Meet Samantha “Brooke” Cooper-Sanchez, the female protagonist in our first installation in the Rules of Engagement Romance series! Operation: Camouflage Christmas is a novella available in ebook and print format! We hope you’ll enjoy it, and Brooke’s interview.

How are you connected to the military? What branch?

My father is an Army helicopter pilot, which makes me and my sisters military brats.

Where was your favorite place to live?

I loved the adventure of living in various places. I have a particular fondness for Fort Rucker in Alabama. Probably our longest stay and I finished high school there. Got my first glimpse of Bernard who I had a huge crush on.

What was the best thing about being an military brat?

I loved the traveling and seeing different parts of the world and immersing myself in culture. Probably one of the reasons I joined the Army myself.

What was the hardest thing about being a military brat?

Leaving friends behind when we’d move was always difficult. Thankfully I can keep in touch with most of them. My sister is a twin so I had a built in best friend with me wherever we went.

Where do you call home?

Wherever my mom is, that’s home.

What do you tell people when they ask, “Where are you from?”

Sometimes I say ‘Bama because that’s where I finished “growing up.” Most military brats don’t care where they’re from. We are more concerned with where we are right now.

Any advice for sponsors and families of children in the military?

Make home a priority and don’t sacrifice your children. Make every moment together all the more special. Life is uncertain and precious. Work hard, yes. Do your duty, absolutely, but make sure your family knows how much they are loved. My dad was great at this.

Why should people read Camouflage Christmas?

I lived it so maybe I’m biased, but the events in that story took me by surprise but God worked it all out in the best possible way. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but I for one am living a happily-ever-after moment with Bernard… remember the guy I met in high school? Yeah, he was there and it ended up being wonderful.