Refuge, Illinois - Present Day

Only twice has U.S.A.F. Pararescue Jumper Manny Pena deviated from procedure, both times proved costly. The first time is at his best friend and fellow PJ Joel and Amber’s wedding. Manny gets drunk and makes a pass at Amber’s dearest friend, Celia Munoz. The second is when he commits the cardinal sin of loaning his knife to a student and discovers his error after he makes his jump; severe winds cause his parachute to tangle and he can’t cut away the main chute. Manny crashes into a grove of trees not too far from Refuge. Before he finally surrenders to the darkness, Manny tells Joel that he gave his life over to God and has been writing letters of apology to anyone he has offended, especially to Celia.

Celia will not admit it to anyone, but she is extremely attracted to Manny Pena, even after he gets drunk at Amber’s wedding and propositions her. Manny has a dangerous job, and after the murder of her husband, Celia struggles with the fear of loss. Her attempts to turn to God for guidance fall short because she can’t get past the bad things that have happened to her family. She works three jobs to support herself and troubled teenage son, Javier. Yet when Manny is brought to the hospital, she is the first person to stay with him and pray.

A SOLDIER’S FAMILY is about rebuilding and accepting changes in life and love. Manny and Celia are drawn to each other; both fumble with their feelings until Manny finally convinces Celia to trust him. As Manny gets to know Javier, he learns that Javier is on the right path and can’t help but admire his strength when Javier reaches out to help the son of the man who murdered his dad. With Javier’s help, can Manny show Celia that it is okay to accept changes, forgive the past and take a leap of faith?

This is the second book in Cheryl Wyatt‘s Wings of Refuge stories. Once again she has written a tender, loving tale of strength, compassion, and learning to accept change. Enjoy.

Deborah C Jackson