This book was a captivating and satisfying historical fiction read. I especially enjoyed how the historical setting provided an appealing backdrop for the characters and their relationships. This was so well-written that the characters and the plot seemed completely natural to the time period while also being relevant now. The characters were truly the stars of this book. I also enjoyed getting a taste of life inside the Springfield Armory during the Second World War. I highly recommend this!

I liked this book! Like her prior book, The Two Family House, it is easy to read and I quickly became absorbed in the story and each character's lives. I'm trying to remember the last book I read that didn't switch between two time periods!! It almost seems like a plot requirement these days. This book made the switches very rapidly - often between short chapters - and also switched between characters for each chapter. At first I didn't enjoy all that back and forth but it was easy to keep up with both story lines so in the end it worked fine for me. I also enjoyed the chapters on the supporting characters. Learning their backgrounds was informative to who they were in the current story. Always interesting to learn about a time period and what was going on in one small place in the world during that time.

I loved, loved, LOVED The Wartime Sisters! Ms. Loigman's characters came to life on the pages. I felt what they felt, I grieved and laughed with them. It made me think of relationships in my own extended family, as well as among my friends. I think The Wartime Sisters would be a great book discussion selection. I also think it would make a good literature tie in to a US History course. This is a book I want/need to share with others.

Very well crafted with layers that you must unravel. This is a moving story of two sisters with unresolved issues.
Very insightful views that keep you thinking long after the story ends.

I'm so glad that I got the opportunity to read an advance copy of The Wartime Sisters. I had been meaning to read the author's first book, but hadn't gotten to it yet. After reading The Wartime Sisters, I will be sure to read The Two-Family House ASAP.
I enjoyed the book on many levels; I thought the author did a great job bringing the characters alive, and I learned a lot about the history of Springfield during the war. Being from Massachusetts, I was surprised that I was unaware of this history, and I hope to visit the area and learn more. The family relationships seemed very authentic, and I appreciated being able to see both sisters' points of view. I've observed similar family dynamics in people I know, and the book made me sympathetic to both parties. It's interesting to recognize that what happens in one's childhood home carries over into adult relationships.
I highly recommend the book and think it would be a great choice for book discussion groups.

I found this book painfully slow , predictable and not something I can recommend. I have read many books from this time period etc.. was just too slow and dragged out.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of The Wartime Sisters (from NetGalley). All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a very good novel! The emotions and motivations of the characters were so accurate and realistic!!! (They actually closely resemble a relationship in my life--so much so that I was feeling pretty guilty towards the end of the book...It was revealing to see the relationship from both sisters' points of view!). I also appreciated the historical value of the actual armory during WWII. A tapestry of the previously mentioned pieces while mixing in prejudices of foes and unconditional friendships weave this book into one very emotional, heartwarming story--made for a great read! This was the first novel I had read from this author. Thank you to Lynda Cohen Loigman and NetGalley!

The Wartime Sisters is a fascinating glimpse of life during World War II. A wonderful read from Lynda Cohen Loigman.

I couldn’t put this one down. I love this era and the story line kept my interest! I love the separate stories of all the characters. The story between Millie and Ruth was believable and very heart wrenching at times. Thank you NetGalley and to the publishers for a chance to read this wonderful story of family, love, drama and so much more!

I feel so fortunate to have read this book for NETGALLEY. This is a novel that is truly a treasure. It is the story of two very different sisters, Ruth and Millie. Their relationship has been fraught with hostility since their earliest childhood. They were thrown together by the destruction of Millie’s marriage and the climate of America at war.


The novel takes place at the Armory in Springfield, Massachusetts where Milllie flees to the home of her resentful and unwelcoming sister Ruth. Millie is assumed to be a war widow and gets a war job at the armory. Sadly, there are many secrets and the fate of her mysterious husband is one of them.
The author has carefully researched this setting, which makes the book more believable.

Despite the frosty relationship with her own sister, Millie is blessed by other “Wartime Sisters”. It is the commander’s wife, Lillian who sees the terrible sadness in Millie and takes her into her own family. Another sister is Arietta, the cafeteria worker with a golden voice and a golden heart.

This book fits all the pieces together seamlessly, with a beautiful and satisfying ending. I am still drying my tears as I write about this very special book. I can’t wait to share it with my book groups and women’s studies seminars. Loigman managed to create a rich novel with so much to think about, share and discuss.

