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Life as a military spouse guarantees a story full of plot twists and turns. Between deployments PCS moves and the whirlwind of new communities there is no shortage of subplots or secondary characters. Many military spouses channel these experiences into writing books that resonate deeply with those who live this unique life. Whether you crave heartfelt memoirs thrilling fiction or practical guides the voices of military spouses offer wisdom humor and connection. From Beth Runkle’s Christian-based reflections in Another Move God? to raw poetic narratives like Civilians this list celebrates stories penned by those who understand the military journey from the inside out. Let’s dive into your 2025 must-reads.
List Of 10 Military Spouse-Authored Books
Another Move God?: 30 Encouragements to Embrace Your Life as a Military Wife by Beth Runkle
If another PCS has you feeling drained, Beth Runkle’s book Another Move, God? feels like a friend’s warm embrace. This Christian-based nonfiction book draws inspiration from the nomadic lives of Sarah and Abraham detailed in Genesis, connecting their ancient wanderings to the modern military spouse’s journey. Beth, a seasoned military wife herself, leans on her husband’s 25-year Air Force career to offer 30 heartfelt encouragements. She understands the exhaustion of deployments, the weight of solo parenting, and the sting of constant goodbyes. Yet she points you toward joy and purpose amid the upheaval. This book becomes a lifeline of faith and strength for any spouse needing a boost to keep going.
Betrothal or Breakaway: A Hockey Romance by Emily Conrad
Ready for a romance that sweeps you off your feet? Leah Brunner’s Betrothal or Breakaway delivers a steamy hockey love story with heart. Team captain Ford marries his best friend Amber to support her through a health crisis, but their pretend vows soon blur into real feelings. Leah, a military spouse, infuses the tale with a deep sense of loyalty and sacrifice that echoes her own life. Part of the D.C. Eagles Hockey Series, this novel nails the marriage-of-convenience trope with charm. You’ll cheer for Ford and Amber’s slow-burn happy ending. It’s the perfect escape when military life demands a breather.
Civilians: Poems by Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith’s Civilians captures the silent battles military families face. Her poems explore the tension between pride and sacrifice the loneliness of solo parenting during deployments and the surreal moments of normalcy between crises. Smith’s sparse vivid language gives voice to emotions often tucked away. This collection is a must for poetry lovers and anyone who’s ever felt like a stranger in their own life.
Dispatches from the Cowgirl: Through the Looking Glass with a Navy Diplomat’s Wife by Tessa Walters
Curious about life as a Navy diplomat’s wife? Dispatches from the Cowgirl pulls you into a whirlwind of international adventures with wit and warmth. The author, a military spouse, recounts her travels through foreign postings with a keen eye for detail. She navigates embassy soirées, decodes local customs, and shares hilarious missteps along the way. This memoir offers a rare peek into a lesser-seen corner of military life, blending humor with honest reflection. If you love a good story or want insight into the diplomatic side of service, this book belongs on your shelf. It’s a delightful, eye-opening ride.
For the Plot by Jessica Turner
Military life brims with surprises, and For the Plot turns that unpredictability into a gripping mystery. A routine deployment spirals into a maze of secrets, forcing one spouse to dig for answers before time runs out. This book fuses the tension of military operations with the personal stakes of family ties. Each chapter hooks you deeper, unraveling clues at a relentless pace. If you thrive on stories that keep you guessing until the end, this one delivers in spades. It mirrors the edge-of-your-seat moments of military life, making it a standout pick for thrill-seekers.
Love Letters from the Trail by Hannah McIntyre
Hannah McIntyre’s historical fiction Love Letters from the Trail reimagines the Oregon Trail through the lens of a 19th-century Army wife. Based on letters from her own ancestors McIntyre paints a vivid portrait of love and survival amid westward expansion. Her attention to detail—like the agony of leaving heirlooms behind—will strike a chord with modern military families.
Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength through Our Stories by Jen McDonald
Jen McDonald’s Milspouse Matters compiles essays from dozens of military spouses across generations. From Vietnam-era tales to modern-day deployment hacks this anthology celebrates the shared threads of service sacrifice and sisterhood. McDonald’s curation highlights both the struggles and the dark humor that bind military families. Keep this on your nightstand for those “Am I the only one?” moments.
My Dearest Bea: Love Letters from the USS Midway by Clara Hartwell
History buffs and romantics alike will fall for My Dearest Bea. This book compiles love letters from a sailor on the USS Midway to his wife Bea, brimming with charm and yearning. His notes mix humor with heartfelt promises, painting a vivid picture of life at sea in a bygone era. Military couples have faced separation for generations, and these words prove love’s resilience across time. The book pulls you into their world with every line. If you treasure a good love story or naval history, this gem deserves a spot on your list.
On a Flight to Sydney by Lila Hart
Sometimes a stranger changes everything, and On a Flight to Sydney spins that magic into a captivating tale. Two passengers—one a military spouse, the other hiding a secret—meet on a plane and unravel their lives mid-flight. Their conversation sparks connection and healing neither saw coming. This story explores how chance detours lead to fresh starts, blending hope with quiet depth. If you love tales of serendipity or second chances, this book hits all the right notes. It’s a gentle reminder that even in transit, life finds ways to surprise you.
Onyx Storm (The Empyrean Book 3) by Rebecca Yarros
When military life weighs you down, Onyx Storm offers a soaring escape. This third installment in The Empyrean series plunges you into a fantasy realm of dragons, magic, and epic clashes. A military spouse penned this tale, and her knack for crafting vivid worlds shines through. The characters leap off the page, pulling you into their battles and dreams. Fantasy fans will devour the intricate details and high stakes. Knowing the author channels her own sacrifices into this saga adds a special layer. It’s the ultimate getaway read for when reality needs a pause.
Conclusion
These books do more than tell stories. They bridge the gaps between duty stations generations and emotions. Whether you’re laughing at Emily Conrad’s hockey mishaps or shedding tears over Clara Hartwell’s letters these authors remind you that your military journey is shared. Add these titles to your 2025 list not just to read but to feel seen. After all every page turn is a nod to the strength it takes to love a life in motion.
Bonus Reads from PCS & Pencils
Looking for even more reads tailored to your military life? Here are three additional titles written by a military spouse (me!) and crafted for families like yours. Whether you’re stationed overseas, navigating deployment stress, or simply trying to find balance on the homefront, these books deliver guidance, comfort, and real talk.
Navigating OCONUS: Your Guide to Overseas PCS Moves
This practical guide walks you through everything from passports and pack-outs to finding housing abroad. Perfect for families heading OCONUS who want fewer surprises and smoother transitions.
Homefront Healing: From Conflict to Connection – A Military Spouse’s CBT Handbook
This practical guide uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques tailored for military spouses facing stress, emotional disconnect, and the constant ups and downs of military life. With guided exercises and tools for communication and self-reflection, it helps you turn inner conflict into connection and resilience.
From Chaos to Clarity: Online Organization for Military Moves
PCS season doesn’t have to mean total overwhelm. From Chaos to Clarity is your digital-first guide to organizing every step of your military move. This book helps you stay on top of pack-outs, paperwork, and planning—without the stress spiral. Ideal for families who want to stay organized, sane, and a few steps ahead during every transition.
Bonus for Readers: Grab all three to create your own PCS & Pencils toolkit—designed to help military families stay grounded, organized, and inspired at every stage of the journey.
