I enjoyed this audiobook very much. It is a historical fiction novel about a group of young women sent to rural France to assist civilians during WWI. The author and narrator create a very clear picture of what the women’s experiences.. A great listen for anyone who enjoys experimenting history from a woman’s point-of-view. The author has amazing insight into the dynamics of friendships between young women. The story centers on the complicated, long term friendship between Kate and Emmaline as they cope with many new and terrifying challenges they face.far away from home in a war.

As a big fan of WW2 books and stories I really wanted to like Band of Sisters, I was determined to like it so I listened to the whole book including the last pages where the author explains all the details where she found the inspiration for the story and what facts were real or just a creation but unfortunately, I really didn't enjoy the book As a big fan of WW2 books and stories I really wanted to like Band of Sisters, I was determined to like it so I listened to the whole book including the last pages where the author explains all the details where she found the inspiration for the story and what facts were real or just a creation but unfortunately, I really didn't enjoy the book it was not what I was expecting but that doesn't mean it is not a good story, I just felt so lost at all times maybe because I was expecting a more dramatic scenario and experiences for the characters.

Band of Sisters was very light for me, I really felt like I was in the women's bathroom listening to all the chit chat and drama of a group of friends, I enjoy it because of that, because it felt like a group of a friend got together and were narrating their lives in the War but without the fear or the drama more like gossip or like I said like a chit chat conversation.

I did like the main characters Kate and Emmeline but at times Kate was very stubborn and kind of insecure she felt less than at all times even if she never said a thing but she constantly felt that way, as if her best friend, was more entitle but at the end as every women drama it was just a misunderstanding or better said miss communication.

The friendship between Kate and Emmeline was great but Kate usually was the one making problems with her doubting and insecurities at least that's what I felt like she was always looking to complain or to chastise her best friend but I love when they finally understood what they were not really saying or making to improve their situation.

The Narration were good i really enjoy how much dept the narrator gave to the story and each character, i did enjoy her voice so much and the way she made each character so unique.

Overall it was a good book, it was just me that I was expecting more for such a long story.

Even though this book wasn’t the right book at the right time for me I still enjoyed it and felt it was well done. The hardest part for me was connecting to the characters at the beginning so I had an interest in their story. As the story progressed this grew but it was a hard start for me. The story of what these girls did is unbelievable. I enjoyed hearing about their bravery and reaction to trouble. The heart the author gave to these characters was great. By the end I felt like I could really feel what they felt while helping these people. I appreciate the authors work to make as much of the facts as true as possible. I was able to learn something from this book without feeling like I was sitting in a lecture class. The authors ability to capture that many different personalities and them so clear to understand is incredible. The audiobook was a little longer than I normally listen to but was so well done. The narrators inflection changes for each character really helped to understand the girls better.

Band of Sisters
Lauren Willig

Lauren Willig’s latest is a historical masterpiece and close to if not her best work, plus it truly is remarkable because even though each of Lauren’s characters are fictional most are based on real people and the book itself is based on real events, there really was a Smith College relief fund, they really did go to France during the height of WWI to give humanitarian aid to the locals, and they really did become legends among those they served. Speaking of the characters her two heroines Kate and Emmie are brilliant and readers/listeners will root for them and at times shake their head at what these two incredible yet very human women accomlish. Emmie’s cousin Julia rates as a stand out costar but each of the women Lauren portrayed have her own exceptional characterizations and voice. Lauren may take some creative liberty in her storytelling but the narrative is brilliant full of war time brutality, human spirit and hope and gives her audience a full on experience of both human and landscape wartime devastation. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, wartime fiction, exceptional women in fiction, historical fiction based on real events and or a fan of Lauren Willig you too will be a huge fan of this novel and the determined women it portrays.
Brava!
Narration:
Julia Whelan knocks this out of the park, her emotional characterizations are unforgettable and individual enough to differentiate between characters and her accents are spot on. No one could have done a better job narrating this amazing novel.