THE WARTIME SISTERS is a totally engrossing story of two estranged sisters who work in an armory during WWII. Each has a deep secret. One is an officer’s wife, the other a war widow. Tensions grow between them until a mysterious figure returns, revealing long-buried truths. Shows the bravery of women toiling on the home front against the uncertain backdrop of war. From the author of Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist The Two-Family House. Highly recommended!

Pub Date 22 Jan 2019

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#TheWartimeSisters #NetGalley

Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I found this novel to be very humbling and emotional. Two sisters, each with different qualities. Ruth and Millie also have different lives now. One an officers wife the other a widow. Without the sisterly bond that most sisters have, jealousy and resentment becomes an issue. As adults a friendship is what each seek but neither knowing how to get to that point. Engrossing and gripping I found this hard to put Dow. I actually read it twice. The author has done a great job weaving the story and you feel as though you are a part of. It. I will be purchasing copies for family members because I truly love this book.


5++ ⭐️ out of 5

The Wartime Sisters is an engaging novel set during WWII that follows the complex relationship between two sisters.

The Kaplan sisters, Ruth and Millie, are only 3 years apart in age, but unfortunately never grew up with a strong sisterly bond. Ruth was known as “the smart one” while Millie was known as “the looker” and that ultimately was the crux of the matter. As they mature into adults and they become wives and mothers, their issues become more apparent especially when secrets from the past rise to the surface!

I love Lynda Cohen Loigman’s writing style! I thoroughly enjoyed The Two-Family House (if you haven’t read it, check it out), so I was excited to start The Wartime Sisters. From the moment I started I couldn’t get Millie and Ruth out of my head- when I was doing the household chores or out and about, I couldn’t wait to get back to this book! I was really intrigued by the complex and fragile relationship between the sisters and how that played a major part in the decisions they make throughout the years. Lynda Cohen Loigman did a fantastic job with time hopping through the novel to tell the sister’s journey. I also enjoyed the supporting characters and felt they added so much! The Wartime Sister is a 5 star read the I highly recommend. This book would make a great bookclub selection!

A heartfelt story of two sisters estranged from each other. Both have secrets that could destroy their fragile relationship. One sister is academic, rather stern and plan. The other sister is flighty, looking for love and beautiful. Each have their separate strengths. Finding a sisterly relationship is what each desire, but both are afraid.
These are outstanding characters. Wonderful storyline. Recommended!

I finished this emotionally engrossing novel yesterday....a particular moment in history - against the backdrop of Springfield Armory in Massachusetts.

It’s a wonderful novel that untethers within it the impact of universal forces: discrepancy of treatment in childhood/parental favoritism, family disharmony, self-esteem, resentments, rivalries, withheld communications, lies, betrayal, assumptions, secrets, friendships, marriage, motherhood, sisterhood, patriotism, ambition, desire, religious differences, jealousy, classism, loyalty, and love.

Ruth, invites Millie, (her sister who is 3 years younger), to bring her 2 year old child, Michael, to come live with her in Springfield. The sisters had been exchanging letters. It’s how Ruth learned Millie was alone. Millie had once written Ruth that her husband, Lenny ( thought of as the ‘bum’ in the sister’s mother’s eyes), had enlisted many letters back - then a letter saying he was missing. A final letter saying he was gone. Not ‘all’ was the truth ( suggested beliefs lived)...but the news Ruth received from Millie opened her heart up ( just enough) to offer her sister & nephew an extra room in the house she shared with her husband Arthur and their twin girls, Alice and Louise ( 4years of age at the time). There were reasons the two sisters - both young mothers - had not seen each other - not once in 5 years. Their parents were dead - and there was much to worry about with the war.

Ruth and Millie grew up in Brooklyn, New York. They had nothing in common even as small children. Ruth was composed, disciplined, neat, enjoyed reading, and her studies. She was also insecure about herself - ( her mother didn’t offer an ‘ounce’ of help). Father was much more kind - yet didn’t hold the power in their family.
Ruth was often frustrated - unhappy & socially lonely. Ruth’s target of anger pointed toward her sister....usually unfairly.
Her mother, constantly highlighted Millie’s physical beauty’. Ruth was aware of how critical her mother was of her.....yet Millie could do no wrong. Millie was actually sensitive too ...only nobody took interest in her ‘feelings’. Mother had high dreams for her to marry a rich Prince. Ruth thought she should focus on education and work.
Ruth observations of her mother: (rather accurate):
“To their mother’s discerning eye, Ruth’s wrinkles were conspicuous. But her sisters stains were overlooked and hastily”.

