I spent the last four months playing in a rock & roll band.
I know what you’re thinking. “Gosh, Anne! You’re 71. What were you thinking?”
Let me explain. I didn’t know prior to taking voice lessons at the School of Rock that students are required to join a group and perform publicly. Because I had a history of dabbling with acoustic guitarsโ singing around the campfire stuffโI also started playing an electric guitar so I could pull my weight with the group.
We just performed our season-ending show, which included 12 songs from groups in the Rock & Roll Hall of fame. It was fun, and exhausting, and exhilarating.
Now, I need a nap.
Still, I do believe Iโll be doing it again.
A big thank you to all my lovely friends who came out to cheer us on.
Bud Richardville is inducted into the Army as the United States prepares for the invasion of Europe in 1943. A chance comment has Bud assigned to the Graves Registration Service where his unit is tasked with locating, identifying, and burying the dead. Bud ships out, leaving behind his new wife, Lorraine, a mysterious woman who has stolen his heart but whose secretive nature and shadowy past leave many unanswered questions. When Bud and his men hit the beach at Normandy, they are immediately thrust into the horrors of what working in a graves unit entails. Bud is beaten down by the gruesome demands of his job and losses in his personal life, but then he meets Eva, an optimistic soul who despite the war can see a positive future. Will Evaโs love be enough to save him?
โWhat a brilliant book! I couldnโt put this novel downโฆIt is a solid five-star read. An unputdownable accounting of innocence, greed, the horrors of war, and the selfishness and criminal behaviors of some who seek to profit off the misfortunes of others. Your Forgotten Sons should be a must-read for all lovers of fiction, especially WWII fiction. The tale was educational, provocative, enlightening, and so well done. I hope Anne Montgomery writes another tale such as this. Her books have found a place on my bookshelves.โ โ Virginia Dill Book Sirens
โSpectacular! One of the most personal books about WWII history that Iโve ever readโฆThe characters in this book are so well crafted that the reader feels like they know themโฆMy only regret is that it ended.โ 5 Stars โ Deacon Tom F, former USAF Lt Col., Amazon
โAlthough a defty crafted work of original fiction, โYour Forgotten Sonsโ by Anne Montgomery is inspired by a true story. An original and inherently interesting read from start to finish, โYour Forgotten Sonsโ will prove to be an immediate and enduringly appreciated pick.โ โ Midwest Book Review
โYour Forgotten Sonsโ by Anne Montgomery is a historical fiction novel that intricately explores the emotional turmoil of war, immersing readers in its richly crafted world and leaving a lasting impact with its nuanced characters and poignant storytelling.โ โ Chrysalis Brew Project
โThis was a quick, riveting read that really challenged me to think differently about our servicemen and women, especially those who take on the jobs that donโt get heroically depicted in the media or newsโฆI really highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a different take on American history. I left it with a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes.โ โ Bekah C NetGalley
โThe story of Bud is tragic and evokes strong emotions, a sense of having lost a buddy in arms, a brother you knew and lovedโฆThe conclusion may not be what the reader expects, however, and the reveal is shocking. War is hell. 5 stars.โ โ Virginia Williams Rosepoint Publishing
โCertainly Montgomeryโs best book yet. Should be required reading for West Point Cadets and ROTC students, but more importantly mandatory reading for those of us that are casual observers of conflict. The book shifted my paradigm about the personal cost of war, and especially what it takes to clean up after a battle. Montgomery continues to be an outstanding story teller!โ โ Bill Clarkson Goodreads Reviewer
โThis is the truth. Itโs gritty and painful and bittersweet โ and true. When you think youโve read every perspective of WWII, along comes Bud to break your heart.โ โ Bridgett Siter Former Military Reporter
โAnne Montgomery writes a strong story and I was hooked from the first page. It had a great concept and I enjoyed that this was inspired by a true storyโฆIt was written perfectly and I was invested in the story. Anne Montgomery has a great writing style and left me wanting to read more.โ โ Kathryn McLeer NetGalley
I needed a change. Iโd been writing regularly in one form or another for over 40 years and was burned out. But when we give something up, there is often a hole left behind, so I needed a new hobby.
Years ago, I found joy in singing, so I decided to take voice lessons. What I didnโt know when I started attending the School of Rock is that I was required to perform publically with a group.
For the past several months, Iโve been rehearsing with my fellow adult rockers. I thought initially Iโd just be singing, but it turns out we all chip in where weโre needed. While I’d played acoustic guitar sporadically over the years and Iโd never touched an electric guitar, I play one now.
Our group will be performing our season-ending event on Saturday, August 26 at Cactus Jackโs in Phoenix. The set starts at 6:30 PM, so if youโre in the neighborhood come on out and bring your dancing shoes.
