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The Liberty Scarf
In the midst of a seemingly endless war, a scarf connects three women in the cold winter of 1917 . . .
As an ambitious scarf maker, Iris Braxton spends her days surrounded by color and luxury not often seen during the dark days of war that promised to be over by Christmas. That promise has come and gone for three years with still no end in sight and her days continue in a monotony of rations and threads while she spins a dream of becoming Liberty's first female pattern designer. She hasn't the time or interest in rakish soldiers, but the temporarily-on-leave Captain Conrad Jones is persistent--and before long his charm wins her over. But war is cruel and all too soon Conrad leaves once more for the Front, but not before vowing to meet again in Strasbourg, France, the most magical of Christmas cities. Iris begins stitching small messages into each of the scarves she makes in hopes that one will find a way into Conrad's hands to let him know she's thinking of him. And when she receives word that he's wounded in Strasbourg, she rushes to his side. Along the way, she passes a woman wearing one of her scarves . . .
Geneviève Tremblay, a French-Canadian immigrant, is a telephone operator living in Lewiston, Maine. Her beau is a member of a prominent family who has helped to Americanize her in a community often unfriendly to Canadians. As part of this effort, she enlists in the US Army Signal Corps to serve as a bi-lingual operator. Along the way, she meets a French officer who makes her question whether losing her identity is too heavy a price for acceptance.
The Clara Janssens, a Flemish Nurse, and Roman Allaire, an Alsatian violinist, are chosen to play for an orchestra providing morale on the front lines. This is a world they've never known, far beyond their routine provincial and countryside lives--and the expectations in those towns. Their love of music creates a spark between them, but the destruction of battle and the fulfillment of a promise threaten their romance. Still, the appearance of a kind stranger and the unexpected gift of a treasured scarf bind them long beyond their stolen moments and offer them a future beyond what they could have even hoped.
As an ambitious scarf maker, Iris Braxton spends her days surrounded by color and luxury not often seen during the dark days of war that promised to be over by Christmas. That promise has come and gone for three years with still no end in sight and her days continue in a monotony of rations and threads while she spins a dream of becoming Liberty's first female pattern designer. She hasn't the time or interest in rakish soldiers, but the temporarily-on-leave Captain Conrad Jones is persistent--and before long his charm wins her over. But war is cruel and all too soon Conrad leaves once more for the Front, but not before vowing to meet again in Strasbourg, France, the most magical of Christmas cities. Iris begins stitching small messages into each of the scarves she makes in hopes that one will find a way into Conrad's hands to let him know she's thinking of him. And when she receives word that he's wounded in Strasbourg, she rushes to his side. Along the way, she passes a woman wearing one of her scarves . . .
Geneviève Tremblay, a French-Canadian immigrant, is a telephone operator living in Lewiston, Maine. Her beau is a member of a prominent family who has helped to Americanize her in a community often unfriendly to Canadians. As part of this effort, she enlists in the US Army Signal Corps to serve as a bi-lingual operator. Along the way, she meets a French officer who makes her question whether losing her identity is too heavy a price for acceptance.
The Clara Janssens, a Flemish Nurse, and Roman Allaire, an Alsatian violinist, are chosen to play for an orchestra providing morale on the front lines. This is a world they've never known, far beyond their routine provincial and countryside lives--and the expectations in those towns. Their love of music creates a spark between them, but the destruction of battle and the fulfillment of a promise threaten their romance. Still, the appearance of a kind stranger and the unexpected gift of a treasured scarf bind them long beyond their stolen moments and offer them a future beyond what they could have even hoped.
368 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2024
About the author
Aimie K. Runyan
13 books1,353 followersAimie K. Runyan writes to celebrate history’s unsung heroines. She has been honored as a Historical Novel Society Editors’ Choice selection, as a three-time finalist for the Colorado Book Awards, and as a nominee for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer of the Year. Aimie is active as an educator and speaker in the writing community and beyond. Her next books, The Castle Keepers (in collaboration with J'nell Ciesielski and Rachel McMillan) and A Bakery in Paris will release in 2023 from Harper Collins. Also from Harper Collins, Aimie's contemporary Women's Fiction debut, The Memory of Lavender and Sage, will release in early 2024. She lives in Colorado with her amazing husband, two (usually) adorable children, two (always) adorable kitties, and a dragon. To learn more about Aimie, please visit www.aimiekrunyan.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
September 26, 2024
Iris Braxton works as a painter for Liberty Co. who are famous for their fine fabrics, ornaments and merchandise. Iris dreams of becoming Liberty’s first female pattern designer, she takes her sketchbook with her everywhere and trying to come up with fresh and modern designs. Captain Conrad Jones is recovering from his wounds, he meets Iris, she's not interested in romance and he’s determined to change her mind. Iris assumes Conrad will be discharged from the army, and instead he’s called back to the front and he’s sent to Strasbourg.
Geneviève Tremblay is a French-Canadian immigrant, she’s a telephone operator living in Lewiston, Maine and she’s courting Peter. His parents are not happy with her humble background and think joining the US Army Signal Corps will improve her social sanding. Jennie is sent to France, she speaks fluent French and here she meets Captain Maxime Auvray a winemaker and of course she tells him about Peter.
Clara Janssens is a Flemish Nurse, and violinist Roman Allaire is from Strasbourg and he’s chosen to play for an orchestra touring the front lines and to boost morale. Clara works in a casualty clearing satiation and then at a palace converted into a hospital and she’s best friends with fellow nurse Annelise. When Clara and Roman meet there’s a spark between them and the war isn’t over yet and both are in danger.
I received a copy of The Liberty Scarf, from Edelweiss Plus and HarperCollins Focus in exchange for an honest review. The three successful historical fiction authors J’Nell Ciesielski, Rachel McMillan and Aimie K. Runyan all create and weave narratives where a special scarf connects the three women together, and it’s a gift and a symbol of friendship, beauty, hope, love and peace.
Set during one of history’s destructive and bloodiest wars, fought in the battle fields and trenches of France between the winters of 1917 to 1918, I highly recommend The Liberty Scarf and five stars from me.
Geneviève Tremblay is a French-Canadian immigrant, she’s a telephone operator living in Lewiston, Maine and she’s courting Peter. His parents are not happy with her humble background and think joining the US Army Signal Corps will improve her social sanding. Jennie is sent to France, she speaks fluent French and here she meets Captain Maxime Auvray a winemaker and of course she tells him about Peter.
Clara Janssens is a Flemish Nurse, and violinist Roman Allaire is from Strasbourg and he’s chosen to play for an orchestra touring the front lines and to boost morale. Clara works in a casualty clearing satiation and then at a palace converted into a hospital and she’s best friends with fellow nurse Annelise. When Clara and Roman meet there’s a spark between them and the war isn’t over yet and both are in danger.
I received a copy of The Liberty Scarf, from Edelweiss Plus and HarperCollins Focus in exchange for an honest review. The three successful historical fiction authors J’Nell Ciesielski, Rachel McMillan and Aimie K. Runyan all create and weave narratives where a special scarf connects the three women together, and it’s a gift and a symbol of friendship, beauty, hope, love and peace.
Set during one of history’s destructive and bloodiest wars, fought in the battle fields and trenches of France between the winters of 1917 to 1918, I highly recommend The Liberty Scarf and five stars from me.
October 29, 2024
“I think liberty is as lovely a word as hope.”
This was one of the best historical fiction novels I’ve read this year!
