Your Forgotten Sons: “Highly recommended”

August 7, 2026Leave a comment

“𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 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 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀…𝗜 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.” – 𝗕𝗲𝗸𝗮𝗵 𝗖 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆

Inspired by a true story

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 a Graves Registration Company, 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 Eva’s love be enough to save him?

Praise for Your Forgotten Sons

“Spectacular! One of the most personal books about WWII history that I’ve ever read…The characters in this book are so well crafted that the reader feels like they know them…My only regret is that it ended.” 5 Stars – Deacon Tom F, former USAF Lt Col., Amazon

“Although a defty crafted work of original fiction, “Your Forgotten Sons” by Anne Montgomery is inspired by a true story. An original and inherently interesting read from start to finish, “Your Forgotten Sons” will prove to be an immediate and enduringly appreciated pick.” – Midwest Book Review

“Your Forgotten Sons” 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.” – Chrysalis Brew Project

“This 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 don’t get heroically depicted in the media or news…I 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.” – Bekah C NetGalley

“The story of Bud is tragic and evokes strong emotions, a sense of having lost a buddy in arms, a brother you knew and loved…The conclusion may not be what the reader expects, however, and the reveal is shocking. War is hell. 5 stars.” – Virginia Williams Rosepoint Publishing

“Certainly Montgomery’s 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!” – Bill Clarkson Goodreads Reviewer

“This is the truth. It’s gritty and painful and bittersweet – and true. When you think you’ve read every perspective of WWII, along comes Bud to break your heart.” – Bridgett Siter Former Military Reporter

“Anne 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 story…It was written perfectly and I was invested in the story. Anne Montgomery has a great writing style and left me wanting to read more.” – Kathryn McLeer NetGalley

The Scent of Rain: A page-turner

July 30, 2026Leave a comment

“Anne Montgomery’s book, The Scent of Rain, was a page-turner. Filled with complexities of faith, religion, science and human nature, this book took me to remote Arizona and left me thirsty for both water, and the next page.” Anne Marie Amazon

Treehouse Publishing Group

2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards: Bronze Medal Winner for Fiction: West-Mountain Region

Contemporary Fiction/Young Adult Fiction

Rose Madsen dreams of becoming a science teacher and will do anything to keep from being married off to one of the men in her Fundamentalist Mormon (FLDS) community, including enduring her mother’s brutal beatings. Adan Reyes dreams of better days with his mother when he escapes the foster care system in Phoenix. When their fates become intertwined, Rose and Adan escape into the mountains, only to be hunted like animals. After they are discovered, they must decide if everyone they meet is determined to keep them locked in lives of abuse, or if some adults are worthy of their trust.

Get your copy here.

Praise for The Scent of Rain

“A deftly crafted and compelling read from cover to cover.” – Midwest Book Review

“Essential reading for both young adults and adults alike. There is literally nothing else I can say, except buy this book.” – Childishly Passionate Reviews

“A heartrending, heart-wrenching fictional narrative … Even in the midst of tribulations, The Scent of Rain celebrates the resilience and persistence of the human spirit.” – The Haunted Reading Room

“The characters in ‘The Scent of Rain’ added to an already amazing storyline.” – YABOOKSCENTRAL

“I loved ‘The Scent of Rain’. It is very apparent that Montgomery did extensive amounts of research … I absolutely think everyone should read it.” – The Book Return

“Whew. What a whirlwind. The story had been building and building and it all came to a tumbling end.”- Hasty Book List

Long-form storytelling may be on the way out

February 9, 2026April 8, 20266 Comments

***Young people are turning away from books and movies at an alarming rate.***

As a former film reviewer for a small newspaper—one of the best gigs ever—a recent post caught my eye. It seems that many young film students are having trouble…sitting through a movie. Professors reported that when students were asked to watch a film with their phones turned off roughly 50% were unlikely to comply. And when assigned to view a movie on their own less than 50% started watching the film and only about 20% completed the task.

The reasons are what you might expect. Young people focusing on the fast pace of Tik-Tok, Instagram Reels, and non-stop action in video games have apparently lost the ability to pay attention to long-format entertainment.

As a lover of film, I’m saddened. As an author of novels, I see where my vocation is headed. If young people can’t bring themselves to watch a 90-minute film, what are the chances of them reading an average-length novel which runs about 325 pages?

