Separated by Duty, United in Love

I'm an army girlfriend. My boyfriend is deployed to Iraq for 15 months. I bought this book in hopes of finding a little comfort and advice for situations military couples come across. Instead, I found a book I couldn't put down. The author did a wonderful job of taking life experiences from many different men and women, servicemembers and civilians and compiled them into a "crisis bible". The issues addressed are real-life issues. There are no "beating around the bush" answers and she really tells you how it is but in a very motherly, experienced fashion. I found this book has given me so much more strength and a positive outlook on a situation many significant others could not put themselves in. I suggest it to anyone. Whether your special someone is in the military, you're a parent, or even a friend. The advice is so real and helpful. My relationship has improved on both ends because of this book and the wonderful words of advice.

I absolutely loved the book! It is a book that you can't put down. It helps you know what to expect in the future and how to avoid the worst in every situation. It puts things into perspective from your partners stand point. VERY well written and VERY Entertaining! I would recommend it to anyone! I am new to the Marine life and its been SO helpful! Thanks again!

As a seasoned military spouse, I would recommend all military spouses no matter how long you've been in the role, purchase this book. Being a military spouse is one of the toughest jobs in the world. Sometimes we think that we're the only one who feels the way we do, and are too afraid to share our feelings for fear that others will think we're crazy or unable to handle military life. Mrs. Vandevoorde's book helps us to see that our feelings are all too common, and shared by many military spouses. In her book, she has put into words and given names to the "games we play" and addressed the many feelings we experience. She also covers the gauntlet of subjects that are important to military spouses -- from children, to finances, to careers, to "decisions we never want to make". I have also used the content from this book as a tool in teaching some of the Army Family Team Building classes. And what a great price!!

Not only was it great to meet the Author, Shellie Vandevoorde but to read this book is such an honest look at what Military life is like for spouses left behind. She covered so many topics from starting your marriage to harsh realities of having to deal with the unthinkable..your spouse dying. It is honest and upfront! And even after being a military spouse for 10 yrs it has taught me great parenting advice, deployment advice and preparations for the unknown future. A MUST READ for all military spouses! This will be a gift I give to friends who marry into the military life!

Thousands of military families are separated by military deployment at any given time, and this book should be given to each and every family. It is easy to read, and it is chocked full of heartfelt, excellent advice to deal with many of the larger and smaller issues that are frequently a part of being separated by duty. This book has thoughtful insight into the daily challenges that face military couples during a deployment. There are so many topics covered in this book that I am sure are almost never addressed with military couples. Most of the couples I have known just struggle the best they can through deployments, hoping just to get through it, to be emotionally and financially intact at the end of it all, with the loved one safely back at home. This book offers a better way to guide your relationship and family through a military deployment. It offers much needed encouragement and advice from military wives and husbands who have experienced being apart in the military. I would have never even thought of many of the excellent topics it covers, a few of which are emotional issues, financial problems, childrearing issues and most importantly, understanding and nurturing yourself and each other while you are apart and when you reunited. "Separated by Duty, United in Love" is a real life commentary on very real situations that present themselves daily on the homefront in the military deployment experience. Reading this book may be the most important thing you do to nurture your relationship and family during this challenging time.