I absolutely loved the way the liberty scarf was woven throughout each story. I don’t have a favourite; each one was unique in its own way. From one I learned about the origins of the Liberty scarf, the iconic storefront and the term ‘blighty’. From another I learned about the US Army Signal Corps and General Pershing’s ‘Hello Girls’. And from the third story, I learned about Pieter Breugel’s painting ‘The Blind Leading The Blind’ and an orchestra formed to play at the frontlines and boost troops’ morale.
I enjoyed every moment with Captain Richard ‘Rex’ Conrad, Iris Braxton, Captain Maxime Auvray, Genevieve Tremblay, Roman Allaire and Clara Janssens and I think “The Feathered Hope” story will stay in my mind the longest. I appreciated the epilogue and how it tied everything together nicely for readers.
I wonder if the scarf in the cover could have been represented differently to reflect the story within….when I think of a Liberty scarf, this red scarf is not what comes to mind.
“Everything tastes sweeter when served with a heaping spoonful of nostalgia.”
I was gifted this copy by HarperCollins Focus and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This was one of the best historical fiction novels I’ve read this year!
I absolutely loved the way the liberty scarf was woven throughout each story. I don’t have a favourite; each one was unique in its own way. From one I learned about the origins of the Liberty scarf, the iconic storefront and the term ‘blighty’. From another I learned about the US Army Signal Corps and General Pershing’s ‘Hello Girls’. And from the third story, I learned about Pieter Breugel’s painting ‘The Blind Leading The Blind’ and an orchestra formed to play at the frontlines and boost troops’ morale.
I enjoyed every moment with Captain Richard ‘Rex’ Conrad, Iris Braxton, Captain Maxime Auvray, Genevieve Tremblay, Roman Allaire and Clara Janssens and I think “The Feathered Hope” story will stay in my mind the longest. I appreciated the epilogue and how it tied everything together nicely for readers.
I wonder if the scarf in the cover could have been represented differently to reflect the story within….when I think of a Liberty scarf, this red scarf is not what comes to mind.
“Everything tastes sweeter when served with a heaping spoonful of nostalgia.”
I was gifted this copy by HarperCollins Focus and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 17, 2024
Three of my fav authors have collaborated again, this time on a splendid historical novel linking three women to one scarf in WWI. I loved each compelling romance and marveled at how beautifully the tales entwined. A must-read for fans who adore women's histficrom of the highest quality!
September 26, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Liberty Scarf tells three interrelated stories of women towards the end of World War One, brought together by the same Liberty of London scarf.
Iris Braxton is a design painter at Liberty who longs to become their first female designer. Through her boyfriend Rex she has the opportunity to show one design to Liberty's current owner and he chooses it to be made into a scarf to be sold in the famous department store. The scarf has the famous Liberty peacock feathers in the design and a quote from Emily Dickinson "hope is the thing with feathers" scrolling along the edges. Rex is sent back to the front but he and Iris continue to correspond.
Genevieve is one of Patton's "Hello Girls" working the switchboards in France at the front. Before going to France she meets Maxime, a French pilot, in London and he buys her Iris's scarf as a thank you for helping him select a birthday gift for his sister. Although Genevieve has an understanding with a man from back home, she and Maxime write to each other once he is sent back to the front. At the end of the section Genevieve uses her scarf as a tourniquet to save a young French musician after a bombing raid and loses it.
Clara, a Belgian nurse receives a patient with pneumonia named Roman and a bond develops between them during his convalescence. She receives a Liberty like scarf from a fellow nurse that she treasures especially after Roman is sent back to the front but struggles to maintain a correspondence with him after he returns to war.
All three couples meet in Strasbourg after the end of the war in December 1918. Clara is wearing the Liberty scarf that saved Roman's life and Iris recognizes her design. Roman and Clara run into Genevieve and Roman returns the scarf. Finally Genevieve runs into Maxime whom she had feared dead and passes the scarf to a recently bereaved woman as a symbol of hope and all three couples have happy endings to their stories.
I enjoyed reading about Iris and Liberty and Genevieve and the hello girls, but the third story was overly long and fell flat for me. Happy endings make us feel good, but aren't very realistic in the context of World War One. This book didn't live up to its promise for me.
The Liberty Scarf tells three interrelated stories of women towards the end of World War One, brought together by the same Liberty of London scarf.
Iris Braxton is a design painter at Liberty who longs to become their first female designer. Through her boyfriend Rex she has the opportunity to show one design to Liberty's current owner and he chooses it to be made into a scarf to be sold in the famous department store. The scarf has the famous Liberty peacock feathers in the design and a quote from Emily Dickinson "hope is the thing with feathers" scrolling along the edges. Rex is sent back to the front but he and Iris continue to correspond.
Genevieve is one of Patton's "Hello Girls" working the switchboards in France at the front. Before going to France she meets Maxime, a French pilot, in London and he buys her Iris's scarf as a thank you for helping him select a birthday gift for his sister. Although Genevieve has an understanding with a man from back home, she and Maxime write to each other once he is sent back to the front. At the end of the section Genevieve uses her scarf as a tourniquet to save a young French musician after a bombing raid and loses it.
Clara, a Belgian nurse receives a patient with pneumonia named Roman and a bond develops between them during his convalescence. She receives a Liberty like scarf from a fellow nurse that she treasures especially after Roman is sent back to the front but struggles to maintain a correspondence with him after he returns to war.
All three couples meet in Strasbourg after the end of the war in December 1918. Clara is wearing the Liberty scarf that saved Roman's life and Iris recognizes her design. Roman and Clara run into Genevieve and Roman returns the scarf. Finally Genevieve runs into Maxime whom she had feared dead and passes the scarf to a recently bereaved woman as a symbol of hope and all three couples have happy endings to their stories.
I enjoyed reading about Iris and Liberty and Genevieve and the hello girls, but the third story was overly long and fell flat for me. Happy endings make us feel good, but aren't very realistic in the context of World War One. This book didn't live up to its promise for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2024
The Liberty Scarf: A Story of Three Women, and a Scarf That Binds Them Together was written by three talented authors, Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski and Rachel McMillan. It took place during World War I during 1917-1918. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated extremely well by Ann Marie Gideon, Gary Furlong, Caroline Hewitt and Saskia Maarleveld. It was about three very brave, ambitious and caring women, the men who came to mean everything to them and a scarf that connected all of them in a beautiful way. The Liberty Scarf took place in London, Lewiston, Maine, France and Belgium.
Iris Braxton was employed at Liberty Company in London as a painter. Her true aspiration was to be given the opportunity to be a pattern designer. Unfortunately, back in the early 1900’s only men were considered worthy of such positions. A female pattern designer was unheard of. Iris never lost hope or sight of her desire. One day her talents would be recognized. Therefore, Iris never ventured far without her sketch pad. She never knew when an idea would come to her. Then one day Iris made the acquaintance of Captain Conrad Jones. Their acquaintance began as a dare but soon materialized into a mutual attraction and respect for one another. Conrad supported and encouraged Iris’s ambitions. Their feelings for one another grew stronger as time passed.
Genevieve Tremblay was the daughter of French-Canadian immigrants. They had settled in Lewiston, Maine. Genevieve, her younger brother and her parents lived in a poorer neighborhood in Lewiston. She had a job as a telephone operator. Genevieve’s boyfriend Peter’s family were much more affluent and better connected than her own family. There were times when Genevieve wondered if Peter was embarrassed by her French-Canadian origins and where she lived. When Genevieve learned that the US Army Signal Corps was looking for telephone operators or “hello girls” that were fluent in French she felt that this was her opportunity to improve her status in Peter’s eyes. Once in France, Genevieve met Captain Maxime Auvray one day by chance. There was an instant connection between the two but Genevieve was quick to mention her relationship with Peter. She had no intention of betraying Peter’s trust. For now, Genevieve would settle for being friends with Maxime. Maxime’s family produced wine in France and that was Maxime’s passion.
