The Wartime Sisters

The Wartime Sisters by Lynda Cohen Loigman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not sure was it the second or third chapter that I was reading when I first thought – this may be my very first 2019 five star book. And as usual, I was right. I loved everything about this book, a great set of characters, a phenomenal plot, and a great twist towards the end.

The book first introduces us to two sisters: Ruth, the smart and serious one, and Millie, the pretty one. As girls grow older we notice how their relationship start to change. And there were multiple reasons for it, starting with girls’ mother, who always seem to prefer her pretty daughter to a serious one. Ruth’s potential boyfriends preferred carefree and beautiful Millie to a nerdy Ruth. Friends and family enjoyed tender and sweet Millie to a “cold fish” Ruth. Therefore, after the passing of their parents, Ruth puts a very large distance (physically and morally) between herself and her sister. Years later, when Ruth learns of Millie’s misfortune, she finally lowers her guard down which results in sisters’ reunion.

There are secondary characters that are also very important and play a huge role in both Ruth and Millie’s lives. We have Lillian – firm and honorable wife of a commanding officer; Arietta – cheerful and companionable singing armory cook; Lenny – a sketchy delivery boy, turned husband, turned dangerous individual; and finally Arthur – loving, understanding and nerdy husband.

The story takes place in the early 30s thru mid-40s. One of my favorite parts of the book is a specific location an author decides to place the story – the Springfield Armory. I’ve first heard of this place when I read about the American Revolutionary War. And thanks to the author, I had a chance to learn a bit more about it, it’s function and workers lives there during WWII.

Thank you NetGalley and my favorite publisher St. Martin’s Press for a free copy of this wonderful novel, and another huge thank you to an amazing Lynda Cohen Loigman for a thrilling and fascinating story!

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