I just want to say I am so glad that there was a happy resolution to this story because I spent half the book mad about the treatment that Kathleen Carre received when she went through Navy Academy training. The background story of this novel is really interesting. We take books for granted now because they’re everywhere, but in times of war, they were a welcome reprieve from the horrors of the world as it was. I will admit I wasn’t really familiar with this idea of librarians being sent overseas to assist soldiers laid up in hospitals or camps. This has all the makings of a great historical fiction novel, drama, suspense, and a little romance. The ending is a bit of a surprise that I didn’t necessarily see coming. All in all, a story that delivers in all the categories. Review posted to Amazon, Goodreads, Litsy, LibraryThing, Facebook, Instagram

'The War Librarian,' by Addison Armstrong is a pitch perfect dual-timeline historical fiction. One character is reading banned books in 1918, one is the co-ed cadet class at the Naval Academy in 1976. And the are connected by one dark secret.

A dual time line, books, and strong women - a perfect recipe for a wonderful read. I was intrigued in the beginning, but it began to slow and did not keep my interest as I had hoped it would. The writing seemed forced at times in order for Ms. Armstrong to make her point.

I did enjoy reading about a woman in WWI as well as one of the first women in the Naval Academy in the 1970s. Eye opening to see some of the information that was presented and it roused enough interest for me to further research in order to confirm facts from fiction. I did not feel a connection to the characters and was able to predict many of the outcomes of the plot long before they were revealed.

Overall, a book that has some worthy historical information, but may take awhile to get through the entire story. Rated 2.5, rounded to 3/5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel.
#TheWarLibrarian #NetGalley #AddisonArmstrong

3.5 stars
War and books and librarians! Sign me up!

This has two POV with a woman in 1918 who is a "war librarian" on a naval ship. I've recently been learning about the book system that the military instituted to help entertain the military and this was a fun historical fiction read to support that. During this time, the military is censoring books and what they allowed in the library. Seems fitting to read this on banned books week!

The second POV is a woman who was accepted into the first coed U.S. Naval Academy class. These women were given high heels, clothing with no pockets and purses to carry for their uniform. Over time those things changed, of course. She addresses many of the social/political problems of the day, which almost felt like the author was trying to squeeze every injustice into this book!

While this was historical fiction, it felt very contemporary as far as the opinions and expressions shared that didn't seem to fit in with the time, for me. I'm seeing this more and more in historical fiction books, and it has begun to bother me not staying true, or as true as can be with the thoughts and opinions of the day. Our character is always the one who is enlightened (with thoughts of 2022) while those around her are stuck in the 1920's--the time period it is supposedly about.

Overall, an enjoyable read, informational and loved hearing more about women in the military.

Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam for the advance e-copy of this book.

The War Librarian tells two stories of two women in the face of adversity, one in a time of war and the other in a historic period of change.

In 1918, cautious Emmaline opens a letter while working at the Dead Letter Office addressed to someone else but signed by someone from her past. Fueled by curiosity and care, Emmaline changes course and volunteers to be a war librarian. Once at the front, Emmaline runs into the individual who sparked this change and she continues to make small waves but is it too much?
In 1976, Kathleen anxiously awaits news of her admissions to the naval academy as one of the first class of females. However triumphant it may seem her arrival is met with ire and hostility from her fellow midshipman. Determined to prove she deserves to be there, Kathleen buckles down but that all comes to a halt when unfounded accusations are leveled against her.

I really enjoy when historical fiction books are told in dual timelines and finding out how their stories intersect. I really liked both of their ladies’s stories and how from the very beginning you were drawn in. The story followed smoothly and moved quickly making this an easy read.

Rating 4.5 stars


Thank you @putnambooks for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

This dual timeline story is about both a librarian during WWI and a female cadet in the first class of women at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Both women in this story are connected in multiple ways, including being females in a trailblazing role customarily reserved for men.

While I found Librarian, Emmaline’s story to be more engrossing, I found Kathleen Carre’s struggles in the male-dominated school fascinating too. I wouldn’t mind reading a book just about the first few classes of women in various military academies.

An interesting and enjoyable dual time period historical novel. One part of the story is set in 1918, from the perspective of Emmaline, who goes to France during WWI as part of the war librarian program, setting up a library at a field hospital to provide books to the wounded men there. Her chapters are alternated with chapters from the perspective of Kathleen in 1976, who starts at the Naval Academy as part of the very first class to accept women.

I really enjoyed both stories, and learned something from both of them - I’ve read less WWI fiction than WWII fiction and never heard about the field libraries, and I don’t think I’ve ever read anything set at the naval academy and found the issues Kathleen faced both interesting and sad, especially as a comparison to 1918 and how much racism and sexism still existed nearly 60 years later.