The third brave, passionate and dedicated woman was named Clara Janssens. She lived in Belgium with her father. When Clara’s mother died, Clara assumed the role of taking care of her father. Clara had trained to be a nurse. Her father finally convinced Clara to go where she was needed. One night, Clara was attending a concert given by fellow soldier musicians to boost the morale of their fellow soldiers when there was an enemy attack and lots of casualties. Clara was at the sight of all the casualties and then at a converted palace that served as a hospital. It was there that Clara began caring for a patient named Roman Allaire. There was something about Roman Allaire that drew Clara to him and allowed Clara to speak candidly to him. She noticed his beautiful violin near his bed. When Roman finally gained consciousness, Clara learned that he was from Strausbourg, France. Roman shared his passion for his violin and music with Clara. It was evident that both Roman and Clara had developed feelings for each other.
A beautifully designed scarf connected these brave women and the men they fell in love with. I enjoyed how the women all discovered each other by the end by recognizing the scarf that had special meanings to each one of them. I think that Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski and Rachel McMillan wrote a very memorable book together about three very strong women. It was interesting how limited women were in their opportunities during this time period. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Liberty Scarf and highly recommend it.
Thank you to HarperCollins Focus for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Liberty Scarf: A Story of Three Women, One War, and a Scarf That Bonds Them Together by Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski and Rachel McMillan.
Iris Braxton was employed at Liberty Company in London as a painter. Her true aspiration was to be given the opportunity to be a pattern designer. Unfortunately, back in the early 1900’s only men were considered worthy of such positions. A female pattern designer was unheard of. Iris never lost hope or sight of her desire. One day her talents would be recognized. Therefore, Iris never ventured far without her sketch pad. She never knew when an idea would come to her. Then one day Iris made the acquaintance of Captain Conrad Jones. Their acquaintance began as a dare but soon materialized into a mutual attraction and respect for one another. Conrad supported and encouraged Iris’s ambitions. Their feelings for one another grew stronger as time passed.
Genevieve Tremblay was the daughter of French-Canadian immigrants. They had settled in Lewiston, Maine. Genevieve, her younger brother and her parents lived in a poorer neighborhood in Lewiston. She had a job as a telephone operator. Genevieve’s boyfriend Peter’s family were much more affluent and better connected than her own family. There were times when Genevieve wondered if Peter was embarrassed by her French-Canadian origins and where she lived. When Genevieve learned that the US Army Signal Corps was looking for telephone operators or “hello girls” that were fluent in French she felt that this was her opportunity to improve her status in Peter’s eyes. Once in France, Genevieve met Captain Maxime Auvray one day by chance. There was an instant connection between the two but Genevieve was quick to mention her relationship with Peter. She had no intention of betraying Peter’s trust. For now, Genevieve would settle for being friends with Maxime. Maxime’s family produced wine in France and that was Maxime’s passion.
The third brave, passionate and dedicated woman was named Clara Janssens. She lived in Belgium with her father. When Clara’s mother died, Clara assumed the role of taking care of her father. Clara had trained to be a nurse. Her father finally convinced Clara to go where she was needed. One night, Clara was attending a concert given by fellow soldier musicians to boost the morale of their fellow soldiers when there was an enemy attack and lots of casualties. Clara was at the sight of all the casualties and then at a converted palace that served as a hospital. It was there that Clara began caring for a patient named Roman Allaire. There was something about Roman Allaire that drew Clara to him and allowed Clara to speak candidly to him. She noticed his beautiful violin near his bed. When Roman finally gained consciousness, Clara learned that he was from Strausbourg, France. Roman shared his passion for his violin and music with Clara. It was evident that both Roman and Clara had developed feelings for each other.
A beautifully designed scarf connected these brave women and the men they fell in love with. I enjoyed how the women all discovered each other by the end by recognizing the scarf that had special meanings to each one of them. I think that Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski and Rachel McMillan wrote a very memorable book together about three very strong women. It was interesting how limited women were in their opportunities during this time period. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Liberty Scarf and highly recommend it.
Thank you to HarperCollins Focus for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Liberty Scarf: A Story of Three Women, One War, and a Scarf That Bonds Them Together by Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski and Rachel McMillan.
July 16, 2024
This set of books is extraordinary! I was very sad that it had to end, but I'm thankful for the epilogue that tied everything up in a satisfying way! I love how the Liberty scarf is wound through each book! It starts as the product of the creativity of one woman and touches lives and offers hope amidst war.
The characters are written brilliantly! I became invested in their lives. My heart broke when theirs did and rejoiced with them in times of joy! The women: Iris, Genevieve, and Clara each have special gifts that help others during the war. The men: Rex, Maxime, and Roman all serve in some capacity trying to end the war.
Each of the authors did a fantastic job with imagery. I could easily imagine myself in London, France, and Belgium. My favorite place was the Cave a Champagne! Francois is such a wonderful man! He truly loves his vineyard and enjoys sharing his knowledge.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Harper Muse via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters are written brilliantly! I became invested in their lives. My heart broke when theirs did and rejoiced with them in times of joy! The women: Iris, Genevieve, and Clara each have special gifts that help others during the war. The men: Rex, Maxime, and Roman all serve in some capacity trying to end the war.
Each of the authors did a fantastic job with imagery. I could easily imagine myself in London, France, and Belgium. My favorite place was the Cave a Champagne! Francois is such a wonderful man! He truly loves his vineyard and enjoys sharing his knowledge.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Harper Muse via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 2, 2024
A truly excellent novel set in WWI with three stories very lightly interwoven. Sometimes I have a hard time with books that switch to new characters once you’ve gotten into the groove with that story line. This one switches to a different woman’s story 1/3 and then 2/3 of the way through but it really works. I got immersed in each almost immediately, and the thread about the scarf was really moving. More than a gimmick or even narrative device, the scarf is the central way the book shows how art and color, representing hope and beauty, truly do touch people in their darkest moments - and each section shows how this is true in different ways, including the other thread of the violin.
Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend it!
Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend it!
August 30, 2024
"Hope is a thing with feathers that perches in the soul..."
A collection of three stories that interconnect by way of an unusual scarf. Set during World War One, taking place mainly in Europe, with different couples who meet during the war.
The theme of hope stands out in the midst of the horrors of war, using art, music, kindness and service to others. I liked all of the couples and wondered how their stories would end. The stories overlap a bit and leave a thread dangling, with a clever ending that weaves them all together. It was a little confusing until I saw how they interconnected later on. The history included was interesting, especially the new use of telephone operators or the "Hello Girls".
Recommend for readers who enjoy historical clean romances. 4 stars
( An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
A collection of three stories that interconnect by way of an unusual scarf. Set during World War One, taking place mainly in Europe, with different couples who meet during the war.
The theme of hope stands out in the midst of the horrors of war, using art, music, kindness and service to others. I liked all of the couples and wondered how their stories would end. The stories overlap a bit and leave a thread dangling, with a clever ending that weaves them all together. It was a little confusing until I saw how they interconnected later on. The history included was interesting, especially the new use of telephone operators or the "Hello Girls".
Recommend for readers who enjoy historical clean romances. 4 stars
( An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
December 20, 2024
Title: The Liberty Scarf
Author: Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillian
Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon, Gary Furlong, Caroline Hewitt, Saskia Maarleveld
Publisher: Harper Muse
Length: Approximately 9 hours and 58 minutes
Source: Review Copy from NetGalley and Harper Muse as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank you!
