An Everyday Hero

There are so many good things to say about An Everyday Hero, Laura Trentham's latest in her Heart of a Hero series. The story pulled me in from the first page. The characters are believable and I cared about them. The peeks inside the psyche of a soldier and survivor are realistic.
Greer Hadley has moved back to Madison, Tennessee after failing to make it in Nashville. She's drifting and wondering what to do next. Ally Martinez is a grieving and angry teenager matched with Greer for some court-ordered music therapy. Emmett Lawson is a grieving and angry veteran. He lost more than a leg overseas.
Greer has no intentions of getting involved with Ally nor Emmett, but she can't let either one drown in their grief.
Emmett is struggling with a heavy dose of survivor's guilt and isn't interested in letting anyone get close enough to help. But somehow Greer sees past his anger, calls him on his attitude, and stirs him off the front porch.
I love how Greer and Emmett are almost mirror images of each other. Greer is afraid of failing again, so she solves that by determining never to perform. Emmett is afraid to feel any emotion and is intent on keeping everyone, even his parents, angry at him, as if that is his just penance. Greer and Emmett can see the other's issues and point them out, but then realize their own shortcomings.
Greer is also making progress of a two-steps-forward-one-step-back sort with Ally. But when Ally has a crisis, it takes Greer and Emmett together to help her.
I loved this story and highly recommend it!

This book really tugged at my heartstrings hard. This book has three characters struggling with heartache, loss, and grief. This story is about 15 year old Ally, Emmett who has suffered a tragic loss, and Greer who is centerstage. Greer is feisty and unpredictable with a huge heart. Emmett is angry with the world,but deep down he is a hero. I love reading about military men. My heart went out to Ally. She’s buried in grief and worry. I stayed up until 3:00 reading this book. I could not put the book down. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an amazing and heartwarming story by Laura Trentham. Greer comes back to her hometown after failing in her music career. She's forced to do community service and meets Ally, who lost her father. She is also asked to check on Emmett Lawson, an old classmate who came back from the war and has been living in a cabin in the woods. Greer has to overcome her own issues, while also growing close to both Emmett and Ally in the process. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by Laura!

Oh my, those wounded warriors get me every time! An Everyday Hero is a phenomenal contemporary romance by Laura Trentham. I think this might be my favorite of the books I've read by this author. Ms. Trentham has provided readers with a book that's well-written and populated with a cast of characters you can't help but love. Greer had a meltdown at a bar after finding her boyfriend with his assistant. The jukebox objected, the cops were called and Greer found herself in front of a judge. Emmett has been hiding away in his family's cabin since losing part of his leg since leaving the military. Emmett and Greer's story is loaded with drama, humor and spice. While I loved the characters in this book, I feel I should also mention Ms. Trentham deserves kudos for the outstanding dialog. I love Greer's sass. An Everyday Hero is book 2 of A Heart of a Hero Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a very emotional and uplifting story about three loss souls caught between past heartbreaks and future uncertainties. They each had to deal with serious issues but ultimately became that everyday hero for each other… and became the best version of themselves.
This was a very enjoyable read and highly recommended.

*A big thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

As far as sweet & thoughtful HEA’s go, this is one of the best I’ve read in awhile! The protagonists both present with a myriad of flaws, past hurts and regrets running deep. We have the privilege to watch them both slowly start peeling back the layers of their emotions though- coming together and supporting each other when they need it most- resulting in a beautiful, selfless ending. So lovely.

I sure hope there are plans for more than just the 2 books I’ve had the pleasure of reading in this series. So enjoyable and heart warming, I can’t get enough!

An Everyday Hero is beautifully crafted. It's a traumatic story, but the lighthearted style makes it a joy to read.

Emmett has returned from deployment with guilt which has turned him into a cynic about any prospective future.

Greer's dreams of making it into the musical industry is shattered, and as a result she returns home and lands herself into trouble. She no longer by believes in herself. Her penance for being a trouble maker puts her into the path of two people in need of support, and this in turn makes her realise what she really needs in life.

