A TIME TO SERVE: NEVER LIE, NEVER SETTLE, NEVER QUIT is the debut novel of local author Jennifer Widemire Smith. The story has great pacing, lots of heart, a thoughtful way of looking at grief, and more importantly, how to be present for friends who are experiencing grief. Smith is very knowledgeable about SEALs though the military details don’t bog the story down for civilian-readers. Rather, the SEAL way of life becomes a lens in which the characters strive to be their best warrior selves.
While the romance between Jefferies and Evie makes the story come alive, just as equally in my opinion, is the book about Jefferies’ comradery and loyalty to his SEAL team brothers. It seems equal parts about brokenness, grief, hope, and about being there for your loved ones.
I’m very intrigued by Evie’s past which is alluded to but we don’t know much about as the story is solely in Jefferies’ point of view. The discrepancy with her stalker, the subject of her new manuscript (yes, she’s a well-known thriller writer and I adore reading books about writers), etc…
And the biggest unknown… That ending. Whoa, boy. It gave me all the feels. I was not ready for my time reading A Time to Serve to end.
A TIME TO SERVE is out now! Pick up your signed copy at our no-contact curb or have it delivered, either porch-side in select neighborhoods or shipped.
Need more books like this by local authors while you’re being socially responsible and staying home?
If you’re looking for military thriller/romance, Angela recommends Cynthia Eden’s Broken (Last Option Search Team) about an ex-SEAL, as well as Katie Reus’ former Marine in Dark Momento.
If military non-fiction is more your thing, be sure to check out E.B. Sledge’s With the Old Breed and Sid Phillips’ You’ll Be Sor-Ree! both of which inspired the HBO miniseries The Pacific.