Cohen Loigman takes readers back to pre-World War II Brooklyn where Ruth and her younger sister Millie lived with their parents. From the day Millie was born, she commanded attention for her beauty. The disparity in the sisters' looks continued throughout their childhood and into adolescence as Millie was more popular in school and even with Ruth's boyfriends.

After Ruth marries, she moves with her scientist husband Arthur to Springfield, Massachusetts where he works in the military at an armory. When Millie's husband goes missing, Ruth agrees to have Millie and her young son move in with her and Arthur. The tension between the sisters is palpable as Ruth still resents Millie's appearance and fears that any social status Ruth has achieved because of her husband's military position will be disturbed as her sister gains popularity.

As the tension sizzles to a boiling point, Millie and Ruth reveal secrets about each other's pasts, sharing their innermost frustrations and insecurities.

The character study of Millie and Ruth is believable and real, and readers will be able to empathize with the differences between the sisters and how the favoritism their mother showed Millie contributed to the distance between them.

Cohen Loigman's historical research regarding the armory in Springfield adds authenticity to the depiction of the women working on the assembly lines there and the camaraderie they experienced.

Yet it is the relationship between the sisters that is the highlight of the read as the earlier strain between them gradually evolves into a greater understanding between the two as they come to see how their differences make them into the truly unique persons they have become.

The magnetic allure of the novel will grip readers from the very first page and continue until the final page is turned.

Wartime Sisters tells the story of the complicated relationship between sisters Ruth and Millie. I always think it’s interesting to see how siblings can experience their family so differently. I’d recommend this book if you enjoy reading about well-developed characters and how family relationships shape us.

A great World War II Historical novel which had a lot of true History behind it which most do.
The story revolves around two sisters born in Brooklyn in the 30's.They were sisters had the same parents,but they were as different as day and night.
The oldest by 3 yrs.was very plain and the younger was a beauty,jealousy of the younger sibling, nearly destroyed the older girls life,,until.She met her own Prince charming,who was in the military and they moved far away to.Springfield..
Quite a few yrs.would go by before they would meet again,but by then they both had children and many Secrets that they kept to themselves.
The younger sister moved in with the oldest and her family and went to work at the Springfield Armory,making rifles for the military.The Armory was more like a College Campus during the war yrs.with.many different buildings,housing both the Officers,those of lesser rank,the worker's and a huge cafetetia.
Many things were going on during any given day, but the jealousy of the older sister of the youngest never abated..
You will need to read the novel to see how it all plays out,but you won',t be disappointed the storyline flows along,like skating on smooth ice.
I have read hundreds of Historical novels and true ones as well and this ranks right near the top.
There are too many books,out there,that I really want to read,with so little time,to do so.So rest assured I won,'t waste any of my time on a bad one !
This is the same author that wrote "Two Family House" which was truly enjoyable.
I very much appreciate, Netgalley for the opportunity to read and give my honest review of "The Wartime Sisters."

Ruth and Millie have been at odds with one another nearly from the moment Millie was born. Big sister Ruth tried to play with Millie, tried to read her stories, tried to interest her in games, but Millie just wasn't engaged in any of those activities. As they grew older they also grew further apart. Ruth began to resent Millie's good looks, while Millie began to feel Ruth looked down on her for her less than perfect school report cards. It didn't help that the boys Ruth wanted to date took more of an interest in Millie, or that their own parents seemed to favor Millie over Ruth as well. As the sisters move into adulthood and follow very different paths, petty resentments and their own insecurities keep them apart, even though deep down they still love each other as only sisters can. The sisters have gone their separate ways until unfortunate circumstances force them back together at the Springfield Armory.
I thoroughly enjoyed this poignant family drama and loved these sisters as if they were my own.

Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, during the Great Depression but before WWII, wasn’t the worst of Ruth and Millie Kaplan’s existence. It was growing up with each other that took the toll on their daily lives.
Ruth was reminded everyday how beautiful Millie was and that everyone must prepare for the day she’ll meet and marry the perfect man. According to her mother Florence, he’ll be college educated, socially registered within the right class, as in Upper; wealthy and ensconced in a proper and prosperous job.
Millie knew how smart Ruth was, how organized, how clever, neat and sensible. Ruth would go to college, get a good job and maybe someday find a nice Jewish husband who would love her, and they would be happy.
The girls’ gentle father, Morris tries to keep peace in his family by not arguing with his opinionated wife, Florence and complimenting each daughter on her individual strengths.
Ruth eventually meets and marries Arthur, has twin daughters, and lives near her parents before their move to the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts. Millie meets and is charmed by Lenny, a sketchy delivery boy, when he accidently knocks on the Kaplan’s door, instead of their neighbor’s. A relationship develops that both pleases and confuses Millie. Her parents, however, are certain Lenny is not the man for Millie.
Millie does marry Lenny, but not with the blessing of her parents, which Millie is unaware. Florence and Morris Kaplan die in a car crash on their way back from a wedding in Philadelphia. Five years will pass before the sisters will see each other again.
During this time the story continues with Ruth meeting Lillian Walsh, the Armory’s Commanding Officer’s wife, who becomes an important character and new friend to Ruth. When Millie eventually joins Ruth at the Armory, she’ll meet Arieta, another important character and friend to Millie.
The story is told from the POV of these four women, who overcome difficult childhoods and facing the odds during wartime help them grow to become better people. Secrets are revealed, apologies are made, and forgiveness moves everyone forward. A stellar read! Highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press

This story follows the fortunes of two estranged sister in World War Two. I loved the premise but sadly really struggled to get into the story. For me the language felt laboured and I struggled to ‘care’ about the characters, I’m not sure why really as the story was well written and fast paced but i didn’t love to and I wanted to. This may just be one of those where the writers style didn’t suit my taste.
I was given a ARC by NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Linda’s Book Review Reviews “THE WARTIME SISTERS” BY LYNDA COHEN LOIGMAN St. Martin’s Press, January 22, 2019

Lynda Cohen Loigman, Author of “THE WARTIME SISTERS” has written an enthralling, captivating, emotional, intense, intriguing and riveting novel. The Genres for this story are Historical Fiction, and Fiction. The time-line for this story starts in Brooklyn in the 1930’s and goes through World War Two, in the Springfield Armory, Massachusetts. The author describes her colorful characters as complex and complicated possibly due to the circumstances.

This is a story of sisterhood, both familial and during wartime, and survival. Sisters Ruth and Millie have never been close, even when they were toddlers. There was always a sibling rivalry between them. Ruth was the studious and serious type always responsible, and seeking approval. Millie was the blue-eyed, “gorgeous” sister, who seemed to get away with many things. As they grew up in Brooklyn, it seemed that Ruth’s dates preferred the lovely Millie. In their dysfunctional household, their mother would stress that Millie would marry a prince. It just seemed to Ruth, that her mother favored Millie.

Ruth finds the opportunity for a fresh start, when her husband is offered a job at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts. Unfortunately tragedy has occurred, and Millie is left in Brooklyn all alone. Ruth finds a group of friends, and has an important job. It becomes necessary for Millie to reach out to Ruth, when her husband is gone. Millie and her young son move to Massachusetts to be with Ruth’s family. Millie gets a job, and starts to find herself again at odds with Ruth.

Millie works in the factory, making parts for guns and rifles. She meets some a few good friends. During the war, it is the sisterhood of others that is so helpful and gives each other emotional support. I appreciate that the author discusses the importance of family, friends, emotional support, loyalty, love, and hope.

When someone from the past appears who is dangerous, the sisters must face the reality of the situation. Can they learn to forgive and move forward during such turbulent times? Can there be peace between the sisters as war looms on.

I highly recommend this novel to readers who appreciate Historical Fiction.

Acclaimed author, Lynda Cohen Loigman returns following her bestseller The Two-Family House (loved) with her second novel which will blow you away—THE WARTIME SISTERS has it all! The author most definitely knows her way around complex families.

Lynda has written a stunning heartwarming story of family, and one of the best historical fiction accounts I have read. I was immersed in all the history and behind the scenes notes. The author has outdone herself with her latest book, THE WARTIME SISTERS. It has landed on my Top Books Coming Jan and Top Books of 2019 "thus far" list.