A quick search revealed my concerns were not unfounded. Studies show that many young people skim reading material, hurriedly moving through the verbiage as if the words themselves are somehow toxic. They find no joy in immersing themselves in lush or terrifying settings, different time periods, or the process of discovery: Where is the plot going? What is the protagonist’s motive? How will the characters survive?

Readers who have found themselves unable to put down a book, absorbed in the pages of a novel, eager to get to the climax of the plot, know the joy of a good story. Now, I’m wondering if this simple delight might be one we’ll have to explain to the generations to come, young people who will squint at us without understanding.

A 2024 study showed that just 14% of 13-year-olds read for pleasure every day. That’s down 10% from a decade ago. And in 2022, just 11% of high school seniors read at least six books for fun the previous year. So, it’s easy to see that if these trends continue those of us who ply our trade spinning stories are in for a difficult time.

I suppose it’s good news that young people are still reading, though their tastes have turned to graphic novels and native-digital content, which is defined as “material created specifically for digital platforms and consumed by audiences who have grown up in the age of technology. It is designed to be interactive, shareable, and often blends seamlessly with organic social media or web content. Such content is typically consumed rapidly, prioritizing visuals over text.”

So the problem remains. Long-form story telling is losing its appeal, whether it’s film or the written word. To my fellow authors, here’s hoping at some point the pendulum swings back and we might someday find young people happily nestled in the corner of a couch entranced by a story once more.

THE CASTLE

ANNE MONTGOMERY

Suspense/Thriller

NEXT CHAPTER PUBLISHING

Ancient ruins. Haunted memories. A ruthless predator. Can Maggie survive the ghosts of her past – and the monster hiding in plain sight?

When she returns to her job as a National Park Ranger at “The Castle”—a centuried-old Native American pueblo carved into an Arizona cliff—Maggie hopes the comfort of familiar ground will help her heal. Battling trauma and the grief of unimaginable loss, Maggie’s days are carefully measured, her life held together by the thinnest of threads.

But strange things are happening at the park. A mysterious child appears and vanishes without a trace. And a predator watches her every move, planning his attack.

With the help of friends, fellow survivors, and the land itself, Maggie begins to reclaim her strength. But the danger is closer than she knows, and soon Maggie will have to face a deadly threat… and her deepest fears.

Bookstores, libraries, and other booksellers can order copies directly from the Ingram Catalog.

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Praise for The Castle

“A deftly written and riveting read from cover to cover, “The Castle” effectively showcases author Anne Montgomery’s genuine mastery of the Romantic Suspense genre.” – Midwest Book Review

“A slow burn thriller, mixed in with a touch of mystical realism…A true five-star experience!” – Sara Steven Chick Lit Central

“A beautifully considered, sumptuous novel from a skilled storyteller.” – SaraRose Auburn Writing & Reviews

“This is a novel about good rage, about channeling the injustices of the world around us and fighting to do some good with both words and deeds. Lucky for readers, it was penned by a maestra like Anne Montgomery, so that we got a tense, powerful novel in the bargain too.” – Jennifer deBie-Rosie Amber Book Reviews

“Ms. Montgomery manipulates uncomfortable subjects and dark suspense into a gripping tale with hints of romance and humor carefully guiding readers on an informative journey of survival and self-discovery.“ Tonya Mathenia InD’tale Magazine

“Soul-stirring. A brilliant book…Truly a masterpiece.” – Anu Menon Thought is Free Book Blog

“I was gripped from start to end.” – Katherine Hayward Pérez Just Katherine Blog

“Ms. Montgomery has an almost magical talent to draw the reader into the worlds she creates through her words. Her characters are interesting, vulnerable and strong. While describing the locations in which her books are set, she weaves history with vivid images, immersing the reader in a hard-to-put-down story full of history, beauty and mystery.” – Margaret Millmore Author

Five books that show the reality of war

June 15, 20244 Comments

My just released novel Your Forgotten Sons tells the story of Sergeant Bud Richardville who served in the Graves Registration Service during World War II, a job that required Bud and his men to locate, identify, and bury the dead. So the novel is a true look at the horrors of war. With that in mind, I was asked to recommend five others books that represent war realistically. Find my choices here in an article that appeared in the online literary magazine Shepherd.