Do you like to wear scarves? Do you have a favorite one? I liked the wearing scarves trend of last decade, but now I only wear a scarf when it’s cold with my jacket. I have a soft red one that is my favorite.
The Liberty Scarf is three wonderful stories set during WWI that are all tied together by a scarf. The first story is set in London. Iris works for Liberty Scarfs and dreams of being able to design scarves of her own. Captain Rex Conrad is a wounded soldier back in London to raise funds for the war effort. His friends bet him to ask out the first women who enters the door and that woman is Iris. They start a relationship, but when Rex is called back to serve on the front, they make plans to meet again. When he is wounded again, will they be able to reunite?
The second story is of Genevieve Tremblay. She is dating the wealthy Peter, but his family does not approve of her as she is from the wrong side of town as a Canadian immigrant living in Lewiston, Maine. She is a telegraph operator and she enlists in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. On her way to France, she has a brief stopover in London and meets a dashing French captain named Maxime. Maxime and Genevieve start to correspond, and he sends her a scarf that Iris designed. But with Peter still in the background, will Genevieve and Maxime’s friendship be able to turn to romance?
Clara Janssens is a nurse in Brussels where she meets violinist Roman. They bond over their shared love of music and continue to write to each other when Roman returns to the front. His letters take a turn and Clara wonders, will their love still be the same when the war is over?
My thoughts on this novel:
• This novel is made up of three separate novellas and one epilogue.
• Many parts of these stories take place during the Christmas season. I loved reading this leading up to Christmas in real time.
• The audiobook was wonderful. I enjoyed the different narrators for the different parts of the story. For example, the first story was narrated alternatively by Rex or Iris, or by two different voice actors.
• I liked the comparison of two designers in the first story. Iris wanted to design scarfs while Rex was an architect who wanted to design buildings.
• I enjoyed how the Liberty scarf was woven throughout all three stories. "Hope is a thing with feathers that perches in the soul."
• I really loved the strength of the characters in each of the stories and how they are trying to make it through the long and bloody war. Their romance stories were also delightful.
• I greatly enjoyed the epilogue which not only tied up all the ends of these stories, but also linked them even more together.
• I learned a lot of new things in this novel about WWI, for example about General Pershing’s Hello Girls.
• Many parts of the story were told through the letters passed between the main characters.
• The authors' notes at the end were fantastic and each author described the inspirations for her story.
• There are also discussion questions at the end of the novel as well. I think this would be a great book club selection to discuss, particularly around the Christmas and winter seasons.
Overall, The Liberty Scarf is a beautiful story of three different women and their journey through WWI. The connection via one special scarf, characters, and plots were all very interesting. I highly recommend this novel to any historical fiction lover.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2024...
Author: Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillian
Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon, Gary Furlong, Caroline Hewitt, Saskia Maarleveld
Publisher: Harper Muse
Length: Approximately 9 hours and 58 minutes
Source: Review Copy from NetGalley and Harper Muse as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank you!
Do you like to wear scarves? Do you have a favorite one? I liked the wearing scarves trend of last decade, but now I only wear a scarf when it’s cold with my jacket. I have a soft red one that is my favorite.
The Liberty Scarf is three wonderful stories set during WWI that are all tied together by a scarf. The first story is set in London. Iris works for Liberty Scarfs and dreams of being able to design scarves of her own. Captain Rex Conrad is a wounded soldier back in London to raise funds for the war effort. His friends bet him to ask out the first women who enters the door and that woman is Iris. They start a relationship, but when Rex is called back to serve on the front, they make plans to meet again. When he is wounded again, will they be able to reunite?
The second story is of Genevieve Tremblay. She is dating the wealthy Peter, but his family does not approve of her as she is from the wrong side of town as a Canadian immigrant living in Lewiston, Maine. She is a telegraph operator and she enlists in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. On her way to France, she has a brief stopover in London and meets a dashing French captain named Maxime. Maxime and Genevieve start to correspond, and he sends her a scarf that Iris designed. But with Peter still in the background, will Genevieve and Maxime’s friendship be able to turn to romance?
Clara Janssens is a nurse in Brussels where she meets violinist Roman. They bond over their shared love of music and continue to write to each other when Roman returns to the front. His letters take a turn and Clara wonders, will their love still be the same when the war is over?
My thoughts on this novel:
• This novel is made up of three separate novellas and one epilogue.
• Many parts of these stories take place during the Christmas season. I loved reading this leading up to Christmas in real time.
• The audiobook was wonderful. I enjoyed the different narrators for the different parts of the story. For example, the first story was narrated alternatively by Rex or Iris, or by two different voice actors.
• I liked the comparison of two designers in the first story. Iris wanted to design scarfs while Rex was an architect who wanted to design buildings.
• I enjoyed how the Liberty scarf was woven throughout all three stories. "Hope is a thing with feathers that perches in the soul."
• I really loved the strength of the characters in each of the stories and how they are trying to make it through the long and bloody war. Their romance stories were also delightful.
• I greatly enjoyed the epilogue which not only tied up all the ends of these stories, but also linked them even more together.
• I learned a lot of new things in this novel about WWI, for example about General Pershing’s Hello Girls.
• Many parts of the story were told through the letters passed between the main characters.
• The authors' notes at the end were fantastic and each author described the inspirations for her story.
• There are also discussion questions at the end of the novel as well. I think this would be a great book club selection to discuss, particularly around the Christmas and winter seasons.
Overall, The Liberty Scarf is a beautiful story of three different women and their journey through WWI. The connection via one special scarf, characters, and plots were all very interesting. I highly recommend this novel to any historical fiction lover.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2024...
December 9, 2024
The Liberty Scarf is a collection of three WWI novellas loosely connected by a Liberty Scarf.
A scarf loosely connects three women during WWI. Iris is a painter at the Liberty Scarf Company. She dreams of the day she can submit her own designs and become the first female pattern designer; Genevieve is a phone operator; and Claire is a war nurse. The story tells each young woman’s war experiences and romances individually in a collection of three novellas and a satisfying epilogue.
“Hope is the things with feathers.”
Although the book has one straightforward timeline, it is divided into three novellas. Each young woman receives her own story which gives us three perspectives on the war. An epilogue ties them together and gives us a glimpse of their happy futures.
My ARC didn’t include author notes, so I cannot determine which author wrote a particular novella. Each novella has a noticeably different tone and style representative of the three authors. While they are all good, my favorite is the first one…Iris’s story. I loved her spirit, determination, and creativity. Her story is nicely paced and has a liveliness and personality that sets it apart from the other two.
Because the story is structured in novellas, it is like starting over at each one. Nothing connects them except for brief appearances of the Liberty scarf. It takes a bit to get into each young woman’s story as we must become acquainted with a new set of characters and circumstances. Within a few pages, we are once again fully immersed. If you’ve read Ribbons of Scarlet (with six authors), the structure is somewhat similar.
When Iris gets her chance to design, she also sews a message into each scarf: “Hope is the thing with feathers.” Women love her colorful and uniquely designed scarves and the message of hope! In the stories, the scarf represents hope for the war’s end and a better future, gestures of friendship and support, and beauty amid destruction and despair.
Each woman has a romantic interest. Iris meets a captain; Genevieve meets a French winemaker; and Claire meets a concert violinist. In the epilogue we find out if each couple survives the war.
Content Consideration: war trauma, medical content
I enthusiastically recommend The Liberty Scarf for readers who appreciate reading about WWI (a nice change of page from WWII) and strong, independent, and inspiring women.