Despite the traumatic experiences that Ally and Emmett have been through, Greer has a way of making them face reality. The sarcastic banters make this story even more real. She doesn't mince her word, but underneath what appears to be acidic, there is concern. Love and affection shine through the sarcasm, and Greer finds her true calling.

I love how Greer handles Ally and breaks down her barrier. Ally has been through so much at such a young age, but in Greer she sees light at the end of the tunnel. There are some sad moments and some laugh out loud moments. The romance between Emmett and Greer is very well portrayed. It's a gripping and fun read.

I was kindly issued with an eARC from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

There is a reason that Laura Trentham is an author I always watch for. She writes book that I can get lost in, like this one. Greer and Emmett have both ended up back in their hometown when their plans for their future fell through. Greer has given up on music, is living at home, and doing community service hours due to drunken display at the local bar after finding out the boyfriend she didn't even really care about was cheating on her. Emmett lost his leg, his military career, and his desire to spend time with the human race. What could they possibly have to offer each other? Two flawed and well drawn characters who spark with chemistry on the page and a well developed plot made this a book I was sorry to see end.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

<i>ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review </i>

4.5*

I love Laura Trentham's books and devour each new one as soon as I can get my hands on it.

The character development and emotional arc that the three main characters in this book go through really touched me. Fantastic writing once again.

I absolutely loved this book. The author did a wonderful job of writing this story and making you feel you were there.
I can't wait to read more from author Laura Trentham.
"Music dumped me on the side of the road, gave me the finger, and peeled out."
Greer Hadley came back to Madison from Nashville after feeling like a failure in the music business. After a night out drinking and tearing up the bar, her uncle, Judge Duckett gave her community service at the Music Tree Foundation, where she met Emmett who she had gone to school with. Ally, a rebellious teen who had lost her dad in the war.
This story makes you laugh, cry and cheer all of them on. Fantastic read!

Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.

Greer Hadley left home right after high school in order to follow her dreams to be a singer/songwriter in Nashville. Now, she's back home, 10 years later, after crashing and burning in Nashville. She gets hammered one night and, fights with one of the guys from high school who has always creeped her out. The judge gives her community service at a community center, teaching music. That's where Greer meets Ally, a sullen teen who has lost her father in the war.Greer does her best to help Ally realize how talented she is.
Greer is also given the task of helping a Veteran, newly back home, who has lost a leg and, is severely depressed. Greer is shocked to find that Emmett Lawson, a guy she's known since childhood, is her depressed Vet that she needs to pull, kicking and screaming, back into the world.
The interplay between these two is fascinating to read and, at times, devastating. It does, however, help to remind you that everyone grieves in a different way and time and, we all need help at certain times of our lives to make it out to the other side.
I absolutely LOVED this book!!!

Three Lost Souls Who Mend Each Other
An Everyday Hero is the life of a musician/songwriter, an injured military vet , and an angry, rebellious teenager who lost her dad in the war – the three of them turn into a hero for each other as they offer each other healing and redemption. This is a well-written and engaging story that I didn’t want to put down. The characters were well-defined and interesting, the friendship, then romance is paced right and flows smoothly. I loved that Greer doesn’t hold back with Emmett, she stands up to him, challenges him and does not pity him. Emmett gives her the push and courage to save herself. They have fantastic banter which makes their friendship and eventual romance realistic. They both have a mix vulnerability, compassion, strength and eventual happiness. They’re both hiding from life; she from her mistakes, her fears, and her future; he’s grappling with survivors’ guilt, regrets, physical and mental pain. Ally is full of teenager attitude and anger. She’s in pain after the loss of her father and a mother who is slipping away. She ends up helping save both Greer and Emmett. I’m a sucker for broken wounded hero’s/heroines and this is well written. I enjoyed every minute of this book and once I started it I could not put it down.
Reviewed by Comfy Chair Books/Lisa Reigel (November 15, 2019)
ARC received from St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley

Once again, this talented author manages to grab the attention and the emotions of the reader from the first page to the last one.
The story of Army Capt. Emmett Lawson is one that sadly is very real. An honorable man fighting to keep us safe, in a war full of danger, as well as physical and emotional losses. Losses that can leave them with survivor’s guilt and that can destroy an individual leaving him a shell of his former self.
Greer Hadley is struggling with finding herself after trying to make it as a songwriter in Nashville. Back home, at her lowest point she loses her temper and is given community service. Never realizing that this low point of her life, would bring her to a man and a teenager and that those new relationships would change everyones lives.
In addition to the touching plot with complex and likable characters, the author reminds us that we as a nation and as individuals, for the brave troops upon their return to civilian life.
There will be moments you will laugh and others you will want to cry, so have tissues readily available.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and St Martin’s. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Awesome story! I luv how much they grew through their love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I can’t believe I’ve never read a story by this author before. When I read the synopsis there was no question about excepting this review. And I’m so glad I did.

I immediately connected with Emmett. I have intimate knowledge of a lot of what he was going through from personal knowledge and I was impressed by the authors detail of his anger, frustration, and pain.

I also really enjoyed Greer. She was unique and chose to enjoy life with a bit of a sarcastic yet humorous twist. She had her own struggles but she could be supportive yet not let anyone get away with self-pity.

The story was wonderfully unique and I just loved watching the transformation of the people in the story. The author did a beautiful job crafting her characters so carefully that just very simple loving acts and friendship could change someone else so completely.

This book is lovingly written and it leaves you feeling amazing when you’re done. It’s a happy, joyful story that ends beautifully. Not to be missed if you love clean romances written with exquisite detail.

I absolutely loved this book.
From the minute we meet Greer, we laugh , we cheer and we want her to win !
When we meet Emmett, we want what Greer wants for him , to rejoin the living .
Greer and Emmett are pure chemistry together , two lost souls, who need each other regardless of what they both think. These two make each other a better person.
I laughed , I cried , I cheered , I haven’t had this much fun with a book and it’s characters in a long time !
This is my favorite Laura Trentham book! I cannot recommend this book enough

I loved this story! Greer is beaten down by rejection & life. Emmett is ex-military, was injured & lost his leg to an explosion & ambush that took some of his men. They both are wallowing in pain, guilt & self loathing. Greer has to donate time to a veterans organization for community service & is asked to approach Emmett to try to shake him out of his funk. She is also charged with helping Ally, the young daughter of a deceased veteran.

The author does a wonderful job of bringing three people that need each other together. Greer’s sarcasm & sass are perfect to bring Emmett out of his shell in a way sympathy wouldn’t have. Ally has a tough shell but Greer can see glimpses of pain & despair underneath. Both Ally & Emmett give back to Greer as much as she gives them & they don’t allow her to back out of the same things she forces them to face. As I read through this, there were times I laughed & times I cried. From the very beginning, I was pulled into the story & it just didn’t let go of my heart.

AN EVERYDAY HERO by Laura Grantham is an emotional journey. I couldn't put this book down, it made me laugh and gave me hope. A sad story that turned into one of friendship and love. Emmett a local boy who goes off to war and comes back home unable to acclimate. In a deep depression fighting help of any kind. Greer a local girl who leaves home after high school to follow her dreams. She returns home defeated and lost. Discovering each other and finding acceptance, helping others. Five 🌟 read!!!

I loved this read. So well written keeping the reader entrenched, no matter the scenario.💚💙
A fast, engaging, realistic journey that is still on my mind. I felt every emotion as I read this, the frustration, a fear of the unknown, guilt, happiness, pride and love. Greer and Emmett, both strong characters with setbacks of life and war, were very real with their ups and downs alike, just finding their way. They hadn't intended to fall in love, but life has a way of knowing what's right. I laughed as Greer kind of bulldozed over Emmett in a genteel way, of course, LoL.
Now Ally, her devastating loss, her Mom, just everything surrounding her was incredibly emotional, and yet she proved to be the strongest, amazing young lady. An inspiration!
There was also Bonnie the kitten, Eddie Munster, and Daisy making the read that much better. Furbabies are always bonus.
I recommend reading this, I don't think you'll come away the same.
I received an ARC through the publisher and Netgalley, and am giving my own thoughts and opinions, open and honestly.