As I have mentioned in my upcoming reader’s note (Q&A) about the author and THE WARTIME SISTERS:

Beautifully written and profoundly moving, the characters indeed "come to life" through the pages of history and time. From dark long-buried family secrets, combined with the emotional joy, betrayal, regrets, loss, and complexities of sisterhood, family, and friendships— we find an essential link between these relationships, community of women, and the raging war. Women coming together to form an unbreakable bond to survive the turbulent times.

A perfect blending of fact and fiction—inspired by actual events, yet the novel possesses a strong "suspense vibe" which pulls you in and grips you to the conclusion. Historical fans, as well as domestic suspense readers, will find this one "unputdownable" — pulled in by the lives of these two sisters and the women surrounding them at the home front Armory during WWII. Much to like here and set in the US!

If you are looking to get into historical fiction, this is THE BOOK. It reads like domestic suspense with superb character development, mystery, and intrigue.

Lynda shares with us her in-depth research, her journey, and the inspiration behind this emotional and riveting must-read tale of two sisters— rich in history, time, and character. As you read this heartfelt story, you will come to realize, "Sometimes our greatest battles are the ones fought closest to home."

I hope you will take the time to read the exclusive "story behind the story," the history, view the extensive photo gallery and the heartwarming stories of these courageous women (via her website) and author’s notes in the book. I am a colossal research geek, and all of this further enhanced my reading experience! The author should be commended for her extensive research and lyrical writing. Lynda, your attention to detail does not go unnoticed. There is never a dull moment.

An ideal book choice for book clubs and further discussions. Some fabulous characters. Stay tuned for my Q&A for more fun "behind the scenes" (coming Jan 22) personal facts about the author. I loved THE WARTIME SISTERS and strongly recommend. I am sure you will agree, she was born to write this story! I hope you will enjoy as much as I did. Cannot wait to see what is next. (read more on my blog)

A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and #NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.

I love it when I book takes over my day, it’s been a while since I’ve read anything as fast as this one. To say the author has a knack for character development would be an understatement. While I found the story interesting, compelling and full of secrets it was the characters that stood out. It wasn't that they were just real, believable and struggling but I got to know them so well. I knew what made them tic, their fears and struggles, they became friends I wanted to help.

Sisters Ruth and Millie have never been close, their's is a complicated relationship and as time goes by they grow farther and farther apart. With the added voices of Arietta and Lillian, this book was well rounded.

The Wartime Sisters is a book of secrets, lies, and family - not necessarily blood-related either. My take away is that this is a story of not judging or assuming but rather having compassion, we don’t know what others are going through, so think before speaking and show some love instead. A powerful story that will stay with me and a new author I highly recommend.

My thanks to St. Martin's (via Netgalley) for an advanced copy in exchange for honest review.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
One of the best historical fiction novels I've read in quite a while. While the book takes place during WWII, the reader is shown flashbacks to the childhood of two Jewish sisters in Brooklyn in the 1930's, setting the stage for the misunderstandings and hurt feelings of their adult years. Highly recommended reading!

I loved this book. Very rarely do I start a review that way but I absolutely loved this book.

The Wartime Sisters tells the story of sisters Ruth and Millie. Their story begins in Brooklyn where they grew up in a loving family. This is one of the best explorations of the tenuous relationship between sisters and their mother I've ever read. Ruth is the plain, awkward, smart older sister and Millie the beautiful younger sister who doesn't really excell at anything.

Ruth resents Millie for her beauty and the attention it garners from their mother as well as everyone else in their lives. She perceives Millie's life as one of ease because in their mother's eyes she can do no wrong. Ruth's accomplishments are never acknowledged and she constantly hears their mother's dreams for Millie which are all based on her looks. Ruth has to be the responsible daughter and feels like she has to take care of Millie. The divide between the sisters grows the older they get.

Millie has an overwhelming desire to be close to her sister. Although beautiful she feels inadequate in just about everything else. The harder she tries to connect with Ruth the more Ruth pushes her away.

The character development in this novel is excellent. The reader becomes privy to each sister's thoughts about each other as well as themselves. It's easy to feel the hurt they both feel because of their mother's treatment.

I loved the storyline of this book. It's well developed and I believe typical of families with an overbearing mother who seems to favor one sister over the other. It's an impeccable exploration of the difficult relationships between sisters as well as mothers and daughters and shows just how damaging a mother's influence can be.

