Thank you @theendbookstore @stmartinspress @netgalley @macmillan.audio for the complimentary ARC and ALC.

Even though I had the physical ARC, when I saw on Netgalley that Julia Whelan was the narrator I immediately requested it. Normally when I have a book and audio, I read when I can and then listen when I’m doing chores, driving etc. Not the case here, I wanted to be fully immersed in this story and not miss a single word. I only listened when I was also able to sit down with the physical book and read along. Whelan is a favorite narrator for many, and for good reason, she breathes life into characters and their emotions. The combination of her narration and Kristin Hannah’s writing was amazing.

“Some women had worn love beads in the sixties; others had worn dog tags”

Grab the tissues! I’m not much of a crier but if I do it is usually at the end of a book. Kristin Hannah had me shedding tears at multiple points during this novel. Frankie’s time at war is brutal. Hannah does not shy away from describing what medics, soldiers, and civilians (including children) experienced during that time. Then Frankie comes home and must deal with the invisible scars of war, the public treatment of those who served in Vietnam, and, after putting her life on the line to save others, to be told repeatedly , ‘There weren’t women in ‘Nam’. A stunning story of heroism, friendship, love, loss, betrayal, and women being left out of history.

Nothing I say can do this book justice.

Phenomenal.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Kristin Hannah for this advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review.

THIS BOOK!!! Oh my goodness, this book was everything and more! Kristin Hannah proved once again why she is one of my all time favorite authors and she never disappoints. This book broke my heart and I cried more times in it than I could count, but this story was also absolutely beautiful, inspiring and I loved every second! Definitely check trigger warnings before reading. (HIGHLY recommend checking trigger warnings before reading. )

5+++++ stars for me!

Reading challenge category - 2022 52 Book Club: By an author who has published in more than one genre

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC audiobook narrated by Julia Whelan.

First and foremost, I love Julia Whelan's narration of any book. She does a wonderful job and always captures the emotion of the characters and has enough nuance in her voice and tone to make distinct character voices.

Hannah does a wonderful job making the reading feel the feelings of the characters. Frankie GOES THROUGH IT. The experiences she had in Vietnam were so well described, but the most impactful scenes for me were the PTSD-related moments when she came home from the war. There is no one way to experience PTSD. Frankie experiences them all it seems.

I fluctuated between rating 4 and 5 stars. but ultimately settled on 4 stars because it did feel like 'everything but the kitchen sink" at times. I'm not sure if it was intentional or just filler, but it made the book feel about 50-75 pages too long. I also didn't care for the very end. It COULD happen, but very unlikely. Still a good read and worth reading, in my opinion.

Wow, this book was something. Kristin Hannah truly has a gift for weaving an incredible tale. Like many people, I knew little about the Vietnam War. While I enjoyed The Nightingale, I feel like there are so many books about WWII, however, it was so compelling to read such a well-researched book about a major event I knew little about.

I'm a sensitive person, so I had to skip through the parts that described some of the torture or extreme events that were included. However, I appreciated that the author didn't use to much detail on these horrific events (at least that I heard). I didn't find this book predictable at all, and never really knew where the story was going.

Short synopsis: In attempts to make her parents proud, Frankie McGrath joins the Army Nurse Corps and goes to Vietnam during the war.

My thoughts: I absolutely love KH way of telling such tragic and heartfelt stories. This one brought out so many historical truths that happened during and following the Vietnam War. I don’t know much, but you can tell much time and research was put into this book.

The first half was devastating and tragic, heartbreak after terrible heartbreak had my emotions reeling. Part 2, I do have conflicted thoughts on, it seemed there were a number of events and situations put in the story for shock factor. But ultimately I felt like a lot of it needed to happen for Frankie to hit the rock bottom she needed to seek out real help.

This is a story of unsung heroes. Those who put their lives on the line to save men in battle. This is a powerful story of resilience and, strong women, and fighting for recognition.