What a truly heartwarming, truly wonderful story by Laura Trentham. I loved the first book in the A Heart of a Hero Series and have to say I love An Everyday Hero just as much. I literally could not put this down until I finished it!
The main characters are Greer and Emmett each with their own issues. Greer trying to come to terms with her music career that never quite took off. Emmett a disabled veteran trying to deal with adjusting to being a civilian. I absolutely fell in love with them❤️ I loved the humorous banter between them. I loved the romance between them. Ok, I just LOVED this book! I didn’t want it to end. Their story will grab you right from the first page to the last page
I just love Laura Trenthams writing, the way she writes just draws you in. Her books are uplifting. I highly recommend you read An Everyday Hero. It can be read as a standalone but you should definitely read the first book too!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author, Laura Trentham for the opportunity to read and review the arc of An Everyday Hero.

Greer is coming home after years of trying to break into country music and nothing to show for it. To make matters worse, she’s assigned volunteer work for a bit of a whoopsy after catching her boyfriend in flagrante. She’s not thrilled, but wants her punishment over and done with so she can continue stewing in misery. Her sarcastic outlook and daydream mentality made her easy to like, even when she was struggling with the concept of, well, seriously “adulting”, but her journey to maturity was relatable. She also made me just want to pat her on the back with each step she took to take control of her destiny. Both good and bad decisions.

Ally’s teenage life fell to pieces when her dad dies in the line of duty. Dealing with her grief, new home, and new school doesn’t help matters and she’s required to attend music therapy after finding herself in a bit of mischief as well. Ally’s snarky attitude is a deceptive cover for a deep hurt, but with Greer bumping along-just think trial and errors-Ally’s personality unfurled in unexpected ways. Some good, some not, but progress is progress!

Now Emmett is the real test to Greer’s volunteer work. He’s a local son and war hero, and a surly grump struggling with survivor’s guilt. Like Greer, he had a set goal for his life, but life took matters in a different direction, leaving Emmett a shell of the man he could have been. Or so he thinks. Greer lit a fire inside Emmett he long thought died, forcing him to wake up and smell the coffee. He didn’t make it easy, and neither did she for that matter, but darned if I wasn’t cheering for these two late into the evening!

An Everyday Hero was a seriously good read! The Southern sass was alive and well, with sarcastic remarks and tongue in cheek humor-and a bit of fun from a charming little furball named Bonnie! The humor and sass was well balanced with everyday issues, struggles, and personal journeys hidden behind close doors. One never truly knows what another is going through unless they walk a mile in their shoes themselves. And as Greer, Emmett, and Ally discover, life comes full circle, sometimes in the oddest ways and when you least expect it. A chance meeting, a simple act of kindness, or a random comment can easily impact someone’s life whether realized or not.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

This was my first Laura Trentham women's fiction novel and will not be my last. Intrigued by the blurb I went into this book completely blind and came away from reading it with a lighter heart. The timing of me reading this novel full of despair turned into hope and survival could not have come at a better time for me. There was familiar about the themes of the story that I could totally relate to making it that much more easy to read and love.

The slow burn, fade-to-black romance created an intimate tie to the two protagonists and the circumstances of their unraveling lives. The beautifully fragile connections between the woman protagonist and the girl she meets through volunteering added an extra layer of depth and vulnerability to her character that made her more human, decent, and understandable. The writing was beautiful and engaging that help build the plot of the story and keep it moving forward. Infused with banter and humor and love An Everyday Hero remained low angst and drama making it more of a learning experience with so much development in the characters it was refreshing.

This is a lovely story of reckoning one's growth as a human through tragedy and heartbreak told in a remember your roots when you gain your wings and full of redemption. It's becoming attuned to ones whole self and feeling deserved to be the best human you possibly can. It's a reminder of to wade through shadows to find your light. It's uplifting and gracefully told by this talented new-to-me author. I'm so happy to have read it and I can't wait to dive into more of Laura Trentham's books.

