Author MJ Allaire's novel "My Blissful Life as a Submariner's Wife" is a look at life in the Navy for families. It is based partly on the author's personal life experiences; but it is hard to tell which parts of the story are fiction and what she actually went though in her own life. The reason is that she writes the story in such a way that it is all believable and sounds and reads like her own memoir. One soon discovers all of the emotional issues that come from being left for months at a time without your husband. There is no one there to fix things that are broken, or need repair, including personal relationship issues. Being alone with your children with no support, or help, coming from the absent father - even though he is just following orders and is doing his duty - is a very hard and difficult life. The author makes this very clear. 

This book is about coping and adjusting and trying to make the best of situations that are all working against the very fabric of the family and the marriage. Even the strongest of couples under these kinds of circumstances can end up killing off a good relationship. It is a tough life for the family and Allaire paints a well written story of how this process destroys the family unit. She takes the readers on an emotional and spiritual journey. She lets us view a life torn a part by outside influences that the characters in this story cannot handle and have absolutely no control over. When reading this book I found myself totally emerged in the story. It is entertaining and insightful. A rare treat and look inside family life for military dependents - makes a good book to gift someone you know who is part of a military family.

Reviewed by Bill McDonald, MWSA Reviewer & former President (August 2009)