I did part of this on audio, and while I absolutely love Julia Whalen’s narration I felt more attached to the story reading the physical version. I am taking the blame for that myself, I’m very prone to multitasking and I think that got in the way some. I’d personally recommend the physical version or an immersive reading with both physical and audio.

Read if you love:
- Vietnam War Historical fiction based off facts
- Books that will destroy you
- Strong and Brave women

One of the best books I have read in a long time. First off the narrator for this book is my absolute favorite. She sucks you right in with her voice. The story is just as fantastic. I am not as well versed in the Vietnam War as I should be so I found the entire book interesting. Hannah did a great job of painting a picture of how difficult it was to return from the war and for women during this time. I love the camaraderie of the three women along with the historical aspect of the book. If you read one book this year make it this one. A wonderful book club pick that is sure to spark great conversation. If you like audio books this one would be a wonderful option this narrator is hands down my favorite.

This book will probably end up being my favorite if not one of my favorite books published this year. The pacing was excellent, the research very well done, and the story pulls you in and exposes the fact that there were women in the Vietnam War.

The first half of the book explores our main character, Frankie, choosing to go to Vietnam and what it was like for her while serving as a nurse. The pacing is quick and action-packed as she adjusts to life at war. She hones her nursing skills, builds her confidence, and makes life-long friends. The juxtaposition between her attending to the wounded and dying, and finding moments to unwind are nicely displayed.

The second half of the book explores Frankie trying to adjust to civilian life after the highly-scheduled, busy life as a nurse in war. Since she went to Vietnam at such a young age, she still has to figure out who she is and what she wants to do with her life. She has to face the public's distaste for the war, her family’s embarrassment for her military service, along with her trauma and PTSD, while trying to find the help she needs. When she goes to the VA, they won’t even acknowledge that there were women in Vietnam! She is able to find herself and make a better life, but it’s quite a journey.

There are some beautiful themes of resilience, love, friendship, and loss explored throughout the story. This is such a worthwhile read and a great look at how America viewed the Vietnam War and how this changed over time.

Five out of five stars!

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

I just finished this book and just when you think this author can’t top her last book she writes a new one that you know you won’t forget.

What can I say, I read my first Kristin Hannah book some years ago and since then she’s one of my favorite authors and thanks to her Historical Fiction is a genre I learned to love. An epic story about survival, history, family and love. All the stars.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this complimentary audiobook.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 by Kristin Hannah releases today February 6, 2024.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcoffeemx/

The Women by Kristin Hannah

This story, set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1960s, is a story of love, loss and joy. It’s a hard read, filled with heartbreak, yet so beautifully balanced with moments of laughter, and the incredible strength of friendship. This follows Frankie, a nurse who served during the Vietnam War. The time spent in Vietnam is graphic, and the terror, exhaustion, and relationships felt very real and unforgettable. Then when it should have been a relief to come home, it was shocking for her to be shamed and/or ignored. She spirals into PTSD when no one will talk about her experience and she is turned away when she does look for help.

Julia Whelan’s narration captivated me from start to finish, bringing this narrative of a nation in turmoil and a woman in pieces to life. There were many moments that were shocking, a couple made me emotional and one specifically made my jaw actually drop. After really struggling with Four Winds, I was hesitant about this one but happy to say that although it was sad, it is reminiscent of my favourite of Kristen Hannah’s books.

Thanks to @macmillan.audio for my early audio copy, this book is out today!

"Just forget about Vietnam."

"I was there!"

These three words, "I was there," break your heart every time Frances "Frankie" McGrath screams them when told she can't get help for her pain because "there were no women in Vietnam." In the gripping heartbreaking massively important The Women, by masterful historical fiction author Kristin Hannah, we not only learn about the women who saved so many lives in Vietnam but the aftermath of their enormous sacrifice.

At 17, a handsome soldier, who will be a major consequence in her life, tells Frankie, "Women can be heroes." She becomes a nurse and enlists to help save lives. Landing by helicopter in the dangerous jungles of Vietnam is the start to the naively brave Frankie losing her innocence, her heart and often her stability.

