The Wounded Warrior Wife: The Untold Cost of Life as a Military Spouse
For military spouses, military-connected women, and any woman who has held everything together for everyone else — and forgot herself in the process.
Behind every deployed service member is a spouse who holds everything together — the house, the children, the emotions, the logistics — often alone, often invisible, often without acknowledgment of the toll it takes.
This book is for her. Written by a Licensed Occupational Therapist, healthcare advocate, and military life expert, The Wounded Warrior Wife pulls back the curtain on the real cost of military life on the women who serve beside those who serve.
"You've spent years supporting others through moves, deployments, and transitions. Now it's your turn to be seen."
Part memoir, part guide, part rallying cry — this book will leave you feeling understood, validated, and ready for what comes next.
The emotional and physical toll of military life that no one prepares you for — and why it's not talked about enough.
Who are you when the mission ends? Exploring the loss of self that happens quietly over years of putting others first.
Practical, compassionate tools for reclaiming your health, your voice, and your next chapter — on your terms.
Stories from women just like you, woven throughout — because healing starts with knowing someone else understands.
"Add to the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ required reading list; A mandatory read for every woman thinking about marrying a military man. This needs to be in every military exchange!"
Jen M. LtCol Marine Reserves (Retired), Former Military Spouse 23 years
"I’m sitting here in tears. It is so true that God will redeem our greatest hurts and make them our most impactful ministry. I’m praying for all who read your words, a healing balm to a weary soul❤️, I recommend this book to every veteran and former spouse I know."
Kelly P. Veteran Spouse, 30+ years
"OMG! Beautifully written! I truly believe your story will help others! Can't wait to read the rest of it!"
Kir V. Mom to an Army Soldier, 6 years
I'm a Licensed Occupational Therapist, ADHD & Executive Function Skills Coach, podcast host, and the founder of The Women's Midlife Network — a community for driven 45+ women ready to advocate for their health, reclaim their voice, and design what comes next.
For the last three decades, I've worked alongside hundreds of women navigating military life, midlife, identity shifts, and chronic health challenges. The Wounded Warrior Wife is the book I wished I had — and every woman needs.
Real, practical, no-fluff conversations about health, identity, and what it truly means to thrive after 45. New episodes weekly.
Listen on the podcast page →A founding-member community for driven 45+ women. Locked-in lifetime pricing. First access. Real support, not another Facebook group.
Join the waitlist →Keynotes and workshops on healthcare advocacy, military and veteran spouse wellness, and women's resilience.
Explore speaking topics →I wrote this book for the woman who has held everything together for everyone else — and somewhere along the way, quietly lost herself.
— Hillary Kayris, MS, OTR/L
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