I’m not a fan of modern romance stories but I am a huge fan of Laura Trentham and so far anything she has written has turned out gold for me! An Everyday Hero was no exception, it sucked me right in. Trentham has such power in her writing skills to be able to paint a picture in your mind with very few words. I’ve never been to the South of the USA but I feel like have just from her books. I felt like we can all relate to Greer in one way or another and the other cast of colorful characters are wonderful. It is a tender romance, no graphics here, left up to the imagination but you can definitely feel the romantic vibe with Emmett and Greer and their sarcastic back and forth banter is really so true to life. The novel deals with many themes- family, friendship, starting over, love of life, each other and of self, and many more. I did not even realize there was a first book in the series so this definitely can be read as a stand alone. Overall I highly recommend this book! Thank you to St Martin’s Press and the author for an ARC copy.

From the beginning I could not put down this book!
Greer is such a relatable heroine. Her predicament that lands her a community service assignment that she resists. The relationships she develops with a local teen and an old high school acquaintance are believable and draw the reader in. I especially enjoyed the sarcastic humor and touching dialogue. Throughout reading this story I both wiped away tears and laughed out loud. There were so many themes explored including family and friendship. The most pronounced theme for me was facing your biggest fears. Both Emmett and Greer find that coming home because they thought they had exhausted their possibilities in life, might actually be the beginning of new possibilities. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will definitely look for my by this new-to-me author.

5* Real Hero Stars

I was so excited to read Laura’s second book in the, “A Heart of a Hero” series which centers around the military. They are both stand-alone books.

When 30-year-old Greer Hadley’s life and dreams suddenly shatter she is forced back to her hometown of Madison. Unfortunately, things only get worse when she makes some bad decisions which have consequences and she is sentenced to 50 hours of community service at the non-profit Music Tree Foundation that helps veterans and their families cope with the trauma they have endured fighting for their country. This is where Greer meets 15-year-old Ally who has recently lost her father and does not know how to deal with his loss and is rebellious. I enjoyed reading how Greer saw past the angry and sarcastic Ally and slowly through music broke down her barriers. Greer is also assigned the task of helping a veteran named Emmett who has become a recluse and wants nothing to do with anyone, including his family. I enjoyed and laughed out loud reading about their first encounter and the way that Emmett dealt with unexpected visitors. His story was very real and sad, and it was interesting to see these two stubborn people butt heads and break down each other’s barriers. They were total opposites which managed to attract each other, and they were good for each other. I was routing for them all the way.

This wonderful story is about Greer, Ally and Emmett learning to deal with the past and together navigating the future.

An Everyday Hero was a fantastic read. It was heartfelt and very real. Laura’s writing is engaging and full of emotion. Once you read the first page you will not be able to put it down until the last page is read.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my copy to read and review.

This impressive story is about three lost souls who connect through shared circumstances. After an evening of drinking too much and causing a scene, Greer is sentenced to community service in a nonprofit music program for veterans. Her first client is a defiant 15 year old whose father was killed in combat. She is struggling with the loss of her father, and with her mother’s inability to cope without her husband. She is also assigned a surly veteran who has secluded himself in a cabin on the family farm. He feels he is a failure because he lost his leg, and was unable to save a fellow soldier. By sharing her own problems, all three heal as they help each other through their mutual love of music. The book is well written with realistic characters you can’t help but love. The storyline is also amazing. Don’t miss this book!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

LOVED this book. It is such a heartwarming story with main characters that you will fall in love with. Loved it from the very first page until the very end. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

A masterful depiction of the difficulties that veterans can have adjusting to civilian life once they come back from combat.
Laura also deals with the subject of grief and angst in a very thoughtful manner. The journey she took me on was an emotional rollercoaster.

This was a beautiful story balanced with heat, healing, and ordinary heroes. Wounded soldiers, failing songwriter, miserable teenage girl - all intertwined in a story of hope and redemption with just enough frustration and sarcasm to make it more than another overly sweet been-there, read-that novel. Highly recommended!!!