In between all the heartache there's undescribable camaraderie amongst the nurses where Frankie makes life long friends. She also finds love but can it be real among the violence and death that's part of every day?

The gifted prose of the writer and the emotionally draining acting of voice actress Julia Whelan demand and deserve your attention and every award.

The Vietnam War wasn't the romanticized heroics of WWll. The author gracefully brings this hurtful, let's not remember, painful period in our history to life with realistic storytelling.

Frankie's suffering is visceral and how her feelings are so easily dismissed is a frustration that I'm still not over. If you've never listened to an audiobook start with The Women; do it for the heroines who lived this war.

Favorite line: "She learned quiet was the perfect camouflage for pain."

I received a free copy of this audiobook from #macmillanaudio via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

“𝙒𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙧—𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙑𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙣𝙖𝙢—𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙨 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝙒𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙄’𝙢 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧. 𝙄𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙨, 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚.”

If you are a fan of historical fiction, this is a must read! I highly recommend the audio as Julia Whelan brings this story to life like no other. Kristin Hannah writes in such a way that you feel like you’re in the middle of war. This was such a fast, immersive read that I got completely swept away in.

The first half details Frankie McGrath’s experiences as a nurse in the Vietnam war. I absolutely loved her, Barb and Ethel. Their special friendship stood the test of time and war. The second half of the story explores Frankie’s tumultuous return from the war and the aftermath of such a harrowing experience. It’s so real and raw and Hannah doesn’t shy away from the trauma women faced when they returned from serving in a war they were told women were not a part of. It’s a hard read, but in the best way. I felt every emotion and I can’t recommend this book enough.

Content: fade to black, detailed descriptions of war injuries

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for gifted copies. My thoughts are my own.

Nurse Frankie McGrath patriotically volunteers to enlist as an Army nurse - "Women can be heroes too" her brother's best friend has told her. On-the-job training in a brutal environment as catastrophe's follow her path. After her tour Frankie returns to an anti-War USA and tries to cope with life. For lovers of the old "MASH" tv series- the nurse's view of the realities of war.

— Pat Fowler

I didn't think I could ever love a Kristin Hannah book as much as I loved The Nightingale, but The Women is definitely giving that thought a run for its money.  This book!  I haven't felt so attached to characters in a really long time.  I stopped counting the number of times I audibly gasped or wiped tears before I even got to part two.  This book is a great story of resilience, sacrifice, love, friendship and truth behind the history we were taught.  It has a little bit of everything and is a stunning piece of historical fiction.  Highly, highly recommend!

Tough topic so well written you will understand everything about the veterans returning in body, mind and spirit.

A little political but Frankie stayed true to her beliefs and helped the reader understand and accept everything from these tough years and future troubles.

This book wasn’t really my cup of tea but I enjoyed getting an education in how to wake up each morning with hope and anticipation to be the best after having lived through Vietnam and the return to a USA home that wasnt understanding of the difference between those who served and those who ordered participation in the war.

It’s good reading, something that will stay with you for a long long time.

Happy pub day to Kristin Hannah! Today's the day her powerful new novel, The Women, hits shelves!

Frankie is a young Californian nurse who, driven by a desire to help and inspired by the bravery of her brother, joins the Army Nurse Corps to serve in Vietnam determined to make a difference. In Vietnam, she is able to find herself amidst the chaos and heartbreak of war. However, war leaves its mark, and Frankie's journey doesn't end when she returns home.

Frankie undergoes a transformative journey alongside other remarkable women as they collectively face the horrors of war and navigate the challenges of returning home to a changed world.

This isn't your average war story. This is a story about the brave women who served as nurses in Vietnam, facing the horrors of war with unwavering strength and compassion. It’s a story about courage, friendship, and resilience.

The Women is more than a historical fiction; it's a tribute to the often-overlooked sacrifices of women in war, giving them the voice they deserve. ️Kristin Hannah's writing style is evocative and immersive, transporting you directly into the heart of the story. I learned a lot of things I didn’t know from this book, which is why historical fiction is my favorite genre.