In the Spring of 1917 a group of 18 women all Smith College alumni formed the Smith College Relief Unit and head to France to help in the War effort. Most of these women had no prior experience, none had ever been anywhere near the front lines of a war but they all took up the mantle to do what was needed. Emmeline Van Alden daughter of New York socialites has never felt a part of anything what with her feminist/suffragette larger than life mother so she signs up hoping to find her place and pays the way of her college bestie Kate Moran. Kate never felt like she belonged with all the other Smithies, she was from a poor working class family who happened to win a scholarship to Smith and was working in a job she hated when her Smith roommate Emmie tells her about the relief effort and since the fares are being paid for by donations she decides she’s going. Emmie’s cousin Julia a groundbreaker herself as one of the two doctors in the group is also heading to France. A rude awakening puts it mildly what these women experience when they arrive to the bombed out burned out villages and the shell shocked people who are doing everything they can to survive. So these amazing women pull up their sleeves and muck through the mud and get to work.

This is an historical fiction audiobook that explores the efforts of women to do their best to be of service during the war. In this story a group of volunteers travel to Europe and attempt to establish service and assistance to the war-torn cities surrounding them. There were plenty of obstacles to overcome, including finding last-minute replacements for volunteers who opt out for other opportunities. What they accomplish with what they have on hand is respectable and makes for a great story.

I loved this audiobook! The narrator is one of the best! She’s great with voices, animating the story with vocal expression, enunciates well/easy to understand.

I got a free copy from NetGalley in exchange of a honest review. This book has been on my anticipated read list. This book didn’t disappointment. A group of women from Smith College risk their lives in France at the height of WWII. They have their training and get prepared for life abroad but the adventures they had in their heads, was soon diminished as soon as they landed in France. From there, the danger and life on the frontline become too apparent. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and enjoyed the adventure these ladies went on. There were several parts where I laughed out loud. Would recommend it to my friends and family!

If you only read or listen to one historical fiction novel this year, it should definitely be Band of Sisters. I promise you that the members of the Smith College Relief Unit, their friendships with each other, and the work that they do will touch your heart and leave you better for it.

Lauren Willig masterfully takes the letters from the factual Smith College women's unit and transforms them into characters with realistic personalities that the reader will become deeply invested in their activities and wellbeing. After reading Band of Sisters, I became obsessed with knowing more about the Smithies and their work during the war and the reconstruction. Isn't that truly the mark of great historical fiction, when the reader becomes so invested that they absolutely need to know more, even after the last page is turned?

Thank you to both Lauren Willig, Netgalley, and Harper Audio for my gifted audio copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Not only is Lauren's book five stars (and I would actually give it more if possible), but the audio narration by the incredibly gifted Julia Whelan only furthered my enjoyment of Band of Sisters!

Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig is a fictionalized account about the Smith College Relief Unit (SCRU) during World War One. The SCRU was a group of Smith College graduates (all women) who went to France to help with the relief efforts. Based on actual letters and narratives, the story follow the trials and tribulations of their relief work and well as the ins and outs of their friendships. My one nit-picking criticism is that there isn't really a beginning to end plot line other than the women's time during the war. I listened to the audio book narrated by Julia Whelan. Her excellent narration added to this compelling read.

Be sure to listen to historical notes at the end. Also, there is supposed to be a reader's guide complete with photos for this book. I have not been able to find it but I will certainly look for it later this year.

I enjoyed this audiobook so much, I kept finding things to do around the house so I could continue listening to this entertaining book!

The Narrator: Julia Whelan has a clear and easy to understand voice. She did an excellent job differentiating between the different characters in the story, including Emmie’s perfectly perky voice. I especially enjoyed her rendition of Julia and Kate’s dry wit as a deadpan voice. One small issue is that the narration speed was too slow for my taste. This was easily remedied by speeding the playback up to 1.5x Narration Rating: 4/5

The story takes place in France during WWI. The idea that the Smith College Relief Unit, a group of American college women were in the Somme near the front lines, sounds like pure fiction. That is what makes the book so fascinating, because a lot of the events in the book are true. They are taken from real letters that the Unit members sent home to family and friends. (Do not miss the author’s Historical Notes at the end for the details.)

The romance element was very well done. I loved that Emmie and Will reference different classic novels, and Emmie calls Will the Scarlet Pimpernel before she learns his name. I looked forward to their storyline when it appeared throughout the book. Emmie describes herself as plain, but she is beautiful to Will; now that is a perfect hero!

