KEEP FOREVER

by Alexa Kingaard

Overview

Now that Paul O'Brien has returned from serving in Vietnam, he wants nothing more than to piece together a meaningful life. But the war-spawned, guilt-driven nightmares won't stop haunting him. In an era when veterans refuse to speak of their pain and the government denies that thousands of soldiers are coming home irreparably damaged, Paul is left to deal with the challenge of caring for his family amidst his erratic flashback episodes and moods. As his life unravels from the lingering effects of PTSD, Elizabeth is committed to helping him overcome the obstacles in their path. Determined to live in love, they struggle a lifetime with the burden that Paul brought home. However, in spite of the darkness he carries, he still manages to create a legacy of light, compassion, and understanding that Elizabeth and their children will keep forever.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781947392809
Publisher:	Acorn Publishing, Battle Creek, MI
Publication date:	03/23/2020
Pages:	282
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.64(d)

About the Author

Alexa Kingaard was born in San Diego, CA and considers herself a native, having lived most of her life in the area. She currently resides in Carlsbad and is the mother of an adult son and daughter who continue to be her biggest fans and cheerleaders. A realtor for fifteen years, she remains involved with her profession and praises her brokers and clients for giving her the nod to be creative. She gives all the credit for completing KEEP FOREVER to her inspiration and late ex-husband, Jeff, who battled the residual effects of the Vietnam War for decades after his return.

In her debut novel, Alexa creates an intimate portrait of a family dealing with the unseen wounds of a Vietnam Veteran and his lifetime struggle with PTSD. Although the story is fictional, she has tapped the memory of her own experiences to tell a compelling, sensitive account of the emotional turmoil soldiers endure, and the collateral damage created for their wives and children.

“I believe anyone who has known a veteran or active member of our armed services will be able to relate, regardless of the conflict,” she states. “The injuries are an instant replay, noticeable or disguised, and the endurance test of all our military men and women is nothing short of heroic.” This story will capture your heart.

Editorial Reviews

"Keep Forever holds a special place in my heart. Inspired by a true story, this moving coming of age tale follows the unbreakable Elizabeth O'Brien from her tragic childhood to maturity as she struggles with the scars the Vietnam War left on the men she loves most. Keep Forever is heartbreaking and inspiring, a true tour de force, and a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction." HOLLY KAMMIER, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF Kingston Court

"Inspired by her own true story, Alexa Kingaard’s novel is an honest, realistic and sobering look at the problems a wife faces when she discovers her husband continues to endure psychological stress from his days serving in Vietnam. Unlike some war stories that focus on intense, harsh and graphic depictions of post-combat trauma, this tale unfolds gently, like an Edna Ferber novel, spread across many decades, detailing the impact this soldier’s illness has on an entire family, including children and grandchildren. Keep Forever Is a wonderful, emotionally satisfying read that I highly recommend." GARY SEIGEL, AUTHOR of Haskell Himself

"Alexa Kingaard is spot-on in this book is describing PTSD and its impact on the veteran and those who are close to him. This is a must read for veterans, their families, their friends, all who work in the mental health field and everyone else to help them understand the life of someone with PTSD." PHILIP SHECKLER, United States Navy, Petty Officer 2nd Class, Vietnam 1971-1972

"It was a tumultuous time in American history and the story of Paul, a veteran returning from the war in Vietnam, was accurately depicted. As Ms. Kingaard so aptly illustrates: not all war wounds are visible. Her novel provides a vivid narrative of the destruction PTSD has on individuals and families. The reader feels Paul's pain. And Paul's wife, Elizabeth, like so many wives or girlfriends welcoming their men back from 10,000 miles away and trying to understand the untold horrors they experienced, does her best to support and care for Paul while working to maintain a healthy family environment for her children. Ms. Kingaard's attention to detail draws the reader into the post-Vietnam era, as well as the Southern California lifestyle. If you lived through the 1960s and 1970s, the novel quickly propels you into the past. The reader marvels at Ms. Kingaard's talent to depict the way of life back then--the cars, fads, customs, traditions." AMAZON CUSTOMER - 5 STARS

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book, while it was easy and entertaining to read, it still managed to touch on some very profound issues, such as PTSD and the struggle of those closest to the ones suffering from it. At the same time this is not a sad book, the author shows that grace can appear in unexpected places. Elizabeth's story was very relatable.I have no personal experience with PTSD but after reading the book, I feel that I have gained a greater understanding of it and the ways it can manifest itself. I look forward to reading more by this author." AMAZON CUSTOMER - 5 STARS

From the Publisher