CELEBRATE NATIONAL READ A BOOK DAY WITH THESE MUST-READS BY MILITARY SPOUSE AUTHORS
Military spouses are an exceptionally talented force in more ways than one. They manage households through deployments, create stability amid constant moves, and build thriving communities wherever they land. But their strength doesn’t stop there—many military spouses also use their creativity, perspective, and resilience to write stories that inspire, entertain, and connect.
In honor of National Read a Book Day 2025 (Saturday, September 6th), we are celebrating military spouse authors whose words transcend time and place, spanning generations and resonating with audiences both inside and outside the military community.
Whether you’re looking for a touching memoir, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a binge-worthy fantasy series, this list showcases some of the best books by military spouse authors that deserve a spot on your shelf.
My Dearest Bea: Love Letters from the USS Midway
Written by: Navy Spouse Peyton Roberts
Step back in time with My Dearest Bea, a collection of real-life letters written from the staterooms of the USS Midway in 1951. Penned by U.S. Navy band trumpet player Bill Holston to his wife Bea back home in Norfolk, Virginia, these heartfelt notes provide an intimate glimpse into military life during the early Cold War era.
Discovered decades later, the letters were lovingly compiled into this book, offering not just a love story, but also a historical treasure. For military spouses today, the words echo familiar themes of longing, resilience, and hope—proving that while times change, the heart of military love stories remains timeless.
Beneath the Seams: A Social Impact Novel
Written by: Navy Spouse Peyton Roberts
Switching gears from nonfiction to fiction, Roberts also brings us Beneath the Seams, a thought-provoking novel about fashion designer Shelby Lawrence.
Shelby’s growing mother-daughter clothing line is full of promise, until a trip to Bangladesh—where the family’s newly sponsored child lives—causes Shelby to reconsider everything.
This social impact novel is a great addition to any book club, as it includes discussion topics and self-reflection questions throughout.
The Wives: A Memoir
Written by: Army Spouse Simone Gorrindo
Memoirs are at their best when they make you feel less alone—and Simone Gorrindo’s The Wives delivers. Once thriving in a high-powered New York City career, Gorrindo uprooted her life to join her husband on his military journey. Her honest, beautifully written memoir explores the shock of transition, the identity shifts military spouses often face, and the unexpected strength that comes from community.
It’s been praised by The New York Times for its “intimate and vivid” storytelling and described by People magazine as “hopeful” and “unifying.” For any military spouse who has struggled with loss of self, reinvention, or loneliness, Gorrindo’s story feels like a reassuring conversation with a trusted friend.
Unruly: Deconstruct the Rules, Defy the Norms, and Define Your Success
Written by: Navy Spouse Lauren Wittenberg
Military spouses are no strangers to challenges, but Lauren Wittenberg flips them into lessons in her empowering guide Unruly.
Drawing on her background in law and psychology, as well as her experiences in military life, Wittenberg offers practical strategies for success while encouraging readers to define that success on their own terms.
For spouses seeking both motivation and actionable steps, Unruly is part self-help, part pep talk, and wholly inspiring.
The Empyrean Series
Written by: Army Spouse Rebecca Yarros
Army spouse Rebecca Yarros launched the The Empyrean Series with Fourth Wing, a novel that skyrocketed to #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list and ignited a fandom overnight.
The story follows twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail as she navigates a brutal war college for dragon riders, blending high-stakes fantasy with themes of resilience and courage. The sequels, Iron Flame and Onyx Storm, continue the saga that has captivated millions.
And it doesn’t stop at the page—MGM Amazon Studios is currently developing a TV adaptation, meaning Yarros’ work will soon come alive on screen.
Confessions of a Military Wife
Written by: USMC Spouse Mollie Gross
Sometimes the best way to cope with military life is to laugh through it, and Mollie Gross knows how to deliver. A Marine Corps spouse, comedian, and podcaster, Gross captures the humor in the hardships in Confessions of a Military Wife.
With wit and honesty, she pokes fun at everything from PCS moves to deployment quirks, making it easy for spouses across all branches to laugh, nod, and say, “Yep, that’s exactly it.” Her book is both cathartic and entertaining—a reminder that joy and humor are just as important as resilience.
Spouses Sounding Off
From heartfelt letters written in the 1950s to modern-day fantasies and laugh-out-loud memoirs, military spouse authors are proving their voices belong on every bookshelf. Their stories are diverse—some deeply personal, others wildly imaginative—but they all share a thread of resilience and connection that resonates far beyond the military community.
These authors—Peyton Roberts, Simone Gorrindo, Lauren Wittenberg, Rebecca Yarros, and Mollie Gross—represent only a handful of the many military spouses who are also storytellers. Supporting their work not only uplifts their voices but also preserves the unique perspectives of military life for generations to come.
So, this National Read a Book Day, pick up one of these page-turners. Whether you crave love letters, fantasy adventures, memoirs, or humor, you’ll find a story that speaks to you—and perhaps reminds you of the extraordinary talent within the military spouse community.
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