This is one of those story’s that will pull at your heartstrings. It’s an emotional journey and deals with some heavy topics such as grief, PTSD, and addiction. There are also some other themes and fear of commitment resonated the most with me. I really loved Lina as a character. She was well rounded and truly captivated what it meant to be a single mom. It would be so hard to be in her position and she was dealing with so much. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to deal with all the things she did, but she pulled through and preserved the best she could. The writing is captivating and sucked me in right from that start. I couldn’t wait to find out how Lina dealt with everything. I loved learning more about Puerto Rico and it’s culture and history. I love reading books like this that help me explore the world, and Puerto Rico is such a gorgeous place.

If you’re looking for an emotional story, that will keep you on the edge of your seat then check this one out.

C. I. Jerez’s novel is a heartbreaking yet uplifting story of a grief-stricken female army veteran who is trying to put her life back together in Puerto Rico after a tour in Iraq. Jerez’s portrayal of the emotional journey of her heroine, Lina, through PTSD, addiction, and fear of commitment, is poignant and moving. Anyone who has found themselves displaced and unmoored when moving to a new place would relate to this book. I found myself rooting for Lina from the very beginning, especially as a single mother navigating her tender relationship with her son. I love the twists and turns in the plot, the courage Lina shows to recover from her trauma, and how she embraces her true self at the end by serving her country again. The scenes of Puerto Rico, the food, and the culture were also beautifully rendered. A true gem of a novel!

AT THE ISLAND'S EDGE was an intriguing story. Much like THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah, I loved reading about a woman in the military. We see so many stories focusing on men in the combat zone, but little has been done to discuss the impact war and military life has on women and particularly their mental health post service.

Additionally, I loved the setting of Puerto Rico. Previously I have not read much about its culture or beauty and was intrigued. I recommend this book.

As a combat medic, Lina LaSalle went to Iraq to save the lives of fellow soldiers. But when her convoy is attacked, she must set aside her identity as a healer and take a life herself.

Although she is honored as a hero when she returns to the US, Lina cannot find her footing. She is stricken with PTSD and unsure of how to support her young son, Teó, a little boy with Tourette’s. As her attempts to self-medicate become harder to hide, Lina realizes she must do the toughest thing ask for help.

She retreats to her parents’ house in Puerto Rico, where Teó thrives under her family’s care. Lina finds kinship, too—with a cousin whose dreams were also shattered by the war and with a handsome and caring veteran who sought refuge on the island and runs a neighborhood bar.

But amid the magic of the island are secrets and years of misunderstandings that could erode the very stability she’s fighting for. Hope lies on the horizon, but can she keep her gaze steady?'


loved it. Will recommend to others.

A journey from pain and despair to healing, “At the Island’s Edge”, by C.I. Jerez, is about a young mother and medic traumatized from war experiences and finding peace in beautiful Puerto Rico.
I liked that this is about a woman and how her experiences as a medic in a war zone affect deeply her mental health.
The story is more about Lina, her son and family, and the healing process, than the sweet romance between her and Eli.
Lina’s healing brings her back to her role as a healer and I appreciated that.
I loved the depiction of Puerto Rican society, culture and natural treasures.
Teó is such a captivating character.
The familial relationships and bonds are interesting with its manifestations of love, machismo and some melodrama.
Sometimes these parts dragged a bit.

A heartbreakingly beautiful story of love, loss, and ultimately salvation, At the Island’s Edge is a masterpiece of immersive storytelling at its best. Lina is a single mother riddled with the expectations and baggage of her close-knit Puerto Rican family. Sent to the United States for schooling and to become someone great, the story opens with Lina, a medic in the Army and deployed in Iraq, facing the unspeakable horror of combat and the decision she must make. Trying to come to grips with what she has done, she returns home to her young son Teo and moves home. Home to Puerto Rico, to her family and her roots. Struggling with PTSD, her identity, and an unknown future, she finds the courage to reclaim her life and her dignity. Ms. Jerez writes with an open heart and an eloquent and knowing pen. Sensitive and intimate, you will understand these characters and love them, not just for their strength, but for their humanness as well. Five stars plus.

This book is pretty good. I think that it was a little bit too focused on military, but other than that I liked the themes of family, motherhood, sacrifice, and growth. It kept me engaged while reading

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

This was a beautifully done novel about veteran returning from war. The concept worked well overall and felt like a real experience. The characters worked well overall and thought everything worked and was glad I got to read this. C. I. Jerez has a strong writing style and can’t wait to read the next book.