Milspouse Matters - by Jen McDonald (Hardcover)

About the Book

Through her own story and others, the author connects and strengthens military spouses across generations through the power of shared experience.

Book Synopsis

2024 Foreword Reviews INDIES Silver Award Winner

You knew what you signed up for. These words are often directed at military spouses, yet the true depth of what it will mean to be married to a service member is seldom fully grasped. In Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories, readers are immersed in the captivating world of military spouse life, unearthing the challenges and triumphs faced by those who leave behind the familiar to embrace a life of constant change.

Authored by Jen McDonald, this compelling narrative weaves together the experiences of military spouses across generations, illuminating the unbreakable bonds that unite them. With a keen focus on the impact of frequent relocations, deployments, and the nomadic nature of military life, McDonald also celebrates these spouses' resolute tenacity. Drawing from her personal three-decade journey as a military spouse, alongside stories from contemporary spouses and those from the Korean War and Vietnam conflict eras, Milspouse Matters reveals the remarkable strength within this community.

Whether you're seeking courage, confidence, or a deeper understanding of the military family experience, these shared stories invite you to discover the unyielding resilience that lies within us all.

Review Quotes

This book is an inspiring and empowering journey into the heart of military spouse life, showcasing the remarkable resilience and dedication of these often unsung heroes. Beautifully and thoughtfully written by the insightful Jen McDonald, this captivating narrative illuminates the challenges and triumphs faced by military spouses, offering a profound glimpse into a life of constant change.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a brighter light to help them navigate the world as we know it. -Trevor Romain, bestselling author, speaker, and co-founder of The Comfort Crew for Military Kids

This is a wonderful read and masterfully captures countless emotions and challenges faced by military spouses every day. The life lessons she shares will be valuable whether a new military spouse, a retired military spouse, or the military member. The multigenerational stories touch the heart and highlight the incredible gift our military spouses are to our nation. -Brooke McLean, CMSgt, USAF (Retired) and President and CEO of the Air Force Enlisted Village

Truly a great resource for new and seasoned spouses alike. I could hardly put this book down. I found myself chuckling and crying at times. So much to be gained from these experiences! Educational, entertaining, informative, insightful, and inspiring are just a few words I would use to describe this book. It is truly worth using and sharing! -Mrs. Paula Roy, Spouse of the 16th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (Retired)

Milspouse Matters is a must-read for all and a glorious depiction of the strength of military spouses. Jen is a master of words as she shares the beautiful ebbs and flows of military life; from love and loss, strength and weakness, victory marches and dark trenches, and the joy that shines through every moment. I've watched Jen's journey unfold over many years, and she is an inspiration to everyone who lays their eyes across her pages. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you won't be able to put it down until the last word. -Kariah Manwaring, Military Spouse Magazine

"You knew what you signed up for." The first sentence in Jen McDonald's book, Milspouse Matters, makes it clear that this book is for us. By us, I mean those of us who have married the military and all the challenges it entails. Jen shares her personal stories and also includes a great cross section of others' experiences. The encouragement and support is woven throughout as she shares a wide spectrum of experiences, even those that are difficult. If you are a military spouse, you need this book tucked into your nightstand for those moments when you need some reassurance that you can power through the next challenge or deployment. I'll be recommending it to all my military parent and spouse friends. -Elaine Brye, author of Be Safe, Love Mom: A Military Mom's Stories of Courage, Comfort, and Surviving Life on the Homefront

In this wide-ranging collection of stories, Jen mines the deep experiences of her own life and honest conversations with military spouses to discover gems of meaning and mentorship. As a fellow military spouse and editor, it's been my joy to work with Jen on this book. Her shining messages of hope and encouragement will make a difference to every reader. -Terri Barnes, editor, Stars and Stripes columnist, and author of Spouse Calls: Messages from a Military Life