News & Updates
Independent Publisher Book awards
2025 IPPY Awards Bronze Medal
MILSPOUSE MATTERS was awarded the bronze medal in the Relationships category in the 2025 IPPY awards. So honored to have been chosen from thousands of entries! From IPPY: “Your book stood out among thousands of entries, and its quality, creativity, and impact truly impressed our judging team.”
This is the seventh award for Milspouse Matters!
Book excellence awards 2024 winner
Winner-Book Excellence Awards
MILSPOUSE MATTERS has been recognized as the winner of the Book Excellence Award Winner for the Military Category. MILSPOUSE MATTERS was selected for its high quality writing, design, and overall market appeal out of thousands of books. Very honored!
audio book news
My books now available on Audible!
Both MILSPOUSE MATTERS and YOU ARE NOT ALONE are now available as audiobooks! I’ve worked with an amazing narrator and am so excited to offer them to you in this format.
Independent author network book of the year awards
Finalist-2024 IAN Book of the Year Awards
MILSPOUSE MATTERS has been named a finalist in two categories by the Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards: Biography/Autobiography and Nonfiction: Military/War. So honored to be recognized by this organization!
military writers society of america award
2024 MWSA Gold Medal Award Winner
Announced in San Diego in September 2024, MILSPOUSE MATTERS has been awarded a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America for the Memoir/Biography category. Truly an honor for this book to be recognized by the military community!
podcast interview with jen
Mission: Milspouse Episode 1042
Jen joined Kathleen Palmer, Director of Content at Mission: Milspouse (formerly Army Wife Network) to talk about the transition out of military life, the stories behind the MILSPOUSE MATTERS book, writing books and how she got started, Jen’s message for new spouses, and so much more.
military writers society of america award
MWSA Announces 2024 Finalists
Announced July 2024: MILSPOUSE MATTERS: SHARING STRENGTH THROUGH OUR STORIES has qualified as a 2024 Award Finalist. This means that it has won either a gold, silver, or bronze medal. To be announced at MWSA’s annual awards banquet on September 28, 2024.
Milspouse Matters silver Award winner
2023 Foreword INDIES Silver Award Winner
Announced June 2024: MILSPOUSE MATTERS has won the silver medal in the Family & Relationships Adult Nonfiction category! This award is judged by 100 librarians and booksellers across the country. I am absolutely humbled and grateful that my book was selected for this prestigious award.
Milspouse Matters Finalist
Foreword INDIES Award Finalist
Milspouse Matters is a finalist in the industry accredited Foreword INDIES Awards in the Adult Nonfiction category Family & Relationships. Thousands of books are entered into this awards program each year.
5 stars For Milspouse Matters
Readers' Favorite 5 Stars
In a review published to 500,000 libraries, schools, and bookstores across America, Milspouse Matters was awarded 5 out of 5 stars! Readers’ Favorite only publishes reviews on books that earn 4 stars or above, and books are reviewed by experienced book reviewers. Here’s part of K.C. Finn’s review:
“McDonald’s ability to weave together personal anecdotes, historical perspectives, and contemporary insights creates a rich tapestry of experiences that resonates deeply with readers.”
Live Event: March 10-11, 2024
Meet Jen at the Tuscon Festival of Books
See Jen at one of the most popular book festivals in the country! She’ll be at booth 126 with her publisher, W. Brand Publishing. Get your books signed or just stop by and chat.
Recognition for Milspouse Matters
Military Writers Society of America library addition & award nomination
The MWSA awards honors the top books written for military and their families each year.
Milspouse Matters Featured
Stars & Stripes Feature
From Terri Barnes’ column:
“While squarely facing the challenges of military life, McDonald has created an uplifting narrative that highlights adventures of military life and the tenacity of military spouses and families across generations.”
Podcast Interview with Jen
Awesome Marriage Podcast Episode 582
Jen joined Dr. Kim Kimberling to discuss dealing with deployment and long-distance marriage on this popular marriage podcast.
Speaking Engagement- Fall 2023
AETC Command Spouses Yearly Conference Speaker
Jen shared with senior leadership spouses about prioritizing your marriage, relationships, and self-care when your spouse is in a high visibility role.
Featured Speaker 2023 & 2022
PILLAR Deployment Retreat
Jen has spoken twice at this digital deployment retreat on the topics of handling in-law relationships and helping your teens through a parent’s deployment.
Award for Milspouse Matters
Best New Books for Military Families 2023
Operation We Are Here names Milspouse Matters as one of the Best New Books for Military Families 2023.
Milspouse Matters Highlight
Five & Thrive Recommended Reading List
Five & Thrive was created by the spouse of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Book Release October 2023
Amazon #1 hot new release in these categories: Military Families, Biography Reference & Collections, Military & War Biographies
Top new release in Biographies & Memoirs of Women, Memoirs categories
Award for You Are Not Alone
Gold Medal from Readers’ Favorite Awards 2023
You Are Not Alone wins Gold Medal from Readers’ Favorite Awards 2023 in Christian Devotion/Study category!
The Readers’ Favorite Awards program screens thousands of book entries each year, from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants such as Random House, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster.
Award for You Are Not Alone
In a review published to 500,000 libraries, schools, and bookstores across America, Milspouse Matters was awarded 5 out of 5 stars! Readers’ Favorite only publishes reviews on books that earn 4 stars or above, and books are reviewed by experienced book reviewers.
Here’s part of Doreen Chombu’s review:
“Get a copy of this book to help you navigate the highs and lows of being a military spouse. I enjoyed this book and hope to read more from this author because I loved her honesty and authenticity.”
Book Release
You Are Not Alone 2nd Edition Released
- #1 Hot New Release in Amazon Military Families and Christian Devotionals categories
- Operation We Are Here suggested reading
Award for Author
Jen was added to this list of top influencers, entrepreneurs, authors, podcasters, and community advocates.