I also really enjoyed Addison Armstrong’s debut novel last year, The Light of Luna Park, so she is definitely one to watch, and if you like dual time period historical fiction like that of Fiona Davis and Beatriz Williams I definitely recommend checking her out. And I was especially blown away reading her bio at the end of the book and realizing she only graduated from college in 2020 - wow!

I usually love dual time lines however this one was not the case these women sounded well beyond the time they were supposedly in. I couldn’t get past the 1970s women she just was annoying and like she lived in 2022 with how she wanted to be and accepted. That just made me stop and there are many more great books out there sorry just couldn’t do it

Thanks netgalley for the advance copy!

In light of its consideration of banned books, Addison Armstrong’s The War Librarian (Putnam, $17) feels timely. Yet the novel is set in World War I and follows a woman serving as a volunteer in the Library War Service who feels conflicted by the prohibition on material labeled anti-American by the higher-ups. A dual narrative depicts life at the Naval Academy for one of its first female cadets. Their paths cross late in the novel. Overall, a pleasant, casual read.

By the author of one of the best books I have ever read, THE LIGHT OF LUNA PARK. That was a very heartbreaking and beautiful story.

This book is another historical fiction. Two different time lines, 1918 and 1976. One a war librarian the other one of the first women to enter the Navel Academy. Another very well written historical book. This one didn't hold my interest quite as much as the other but it was still good. It tells the stories of both women and what they went through in their lives. Each very likable and endearing.

This book was well written and researched. It is one that will keep you turning the pages. These two women will find a place in your heart. It's one you won't soon forget. They paved the way for some women to follow.

Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts.

4 stars and I recommend you read this one.

Two women, separated by time but linked by family, fight for women's rights in their own ways. In WWI, Emmaline Balakin leaves behind her job at the dead letter office to become a librarian for the troops in France. She finds herself caught up in the misery of the fighting men and becomes angry at seeing the inequality with which the races are treated. When she stands up for herself and against censorship and racism, she finds herself in trouble with the officers in charge.

Emmaline comes home from the war a different person.

Kathleen Carre takes her stand for women's rights by being a member of the first group of females admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy. Many make it clear that they don't think women belong at the Academy and Kathleen takes the brunt of their resentment in both physical and mental retaliation. Having been told her grandmother drove an ambulance in WWI, she is compelled to prove herself as competent and patriotic as her grandmother.

After her beloved Nana's death, some family secrets come to light and Kathleen discovers she has others who care deeply about her and celebrate her success at Annapolis.

Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction, family mysteries, and books about equality.

This was a very lovely dual perspective story, alternating between Kathleen in the mid 70's and a woman named Emmaline during WWI. I have not read or heard much about the time when women were finally allowed to join the US Navy, but I am in complete awe of Kathleen and her strength. I can't even imagine how difficult of an experience that was. I also really loved Emmaline's perspective as well. The power of books is so important and this story really proved that. Thank you to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 I love everything WWII and this is not something that I had ever heard about, being a war librarian. It was a bit intriguing. It was great to see how books could help soldiers escape the suffering they were experiencing. That’s why I like to read…to escape. I like Emmaline, timid and shy and really alone and ready to do something in her life. When she gets the letter from Nicholas, meant for another, she realizes that she needs to do something about her own life and sets off to France to become a librarian. In the meantime she meets Nellie who becomes a good friend, as well as some soldiers who suffer some injustices due to who they are. Kathleen Carre’s story was told during a time when women were first allowed into the military academies and the injustices they had to go through just to be there and stay. Overall it was a good book and I am glad I read about something unfamiliar to me in a time period I love to read about. I do feel like there could have been a bit more character development for Nellie and Nicholas but other than that it was a good read.

Thank you Net Galley as well as the publisher of this book for an advanced copy.

The War Librarian is a dual time line story about two women. The first takes place in 1918 and involves Emmaline who works in the Dead Letter Office and then decides to volunteer as a librarian in France so that service men have access to books.

The second storyline takes place in 1976 and involves Kathleen, one of the first women allowed into the Naval Academy. It will take everything in her to stay and graduate with the other women in her class.

Both women face more challenges than they every imagined and it will take every bit of determination they possess to persevere and do what they each set out to do.

I enjoyed everything about this novel. Two strong female characters doing what they are determined to do with no one having gone before them to do it. The ties of family both blood and chosen. Each woman learning just what they are made of as they push forward against so many obstacles determined to stop them.

This was my first book by the author and I cannot wait to read more of her writing.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Penguin Group Putnam. All views are simply my honest opinion.

I thought this was a great book written during the war. The story goes back and forth between time periods.

This was a wonderful book. I listened to the audio book while on a road trip vacation. It was easy to follow. The two time periods were nicely fleshed out with both being very strong women MC. It is WW1 AND 1976 admission of women to the Navy academy. I really enjoyed the librarian part, as I work in the library. Books help in so many ways. This book helps remind us of this. I can’t speak to the accuracy of the historical parts, but the author gives you more books to read to supplement. This was a nice change from the popular ww2 novels. I will read more from this author. Highly recommend for library loves and those who normally read WW titles with women MCs.
Thanks to NetGalley for the free ARC and the library for the audio version.