Thanks #NetGalley @HarperMuseBooks @AustenProse for a complimentary e ARC of #TheLibertyScarf upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
A scarf loosely connects three women during WWI. Iris is a painter at the Liberty Scarf Company. She dreams of the day she can submit her own designs and become the first female pattern designer; Genevieve is a phone operator; and Claire is a war nurse. The story tells each young woman’s war experiences and romances individually in a collection of three novellas and a satisfying epilogue.
“Hope is the things with feathers.”
Although the book has one straightforward timeline, it is divided into three novellas. Each young woman receives her own story which gives us three perspectives on the war. An epilogue ties them together and gives us a glimpse of their happy futures.
My ARC didn’t include author notes, so I cannot determine which author wrote a particular novella. Each novella has a noticeably different tone and style representative of the three authors. While they are all good, my favorite is the first one…Iris’s story. I loved her spirit, determination, and creativity. Her story is nicely paced and has a liveliness and personality that sets it apart from the other two.
Because the story is structured in novellas, it is like starting over at each one. Nothing connects them except for brief appearances of the Liberty scarf. It takes a bit to get into each young woman’s story as we must become acquainted with a new set of characters and circumstances. Within a few pages, we are once again fully immersed. If you’ve read Ribbons of Scarlet (with six authors), the structure is somewhat similar.
When Iris gets her chance to design, she also sews a message into each scarf: “Hope is the thing with feathers.” Women love her colorful and uniquely designed scarves and the message of hope! In the stories, the scarf represents hope for the war’s end and a better future, gestures of friendship and support, and beauty amid destruction and despair.
Each woman has a romantic interest. Iris meets a captain; Genevieve meets a French winemaker; and Claire meets a concert violinist. In the epilogue we find out if each couple survives the war.
Content Consideration: war trauma, medical content
I enthusiastically recommend The Liberty Scarf for readers who appreciate reading about WWI (a nice change of page from WWII) and strong, independent, and inspiring women.
Thanks #NetGalley @HarperMuseBooks @AustenProse for a complimentary e ARC of #TheLibertyScarf upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
November 26, 2024
The Liberty Scarf
By: Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski and Rachel McMillian
Pub Date: November 19, 2024
Publisher: Harper Muse
I am very familiar with Runyan’s novels and love them. It was nice to be introduced to other authors with this one. I am always amazed that several authors can weave a story together and blend so nicely.
A beautiful scarf connects three very different women in the winter of 1917. I love learning more about our history and the US Army Signal Corps is something I was slightly familiar with as I come from a long line of military. I had never heard of General Pershing’s Hello Girls.
I loved the part about an orchestra in the frontlines to help with morale. I was familiar with USO tours but not this aspect.
This audio was done beautifully. Thank you Harper Muse for this gifted audiobook. I will look for a hardcopy when this one is out in a few weeks.
By: Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski and Rachel McMillian
Pub Date: November 19, 2024
Publisher: Harper Muse
I am very familiar with Runyan’s novels and love them. It was nice to be introduced to other authors with this one. I am always amazed that several authors can weave a story together and blend so nicely.
A beautiful scarf connects three very different women in the winter of 1917. I love learning more about our history and the US Army Signal Corps is something I was slightly familiar with as I come from a long line of military. I had never heard of General Pershing’s Hello Girls.
I loved the part about an orchestra in the frontlines to help with morale. I was familiar with USO tours but not this aspect.
This audio was done beautifully. Thank you Harper Muse for this gifted audiobook. I will look for a hardcopy when this one is out in a few weeks.
January 13, 2025
"The Liberty Scarf" is historical fiction and romance set in World War I between 1917-1918. Three authors worked together to create this novel - Aimee K. Runyan, J'Nell Ciesielski, and Rachel MacMillan. There are three separate stories that come together at the end.
The first story is about Iris, who paints scarves and textiles for Liberty department stores in London. Her dream is to create the prints for the scarves to bring more hope and joy. She meets Rex Conrad, an American military officer.
Next is Genevieve, who is a switchboard operator for New England Telephone and Telegraph in Portland, Maine. (My mother worked for them for >15 years, so I found this interesting.) Genny joins the Signal Girls for the military in France doing switchboard work and relaying codes between officers. She is promised to Peter back home. One day, she meets Maxime in the Liberty Store, and they become pen pals.
The third story is set in Belgium. Clara is a war nurse. One of her patients is Ramón (or Roman?), a professional violinist in the military who plays music to help with morale. They become friends.
A Liberty Store scarf is important to all three stories. It is the Hope Feather Scarf because it was inspired by the Emily Dickinson poem that begins, "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul."
The audiobook is well narrated by Ann Marie Gideon, Gary Furlong, Caroline Hewitt, and Saskia Maarleveld.
I liked the first two stories, but not so much the third one, which kind of dragged.
Characters - 4/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 4/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 3/5
Enjoyment - 3/5
Narration - 4/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 29/8 = 3 5/8
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins Focus, Harper Collins Muse, and the authors for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
The first story is about Iris, who paints scarves and textiles for Liberty department stores in London. Her dream is to create the prints for the scarves to bring more hope and joy. She meets Rex Conrad, an American military officer.
Next is Genevieve, who is a switchboard operator for New England Telephone and Telegraph in Portland, Maine. (My mother worked for them for >15 years, so I found this interesting.) Genny joins the Signal Girls for the military in France doing switchboard work and relaying codes between officers. She is promised to Peter back home. One day, she meets Maxime in the Liberty Store, and they become pen pals.
The third story is set in Belgium. Clara is a war nurse. One of her patients is Ramón (or Roman?), a professional violinist in the military who plays music to help with morale. They become friends.
A Liberty Store scarf is important to all three stories. It is the Hope Feather Scarf because it was inspired by the Emily Dickinson poem that begins, "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul."
The audiobook is well narrated by Ann Marie Gideon, Gary Furlong, Caroline Hewitt, and Saskia Maarleveld.
I liked the first two stories, but not so much the third one, which kind of dragged.
Characters - 4/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 4/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 3/5
Enjoyment - 3/5
Narration - 4/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 29/8 = 3 5/8
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins Focus, Harper Collins Muse, and the authors for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
November 19, 2024
This book is such a powerful read, all tied together by a scarf that connects three different stories. It’s full of romance, hope, and so many beautiful love letters. The history woven into the narrative really pulls you in, and I honestly didn’t expect to feel so immersed in these characters’ lives—whether it was hiding in a theater basement or feeling the raw fear of war. Each story brings its own unique love story, but all are deeply affected by the war, and that scarf weaves through it all.
I found myself completely hooked on the letters between the characters. It was like waiting to see how their casual chats would slowly turn into declarations of love, hope, and dreams for the future. If you're a fan of historical romance, this collection is definitely for you! And the way the stories all tie together at the end? So satisfying.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I found myself completely hooked on the letters between the characters. It was like waiting to see how their casual chats would slowly turn into declarations of love, hope, and dreams for the future. If you're a fan of historical romance, this collection is definitely for you! And the way the stories all tie together at the end? So satisfying.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 2, 2024
This book was a fantastic historical fiction. Leaning on a scarf and its significance throughout different lives during WWI, it really was an interesting book to read.
This book introduces you to three women around the world, Iris (a scarf maker in London), Geneviève (a phone operator in Maine), and Clara (a nurse in Belgium). Not only do you see how the war affects them , you also watch them in what appears to be the beginning of fall in love and see how the Liberty scarf plays a significant role in their lives at the time.
