Once again I was drawn to reading a novel about relatively unsung female heroes of the past, and this one does not disappoint. Although I do prefer novels about real women, Runyan’s protagonist Ruby is a totally fictional character; however, according to the author’s notes, she is actually a conglomeration of a group of real-life women, as are all the other women depicted here. Of course, the advantage to this is that Runyan could allow her imagination to run wild, and cherry pick the best stories from among many different women. The end result is a group of women, with Ruby as the main focus, who feel real and alive and ultimately admirable, even when they’re less than perfect. As I’ve mentioned many times before, imperfections in protagonists and other characters make them far more sympathetic and human to readers than those who are portrayed as flawless ideals.

I should mention that I’m actually old enough to have seen a real plug-in switchboard in action, and my mother worked as a switchboard operator when she was a young woman. When I used to visit my father’s offices, my mother would explain what these women were doing, and how the whole thing worked. (I think she actually helped out a couple of times; it was fascinating to watch.) So I know what these switchboards are like, and I felt that Runyan did a stellar job of describing them, along with the types of pressures these women could face. It also occurred to me that if you’ve never seen one of these, you might think that working a switchboard isn’t all that complicated or heroic. Thankfully, this novel shows both the complexities of this work as well as the importance of getting messages through between the battle fields and headquarters, which is something that should not be underestimated. Putting realistic and empathetic faces and personalities to these women only emphasized this, and heightened my enjoyment of this narrative.

That said, there was one aspect of this book that didn’t sit completely right with me. You might notice that the Goodreads summary for this book talks about how “Ruby must find her place in the military strata, fight for authority and respect among the Allied soldiers, and forge a victory for the cause.” This was very true and Runyan has Ruby deftly navigating all this. However, it goes on to say, “But balancing service to country becomes even more complicated by a burgeoning relationship with army medic Andrew Carrigan.” This is the bit that I was less enthusiastic about; how Runyan handled the romantic parts of this story. For the most part, Ruby’s relationship with Andrew is filled with all the right amounts of tension and chemistry. However, once things start to go well for the couple, there is a section that was, for me, overly sentimental. It was as if all of reality disappeared, and suddenly everything was ‘hearts and flowers,’ which didn’t fit in with the urgency of the rest of the book. Thankfully, this is just a small portion of the narrative, and when reality comes crashing back in, the action comes along.

There’s so much I more I would like to say about the subject matter of Runyan’s novel, particularly about how Runyan saw these women as being instrumental in women’s suffrage, and more. This is covered nicely in Runyan’s author’s notes at the end of this book, and I encourage readers to not skip that part, since it puts an additional perspective on the novel as a whole, as well as on the characters that Runyan so beautifully portrays here. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. Runyan has given us a fascinating story, with believable characters and a narrative that will draw in the reader from the start. I can warmly recommend this book and I believe it deserves a healthy four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I like to read stories about the women who were heroes in the war effort throughout history. They seem to be forgotten. When her brother is killed in the WWI, Ruby Wagner wants to find a way to help. She enlists in the Army Signal Corps as a telephone operator. Much to her surprise, she is chosen to go to France and help win the war. This is such an honor because only a few talented young women are chosen. This is their story. Highly recommend if you like stories about strong, courageous women!

I really love this kind of Women Historical Fiction!! This book was mesmerizing! I am glad Aimie K Runyan wrote a book about a time Men forgot!

To be honest, this book took me a little bit more time than usual to get into. The first few chapters didn't have that "I have to read this and not put it down" drive. But, after about the fifth chapter, I didn't want to put it down and you know, do things like eat or watch tv. I just wanted to read about Ruby and her girls.

I love books that tell me something I didn't know. Girls on the Line tells the story of a group of forgotten heroes of The Great War. Forgotten heroes of women in history as well. It's sad how long it took them to get their due.

Thank you, Aimie K. Runyan for giving these heroes a voice and a story well worth the read.

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

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be looking for other titles by this author. A believable tale and full of historical facts that educated me. I highly recommend this.