Lynda Cohen Loigman did an exceptional job portraying the complexities between Ruth and Millie during every stage of their development: early childhood, teenage years, and adult years as young mothers. I’m still thinking about their relationship—( the underline reasons for choices they made - appointed blame - shame- hurt - miss opportunities for years of closer bonding & understanding, etc.)

There are two other standout women in this book. It’s no accident that Lynda wrote their characters the way she did. Inspiring contrasts - to ‘both’ Ruth and Millie.
These women ‘must’ be mentioned. - Their strength in this novel shines!!!
*Lillian Walsh*: Her husband, Patrick, was a commanding officer. They had 4 children.
Lilliian was a community leader - She inspired the military wives to get involved. With men at the frontlines it became necessary for women to work in the factories. The manufacturing buildings were on the other side of the armory from the family homes.
One side of the armory was where more than 10 thousand civilians worked — the other side had manicured lawns, nice homes with ancient trees, tennis courts, and community swimming pool.
Until Lillian arrive - the wives with young children didn’t work — even though there was childcare available for them at the factory. Most of them spent their time exchanging recipes, gossiping, boasting about their children, complaining about their husbands, - and none of them followed the news or read a book.
Lillian changed things!!! They put together packages for children overseas - clothes & supplies - started a book club - held concerts - etc. Lillian’s background is sad - parts of it - yet she demonstrates what’s valuable in life and what’s not. She’s my personal favorite character.

The other inspiring female is Arietta Benevetto- Her story is awesome and she’s such a ‘love’. She cooks. She sings... makes killer yummy macaroni and cheese - and to die for lasagna. Most - she’s a great friend.

The Springfield Armory in Massachusetts depended on women workers during WWII. We take childcare services for granted today at large corporations- but childcare during this period of history was relatively new and grew out if need. The great thing is - most woman-after WWII, realized they had other options other than just being a stay at home mother. They could work for a living while day nurseries provided for their children.

It was a thriving community for women at the Armory. A joy stepping back in time.

As for the men - you’ll meet a few worth reflecting on.
Mr. Schmuck - ( not his real name)—but you’ll figure out ‘which’ male I’m referring to soon enough, makes for great storytelling drama!

Great character development- and a marvelous satisfying story!

Thank you St. Martin’s
Thank You Lynda.... * congratulations on this wonderful book!!!

A well written story that I would definitely recommend. It takes sibling rivalry to an entirely different level. I enjoy historical fiction especially the 30’s and 40’s. The background of pre- war and WWII era made for a quick interesting read.

Two sisters, Ruth Kaplan and Millie Kaplan, estranged. Ruth, older by 3 years was smart, plain and for the most part not "kvelled" over, in other words no one fussed over her. On the other hand, Millie was pretty, with blue eyes, reddish hair and she was "kvelled" over by everyone. While she wasn't smart like Ruth, her good looks attracted both family and others who constantly favored her. Feelings of insignificance settled over Ruth, as if she really didn't exist. Her mother could only think of Millie, Ruth, even though older, was an "also ran".As for Millie, she had her problems but in an opposite way. Being watched by her parents who didn't want her to socialize, mingle with the boys, they made sure to keep a strong hold on her. Throughout their early and teen years resentments grew on both side, even more so as adults. There are secrets not shared along with feelings that are buried in both women. And while they had more in common than they thought, they were driven apart by the pain and hurt they had thrown at each other.

With her husband missing, Millie, who has no money and a two year old little boy, turns to her sister Ruth for help. Not wanting to turn her away, she offers Millie a place to stay. Settling in at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts with her sister's family, tensions are still mounting, resentments linger. Ruth remembering how Millie had pushed her away as a child, and Millie remembering Ruth's constant disapproval. And like everything else in a small community, others get involved in one way or another.

Set from 1937 through 1943, it starts out in Brooklyn, New York and follows through to the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts. With in-depth characters, this novel will definitely hold your interest, as each relationship unfolds and eventually all comes together. A well written book that I would strongly recommend.

My thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.