Girls on the Line...#BookReview

December 1917. As World War I rages in Europe, twenty-four-year-old Ruby Wagner, the jewel in a prominent Philadelphia family, prepares for her upcoming wedding to a society scion. Like her life so far, it’s all been carefully arranged. But when her beloved older brother is killed in combat, Ruby follows her heart and answers the Army Signal Corps’ call for women operators to help overseas.

As one of the trailblazing “Hello Girls” deployed to war-torn France, Ruby must find her place in the military strata, fight for authority and respect among the Allied soldiers, and work to secure a victory for the cause. But balancing service to country is complicated further by a burgeoning relationship with army medic Andrew Carrigan.

What begins as a friendship forged on the front lines soon blossoms into something more, forcing Ruby to choose between the conventions of a well-ordered life back home, and the risk of an unknown future.

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.

Thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this. You can learn more about Aimie K. Runyan on her website and follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

Read 9/18

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5/5 Stars