Runyan has dedicated her writing to sharing stories of powerful women doing incredible things during times when they were considered too frail or even incompetent. The heart she weaves into Ruby, the courage crafted to reflect that of the women of inspiration drew me into this story, and a good amount of romance solidified this as an incredible read. Brilliant storytelling. Again.

what an amazing book. Loved it from beginning to end
I loved the authors style of writing and will be looking for other books by this author.
I would recommend this book to friends and family

If you like Downton Abbey, this is the book for you!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. All opinions are my own.

Girls on the Line is a fantastic story about unsung heroines. The ladies who worked on the front lines as telephone operators in WW1. The vivid descriptions of life, friendship and what life was like during wartime, will stay with you. I was hooked from page 1. The author's detailed research and wisdom of these amazing woman take you with them from the main line of Philadelphia to France and Germany, Baltimore and beyond. I loved the story, the characters, and imagery. I highly recommend this novel. Easily 5 stars and one I will be gifting to reader friends and loved ones. Bravo Aimie K. Runyan! A new favorite.

#AimieKRunyan. #GirlsOnTheLine #NetGalley

Actual rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I really liked the premise of the story. This historical fiction is about the women who went oversees as telephone operators during WWI. This book let us see the part the women played during the war and the risks they took. It was a wonderful story but I found the pace to be rather slow. I agree with other reviewers where at times, I thought the dialogue was sophomoric.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of Aimie K. Runyan's "Girls on the Line" in exchange of an honest review.

Words can't express what a complete joy this book is to read - no, savor. Aimie Runyan has written a virtual love letter to all of those women who remain unsung heroines during wartime. I'm grateful to Runyan for shining a light on a portion of history that for many of us was unknown. Good literature entertains; excellent literature also educates.
The women in this novel are selected to maintain communications during the war. Ruby, our main character, comes from a well-to-do family. When tragedy occurs, she feels a deep obligation to serve her nation and the signal corps offers her that opportunity.
There are so many characters that I embraced and adored in this book. The author creates a solid, fast moving and suspenseful plot and has a way of weaving words so beautifully. I found myself highlighting certain passages that just spoke to my heart.
Ms. Runyan, this is the first book that I've read of yours but I can assure you that it won't be my last.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had a great female lead who was strong and very independent, especially during a time when it was slightly frowned upon. It was very well written!

I received this from netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

Ruby follows her heart and answers the Army Signal Corps’ call for women operators to help overseas.

Interesting story based on real history. But the conversational language was rather sophomoric.

3☆

I love historical fiction and learning about all the aspects of history that we do not often hear about and this was one of those stories!

Ruby Wagner is a girl who doesn't want to live the life that her parents have chosen for her. They have picked her fiance Nathaniel and want her to begin her life in her high society family. Ruby is a telephone operator and when she gets the opportunity to join the war efforts, she is first in line, despite her parents objections. Having lost her brother Francis to the war efforts, they feel strongly that the war zone is not the place for their daughter. Ruby applies and is accepted and is on her way to France to do her duty. There are struggles along the way and many choices that Ruby must make and these changes will change her life forever.

I learned so much from this story of bravery, love, and doing what you know in your heart is the right thing to do. Years after the war these Hello Girls were still struggling to earn the rights of all the veterans that came home from the war. The government did not consider them soldiers, even though they took the oath and were not far from enemy lines. It wasn't until much later in 1979, when only a few were alive, did those efforts prevail.

Great story of a part of our history from WWI that is not often talked about!!

Women have played pivotal roles throughout history. For many years, the history books gave them small blurbs. The 'Hello Girls' were just those type of women. Aimie K. Runyan does a phenomena job of giving them a story which makes one want to learn more about the actual women.
Over 200 women served as ' Hello Girls' or switchboard operators who were sent to Europe to help with the telephones.. They were recruited by the U.S. Army for the Army Signal Corps, they followed the rules of the U.S. Army, they were on the frontlines of some of the biggest battles of WWI helping to connect troops all over, and at the end of WWI the Army seemed to have forgot all of those facts because they were women and all their books. rules, and such clearly said 'men'.
The characters Ms. Runyan created brings you deep into how these women came to get the jobs and let's you connect with the characters to where at the end you wish there was a "20 year later" epilogue.
Ruby Wagner is a girl in the upper crust Philadelphia society whose works as a switchboard operator is just until marriage. Until an event changes her life and a newspaper ad helps her find her way. She is also bilingual which helps her land the job and finds her going overseas. Evangeline, Margot, Andrew, and other supporting characters helped to make this book such a great read.
Ms. Runyan's attention to detail kept me enthralled without being bored and also made me do more research once finishing. DEFINITELY worth the read. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

