The hero, Trevor Montgomery, in my latest novella, Blue Ridge Mountain Escape, is an active duty soldier. This type of character is near and dear to my heart. I spent eight years in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Warrant Officer. My husband is a retired army officer.

I was discharged and my husband retired before the conflicts in the Middle East. However, I do know some soldiers who served during that time and have seen the mental struggles they’ve dealt with upon their return.

I wanted to create a hero who battles his way back to his initial motive for becoming a soldier. It isn’t an easy lifestyle, but there is nothing more rewarding.