The beginning of each chapter is splendidly anchored by a letter from one of the Unit members to their family or friends back home. There are interesting anecdotes, but also a snarky subtext in these letters. They were the perfect way to set off each chapter and give another point of view to events that happen in the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book about these brave women and recommend it to all historical fiction fans. Story Rating: 5/5

Back in the early 1900s, Smith College in Massachusetts, also know as one of the seven sisters (since Ivies were only for men), was also known for admitting the daughters of the very wealthy. What I did not know was that Smith College alumni formed a group that sailed over to France in August, 1917, to help out women and children suffering from the war. You really admire the fictitious women who put their lives at risk for strangers in anther country. In the author's note at the end, she tells you which of the stories were true, and many of the events that happen in this novel actually happened. When a story has you looking up the real life stories of some of these remarkable women, I'd say that's a well done piece of historical fiction! As far as the story in the novel, this group of women really only had one thing in common, graduating from Smith College, and as the story progresses, you get to see that they really did become a band of sisters.

I tend to gravitate toward historical fiction regularly. Incidentally I have read a large amount of books about WWII. I was so excited to come upon this book about the smith college relief unit during WWI. A group of college graduates go to France to help rebuild during the war. While there they will have to navigate internal as well as external trials. I was completely delighted at the afterward where the author explains how much of this book was based on true stories and where she took her creative license. I absolutely laughed and cried during this experience.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts are my own.

2.75 stars I really, really wanted to love this historical women’s fiction. The description was interesting and the reviews, so far, promising...but it was just a so-so read for me. It takes place during WW1, and is based on a true story, which drew me in. I’ve read an abundance of WW2 stories of late so was looking for something different.

The start of the book was engaging, learning about the women from Smith College Relief Unit and their journey to France to volunteer to help the French civilians as WW1 raged on. Despite poor and dangerous living conditions with war literally on their front doorstep, these women came together despite their differences to help. The plot explored their bravery and accomplishments but also the challenges they faced.

The story is told in 3rd person and primarily revolves around the MC Kate. I wanted to connect with Kate and her fellow volunteers but couldn’t. It was difficult to feel anything towards the characters, the plot or even the setting. There were some detailed descriptions about the soldiers injured in the war and interesting details about the impact of the war on people, but again, just couldn’t feel anything.

I will add that the narrative itself is quite remarkable. The fact that these women risked their lives to help people despite being told to evacuate. And the good that they did while in France was impressive. Just wish I had been able to connect better with the story.

I listened to the audio version and it was okay. The narrator’s performance was a bit flat but her voice captured the essence of the story.
Thank you to Harper Audio and Netgalley for an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I learned so much from this book. I was not familiar with the Smith College Relief Fund and their fearless undertaking in providing much-needed relief to World War II France.
The Narrator in the Audio Version did a spectacular job. There were so many major characters yet she was able to distinguish them from each other so expertly. It's a testimony to friendship and all that that term implies.. Sometimes, good intentions did not always provide "good," as the various relationships portrayed.
The desecration of land and hardship that war, inevitably, brings was so well documented in this book. The plight of the role of women was deftly described. An eye-opening read!

This review is for the audiobook version. Band of Sisters is a well-written novel based on the true story of a group of women from Smith College who risked their lives to volunteer in France during World War 1.

Specifically focusing on the audiobook version, the narrator, Julia Whelan, did a wonderful job of conveying this amazing story and portraying each of the characters strengths, flaws, and hardships.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

I loved everything about this book. The story was so compelling and told so well that I didn't want it to end. In addition to entertaining, I learned so much about the efforts of the Smith graduates in WWI.
I especially loved the snippets from letters written by these women home detailing their experiences. The characters are well developed and I felt like I really got to know them through these stories. Their actions to help those in need in war torn areas was inspiring. This was the perfect book to end the year with.

#BandofSisters #NetGalley

I received the audiobook version of this story. I enjoyed the narrator and would listen to her again.
This story had a strong emphasis on friendship and reconnecting with past friends while making new friends. The bond that was created between these women was nice to see. While it's obvious that war is tragic and awful, I did not feel gutted as I have from other books. It made this easier to listen to. I had never heard of the Smith Girls and learned something new which is always a good thing.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for providing me with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC of Band of Sisters: A Novel in exchange for my honest review.

