The Heart of a Soldier: A True Love Story of Love, War, and Sacrifice

What an accomplishment for a first time writer! Capt. Blaise's description throughout the book, makes you feel as if you are experiencing each situation with her. Her mother's accident and Mike's death are heart wrenching, yet Kate's determination and strength carry her through each tragedy. Kate is a role model for all young women, proving that you can do anything you set your mind to. All of Macon and the surrounding area are extremely proud of Kate and Mike's contributions during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In The Heart of a Soldier, Kate Blaise is refreshingly honest about portraying her life, from when she was a small child to coping with becoming a widow. I live in "the fly speck of a town that is Atlanta" where her husband Mike grew up, and she captures small-town life and values perfectly. The stories of Mike's "Grampy," in whose home you were always welcome, are a tribute to a man loved by many in our community. After reading about her experiences as a woman in the military, I have a better understanding of what our men and women are going through in Iraq. But this is not just a story about the military; it is a story about laughter and love, struggles and sorrow. You will be moved to tears by this book, but Kate writes with such a sense of optimism. When you are finally able to put the book down after reading the last page, you will be thankful there are men and women in America who have the heart of a soldier.

This is a story of sacrifice at it's greatest. Capt. Blaise has done an outstanding job of presenting her story in a way that you feel like rather than reading a book, you're actually listening to her tell the story of her life with Mike and her family and growing up in a small town in America where faith in God and love of country is the norm not the exception. Capt. Blaise's description of life in Iraqi while a war is being waged, provides all with a realistic picture of the sacrifices our soldiers are making to make this world a better place to live. Sadly there is no fairy tale ending, but neither are there regrets for the tasks that were undertaken. Kudos to Capt. Blaise for being the epitomy of both a soldier and a woman.

Capt. Blaise captures the feel of a small town in our country and the love of family and country. This was a wonderful story, sad but touching. Made me very proud to be a woman and an American

The book was an absolutely fantastic portrayal of the trials, triumphs, and tragedies of Kate and Mike Blaise. The book reads like a great work of fiction, but sadly for Kate that is not the case. She had a unique experience of living in a combat zone in Iraq near her husband (who was also her high school sweetheart) during the war for Iraqi freedom and she brings this story to life with vivid prose that makes the book all but impossible to put down. She tells us what we yearn to know about their relationship and adds levity with many innocent and playful moments she shared with Mike. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who appreciates small towns, military service, or selfless dedication to this country.