The Lady Leathernecks - Softcover

Kelly, Chiara

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1490420614 ISBN 13: 9781490420615

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013

Synopsis

When painfully shy Starbucks barista Allyn Kend joins the Marines, she capsizes those who thought they knew her best. The only thing that makes sense is that her fiancée Eliot was already a Lance Corporal. However, when she meets truckstop evangelist Jess Kellerman, Korean linguist Bibi Shim and Palm Beach hotel heiress Syth Sangiorgio in the bivouacs of boot camp on Parris Island, her whole concept of whom and what a Marine should be is broken down and rebuilt, along with her own humanity. Each sister has a secret; but also a thirst to prove herself in battle and in life. But despite caring and glaring differences, they realize they need one another to overcome the physical, mental and emotional obstacles that stand between them and the coveted title of Basic Marine or “Lady Leatherneck.” And that is just the beginning! As each Lady Leatherneck serves with differing intentions, they find out more about themselves and one another through the unique challenges of soldier motherhood, duty, deployments, love and loss. As "Globe" reporter Allyn drafts a feature story on human trafficking, MP Jess makes an unlikely arrest that will follow her for life. Meanwhile, linguist Bibi settles cultural scores with her family while deployed to her native Korea. But nothing is final until ostentatious Syth gets her baby back. Only together could they learn that while the Marine Corps may not be for everyone; it is for more than just one type of person. Combat is Human.

About this title

Review:

“THE LADY LEATHERNECKS is a surprise – it’s not your usual chick lit in any sense of the term. The book’s about women who have the guts and grit to serve in the US Marine Corps. The author’s first-hand knowledge of life in the Marines is evident throughout this story of a Starbucks barista named Allyn Kend, a Marine Corps newbie, who defies the female military stereotype of the typical tough-as-nails, G.I. Jane-type. THE LADY LEATHERNECKS is an excellent book for any reader, whether female and male, who’s considering enlisting in the military, for the civilian who want to learn more about what the daily life of a military recruit and for the reader who wants to become engrossed in the story of a passionate young person who’s just starting out in a life filled with love, mistakes, successes and purpose.” – Reviewed by Robin Carr for IndieReader

“The Lady Leathernecks is a compilation of the stories of many lives. The binding agency is the Marine Corps. The most interesting part of the book was the account of the process of becoming a Marine. This was presented in a very convincing manner as though lived through by the author. The notes at the end confirmed this fact. In the end, all loose ends were neatly tied together fairy tale fashion that suited the prologue. The book is meticulous in relating the trials and tribulations of Marine recruits.” –Judge, Writer’s Digest Self-Published e-Book Awards

"I think the format of the book would be a terrific basis for a YouTube or Netflix mini-series. There are enough subplots and colorful minor characters and backstories to make for entertaining television. All in all this a very good story chick lit/smart fiction genre. Four stars." –Palmetto Book Reviews

"Author Chiara Kelly is a profound storyteller who understands how to create characters that are interesting and grounded. I found myself immediately absorbed in the story and wanted to see what happened within the lives of Allyn and her comrade recruits. I particularly enjoyed the way life that military life was realistically portrayed giving deep insight into military life for women from their perspective." –Palmetto Book Reviews

"The Lady Leathernecks is a solid first effort by a new writer, focusing on experiences alien to most of us, and certainly outside the experience of most women; its fresh female perspective and the stirring subject matter will doubtless attract many readers." –Palmetto Book Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews:

“In Kelly’s debut novel, four young women bond in the U.S. Marine Corps. In 2001, Allyn Kend, who works at a Starbucks in Manhattan, enlists in the Marines. Her fiancé, Eliot Michaels, is already a lance corporal, and she wonders in what ways the corps will change her. At the Parris Island training installation in South Carolina, she meets fellow recruits, including wealthy Forsythia “Syth” Sangiorgio; Korean-American YeonBi “Bibi” Shim; and devoted Christian Jessica “Jezi” Kellerman. The novel pairs solid characterization with the authentic feel of military life, providing an inside look at daily rituals, military protocol and fledgling friendships among the Marines. The many-layered plot also touches on sex trafficking, pregnancy both in and out of wedlock, family dramas back home, moral dilemmas and suicide. However, the story’s focus strengthens toward the end. An often well-told, if occasionally puzzling, tale of a Semper Fi sisterhood.” – Kirkus Reviews

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1490420614
• ISBN 13: 9781490420615
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 372