Based on true events, Band of Sisters:: A Novel tells the story of 15 young graduates from Smith college who came together to form the Smith college Relief Unit during WWI. There were actually 18 members, but in the author's note, Lauren Willig said it would have been too difficult for the reader, as well as the author, to keep 18 story lines straight,

The women had varying degrees of preparedness from none to medical doctors. Some were there because they thought they would shop in Paris. Others came to prove something to themselves or others. Our main character, Kate Moran, was there at the request of her best friend from Smith, Emmie Van Alden, who is from a very wealthy family, After crossing the Atlantic with their naiveté intact, they found themselves very close to the front line in a house which was destroyed by the enemy It was here that they scrounged and and acquired the means to serve the surrounding villages by helping to feed the children, tend to the wounded and help rebuild their villages,

There is so much to delve into with this story that I cannot possibly with one summary begin to touch on all the incredible acts that they under took. But it is so much better for you, the reader to discover those for yourself. While these are fictionalized versions of the "Smithies", Lauren Willig used letters from the real women as well as newspaper articles among her source material. It is beautifully written, bringing the feeling and the danger to the reader as the women themselves go through each event,

I had not know to the Smith College Relief Unit, but I am so glad that I have had the chance to get to know the heroism and bravery of these women who served so well. DO NOT skip the author's notes at the end of the book, It is here that you find out more about the actions of the Smithies and role they played in historical events,

I have spent a lot of time in the last couple of years reading books about WWII and the effect it had on the people who were involved. It has changed the way that I view some things and it has definitely changed my to-be-read pile of books. When I saw this book, Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig, I didn't even realize it was WWI instead. I simply said to myself, "Yes, I want to read that!" and I am so glad that I did. The story, which I listened to on audio, follows the Smith College Relief Unit, which was a group of young women who had graduated from Smith College and wanted to do their bit for the war effort. I was immediately caught up in their world and in all of the unfolding events. These women left their homes and went to France to help French villagers who had been turned out of their homes by the Germans and then left to try and rebuild their lives with no assistance. The story follows the actual events that happened to the girls, including travel troubles and being so very close to the front lines. When the war moved into the village they were working in, they didn't stop. They just kept right on helping and doing their part. It is an astounding story of courage and love and heart that will resonate with me for some time. I highly recommend. The narration was also excellent. You should definitely check this one out!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity. All opinions are my own.

Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig tells the story of the Smith College Relief Unit in France in the last year of World War I. The Unit, founded by an eccentric female archeologist, Mrs. Rutherford, is task with lending aid to the villages in France devastated by the war. The unit is made up of Smith College graduates, included Kate Moran, Emmi van Alden and Dr. Julia Prine. The women, who aside from Kate, are from middle and upper class families are at times woefully unprepared for the basic necessities needed by the women and children of the villages in the care.

But over time, they overcome the hardships, the privations and the horrors surrounding them and get to the heart of caring for women like them, who are just trying to find a new way to live in a country that is on the front lines.

Willig, a historian by education, reveals details of truth in her fiction and, states in the author's note to having access to the first-hand accounts from women in the unit, through letters, articles and other materials. This shows in the story and brings life to the characters. This was a story I hadn't heard before and so glad I could learn more about these women and their efforts as well as some of the horrors the French people underwent at the hands of the German army.

If you are looking for a story of courage, sacrifice and friendship, then this is a perfect book for you.

Note: I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest review.

WIllig explains that this novel is based on the real life women and most of the events in the book were based on actual events. Her source material included amazingly detailed letters that chronicled their adventures and friendships. The characters are mostly fictional composites but the author’s extensive research really brings them to life. The character development and plot were the strengths of the book. I struggled a little with the sense of place and couldn’t really wrap my brain around the locations of the book. It’s quite long and dragged a little in the first third. I wonder if there should have been two books here: a shorter, more commercial version and a more comprehensive, non-fiction version. This sat somewhere in the middle. This audiobook was narrated by the excellent Julia Whelan, who handles the accents with ease. Historical fiction fans will delight in this book and these remarkable women.