If you loved The Nightingale or The Four Winds, you NEED this book in your life! Grab your copy today and get ready to be swept away by this wonderful story.

And if all of this wasn’t enough, the audiobook is narrated by the amazing Julia Whelan, who brings Frankie's story to life with her captivating narration. I was completely immersed in the story thanks to her talent! Thank you @macmillan and @netgalley for the gifted audio copy of The Women.

Thank You to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Kristin Hannah for the free eARC.

I was so excited to be approved for this gem. First, I had read one other Kristin Hannah book and thoroughly enjoyed. I had also enjoyed the tv series Firefly Lane based on her book. I couldn't wait to read this one. It was an intriguing topic women in Vietnam, growing up in California and then during the Vietnam in country. Returning home to a country that didn't believe women were in Vietnam, people didn't talk about their Vietnam experience, riots and protestors to stop the war. and telling people they weren't heroes.

The narrator was very good at creating the different voices. The pacing was great and I loved listening to her voice. I would definitely would listen to her again.

I was a little kid while all this was happening and did not know much about it. As I got older and learned more about Vietnam and learning my uncle had been in Vietnam, it became an interesting topic. He talked very little about it. Until one night at a family gathering, he put up a screen, and a viewer and started showing us pictures he had taken and got quite a personal first hand account.

In The Women, the main character, Frances, Frankie, McGrath grows up in idyllic Coronado, CA. Her family is a proud military family and she joins up thinking she will get to spend time with her brother in Vietnam, who had also enlisted. What happens is not all Frankie believed it to be. Growing up in a world away and getting by with a little help from her friends both there and when she comes home and is battling PTSD, dramas, family strife, and so much loss in her life.

I loved the main character, her friends, and almost all the other cast of characters. Kristin Hannah does well at developing them and I felt like I knew them personally. I will admit I did need some kleenex from time to time. I would say this is my favorite one of hers. I didn't want to the book to end.

Narration Review: Julia Whalen could read me the ingredients on a shampoo bottle and I’d listen. She adds so much to a story as a narrator.

Book Review: I’ve read everything Kristin Hannah has written, and this is hands down her best yet. I listened to the authors note at the end about how she has wanted to tackle this topic for a long time, but knew she needed more writing experience. I don’t know what this story would have been like for her in her early writing years, but it was a flawless story.

I struggled with how to rate this, though. The story itself felt like perfection to me. There is no happy spin that could be put on the Vietnam War, or the aftermath when the soldiers returned. There is no happy brush that it can be painted with. I knew this going in. But because life is hard anyway, I’ve taken a break from historical fiction. I’ve chosen uplifting happy books for my own mental health. And there really wasn’t much that was uplifting or happy about this story. But it was a story that needed to be told, and she told it with perfection.

This was amazing. I learned so much and Julia Whelan was the perfect narrator. I would have read/listened to 100 more pages. My new favorite Kristin Hannah!

Kristin Hannah does it again with another moving, heart-wrenching novel shining a light on women in history. "The Women" is a beautiful tribute to the brave women nurses who served in Vietnam and is an important reminder that women can be heroes. This book will break your heart over and over again, but Hannah's incredible storytelling will keep you coming back for more. Frankie is an extraordinary heroine who you will root for through all of her ups and downs. Her story was not an easy one to read, but I am so glad I did.

I listened to the audiobook read by the queen of narration, Julia Whelan. As always, she told the story so beautifully and enhanced my reading experience. Her tone and pacing were on point, and she did an amazing job bringing Frankie's story to life. Highly recommend this one on audio!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my goodness. I literally could not put this book down once I started. Kristin Hannah has done it again!

This was a completely heartbreaking story about the female nurses who served during the Vietnam War. I have never read a book from this era and learned so much from reading the account of these three women who served their country, but were completely forgotten and left to fend for themselves afterward.

I loved viewing this through Frankie's eyes, and her bond with Barb and Ethel was such a beautiful example of female friendship. Her love interests were interesting, but Frankie and her struggle were the true stars of the story.

This was a beautiful book that tackled so many difficult subjects with such care.