For fans of Lilac Girls, the next powerful novel from the author of Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist The Two-Family House about two sisters working in a WWII armory, each with a deep secret. “Loigman’s strong voice and artful prose earn her a place in the company of Alice Hoffman and Anita Diamant, whose readers should flock to this wondrous new book.” –Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling … –Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan’s Tale
“The Wartime Sisters shows the strength of women on the home front: to endure, to fight, and to help each other survive.” –Jenna Blum, New York Times and international bestselling author of The Lost Family and Those Who Save Us
Two estranged sisters, raised in Brooklyn and each burdened with her own shocking secret, are reunited at the Springfield Armory in the early days of WWII. While one sister lives in relative ease on the bucolic Armory campus as an officer’s wife, the other arrives as a war widow and takes a position in the Armory factories as a “soldier of production.” Resentment festers between the two, and secrets are shattered when a mysterious figure from the past reemerges in their lives.
“One of my favorite books of the year.” –Fiona Davis, national bestselling author of The Dollhouse and The Masterpiece
“A stirring tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of long-buried secrets.” –Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of The Edge of Lost and Sold on a Monday
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Gorgeous story about clashing sisters and more, set at the Springfield Armory in the early days of WWII. Loigman’s considerable gifts bring you into each woman’s world with profound empathy, energy and intelligence.
The Wartime Sisters by Lynda Cohen Loigman is a powerful and moving story of secrets, friendship, and sisterhood. In Ruth and Millie, whom we follow from their childhood in Brooklyn to their entwined lives as young mothers at a wartime armory in Springfield, Loigman masterfully portrays the complicated sister relationship. Beautifully written, emotionally charged, and rich with historical detail, this novel, and these sisters, will stay with me long after I turned the last page.
When I heard Lynda Cohen Loigman was releasing a new novel, I was excited as I loved her first book, The Two-Family House. The Wartime Sisters did not disappoint. I loved this book. The relationship between the two estranged sisters, Ruth and Millie, was very complex, filled with tension with each sister hiding a secret from their past. Both of the these characters, even with their imperfections, and two other prominent characters, Lillian and Arietta, were very likable to me. These were all strong female characters. Stories that take place during WWII are favorites of mine. Not only was the story itself very enjoyable and well written, I also enjoyed reading the historical information about the Springfield Armory given in the Author’s Note. It’s a big plus for me when I learn something new from reading a historical fiction novel and has me doing my own research, and this one did just that! The Wartime Sisters is a book I will definitely recommend to my friends.
Two sisters, one is beautiful, one is not. One sister is very intelligent, one is not. The mother dotes on one, the father dotes on the other. You can just imagine where this leads….or maybe not.
Millie and Ruth have always had problems. Ruth is the oldest and the smartest. Millie is flighty and gorgeous. This combination does not meld well together. These two are like oil and water and jealousy abounds. Then there are some bad decisions and some terrible secrets. Add all this to the mix and you have some very hard feelings to overcome.
Ruth is my favorite of the two. However, she is the manipulator and instigator. She is also the smartest. She does her best to protect her assets even if this leaves Millie in bad situations. You have to read this book to understand. The author really pulled at your heartstrings with each sister. As the reader, one minute you want to slap both and the next you are rooting for their success.
I do think the title could be better. It is really not about the war. Yes these girls work in an Armory during wartime, but that is about it. This is a story about family, jealousy, secrets, choices and where all of this can lead.
Well! I have started 2019 off with a bang! This is a poignant read not soon to be forgotten!
I received this novel from St. Martin’s press via Netgalley for a honest review.
https://reecaspieces.com/2019/01/22/the-wartime-sisters-by-lynda-cohen-loigman-review-fiction-historicalfiction-5starread/
As a new-to-me author, Loigman’s fresh voice, original plot and attention to historical detail had me captivated from the first chapter. This is a story of familial relationships and how the scars from long-buried secrets affect the fabric of our lives. Ms. Loigman masterfully reveals these secrets through a series of flashbacks told from the different points of view of the sisters, Ruth and Millie. With the support of Lillian and Arietta, Ruth and Millie must confront their past and fight their own battles as they attempt to mend their relationship. I found the setting of the homefront armory to be original and well-researched. Fans of historical fiction will love this book. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was a beautiful heart-warming story of the relationship between sisters. But it also about the relationship between a mother and her daughters and relationships among women. Each character was very well-developed and relatable. I felt these could be women I know.
Ruth has always resented the attention beautiful Millie received. So when Ruth marries she is happy to move from Brooklyn to the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts, seeing it as an opportunity to finally step out of her sister’s shadow. But a few years later circumstances result in Millie and her little boy moving in with Ruth and her husband. This time Ruth has the upper hand. She is married to an Army officer, has two children, and lives comfortably while Millie has lost her husband and struggles financially to support little Michael.