It was a beautifully written story. I really enjoyed all three POVs and their individual stories. Though they were great all by themselves, I really appreciated their connections, especially seeing the scarf flow through the story. I appreciated seeing it from the beginning.
It was a great story! I appreciated their connections history, and really just the overall story. I thought it was a great book for fans of historical fiction!
So, if you’re looking for a WWI novel, or a book little different from the normal historical fiction novels, I’d recommend this one! Also, don’t hesitate to listen to the audiobook version - it added so much to the story!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @jnellciesielski @rachkmc @bookishaimie @harpermusebooks @austenprose through NetGalley. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.
This book introduces you to three women around the world, Iris (a scarf maker in London), Geneviève (a phone operator in Maine), and Clara (a nurse in Belgium). Not only do you see how the war affects them , you also watch them in what appears to be the beginning of fall in love and see how the Liberty scarf plays a significant role in their lives at the time.
It was a beautifully written story. I really enjoyed all three POVs and their individual stories. Though they were great all by themselves, I really appreciated their connections, especially seeing the scarf flow through the story. I appreciated seeing it from the beginning.
It was a great story! I appreciated their connections history, and really just the overall story. I thought it was a great book for fans of historical fiction!
So, if you’re looking for a WWI novel, or a book little different from the normal historical fiction novels, I’d recommend this one! Also, don’t hesitate to listen to the audiobook version - it added so much to the story!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @jnellciesielski @rachkmc @bookishaimie @harpermusebooks @austenprose through NetGalley. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.
November 20, 2024
The Liberty Scarf
I love historical fiction, and “The Liberty Scarf” did not disappoint. The idea of three authors writing this story from the perspective of three different women during WWI all interconnected by a scarf that holds so much symbolism was so unique. I listened to the audiobook while following along with the ebook. The narrators did a fantastic job, and I would recommend this book.
I love historical fiction, and “The Liberty Scarf” did not disappoint. The idea of three authors writing this story from the perspective of three different women during WWI all interconnected by a scarf that holds so much symbolism was so unique. I listened to the audiobook while following along with the ebook. The narrators did a fantastic job, and I would recommend this book.
November 18, 2024
It's difficult to rate a novella collection of three stories when you've enjoyed two but not so much the third. Given the nature of the electronic ARC format, I couldn't tell which author wrote which story (which might be better in the long run for this review).
I did enjoy how all three couples were united by the Liberty scarf. None of the authors shied away from the tragedies and gruesome aspects of war, which made the stories realistic. The grit, hope, and fortitude the women and men in the stories had in the midst of terror were encouraging and sobering. I really enjoyed Iris' unrelenting desire to bring hope and beauty to a world being torn apart and Rex's unwavering belief in her was uplifting. Genevieve's loyal and steadfast commitment to her work as a switchboard operator in the war front was admirable and Maxime's philosophical take on life and war was thought-provoking. Clara and Roman's story got me confused in the timeline but I appreciated how Roman's story intersected with Genevieve's to tie the stories together. Roman's service also highlighted that not all men at the war front were necessarily soldiers.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Harper Muse via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
I did enjoy how all three couples were united by the Liberty scarf. None of the authors shied away from the tragedies and gruesome aspects of war, which made the stories realistic. The grit, hope, and fortitude the women and men in the stories had in the midst of terror were encouraging and sobering. I really enjoyed Iris' unrelenting desire to bring hope and beauty to a world being torn apart and Rex's unwavering belief in her was uplifting. Genevieve's loyal and steadfast commitment to her work as a switchboard operator in the war front was admirable and Maxime's philosophical take on life and war was thought-provoking. Clara and Roman's story got me confused in the timeline but I appreciated how Roman's story intersected with Genevieve's to tie the stories together. Roman's service also highlighted that not all men at the war front were necessarily soldiers.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Harper Muse via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
January 17, 2025
3 different authors wrote parts of the story with a different style. I liked the characters and how they are linked by the Liberty scarf.
July 27, 2024
Three different authors, one story line that fits together beautifully.
Part 1, London, Dec 1917- Iris Braxton is a paint girl Liberty & Co and designs the Liberty of London scarf. Rex (captain Richard Conrad) is an architect with a bum leg from a previous injury. Rex is charming and a smooth talker. Both of them are are creatives. I adored Rex’s optimism and positive outlook and Iris’s best attempts to not be moved by him.
Part 2, Portland, Maine, Dec 1917 - Genevieve Tremblay is phone operator joining the Signal Corps. She comes from a large family and wants to continue to help providing for them. Captain Maxime Auvray is French airman on loan to the allies for training and just exudes romance and gentleman characteristics. I really loved Genevieve’s commitment to excellence and honor. Maxime is truly a swoony hero and I love how he treats and loves Genevieve. Peter is part of the story and builds a lot of the character development, but beyond that, he is hardly worth mentioning as Maxime is the true hero!
Part 3 Tielt, Belgium, before the war - Clara Janssens is a nurse (motivated by Pieter Bruegel’s The Blind Leading the Blind, oil painting).
Roman Allaire is a gifted violinist from Strasbourg who joins a special group of soldiers meant to deliver music and hope to those in various areas and stations. They meet during a time of convalescence for Roman and strike up an unusual, but thoroughly romantic, companionship. Their conversations exist through stories and music. This story is a little more abstract and filled with a lot of letters.Creatives will resonate with this couple!
I loved the full circle of the scarf and the various ways it appeared and inspired others. All the stories contain letters of life, love, and hope. I especially loved all the descriptions of life during the war, whether from the city, country, trenches, hospitals, or everyday rhythms. Truly a romantic collection at heart. Lots of prose and flowery writing yet balanced with meaning and depth.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
Part 1, London, Dec 1917- Iris Braxton is a paint girl Liberty & Co and designs the Liberty of London scarf. Rex (captain Richard Conrad) is an architect with a bum leg from a previous injury. Rex is charming and a smooth talker. Both of them are are creatives. I adored Rex’s optimism and positive outlook and Iris’s best attempts to not be moved by him.
Part 2, Portland, Maine, Dec 1917 - Genevieve Tremblay is phone operator joining the Signal Corps. She comes from a large family and wants to continue to help providing for them. Captain Maxime Auvray is French airman on loan to the allies for training and just exudes romance and gentleman characteristics. I really loved Genevieve’s commitment to excellence and honor. Maxime is truly a swoony hero and I love how he treats and loves Genevieve. Peter is part of the story and builds a lot of the character development, but beyond that, he is hardly worth mentioning as Maxime is the true hero!
Part 3 Tielt, Belgium, before the war - Clara Janssens is a nurse (motivated by Pieter Bruegel’s The Blind Leading the Blind, oil painting).
Roman Allaire is a gifted violinist from Strasbourg who joins a special group of soldiers meant to deliver music and hope to those in various areas and stations. They meet during a time of convalescence for Roman and strike up an unusual, but thoroughly romantic, companionship. Their conversations exist through stories and music. This story is a little more abstract and filled with a lot of letters.Creatives will resonate with this couple!
I loved the full circle of the scarf and the various ways it appeared and inspired others. All the stories contain letters of life, love, and hope. I especially loved all the descriptions of life during the war, whether from the city, country, trenches, hospitals, or everyday rhythms. Truly a romantic collection at heart. Lots of prose and flowery writing yet balanced with meaning and depth.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
December 26, 2024
I wanted to like this book so bad but it did not deliver. After Part One of the book, the writing kept getting worse and worse to the point where I did not feel engaged and was fighting to finish the story towards Part Three.
Three women: Iris, Geneviève, and Clara are connected through a scarf that Iris designed. They all have some kind of involvement in the War and each have their own romance with soldiers.
