Scars of the Past A Wounded Warrior Novel (Oak Creek 3 - A Stand-alone Series)

Former soldier Reid McCabe may look healed more than a year after an explosion took his leg and two of his men, but the mental and spiritual scars have lingered long after his injury ends his career. When Reid’s former platoon leader reaches out to him to participate in a cross-country walk to raise money and awareness of veteran suicide and PTSD, Reid jumps at the chance to do something meaningful, but his troubles are not far behind. Keira Flannigan has more than a few emotional scars of her own, and a schedule so full she does not have time to deal with her problems or date. Yet when a little stray dog in need of rescue brings the pair together, and sparks fly, pain and self-doubt may try to keep Reid and Keira apart but the chance to heal could be what both of them truly need.

Beginning with a soldier contemplating suicide, “Scars of the Past” takes a painful but romance driven look at overcoming the depression and PTSD that haunt many soldiers. Full of passion and steam but with the usual miscommunication and misunderstanding, Reid and Keira play off one another and build a romance, while the story still shows the effects of war and how it can traumatize both survivors and their families. While some parts of the book can be slow and predictable, the moments of real emotion and romance are engrossing and the story is inspiring in providing ideas and thoughts on how to battle PTSD and suicide among Vets. Overall, this is a pleasant take on romance with a soldier and finding purpose after war trauma. 

Sarah E Bradley