For authors DeeDee Lake and Susan M. Baganz, Operation: Camouflage Christmas isn’t just a holiday love story—it’s a tribute to the resilience, faith, and unique challenges of military life. Part of the Rules of Engagement series, this novella offers readers a warm blend of mystery, romance, and military traditions. So, what inspired DeeDee and Susan to craft this heartfelt military Christmas romance?
A Story Drawn from Experience
The inspiration behind Camouflage Christmas reflects DeeDee’s own life in the military world. Growing up as a Navy brat and later marrying into the Army, DeeDee’s experiences shaped her storytelling and gave her a deep understanding of the struggles military families face. “I’ve lived the military life—first as a Navy brat and then as a (retired) Army wife. My personal experiences, along with stories from friends, played a big role in shaping Brooke and Bernard’s journey,” she shares.
DeeDee’s real-life perspective complements Susan’s expertise in romance. Susan envisioned the idea of Brooke receiving mysterious Christmas gifts—a subplot that quickly captured DeeDee’s imagination. “Susan created the idea for Operation: Camouflage Christmas, featuring Brooke receiving mysterious, unexpected gifts,” DeeDee explains. “From there, the story took on a life of its own.”
Balancing Romance and Realism
Writing a military romance with a holiday twist was both rewarding and challenging. The authors wanted authenticity in portraying Army life, so they dove into research. “Neither Susan nor I are twins, and while Susan is a therapist, neither of us has direct experience in military medicine,” DeeDee says. They studied medical corps training, consulted military contacts, and kept current with changes to base names and uniforms. “We changed several Army installation names,” DeeDee shares. “We wanted to ensure accuracy.”
The story’s strong themes of friendship and resilience were drawn from DeeDee’s own friendships. Her lifelong bond with her best friend Tammy, whom she met as a military kid in Spain, helped shape Brooke’s personality and the support Bernard offers. “My best friend Tammy embodies Brooke’s beauty and determination,” DeeDee notes. “Often, she came to mind as we plotted the story.”
A Foundation of Faith
Faith is a core element of Camouflage Christmas. The authors wanted readers to see God’s presence in both Brooke and Bernard’s lives, especially as they faced uncertainties. “Brooke starts with a clear plan and vision for her life—one she’s determined to follow,” DeeDee explains. “But as the saying goes, ‘If you want to make God laugh, make a plan.’” Through Brooke’s story, they hoped to encourage readers to trust God’s guidance, even when life doesn’t go as expected.
For Bernard, faith manifests in quiet support and encouragement, adding warmth and depth to his character. His journey shows that true strength is found in God’s plan, even when life feels unpredictable.
A Story of Resilience and Second Chances
Ultimately, Camouflage Christmas is a story of resilience, second chances, and hope. DeeDee and Susan’s collaboration brought together rich experiences, creating a novella that speaks to the heart. They hope readers walk away inspired to trust in God’s timing, embrace unexpected gifts, and find joy in the journey.
Whether you’re drawn to holiday romances or the strength of military life, Camouflage Christmas reminds us that some of life’s best gifts come wrapped in the unexpected. As Brooke and Bernard’s story unfolds, readers see a message of faith, courage, and the power of love.
