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4.11 AVERAGE

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This is a cool bit of history! The book is a historical fiction romance set in World War I. The protagonist Ruby is a telephone operator that goes and serves overseas operating the telephone lines.

The book has a sweet romance. I thought it was a bit obvious what would happen, but it was fun learning all the details.

The pacing was a little slow at first; what drew me in at the beginning was the tragic moments. I nearly cried several time during this book.

This book did a really good job of developing the characters, and showing a comprehensive snapshot of this period of history.

It was historically interesting because at the time the suffragettes were campaigning to get the vote. The story of this group of women dubbed Hello Girls is relevant to women’s rights because the army did not officially recognize them as veterans until 1979. Until that point they were viewed as citizens contracted with the army because the wording of the official army language specified ‘man’ This meant even though they were sworn in and wore uniforms they were unable to receive medical care or benefits.

One of the best historical novels I've read in a while. I'm just a sucker for high class women falling in love with lower class men- the forbidden love is one of my favorite tropes.

Wow

Absolutely loved this story!
Even though it is classed as a historical fiction book it was based on true stories of the women who became the signal corps.
I truely enjoyed reading...the characters are the best and it was easy to read their fictional stories. I loved Ruby and her tenacious attitude but I think Margot was my favourite. Margot grabbed the full by the horns and got stuff done...I'm not one to give the story away so I will leave my review with this...
You must read this book! If you love historical fiction You will love this book!

Engaged and working as a telephone operator in Philadelphia, Ruby Wagner reluctantly prepares for her upcoming wedding. When her brother is killed in combat, to her parents' disappointment, Ruby accepts an opportunity to work as an operator in the Army Signal Corps in France.

I had no idea that women served as telephone operators during World War 1. It makes so much sense while reading the story though. There had to be some way for those soldiers at the front to contact each other and for the brass to send and receive crucial messages and orders.

Aimie Runyan excels at writing about the relationships between women. These women were amazing. Strong and resilient and they put up with so much grief. Poor treatment by the servicemen, difficult living conditions and then after serving their country, not being recognized for that service in order to receive benefits and pensions. Added to that, it took another year after the war before American women received the right to vote.

Ruby was remarkable. Tenacious and strong-willed, the conflict between following her heart and pleasing her society parents was on point. Ruby and her fellow operators show us the strength of friendship. Margot was fantastic. Evangeline's story was heartbreaking, but inspiring. I adored Andrew and I shook my head at Nathaniel.

I am never disappointed with an Aimie Runyan book. I so appreciate that Aimie finds untold stories about incredible women in history and then brings them to life on the pages of her books. Women supporting, encouraging and advocating for each other can literally rule the world together. And these women are not afraid to stand up for themselves or work hard.

More like 3.5 but not quite 4 stars, this historical novel tells the story of American women telephone operators serving on the front lines of WWI. This was something I knew little about, and I found the story inspiring.

completed via audiobook — I generally enjoy historical fiction (though could have done without the grand romance featured in this book) and am excited to read more about the Signal Corps.

What a wonderful audio book! Author Runyon has spun a truly enjoyable tale of the Hello Girls of the Army Signal Corps in WW I.
adventurous challenging emotional funny informative relaxing tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
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justjessers's review

5.0
adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective tense slow-paced