I highly recommend this book. If you are a sister or daughter you will see yourself and your familial relationships in it. If you are a father, brother or husband it will give you insight into the complicated relationships of the women in your life. After reading this book I actually feel more sane and realize that my family experiences and troubles aren't as unusual as I thought.

I would like to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of this fabulous book. My opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this author's style of writing. The story flowed well throughout the book. It kept my interest piqued. I wanted to know what was going to happen next and to see if the story drew a conclusion on a few things, and it did not disappoint. I am glad I read it and will look for more by this author.
I appreciated learning about the Springfield Armory and the workers.
I loved the singer/cook. Her part of the story was one of my favorites.
I appreciated her correct information on Jewish holidays and even got a chuckle out of the Yiddish additions.
I love reading historical fiction, especially when it has some truth to it's roots. This one was also different from I've read in the past. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin Press for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The Wartime Sisters by Lynda Cohen Loigman is an engaging novel that weaves the complex story of two estranged sisters during World War II. Both Women work in an armory demonstrating the toil of those on the home front facing the uncertainty of war. Each woman has her own deep secret that could destroy their already fragile relationship. A wonderfully written novel I highly recommend

#TheWartimeSisters #NetGalley

An interesting WWII read set in Brooklyn, NY and Springfield, MA. #TheWartimeSisters is exactly what it sounds like. The historical fiction novel revolves around two competitive sisters with a crumbling relationship.

The sisters were well-developed and had distinctly different voices which made the book more interesting. Millie frequently comes across as whiny, but I think that’s just one of her character flaws. Side characters were given proper backstories but seemed 2D and regularly fell flat. A bit repetitive and predictable at times but I really appreciate the fact that this book was well-researched and based on an actual armory in Springfield, MA.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review. Definitely worth a read if you’re into family dramas.

Wow what a book. There was so much heart ache in this story and so many secrets that affected the sisters lives. Millie and Ruth let their relationship be defined by their past rather then moving past the secrets and heartache and get on with their lives. They were really strong women and faced issues head on except between themselves. It was almost as if their roles changed as they grew up and Ruth was more unsure of herself then what Millie was. I really enjoyed this book and taking a step back in time.

Ruth and Millie are sisters. But not always the best of sisters. It takes a war and living surrounded by mostly women for these sisters to figure out what they have in each other. I loved reading about their life at the armory. From mundane jobs to cafeteria meals, dances to concerts, gossipy women to new love- they had it all. This book was not what I was expecting but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It's not always easy being a sister. We are often as hard on her as we are on ourself. We allow others (parents, family, friends, and acquaintances) to influence our view of her. This book tells the story of 2 sisters who take years to get past childhood wounds and figure out their love for each other. I highly recommend this book.

I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Wow, such a great book. War genre fiction is one of my favorite genres, but I really did not know much about the support efforts of the war in the US. This was a fascinating look into the lives of the men and women working stateside. The book focuses on the lives of two sisters who have been estranged most of their lives. They both are harboring a secret and must learn to live with that and the consequences. This book was hard to put down and I enjoyed it from page one to the end. Definitely 5 stars.

I enjoyed this novel about sisters and strained relationships with the background of a US Armory during WW2. The writing was lovely and the characters are endearing. In particular, the female characters exhibit strength and grace.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley!

Available January 22: The Wartime Sisters by Lynda Cohen Loigman
**** 4 stars, Loved it: The Wartime Sisters details beautifully the strength of the women on the homefront and the intricacies of family.




Recommended readers:

If you like novels with WWII history and drama
If you want an action-packed, historical read
If you like strong female characters
Here's my Rankings:

4/5 for characters
4/5 for plot
4/5 overall
REVIEW FROM BOOKS FOR HER:
Two sisters grow up in Brooklyn just prior to WWII - one loved and adored by all for her beauty and verve, and the other brilliant and seemingly pushed aside, especially by their mother. At times you'll love one sister and hate the other - and then pages later you'll swap. Loigman tells each sister's story and reveals deeper wounds as the story - and WWII - progresses. Set in the fascinating world of an Armory - and magnified by the complexities of life on base, The Wartime Sisters details beautifully the strength of the women on the homefront and the intricacies of family.

Available January 22: The Wartime Sisters by Lynda Cohen Loigman