Some good news
The Military Writers Society of America announced their 2025 Awards winners and Playing Army earned a Bronze Medal! Click here to read their review:
Like the dork that I am, I didn’t really clock that submitting my novel for a review from MWSA meant I was also entering it for judging but hey, the recognition is very nice! Especially since it comes from the community of military writers.
Reviews are more important than awards, though, and I’m so grateful to each of you who’s taken the time to read and review Playing Army. If you haven’t had a chance to write a review yet, there’s no deadline! If you’ve been mulling over your thoughts about the story, even if they’re conflicted, please feel free to put them out there on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211147246-playing-army
Or Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1DBRLL8/
Or Barnes & Noble, or your own platform, or wherever you go to talk books.
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/playing-army-nancy-stroer/1145379154
Reviews help future readers make choices about whether to pick a book up – not for bolstering the fragile egos of authors – so just write what you think. Truly.
And if you haven’t had a chance to read Playing Army yet, it’s available on all the online places (my favorite is Bookshop.org for its strong support of independent book sellers) or at your local bricks-n-mortar book store.
Thanks so much for playing army! Stay tuned for a list of some of the spooky books I’ve been reading, and ghost-y movies I’ve been watching in October 🎃
All the best,
Nancy

I’m not sure that featured image is quite big enough, ha ha!
Woohoo! Awesome news, my friend.
Thank you, Joelle! xx
Congrats. Recognition at any level is to be commended. Can you imagine seeing that bronze award that size or larger with a ribbon attached to it and wearing it on your jacket? The decoration that ate your ribbon rack! It was (still is) a fantastic read. Brava!
Hi, Jay! MWSA did actually send me a medal! Maybe I’ll wear it over my jammies next time I can make it to a #5amWriters virtual donut party 🙂 🙂
Well done Nancy! That’s great recognition. X
Thank you, Nancy! Xx
Congratulations Nancy! Well deserved recognition for a great book! Our book club enjoyed reading and discussing it!
Thank you so much, Pam! Please tell your book group I said hello 🙂 I’m so glad you all enjoyed it 🙂
So proud of you, Nance! This is fantastic.
Thank you, Deb! Xx
Congratulations Nancy! Wonderful recognition of your hard work and gifted, courageous writing
Thank you, Paulie! Your support means the world 🙂 In other news, I was looking for Marty’s Kahlua brownie recipe and also stumbled across your recipe for bean dip. Is it okay if I share it during November (which, for whatever reason, shall be my month of soldiers and their snack food)?
So many congratulations on Playing Army’s medal, Nancy!!! This review reminds me how much I liked the book and makes me think it’s time for a re-read. x