September 26, 2026
6:30 PM
Cactus Jack’s Bar & Grill 4747 E Elliot Rd Phoenix, Arizona
Rebecca Quinn escapes her controlling husband and, with nowhere else to go, hops the red-eye to Arizona. There, Gaby Strand โ her auntโs college roommate โ gives her shelter at the Salt River Inn, a 1930โs guesthouse located in the wildly beautiful Tonto National Forest. Becca struggles with post-traumatic stress, but is enthralled by the splendor and fragility of the Sonoran Desert. The once aspiring artist meets Noah Tanner, a cattle rancher and beekeeper, Oscar Billingsley, a retired psychiatrist and avid birder, and a blacksmith named Walt. Thanks to her new friends and a small band of wild horses, Becca adjusts to life in the desert and rekindles her love of art. Then, Beccaโs husband tracks her down, forcing her to summon all her strength. But can she finally stop running away?
โWild Horses On The Salt showcases author Anne Montgomeryโs genuine flair for originality and the kind of narrative driven and dramatic storytelling that is the hallmark of an award-worthy novel.โ โ Midwest Book Review
โMs. Montgomery weaves an intricate parallel tale, portraying the struggles of one woman, and that of a lost wild stallionโboth fighting to rise above the cruelty of an unkind world. Her unique writing style, incredible knowledge of her subject matter, combined with her ability to create vivid scenes of the East Valley, and particularly the Tonto National Forest and Salt River area in Arizona, takes the reader on a fascinating (and educational) journey.โ โ Margaret Millmore Author
โA beautiful yet tragic story of healing.โ โ Erin Kosio Amazon
โThe story of the wild horses of the Salt is expertly interwoven into this exciting and thoughtful story of a wounded soul determined to regain her life and find genuine love.โ โ Sharon Grow Goodreads
โIt is a romance, not just between men and woman, but between people and a place. Montgomery captured it and accurately, too. This was an engrossing read, despite the abuse. I recommend it.โ โ Anne R. Marshall Amazon
โA beautifully considered, sumptuous novel from a skilled storyteller-highly recommended.โ โ Rose Auburn-Writing and Reviews
โFantastic page-turner. Fast-paced, adventurous, and thoughtful story of the survival of Beccaโs wounded soul. Her struggles, experiences, passions, fears, healing, and the truth of her chilly silence are wonderfully portrayed.โ โ Anu Menon Thought is Free Book Blog
If youโre casting about for something to do on Friday, September 18, why donโt you head over to the Neighborhood Comedy Theater in Mesa. Iโve been invited to tell some stories, after which improv comedians will act them out. Sounds interesting, yes? The show starts at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available here or at the door.
Liaison: A Next Chapter Imprint
Contemporary Fiction/Romance
Rebecca Quinn escapes her controlling husband and, with nowhere else to go, hops the red-eye to Arizona. There, Gaby Strand โ her auntโs college roommate โ gives her shelter at the Salt River Inn, a 1930โs guesthouse located in the wildly beautiful Tonto National Forest. Becca struggles with post-traumatic stress, but is enthralled by the splendor and fragility of the Sonoran Desert. The once aspiring artist meets Noah Tanner, a cattle rancher and beekeeper, Oscar Billingsley, a retired psychiatrist and avid birder, and a blacksmith named Walt. Thanks to her new friends and a small band of wild horses, Becca adjusts to life in the desert and rekindles her love of art. Then, Beccaโs husband tracks her down, forcing her to summon all her strength. But can she finally stop running away?
“Wild Horses On The Salt showcases author Anne Montgomery’s genuine flair for originality and the kind of narrative driven and dramatic storytelling that is the hallmark of an award-worthy novel.” – Midwest Book Review
โMs. Montgomery weaves an intricate parallel tale, portraying the struggles of one woman, and that of a lost wild stallionโboth fighting to rise above the cruelty of an unkind world. Her unique writing style, incredible knowledge of her subject matter, combined with her ability to create vivid scenes of the East Valley, and particularly the Tonto National Forest and Salt River area in Arizona, takes the reader on a fascinating (and educational) journey.โ – Margaret Millmore Author
“A beautiful yet tragic story of healing.” – Erin Kosio Amazon
“The story of the wild horses of the Salt is expertly interwoven into this exciting and thoughtful story of a wounded soul determined to regain her life and find genuine love.” – Sharon Grow Goodreads
“It is a romance, not just between men and woman, but between people and a place. Montgomery captured it and accurately, too. This was an engrossing read, despite the abuse. I recommend it.” – Anne R. Marshall Amazon
“A beautifully considered, sumptuous novel from a skilled storyteller-highly recommended.” – Rose Auburn-Writing and Reviews
“Fantastic page-turner. Fast-paced, adventurous, and thoughtful story of the survival of Beccaโs wounded soul. Her struggles, experiences, passions, fears, healing, and the truth of her chilly silence are wonderfully portrayed.” – Anu Menon Thought is Free Book Blog
