Being married to the military guarantees a life full of plot twists and turns —and never a shortage of subplots and secondary characters— so it’s no wonder that many military spouses have expertly used these experiences to write amazing books. From steamy romances and spine-tingling thrillers to heartfelt memoirs and poetic reflections, these talented authors capture the full spectrum of emotion: love, loss, resilience and hope.
Whether you are part of the military community or just looking for your next great read, this list of 11 military spouse-authored books has a little something for everyone in 2025. Speaking for ourselves, they’re all at the very top of our own #TBR.
‘Another Move, God?: 30 Encouragements to Embrace Your Life as a Military Wife’
“Another Move, God?” by Beth Runkle is a Christian-based nonfiction book that draws inspiration from the nomadic lives of Sarah and Abraham detailed in Genesis 12–22, highlighting their parallels to the experiences of military families. Drawing from her own journey as a military wife during her husband’s 25-year Air Force career, Runkle offers encouragement and wisdom to help military spouses navigate the challenges of constant moves and uncertainty. The book has an accompanying free Leader Guide available online, making it a great resource for small group discussions or a Bible study for shared reflection.
‘Betrothal or Breakaway: A Hockey Romance’
Self-published last April, Air Force wife Leah Brunner delivers an emotional modern romance in “Betrothal or Breakaway,” the third installment of her D.C. Eagles Hockey Series. When team captain Ford marries his best friend Amber to help her through a health crisis (hello, marriage-of-convenience trope), the line between friendship and love blurs. Brunner’s light-hearted story is perfect for romance readers seeking a swoon-worthy, fade-to-black love story.
Readers won’t have to wait long for more from the GoodReads fan favorite — the series finale “Secret or Shutout: A Hockey Romance” is set to release in March.
‘Civilians: Poems’
Jehanne Dubrow, an acclaimed essayist, poet and Navy spouse, is concluding her trilogy that explores military life. “Civilians: Poems” is slated for publication by LSU Press on Feb. 3, 2025, and this collection promises to “addresses what it means when someone who has been trained for war returns from the confining, restrictive space of a naval vessel.” The transition from active duty to civilian life —a stage that is highly anticipated by all but comes with emotional, logistical and physical challenges rarely discussed within the community— is studied with Dubrow’s signature insight and elegance. For poetry lovers and military families alike, “Civilians” is poised to be both a balm and an exploration.
‘Dispatches from the Cowgirl: Through the Looking Glass with a Navy Diplomat’s Wife’
Winner of the IBPA Ben Franklin Award™ Gold Medal, Julie Tully’s memoir offers a vivid glimpse into her life as the spouse of a Navy Foreign Area Officer stationed in Cameroon, Nigeria “and Djibouti. Much like Alice stepping into Wonderland, “Dispatches from the Cowgirl” chronicles Tully exploring unfamiliar landscapes, cultures and challenges with earnest anecdotes with a midlife coming-of-age journey. Publishers Weekly describes Tully as “charming, as is the book,” praising it as “a fascinating account of one woman’s journey around the earth.”
‘For the Plot’
Katie Van Brunt, a Navy spouse, delivers a steamy and charming second-chance love story with her debut contemporary romance, “For the Plot.” Published in December of last year, readers follow Joey Beckham and Cam Connelly’s romance through Crete, Santa Monica, and New York City. Reviews on Amazon and GoodReads praise the novel as addictively funny with the right balance of emotional depth, guaranteeing an easy read that will keep readers hooked.
Fans can look forward to Van Brunt’s second book “For the Show” releasing on March 1, 2025.
‘Love Letters from the Trail’
Author, Army veteran and military spouse Tif Marcelo continues her legacy of tales celebrating family and friendship with “Love Letters from the Trail,” available for purchase on Feb. 25, 2025. Military widow Evangeline Espiritu’s peaceful life at her Virginia bed-and-breakfast is upended when wealthy Cruz Forrester invades the hiking trail behind her property. As their real-life clashes intensify, the two unknowingly form a connection through anonymous letters exchanged as trail pen pals, leading to an unexpected romance. “Love Letters from the Trail” promises to enchant readers with its themes of resilience, healing and unexpected love. Perfect for fans of second-chance romance and love after loss.
‘Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength through Our Stories’
Host of the Milspouse Matters podcast (highlighted here by Military Families Magazine) and award-winning author Jen McDonald offers a thoughtful look at military spouses’ lives across generations in “Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength through Our Stories,” published in 2023. Drawing on 30 years as an Air Force spouse, McDonald shares her own experiences alongside stories from other military spouses, including from the Korean War and Vietnam War eras. Whether you are new to military life or a seasoned vet, this sincere compilation speaks to the resilience and strength that defines the military spouse community.
‘My Dearest Bea: Love Letters from the USS Midway’
“My Dearest Bea: Love Letters from the USS Midway” by Peyton H. Roberts brings to life letters written by her grandfather, U.S. Navy Band trumpet player Bill Holston, to his bride Bea while deployed during their first year of marriage. Discovered decades later by Roberts, these heartfelt letters capture the challenges of military life, tender expressions of love and the resilience of a young couple navigating deployment. With reflections from the author, this curated epistolary book offers encouragement and inspiration to modern military couples.
‘On a Flight to Sydney’
Navy wife J.A. Forde launches her “Love Along the Way” series with a love story that is equal parts humor, heart and depth. “On a Flight to Sydney” follows Joss, perfectly content with her independent life, and Wes, a man seeking a fresh start. When their worlds collide mid-flight, an unlikely friendship forms before blossoming into something neither of them expected. Readers won’t have to wait long for more as the series continues with “On the Slopes of Tahoe,” set to release on Feb. 28, 2025. Readers have praised the self-published debut for its impeccable character development, slow-burn chemistry and relatable themes, making this series a must-read for lovers of love.
‘Onyx Storm’ (The Empyrean Book 3)
#bookstagram is exploding with excitement as Army wife Rebecca Yarros delivers the highly anticipated third installment of her much-loved Empyrean series, “Onyx Storm.” Following the success of “Fourth Wing” and “Iron Flame” (the first and second novels, respectively), protagonist Violet Sorrengail’s journey through Basgiath War College soars to new heights in the latest book. “Onyx Storm” released on Jan. 21 to much fanfare, including release parties that evoke the excitement of the Harry Potter era. Fans have even more to look forward to as MGM Amazon Studios with Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society are developing a TV series based on “Fourth Wing.” If you’re a romantasy fan, this is a must-read!
‘Perfect Girl’
“Perfect Girl” by Army wife Tracy Banghart is a fast-paced thriller, perfect for readers who love unexpected twists and flawed, relatable characters. Published in November, the story follows Jessa, the quintessential “perfect girl” whose carefully curated life unravels during a sleepover when a storm strikes. Somewhere between a pizza delivery and the freak squall that knocks out the power, an unexpected visitor arrives, turning the night deadly. With the body count climbing, Jessa must shed her perfect persona in order to see the sun rise. This twisted tale is perfect for fans of suspense and anyone nostalgic for the heyday of early 2000s teen horror classics.