This is the second novel I have read by Amie K. Runyan and, I have to admit, for me, this was another amazing read. This is the second of her novels focusing on women and their contributions in the Great War that most, including me, know little about. Focusing on the “Hello Girls,” female telephone operators who volunteered to serve their country, Runyan has created strong female characters that played a vital role in the U.S. war effort from the front lines. Ruby was not content to sit on the sidelines when it was apparent she had the skills that could make a difference in the effort. She discovered a strength and wisdom she didn’t know she had and that gave her courage to change the course of her life.
This was a beautifully written novel that I hated finishing. If Runyan hasn’t made your list of to-read authors, this will convince you that she belongs there.
#BloomReads #TallPoppies #LakeUnion #HelloGirls #GirlsontheLine

Although I received an early copy of this book, I waited until the weekend celebrating the anniversary of Armistice Day to read it. I have a kinship with Ruby as I too served in the signal corp. I had not read anything by Runyan before. I now see the error of my ways. Runyan deserves every accolade she receives for this work. We all know the major events of WWI. That is a reason why writing and reading war fiction can be so challenging. This wasn't a novel about what happens and why. Despite the obstacles that the women faced, both on the home front and the war front, the book focuses more on their individual strengths and struggles amidst the male dominant world. This work flows with ease. I can't say that there was ever one culminating event. Like our own lives, Ruby's unfolds before us in the way that one action and decision leads to another. Runyan did an incredible job of weaving together primary sources to ensure that women like Ruby are not forgotten. Bravo!

Historical fiction at its best.Girls on the line heroic women in WW1 know as the hello girls worked with spy codes against enemies and Ruby a society girl who left her comfortable life to become one of these strong brave women.Drew me right in a fascinating well written novel.#netgalley #lakeunionpublishing.

Girls on the Line was very good read. The title implies that these girls were on or very close to the battle line and that they were responsible for connecting calls within the Army. This story takes place during WWI. Ruby Wagner is our heroine who lives Philadelphia and works for telecommunications company. Her family has recently lost her brother in the war. She feels that she needs to do her part and decides to sign up with the Army Signal Corp. It was a long process that put to the test her call connecting, leadership skills and her ability to fluidly translate in French.
We get to learn a little of the history of what these women accomplished during the war. I would of liked to see how one of these calls played an important role in the story. Unfortunately we only learn of them answering calls while being sleep deprived and/or hungry. The constant learning of codes must of been stressful. The girls Ruby befriended and worked with were very likeable. I liked how they became like family, especially through difficult times .
This book had a little romance added to it. I would of liked more of it, but because of the story being told it was enough to add a little happiness to our main characters.
The story flowed very well and because how it was written as a reader you felt you were in the middle of all of it.
This was the first book I have read of this author and I enjoyed it.

Girls on the Line
By Amie Kay Runyan

During World War I, women were regulated to rolling bandages and knitting socks. These mundane tasks were not sufficient for Ruby Wagner. She and thousands of other women apply to be Army Signal Call Operators. The few who are chosen, trained and sent to various spots were necessary to operate the wires for the servicemen.

From the first line I was hooked. I cheered for Ruby when she chose to apply for the service and was chosen. Tears threatened when her brother, Francis, is killed and fell down my cheeks at other points throughout the story.

All of the characters feel true and evoke emotions within the reader as if we were part of the story. The writing is rich and comfortable. The settings are readily formed within the mind and invoke the feeling that you are in France or training on a rooftop.

I cannot praise this book more. I am mystified that it is fiction. It reads so true. The author did a fine job portraying the “Hello Girls.”