Stories by Firefly! : Five Fall Favorites {Military + Bikes}

Happy Friday, friends! Today happens to be one of my favorite days of the week—and we're featuring one of my favorite genres! I had to actually think when I may my list for this post...because I'd already placed 'military' books in nearly every other genre. I've picked some goodies for y'all though. ;)

Grab a bike from the rack and fill it's basket with books, so you can pedal off to the next party room and find your perfect reading spot!

Friday: Military

Wedding a Warrior by Hannah R. Conway

Whitleigh Haynes wrestles with the boundaries of her limited faith after an unexpected marriage proposal leaves her wondering what to say to longtime boyfriend, Collier Cromwell, now Army soldier, who’s asking her to leave everything she’s ever known, loved, and planned.

This novella was so much more than I expected. Whitleigh didn't figure for military life when she fell in love with Collier. But the way this couple worked through the difficulties and fought for love, deciding their relationship was more important than anything else...was precious. <3

I Don't Dance by Jesseca Wheaton

Sometimes it takes a a sunset to show you what really matters in life. But it's the sunrise that bring the promise of a new beginning.

Ty and Jen have been friends for nearly as long as anyone can remember. But when Ty goes off to college and leaves her behind, he has to face the reality that he cares for her as more then just a friend.

As graduations approaches and with only one summer left before he begins basic training, Ty must make a decision. Military life is never easy; is it fair to force it on the one he loves?

In the midst of wrestling with the question and coming to the realization that summer is quickly drawing to a close, Ty struggles to face questions he cannot answer, and is forced to examine his own heart.

Is it possible that God has a future for him with Jen? Or will the summer close with only memories of days gone by?

Their relationship would be old fashioned. But that was okay. Because old fashioned and whimsical fit perfectly with a southern summer.

I love this book, people. I really do. It's like the definition of a beautiful, summer love story, of two people falling in love, while making sure they put God first. It amazed and encouraged me ever so much. Not to mention...Mike is amazing and the cover is adorable.

Read my full review here.

Choosing Courage by Peter Collier

How does an ordinary person become a hero? It happens in a split second, a moment of focus and clarity, when a choice is made. Here are the gripping accounts of Medal of Honor recipients who demonstrated guts and selflessness on the battlefield and confronted life-threatening danger to make a difference. There are the stories of George Sakato and Vernon Baker—both of whom overcame racial discrimination to enlist in the army during World War II (Sakato was a second-generation Japanese American, Baker an African American) and went on to prove that heroes come in all colors—and Clint Romesha, who led his outnumbered fellow soldiers against a determined enemy to prevent the Taliban from taking over a remote U.S. Army outpost in Afghanistan.

Also included are civilians who have been honored by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation for outstanding acts of bravery in crisis situations, from a school shooting to the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Adding depth and context are illuminating essays on the combat experience and its aftermath, covering topics such as overcoming fear; a mother mourning the loss of her son; and “surviving hell” as a prisoner of war.

This book is AMAZING. It tells the behind the scenes stories of Medal of Honor recipients from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with stories of civilians' brave actions in crisis situations here at home.

At the Edge of a Dark Forest by Connie Almony

Cole Harrison, a war veteran, wears his disfigurement like a barrier to those who might love him, shielding them from the ugliness inside. He agrees to try and potentially invest in, a prototype prosthetic with the goal of saving a hopeless man’s dreams.

Carly Rose contracts to live with Cole and train him to use his new limbs, only to discover the darkness that wars against the man he could become.

At the Edge of a Dark Forest is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Only it is not her love that will make him whole.

I stumbled across this book while searching for clean—preferably Christian—books on amputee characters. (I know, it sounds so bad...but it was for research...) Cole was a complicated, hard-hearted, wounded veteran. And Carly is the sweet, caring prosthetist who sets out to break through to the man hidden inside the shell. Their story was precious.

Faith Under Fire by Steve Rabey

The Second World War generation met many challenges, and turned to their faith to sustain them through overwhelming odds. Here are stories of faith told by the people who lived them. this compelling collection not only honors the lives of these people of faith, but inspires readers to seek God in their own lives.

Steve Rabey has spent time with the brave men and women who lived through WWII. He offers us touching glimpses into the souls of these who faces unbelievable adversity and emerged with a deep-rooted faith in God. This compelling narrative recounts the experiences of ordinary people with extraordinary faith and courage. Their profound stories will encourage and inspire you.

This book was a gift from a friend, and I loved every story tucked away into the pages. Faith Under Fire reinforced my desire to write about the amazing men and women of the Greatest Generation—those which lived through and fought during the Second World War.

The giveaway has officially passed 75 entrants and a second prize has been added! Now, can we reach 100 before the giveaway closes? It's the last day to enter, so get those entries in while you can. And spread the word! Tomorrow morning, the winners will be announced on the host blog.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Will I see you over at the Literary Lodge on this glorious fall day? *points to the button*