France, 1918: Emmaline just stepped foot on foreign soil for the first time in her life. Determined to do something worthwhile with her life, she volunteered to be a war librarian on the frontline in WWI. Once there, she finds camaraderie and romance, both of which give her strength she didn't know she had...or needed.

DC, 1976: Kathleen has just joined a groundbreaking group of young women. They have the honor of being the first female cadets in the US Naval Academy. Inspired by her grandmother's WWI service, Kathleen is determined to succeed in the military, but her male counterparts are less than thrilled to be part of the first co-ed class. Does she have what it takes to prove she belongs there?

What a terrific book! This book exudes female empowerment and feminist ideals. If you've followed me for a while, you probably know that Bad B main characters are my thing. While Emmaline might be a bit timid, her courage in the face of right/wrong is inspiring. And Kathleen's courage in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. The plot of both timelines is fully formed and the author does a great job weaving together the two storylines. While I saw the twist coming, I still enjoyed the way the author unfurled the puzzle piece by piece. If you're a fan of WWI novels or tales of women in service, be sure to pick this one up!

The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong is a wonderful story. I love historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. Emmaline Balakin loves books. She loves everything them about them but mostly she loves how you can escape reading a good book. She works at the Dead Letter a office, during WWI and most days are uneventful, until one day a letter comes across her desk. On this letter she sees a name from her past and it sets in motion a complete life change for Addison. She heads over to France to become a War Librarian. At the frontline, she is confronted with many difficult situations. She hopes to bring some joy with the books. It is surprising that she finds love and has to start telling her real story. Can she find the courage to set things straight?
1976 Kathleen Carre is waiting to start the United States Naval Academy. She will be part of the first class with women and will have to work twice as hard to keep her spot. She is so excited for this next step but is confused on why her nana is so against it. Her nana has always been her biggest cheerleader and her support now is so important. Once in the academy, she has to keep up with the physical and mental part of the school. She also has to put up with sexual harassment for her male classmates. Kathleen is faced with many challenges personal and at school and she can only hope to finish what she started.
While at school she finds out secrets to her nana’s life that are life altering. She must also deal with this. Can she juggle it all? Can she make peace with her nana?
I loved how the author told the story from two different women, during two different periods of history. The writing was excellent and I loved how the two stories came together.
I want to thank Netgalley & the author for my copy for an honest review. It was a pleasure to read and review. This was a 5 star read for me. I hope you enjoy it too!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this ARC.

1918: Emmaline Balakin has a passion for books, so when she finds herself on the frontlines of WWI in France she does whatever she can to make sure injured soldiers have books to read. However, she’s shocked at both the racism and censorship she discovers the US Army allowing to happen. Compelled to do something about both, Emmaline puts herself, and others, in danger.

1976: Kathleen Carre is ready to prove to herself and everyone else she has what it takes to be in the first coed class of recruits at the US Naval Academy. She expects the backlash she and the other female recruits will face, but she isn’t prepared for the extent the men will go to in order to make sure the female recruits know they aren’t welcome. After a surprising tragedy, Kathleen discovers family secrets that could lead to her losing everything.

The premise of this book was so promising. I was intrigued by both historical timelines of this story. Not a lot of historical fiction focuses on WWI and I’ve never read anything about the first female recruits at the Naval Academy. Unfortunately, for me, this story just seemed to fall flat. I wasn’t connected to the characters in either timeline and had the plot figured out pretty quickly. Some characters could have been more present, while certain parts of the story could have been shortened. Three stars because I learned about both historical periods and it did have moments that I was interested by.

This story is told from the perspective of two different women, 58 years apart. In 1918, Emmeline Baker is working at the Dead Letter Office when she comes across a letter from a man she knew many years ago that she had lost touch with. She decides to take a daring step by going to France as a volunteer librarian on the front lines, in hopes of finding and rekindling a relationship with him. In 1976, Kathleen Carre, has been raised by her grandmother for most of her life. She’s determined to be accepted into the first coed US Naval Academy and works hard to get through the training. As you can imagine, female officers received substandard treatment at the Naval Academy and were constantly harassed by the male officers and made to work even harder to prove themselves worthy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I truly loved the fact that bringing books to all the wounded soldiers brought so much joy to those that were injured in the war and were recovering in field hospitals. I also think that the stories of the first women to be accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy in the 1970’s was accurate in all that they had to endure. This was a wonderful story and it came together beautifully in the end.. If you love historical fiction, I know you will also enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for allowing me to read this ARC of the War Librarian by Addison Armstrong and provide my honest review.