Book Review: In His Stead By Judith Sanders

I recently received an advance reader's copy of the new book In His Stead: A Father's War by Judith Sanders to review.

Retired Army Ranger Thomas Lane has done his duty for his country, and raises his family while he copes with PTSD like so many others. His eldest son Thomas Jr, has seen fit to follow in his footsteps and is sent to Afghanistan - except he gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country, his life. Tom is struggling with the loss of his son when the National Guard calls upon is youngest son, Donnie, to serve when his unit is being deployed to the same country his brother lost his life in. Tom will do anything to save his child - even if it means taking his place, which considering Donnie would rather desert at first, I don't think he would have argued with him. Tom begins a battle, fighting the US Army, JAG, and even his wife - to keep his son safe. Will he win, or will his son be sent overseas and Tom possibly lose his other son too?

I read this book full of sadness, because so many parents have gone through these emotions today. Just a few days ago, yet another soldier from our small military town gave his life defending our freedoms we have in this country. And yet, there were moments that brought a smile to my face. Even though this father had been through a lot in his life - even being abused by his own father - he still tried to be the best father he could be to his three children. When he finds a loophole in the law that goes back to the Revolutionary War, allowing him to take Donnie's place in the guard, he jumps to take it - even fighting the Army Doc who doesn't want to sign off on him because he's diabetic. That's love, folks. This man might be fiction, but he's a great man, nonetheless. I hope you'll add this book to your to-read list, even if it's just adding it to your library queue.

And whether or not you do, I hope you'll give a moment of thanks to our brave men and women who ae sacrificing so much to keep our wonderful country safe - and a moment for their family members, too. THANK YOU to all who have served or who have had to sit and wait, wondering if their loved one is safe. Note that a portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to HeartsApart.org, a charity for military families.

In His Stead: A Father's War by Judith Sanders is a trade paperback military fiction book published by IronWord Press and will be available this coming November. It is 338 pages long. The suggested cover price is $10.99. It will also be available as an e-book for the Kindle and other e-readers.

I received a copy of this book in order to read it and share my thoughts on it. All opinions are my own, and not that of the author(s) or publisher.