Set against the closing years of the Cold War, Constance Squires's debut novel introduces the family of Army Major Collins, as told through the eyes of Lucinda Collins-the vibrant, headstrong eldest daughter. 

In spare, heart-wrenchingly beautiful prose, Squires offers us a rare glimpse into the experiences and sacrifices of an American military family-a powerful story that reveals what it really means to fight for the things we believe in and to defend the ones we love.

Note from Ms. DuRant: Constance Squires was a military brat and Oklahoman. She's now a creative writing professor at OSU.

If you have lived in Germany, you'll recognize many of the settings. And, the interactions between characters may resonate with those of us who lived on other military posts and were part of military families.