Part One is about Iris and her boyfriend Rex, who lost his leg while serving in the War. In my opinion, this part was the best written throughout the story as it kept me engaged and interested in whether or not their relationship would survive throughout their time apart.
Part Two is about a telephone operator, Geneviève and her relationship with Peter and Maxime. This part was written well but I feel like it was a missed opportunity to include more Canadian French! It would have been nice to see more French dialogue. With this being a historical fiction, more events in the War could have been included. I feel like the story focused on the romances and writing letters a little too much.
Part Three was about a nurse and a violinist/soldier, Clara and Roman. This part carried on far too long, there was a 4-page kiss scene that was a little much. When the soldier and nurse are a far distance from each other, relying on letters to keep their relationship going, Clara gets upset with Roman because his handwriting changed. Like hello what???? Roman explains that his arm was injured in the next letter and Clara was still upset😭
Overall, I felt that it took way too long to get to the end of the story which is what makes the three women connected to each other. I agree with another review that stated it feels like you’re reading three novellas than one novel.
Three women: Iris, Geneviève, and Clara are connected through a scarf that Iris designed. They all have some kind of involvement in the War and each have their own romance with soldiers.
Part One is about Iris and her boyfriend Rex, who lost his leg while serving in the War. In my opinion, this part was the best written throughout the story as it kept me engaged and interested in whether or not their relationship would survive throughout their time apart.
Part Two is about a telephone operator, Geneviève and her relationship with Peter and Maxime. This part was written well but I feel like it was a missed opportunity to include more Canadian French! It would have been nice to see more French dialogue. With this being a historical fiction, more events in the War could have been included. I feel like the story focused on the romances and writing letters a little too much.
Part Three was about a nurse and a violinist/soldier, Clara and Roman. This part carried on far too long, there was a 4-page kiss scene that was a little much. When the soldier and nurse are a far distance from each other, relying on letters to keep their relationship going, Clara gets upset with Roman because his handwriting changed. Like hello what???? Roman explains that his arm was injured in the next letter and Clara was still upset😭
Overall, I felt that it took way too long to get to the end of the story which is what makes the three women connected to each other. I agree with another review that stated it feels like you’re reading three novellas than one novel.
November 30, 2024
“‘Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all.’”
The Liberty Scarf is truly a story not to be missed! This beautifully written story tells how a simple scarf links the journeys of three very different women and their experiences in World War I. Each woman was incredible in her own way. Iris painted scarves for the Liberty Company, but was determined to become the first female designer for them. I loved the story of how she and Rex met and how she viewed her design as a way to help bring hope to others during the war. Geneviève is a telephone operator who has the opportunity to serve the war effort by relaying important messages. The scarf is given to her as a gift from Maxime when they meet and it and their friendship gives her hope and courage. Clara is a nurse taking care of soldiers who are sick and wounded at a military hospital. For her, the scarf represents the courage it takes to move on from a traumatic experience. Their story, told from their unique perspectives was brilliantly told from beginning to end. I truly enjoyed watching each couple as they met and got to know each other and learning about each of their roles in the war. The authors do an amazing job at weaving together their stories in a way that makes you feel as if you are experiencing everything with the characters.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Liberty Scarf is truly a story not to be missed! This beautifully written story tells how a simple scarf links the journeys of three very different women and their experiences in World War I. Each woman was incredible in her own way. Iris painted scarves for the Liberty Company, but was determined to become the first female designer for them. I loved the story of how she and Rex met and how she viewed her design as a way to help bring hope to others during the war. Geneviève is a telephone operator who has the opportunity to serve the war effort by relaying important messages. The scarf is given to her as a gift from Maxime when they meet and it and their friendship gives her hope and courage. Clara is a nurse taking care of soldiers who are sick and wounded at a military hospital. For her, the scarf represents the courage it takes to move on from a traumatic experience. Their story, told from their unique perspectives was brilliantly told from beginning to end. I truly enjoyed watching each couple as they met and got to know each other and learning about each of their roles in the war. The authors do an amazing job at weaving together their stories in a way that makes you feel as if you are experiencing everything with the characters.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 3, 2025
4.5 stars
Six lives bound together in World War I, all by the existence of a special Liberty of London scarf. (Having visited Liberty in London, one easily understands how special a gift such a scarf can be.)
The three authors of this book have spun an engaging series of three tales all connected through an exquisite Liberty scarf. Each tale is tender and romantic and celebrates women who know not their own strength in times of war. The voices of the three tales are uniform and it's difficult to determine where each author's own voice comes through in the stories. That is to say, this triune authorship works well as they deliver a uniform and engaging book. The writing is solid. The scene settings are rich and well described. The characters are well developed and the characters' relationships can be challenging yet tender for the most part. The challenges placed by war on young love is palpable. Can a pretty colorful scarf and perhaps love shine through and banish the darkness of war? If sweet and tender historical stories are your jam, then this could well be the perfect book for you.
I am grateful to publisher Harper Muse for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Harper Muse
Publication Date: November 19, 2024
Number of pages: 368
ISBN: 978-1400246700
Six lives bound together in World War I, all by the existence of a special Liberty of London scarf. (Having visited Liberty in London, one easily understands how special a gift such a scarf can be.)
The three authors of this book have spun an engaging series of three tales all connected through an exquisite Liberty scarf. Each tale is tender and romantic and celebrates women who know not their own strength in times of war. The voices of the three tales are uniform and it's difficult to determine where each author's own voice comes through in the stories. That is to say, this triune authorship works well as they deliver a uniform and engaging book. The writing is solid. The scene settings are rich and well described. The characters are well developed and the characters' relationships can be challenging yet tender for the most part. The challenges placed by war on young love is palpable. Can a pretty colorful scarf and perhaps love shine through and banish the darkness of war? If sweet and tender historical stories are your jam, then this could well be the perfect book for you.
I am grateful to publisher Harper Muse for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Harper Muse
Publication Date: November 19, 2024
Number of pages: 368
ISBN: 978-1400246700
January 9, 2025
Not a novel, but three intertwined novellas, all set in Europe during WWI, about three different girls from three different authors. Iris Braxton is determined to become the first female pattern designer at Liberty Co., the iconic London seller of scarves and other luxury goods. Geneviève Tremblay is a French-Canadian immigrant to Maine, who leaves her job as a telephone operator to become a Hello Girl in the US Army Signal Corps to boost her status in her community and support her impoverished family. Clara Janssens is a Flemish Nurse serving in an army hospital and trying to make up for the loss of her mother.
Each woman has a love interest in addition to her personal goals. Iris has Captain Conrad Jones, a wounded British soldier. Geneviève has Peter, the rich fiance who is also serving in the war, but then she meets Captain Maxime Auvray a French winemaker with impeccable manners. Clara has Roman, a violinist who she nurses back to health, only to see him sent once again into harm's way.
A beautiful liberty scarf with an Emily Dickinson poem imprinted on it binds the three stories, and the three women, together.
Each woman has a love interest in addition to her personal goals. Iris has Captain Conrad Jones, a wounded British soldier. Geneviève has Peter, the rich fiance who is also serving in the war, but then she meets Captain Maxime Auvray a French winemaker with impeccable manners. Clara has Roman, a violinist who she nurses back to health, only to see him sent once again into harm's way.
A beautiful liberty scarf with an Emily Dickinson poem imprinted on it binds the three stories, and the three women, together.
November 25, 2024
The Liberty Scarf is more than a piece of fabric–it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity in the face of war, binding these three women together in an indelible bond.