Two other ladies, Lillian and Arietta, enter the lives of the sisters and provoke moments of tenderness, compassion, and strength. Lillian is the wife of the commanding officer at the Armory. Arietta, the cook at the Armory cafeteria also has an amazing voice and often provides entertainment during the workers’ lunches.
But these women bear their own secrets – secrets that could destroy lives – secrets they wish could stay hidden but, in any good story, must be revealed. A mysterious man from the past appears and jeopardizes the lives these women have. I thought the pacing for the revealing of the secrets was handled masterfully. No sudden reveal at the end (that frequently does not work well).
I loved the entire story, as it evoked emotions within me. I could easily relate to Ruth’s resentment even though it often was undeserved. I admired Millie’s ability handle the resentment directed at her throughout her life. The writing was beautiful and had me totally immersed in the story.
The Wartime Sisters is a fabulous sophomore novel from Lynda Cohen Loigman. The book was easy to get into and hard to put down! LCL clearly did a lot of research in writing this novel and it shows. I walked away feeling not only good about how the story wraps up, but like I learned some things about WWII which I did not previously know.
I would highly recommend Wartime Sisters!
I read the, debut novel of Lynda Cohen Loigman, The Two Family House, and loved it. So, it was a no brainer, that I would be thrilled to read her second one., The Wartime Sisters. I was not disappointed, and loved it as well.
This story is one of a fractured relationship between sisters, Millie and Ruth, raised in Brooklyn. Their mother, obviously favoring the beautiful Millie over studious, plainer Ruth, unwittingly creates an atmosphere of jealousy and angst between the sisters. The timeline alternates between childhood and teen years, to the adults they become.
This is a story of sibling discord, destructive favoritism and the remnants of a mother’s mistakes. We experience the war effort of women, doing their part to fight an unseen enemy, while reveling in the wonderful music of that era and the comfort it provided, during unsettling times.
If you like historical fiction, this will satisfy your craving. I thank NetGalley, St Martins Press and Lynda Cohen Loigman for this ARC for my honest review.
I highly recommend this book. It’s exceptional.
Linda Cohen Loigman writes with such authenticity! She draws you into the story and sets you down in the middle of the sisters and all the secrets and competition that is part of one sister being beautiful and one being a bookworm. The authenticity of wartime and life at the Armory during the war draws right into the time and place! The writing is superb!
My Review
Lynda Cohen Loigman, Author of “THE WARTIME SISTERS” has written an enthralling, captivating, emotional, intense, intriguing and riveting novel. The Genres for this story are Historical Fiction, and Fiction. The time-line for this story starts in Brooklyn in the 1930’s and goes through World War Two, in the Springfield Armory, Massachusetts. The author describes her colorful characters as complex and complicated possibly due to the circumstances.
This is a story of sisterhood, both familial and during wartime, and survival. Sisters Ruth and Millie have never been close, even when they were toddlers. There was always a sibling rivalry between them. Ruth was the studious and serious type always responsible, and seeking approval. Millie was the blue-eyed, “gorgeous” sister, who seemed to get away with many things. As they grew up in Brooklyn, it seemed that Ruth’s dates preferred the lovely Millie. In their dysfunctional household, their mother would stress that Millie would marry a prince. It just seemed to Ruth, that her mother favored Millie.
Ruth finds the opportunity for a fresh start, when her husband is offered a job at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts. Unfortunately tragedy has occurred, and Millie is left in Brooklyn all alone. Ruth finds a group of friends, and has an important job. It becomes necessary for Millie to reach out to Ruth, when her husband is gone. Millie and her young son move to Massachusetts to be with Ruth’s family. Millie gets a job, and starts to find herself again at odds with Ruth.
Millie works in the factory, making parts for guns and rifles. She meets some a few good friends. During the war, it is the sisterhood of others that is so helpful and gives each other emotional support. I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of family, friends, emotional support, loyalty, love, and hope.
When someone from the past appears who is dangerous, the sisters must face the reality of the situation. Can they learn to forgive and move forward during such turbulent times? Can there be peace between the sisters as war looms on.
I highly recommend this novel to readers who appreciate Historical Fiction.
I loved this book. Very rarely do I start a review that way but I absolutely loved this book.
The Wartime Sisters tells the story of sisters Ruth and Millie. Their story begins in Brooklyn where they grew up in a loving family. This is one of the best explorations of the tenuous relationship between sisters and their mother I’ve ever read. Ruth is the plain, awkward, smart older sister and Millie the beautiful younger sister who doesn’t really excell at anything.
