartbreaks. Whenever I thought I knew where things were leading, the book shifted so I could better see more fronts we face!
This is an enjoyable, satisfying, and cathartic book with a surprising number of laughs. A gold star! I’m happy to recommend this to just about any adult with the understanding that there is a bit of married physicality and a smidge of “sailor” language present.
I look forward to reading her next novel, which, rumor has it, may come out around Spring 2019. Woo hoo!
Keep up the good writing, Vanessa!
Updated to add: AND THERE’S A GIVEAWAY!
Two prize packs to be given away at the end of the tour (ends November 9, 2018).
These include:
1 “rest” mug from MudLove
2 wood coasters from Rush Creek Rustics
2oz soy candle from Mitten Candle Co.
Rise and Chai tea from The Tea Spot
Campfire Roast coffee from Snowy Elk Coffee Company
I can’t wait to read this book! I love your review 🙂
Loved this book! I love your analogy about how we have to “soldier on” through life. The book definitely takes you through a roller coaster of emotions! ♡
Love your review! I’m excited to read this! 💗
Great review! You made me want to read the book!