These three women, Iris Braxton, Geneviève Tremblay, Clara Janssens are each unique in their own way. They are definitely strong willed and love with a great fierceness. I enjoyed each of their stories!
This novel did not flow as well as I expected. It tends to feel more like a collection of short stories instead of one novel. Each part starts over with different characters and it takes a bit to get into this section of the story. But the scarf is ever present and it definitely gives hope and ties all of them together with a bond that is unstoppable.
This is narrated by a wonderful tag team: Ann Marie Gideon; Gary Furlong; Caroline Hewitt; Saskia Maarleveld. Excellent…especially with the different dialects.
Need a good WWI tale with hope as it’s center…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion
These three women, Iris Braxton, Geneviève Tremblay, Clara Janssens are each unique in their own way. They are definitely strong willed and love with a great fierceness. I enjoyed each of their stories!
This novel did not flow as well as I expected. It tends to feel more like a collection of short stories instead of one novel. Each part starts over with different characters and it takes a bit to get into this section of the story. But the scarf is ever present and it definitely gives hope and ties all of them together with a bond that is unstoppable.
This is narrated by a wonderful tag team: Ann Marie Gideon; Gary Furlong; Caroline Hewitt; Saskia Maarleveld. Excellent…especially with the different dialects.
Need a good WWI tale with hope as it’s center…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion
November 28, 2024
Set during WW1, “The Liberty Scarf” is three stories connected through as scarf. Iris is a scarf maker with a desire to become Liberty’s first female scarf designer. Genevieve is a telephone operator that signs up as a US Army Signal Operator. Clara is a nurse and violinist who is chosen to play to raise moral.
Loving historical fiction, I had high hopes for this WW1 focused novel. However while interesting, it struggled to keep me fully engaged. Instead of a multiple POV novel interwoven with each other, this is more of three novellas that are briefly connected by a scarf during the transitions from one story to the other. Because of the shorter formats, I felt that the stories were more superficial than I typically enjoy and wanted more from each of the stories. While the plots were okay, I would have liked more of the historical aspect threaded through. You might like this If you like short stories or historic fiction.
Loving historical fiction, I had high hopes for this WW1 focused novel. However while interesting, it struggled to keep me fully engaged. Instead of a multiple POV novel interwoven with each other, this is more of three novellas that are briefly connected by a scarf during the transitions from one story to the other. Because of the shorter formats, I felt that the stories were more superficial than I typically enjoy and wanted more from each of the stories. While the plots were okay, I would have liked more of the historical aspect threaded through. You might like this If you like short stories or historic fiction.
December 3, 2024
4.5 stars
Brilliant collaboration between three of my favorite authors. A scarf designed to unite the old with the new weaves together their individual stories set during WWI. The scarf is a brilliant symbol of hope, a gift of love and friendship during the darkest moments of the war.
Each author pens a story of a young woman who meets the hardships of war with resilience. Each woman found the courage to write her own story, learning to find acceptance and self-worth while utilizing her individual talents to serve and bring hope to others. While I loved each story, I found Genevieve's story resonated the most with me.
A perfect blend of history and romance. The threads of each individual story are woven together into a brilliant masterpiece at the satisfying conclusion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my won.
Brilliant collaboration between three of my favorite authors. A scarf designed to unite the old with the new weaves together their individual stories set during WWI. The scarf is a brilliant symbol of hope, a gift of love and friendship during the darkest moments of the war.
Each author pens a story of a young woman who meets the hardships of war with resilience. Each woman found the courage to write her own story, learning to find acceptance and self-worth while utilizing her individual talents to serve and bring hope to others. While I loved each story, I found Genevieve's story resonated the most with me.
A perfect blend of history and romance. The threads of each individual story are woven together into a brilliant masterpiece at the satisfying conclusion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my won.
December 20, 2024
I am a fan of each of these authors individually and enjoyed their first collaboration The Castle Keepers, so when I heard about The Liberty Scarf I knew I wanted to read it. Lucky for me before I read the book I saw a Youtube video on Warwick’s Books Youtube channel where the 3 authors discuss the book, it is worth checking out.
This book is set during WWI, each author wrote a short story each with a connection to a Liberty scarf, each story was unique and different, we have Iris a painter for Liberty & Co., Genevieve a telephone operator, Clara a nurse and each story incorporates the use of letters which I loved. I really liked how this book explored different locations and aspects of WWI, we are in London, France and Belgium and each love interest is different as well. This book was really well done it is both interesting and engaging. Overall I really enjoyed it, I highly recommend this book.
This book is set during WWI, each author wrote a short story each with a connection to a Liberty scarf, each story was unique and different, we have Iris a painter for Liberty & Co., Genevieve a telephone operator, Clara a nurse and each story incorporates the use of letters which I loved. I really liked how this book explored different locations and aspects of WWI, we are in London, France and Belgium and each love interest is different as well. This book was really well done it is both interesting and engaging. Overall I really enjoyed it, I highly recommend this book.
December 27, 2024
This is a beautifully written book about finding hope in the darkness of war. Three women from different places trying to find their way during World War I. As they face the horrors of war they find love and when it is threatened they find the strength to have hope. Tying the stories together is a beautiful Liberty of London scarf with the Emily Dickenson quote "Hope is the thing with feathers" embroidered into it. The characters and their stories were compelling and I did not want to stop reading until I knew the outcome. The individual stories have their own parts and I like the way all the stories are tied together in the epilogue. I highly recommend this book for readers that enjoy historical fiction about strong women.
Thanks to AustenProse, NetGalley, and the publisher for providing a gifted copy for my honest review.
Thanks to AustenProse, NetGalley, and the publisher for providing a gifted copy for my honest review.
November 22, 2024
I received the audiobook from NetGalley and excited to start listening to the Liberty Scarf. The description made it sound so interesting and something I’d gravitate towards. I really really wanted to like it more than I did. But… it was very slow going. I was expecting the stories to be intertwined and more depth throughout. Each story abruptly ended before starting on a completely different story. Typically these kind of books draw on my emotions but this was very surface level. I did like that it was WWI as it’s not as represented as WWII. The 3 women were each strong and inserted themselves to make a difference during an oppressive time. The scarf connects them.
November 30, 2024
As I began reading this book, I traveled to the harsh days of WW1. I followed the characters to Maine, London, France and Belgium. I really enjoyed getting to know Iris, Genevieve and Clara,
Each of the women experienced growth as they learned to adapt and summon up courage while dealing with an ever changing world. They served sacrificially while surviving the losses and horrors of war. Holding on to hope helped each young lady to forge meaningful friendships and enduring love connections.
I loved the way the arts were woven into the storyline. Scarves were designed, architecture was appreciated, paintings were admired and a much loved violin was played to perfection.
Written by three authors, the storyline came together beautifully. I loved the ending! So very satisfying!
I received complimentary copies of this book through AustenProse from Harper Muse and NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Each of the women experienced growth as they learned to adapt and summon up courage while dealing with an ever changing world. They served sacrificially while surviving the losses and horrors of war. Holding on to hope helped each young lady to forge meaningful friendships and enduring love connections.
I loved the way the arts were woven into the storyline. Scarves were designed, architecture was appreciated, paintings were admired and a much loved violin was played to perfection.
Written by three authors, the storyline came together beautifully. I loved the ending! So very satisfying!
I received complimentary copies of this book through AustenProse from Harper Muse and NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
December 20, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, particularly Iris and Geneviève’s storylines. It was interesting to see how the scarf connected all three women/couples but you do have to suspend belief a bit for the epilogue. I would recommend this one to other historical fiction lovers.
3.5 rounded to 4
3.5 rounded to 4
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