Ruth resents Millie for her beauty and the attention it garners from their mother as well as everyone else in their lives. She perceives Millie’s life as one of ease because in their mother’s eyes she can do no wrong. Ruth’s accomplishments are never acknowledged and she constantly hears their mother’s dreams for Millie which are all based on her looks. Ruth has to be the responsible daughter and feels like she has to take care of Millie. The divide between the sisters grows the older they get.
Millie has an overwhelming desire to be close to her sister. Although beautiful she feels inadequate in just about everything else. The harder she tries to connect with Ruth the more Ruth pushes her away.
The character development in this novel is excellent. The reader becomes privy to each sister’s thoughts about each other as well as themselves. It’s easy to feel the hurt they both feel because of their mother’s treatment.
I loved the storyline of this book. It’s well developed and I believe typical of families with an overbearing mother who seems to favor one sister over the other. It’s an impeccable exploration of the difficult relationships between sisters as well as mothers and daughters and shows just how damaging a mother’s influence can be.
I highly recommend this book. If you are a sister or daughter you will see yourself and your familial relationships in it. If you are a father, brother or husband it will give you insight into the complicated relationships of the women in your life. After reading this book I actually feel more sane and realize that my family experiences and troubles aren’t as unusual as I thought.
Wow, such a great book. War genre fiction is one of my favorite genres, but I really did not know much about the support efforts of the war in the US. This was a fascinating look into the lives of the men and women working stateside. The book focuses on the lives of two sisters who have been estranged most of their lives. They both are harboring a secret and must learn to live with that and the consequences. This book was hard to put down and I enjoyed it from page one to the end. Definitely 5 stars.
This book grabbed my attention based on the title. I’ve had a contentious relationship with my sister, so this had me intrigued. The story is presented from the view of each sister. They each are able to tell their side of their life story as the story unfolds. It was really amazing to hear some of the issues I’ve dealt with, being described in this book.
I was drawn to the story and really enjoyed the storyline and characters. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
I read this amazing book in one day as I couldn’t put it down. The Wartime Sisters is about sisters Ruth and Millie. Ruth is the oldest and the responsible one. Millie is the beautiful one who their Mom wants to marry well. Both sisters have their own stories to tell and I loved the characters in the book. I also enjoyed learning about the Springfield Armory and its purpose during WW2. I truly devoured this book and it will stay with me for a very long time. I received an advanced readers copy from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All opinions are my own.
One great thing about a printed book from a publisher, it is nicely edited.
I received an advanced copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
While it is a well written and informative story, mainly about two sisters, I didn’t feel a great connection to any of the characters. Maybe it was me but I felt it was more informative than anything. Going back and forth between the time periods.
Two Jewish sisters growing up in the 30’s. One smart, “perfect” and homely the other beautiful, mischievous and loved by everyone. Most people can relate to the sibling relationship. Then in the 40’s they are together again after several years apart. The relationship is still strained. Then add in a few friends, more flashbacks and a little “trauma” to wrap up the book with very little talk about the actual war.
It was really all about the Armory.
The Wartime Sisters by Lynda Cohen Loigman was a book that was very hard to put down. This is my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it. I just recently became a huge fan of Historical Fiction and this book was right up my alley. This was a very well researched and written book with well-developed characters. I would love to see it made into a movie. I will definitely read more books from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my ARC.
I consider this book Historical Fiction at its finest. Ruth, a plain, studious, stubborn girl has a younger sister Millie who is beautiful and the source of constant attention and sibling rivalry. The story starts out as they are growing up in Brooklyn, NY, 1919-1932. The girls both marry, Ruth to an Army scientist and Millie to a handsome guy with no ambition. Then the story then goes to the WWII Armory in Springfield, MA where Ruth and her husband Arthur live. Circumstances force Millie and her son to move to Springfield to live with Ruth and her family in 1942 after WWII has begun. The story goes back and forth between the two time periods but not in a confusing way. There are a number of very solid likable characters in this book who add a lot to this complex story line. The girls both have secrets and there are twists and turns in this fascinating book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes Historical Fiction. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Though not a typical read for me, I am grateful that the publisher sent me an advanced readers copy because it was such a beautiful story. This story is told from varying views and I found myself easily relating to the younger sister Millie in particular to her choice of a husband. Through the author’s writing I, was able to experience the feelings that Ruth and Millie had in such a vivid way, that I often felt as I myself was a part of this well-written story.
This was truly well worth reading and I hope that others take a chance on this story.
There is an unexplainable bond between sisters which remains through pettiness, rivalry, jealously, quarrels, and even enmity. This novel supports this theory.
Two sisters grow up physically close but miles apart in every other way. In their adult life they are thrown together by circumstances during World War ll. As they begin to help each other through difficulties, a fragile sense of togetherness emerges- but it be maintained? Both need honesty and humility to bring healing.
The story is set mainly in the Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. This location has a great deal of history from the war days.
It is a wonderful story!