May 12 is Military Spouse Appreciation Day and what better way to show appreciation to a spouse than by reading a book they wrote? There are hundreds of books written by spouses and it was difficult to narrow it down to just ten. Here’s a list of reads from various genres, including mystery, non-fiction, young adult and more.

“Wings of Ebony” by J. Elle (2021) Fiction/YA Fantasy

After the sudden death of her mother, Rue is whisked away from Houston to Ghizon by her absent father because she is a magic-wielder. She leaves Ghizon on the anniversary of her mother’s death to discover that African American children are forced into lives of crime and violence, including the little sister she had to leave behind. She must learn to embrace her powers to save her neighborhood. This is the first of two books with the second being “Ashes of Gold.”

“A Girl's Guide to Military Service: Selecting Your Specialty, Preparing for Success, and Thriving in Military Life” by Amanda Huffman (2022) Non-fiction/Guide

This is a book filled with thought-provoking ideas and stories for any girl thinking about joining military service. Huffman, an Air Force veteran and Space Force spouse, offers insight on picking a branch and career field, whether you should enlist or go the officer route, managing stress and more.

“All The Way Home” by Kim Mills (The Way Home Series) (2017) Fiction/Romance

*Trigger Warning: Combat-related PTS* This book tells the story of Tavish, an Army soldier deploying to Afghanistan and his friend, Juliette. Tavish has always been there for Juliette, but when he returns from Afghanistan, Juliette learns it may be time for her to be there for him. This book is the first of a series but can also be read as a stand-alone book.

“Seasons of My Military Student: Practical Ideas for Parents and Teachers” by Amanda Trimillos and Stacy Allsbrook-Huisman (2018) Non-fiction/Parenting

Military kids are always in a state of transition. They are constantly changing schools and it can be tough keeping track of everything to make the transition from grade to grade and school to school. Trimillos and Allsbrook-Huisman have created this comprehensive guide to help.

“The Military Guide to Financial Independence & Retirement” by Doug Nordman (2014) Non-fiction/Finance

If you are a military family aiming towards retirement, Nordman offers advice on how one can become semi-retired in their early forties. Aside from the examples and insight, this book includes checklists, resources, websites and more.

“In a Book Club Far Away” by Tif Marcelo (2021) Fiction

Three best friends, Regina, Sophia and Adelaide, are brought together through life at Fort East and their book club. Betrayal happens in the trio and the friendship is destroyed. Eight years later, Adelaide reaches out to Regina and Sophia for help when her husband is stationed abroad and her young child needs surgery. The three decide to put aside their issues, however, there are past hurts to be dealt with.

“Adventures of SuperDuperKid: Friendship Numbers” by El Brown and Ricky II Brown (2017) Children’s Book

Meet SuperDuperKid, a child superhero with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and his super friends. This book teaches lessons on inclusion and play and is co-written by a child on the spectrum.

“Beautifully Broken: An Unlikely Journey of Faith” by Paige Wetzel and Josh Wetzel (2020) Non-Fiction/Biography

Paige’s world is turned upside down when she is told that her husband, Josh, may not survive an accident in Afghanistan. He survived but lost both his legs. This book written is written from both the perspectives of Paige and Josh and chronicles the journey of her struggles with faith, marriage and family.

“Tagged for Death” by Sherry Harris (Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries) (2014) Fiction/Mystery

Sarah finds herself starting over at 38 when her husband runs off with a 19-year-old named Tiffany. Like many of us, she turns to retail therapy at garage and tag sales to help her beat the blues. However, after a particularly successful thrifting day, she finds a freshly bloodied shirt belonging to her ex in a pile of newly bought finds. To add to this, Tiffany has gone missing. Sarah now must prove that while her ex may have a cold heart, he isn’t a cold-blooded killer.

“The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com” by Lisa Smith Molinari (2020) Non-fiction/ Memoir

Smith Molinari left behind her career in law to follow her military husband around. Three kids, a constantly shedding dog, a minivan full of cold French fries and a DVR that is 98 percent full brings about hilarious stories from military life.