My thanks for the NetGalley title and chance to review.

A great addition to A Heart of a Hero series. Laura Trentham's An Everyday Hero grabbed me from the first chapter and wouldn't let go. From beginning to end of this story was just as good as the first book in the series. Both could be read as standalone but I'm a read in order type of girl. Great character development, dialogue, storyline and characters there wasn't anything I didn't enjoy in this book. I look forward to reading more in this series and by this author.

This is now my favorite Laura Trentham book. The two main characters stole a piece of my heart. They are so perfectly imperfect! Emmett Lawson and Greer Hadley are a great couple. They do not start out smoothly, the relationship is definitely strained for a while, but they are exactly what each other needs.
Emmett has recently returned home, leaving the military after recovering physically from a bomb explosion (as much as anyone can). He has a lot of work to do to heal mentally. Greer is fighting her own battles and is a work in process. She found herself in a mess that left her with a court ordered sentence of doing service hours at a center to help military members and their families. That sentence turns out to be the salvation she needs and that grace extends to several others that she meets.
I truly loved this book. The plot had me thinking of the sacrifice that members of the military services and their family go through. Their sacrifice does not end when they leave active duty. The memories and injuries change their lives forever. Also, how difficult the path to achieve a goal can be. It takes so much positivity and determination. When your number one goal is not attainable, finding a new path shows so much of what is deep within you. This book has that as a basic theme. If the original path started in life hits a roadblock, take a path on a new road to find happiness.
I think this book was very realistic. I want to believe it can be true, that ex-service military can find peace and a positive future.
The friendship to romance of Emmett and Greet was so very enjoyable to read. I love the spunk and feisty banter. I love that they both care so deeply and I wanted them to have a happily ever after.
I want to thank St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley.com for allowing me to read the ARC for this book. I truly was touched by this story and I hope other readers will pick it up and also experience the relationship of Greer and Emmett. This review is my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This novel hit me at just the right time and place. I found it a joy to read, I loved the characters, their kindness and caring for each other. I thought it was well written, paced well, and look forward to reading the other books in this series.

My Review of An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham

WOW...WOW...WOW...

I adore this authors work...loved all her books, but this one is special. The characters, the story, the drama, the heartbreak and the love. I loved Greer’s sass from the first page, the way she copes with all the heartbreak, rejection and disappointments she has faced reall resonated with me....she put on a tough face, but underneath she is floundering, lost and unsure of what she needs to do next. Forced into helping at a musical therapy clinic...she meets Ally...who is hiding her hurt and pain behind a facade, and is determined to help her, anyway she can...the banter between them is hilarious at times and heartbreaking at others..I really believed the friendship that developed between them.

As for Emmett...our hero who comes back from war a different man...he’s lost and broke...unsure of his future or if he deserves one. Pointing a gun at our Heroine had the opposite effect, with Greer determined to help this wounded soldier...what developed between them can only be described as beautiful

Trentham’s writing has never been as good...you feel every emotion, you cry with them, laugh with them, get frustrated with them and hope with them

Honestly I could wax lyrically about this book....all I can say is READ IT, you won’t be able to put it down

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

AN EVERYDAY HERO by Laura Trentham
Greer has returned home to live with her parents and she knows she's a failure at her music career. one night at the bar and someone upset her,she makes a bad choice and ends up in jail.
Her aunts ex husband is the judge and he won't let her do litter pickup, he wants her to devote her time at the music tree charity. She is given two cases: Ally, a young girl who's being bullied, lost her dad in the war and her mom likes alcohol and drugs.
Her other case is Emmett who's a returning vet that lives alone and she breaks through to him also.
Like how they are all related but don't find out too soon. Lots of good moments and some bad ones.
Like the music and horses in this book and how they all play a tremendous aide to those in need.
So informative about horses and music and PTSD and how others can help. Handful of characters and easy to keep track of them all and how they progress through the pain and loss.
Love hearing how much they had healed over a years time. This book ends with acknowledgements and other works by the author. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Received this review copy from St. Martins Griffin via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.