#Review: *The Artist's War - Clare Flynn - ARC
4.5/5✨

I love fictional history books and I periodically read one. They always remember me about how hard those times were and how lucky we are now for living in a semi peaceful times. Thank you Storm Publishing for giving me the permission to read your books via NetGalley!

This book covers the years of the 1st World War and follows the lives of artists from a little small town, from UK. Alice and Edmund are the artists I've mentioned and they are really talented at painting. But Edmund is sent to France, to fight in war and Alice is now praying for him to return safely back home. She also needs to figure out how to raise Edmund's daughter and how to help her during a sensitive time.

There were two sections of this story: one from UK and one from the battlefield. Both parts were mesmerising to follow, each of the characters experiencing new situations: Alice needed to learn how to handle things on her own, while Edmund had to learn how to remain alive on the battlefield, having the luck to be able to trust in Robert, a fellow soldier, in those scary times.

I found the story very emotional and the details from the war zone a bit shocking, but I guess that was just a little piece from the horrors the soldiers actually lived back then. In the other part of the story was in focus the investigation lead by another war hero, Victor, who lost his eye and was disfigured during war. He was also Alice's brother. He needed to discover the secrets of Alice's father in law, to know for sure if he was part of some shady business or not, bedside the other count he was already being tried for. At the same time, he needed to figure out how he could be happy with the person he loves, without being scared all the time of the consequences of their forbidden love.

I enjoyed reading this book. It made me live with the characters all those events and feeling the hopelessness and fear for the ones they loved. I liked how the ending was contoured, emanating a lot of emotion. I recommend it to the ones who love history with a little spark of romance.

This is the third installment in Clare Flynn’s ‘Hearts of Glass’ Series and I loved it just as much as I loved the first two.

The author writes descriptively and the book is well paced. I love the characters in this series and I’m so glad we see more of Victor in this storyline. As always, the stained glass is a major plot point and I remain fascinated by the process.

My only criticism is the ending which felt very abrupt. I do Hope we will get another chance to see these characters again! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.

I loved this book. And I could not put it down. The writing in this book was amazing and I would highly recommend reading this book!

What a joy to read, the 3rd book in the series and I hope not the last. The catch up story with Alice and Edmund, with Victor and the rest of the family. It’s hard to write this as I don’t want to give any spoilers and spoil it. The story is so well written and the characters are just lovely.
The war is raging and Alice needs to finish the stain glass window and with Maurice’s help it’s finished and in place.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to Publishers Storm Publishing for the lovely early read.

Wow, what an amazing, powerful and moving WWI story! It kept me captivated from start to finish. I can see why everyone has been raving about Clare Flynn’s novels. She packed so much in The Artist’s War that it left me breathless and deeply engrossed in all aspects of the storyline. Her beautifully formed poetic prose added depth and clarity to an exceptional plot and winsome characters. Some stunning passages lit up my imagination! No spoilers but one of Edmund’s experience towards the end of the war was out-of-this-world gorgeous. And the ending was understated and divine. Needless to say, I am a new fan of Ms Flynn’s writing and will be reading more of her works. I had not read the ARCs of first two in the series due to my hefty reading load at the time but I have since downloaded the first two books from a retailer so I can enjoy them now. And I know I will love these too from the samples I perused. So yes, all the fuss and fanfare about these exceptional books are wonderfully true. For those who love imaginative World War novels, this series should be at the top of your pile!

I loved the character Alice. She was strong, talented, gifted with kindness and understanding and was great at helping others be the best version of themselves. Her sincere efforts in trying to help her friends like Harriet and Viola came through as genuine concern. She loves the more simplistic life (over the high class world of Lords, Ladies, Earls and Barons she comes from). She is most at home in her quaint cottage with her memories of her husband, artist Edmund, who has gone off to war. She loves him deeply and tries to stay positive yet knowing any day she might get a letter stating he has perished. But she remains focused, looking after her eight year old step-daughter, Lottie, providing a stable environment and building a trusting and secure relationship with her. The child lost her mother in a horrific way and has not had it easy. She is bullied at school and worries what will become of her if her father dies.

Work-wise, Alice continues to fulfil, in her husband’s absence, a very important commissioned project they worked together on for a woman who seeks to memorialise a loved one. Alice and Edmund shared many interests and talents and accomplished much in their business. Much to her credit, she charges forward with their dreams and aspirations and with a bit of help, keeps their business of stain glass window artwork humming along.

The story contains four perspectives: one of which is Alice’s brother Victor. He has been injured at war and returns home with friend Maurice who has also been wounded. They become closer while Maurice works for his sister in her stained glass window business. Victor’s exceptional ability lies in finance and sorting out client’s business affairs. He is wonderfully supportive of Alice, who has been in the bad books with their mother for various reasons. I loved his protective attitude and how he steps in and takes charge: especially where his mother is concerned, when necessary and puts everything in order. He is a strong character but has his foibles and fears. He has had some battles with romantic relationships and struggles with his desires.

This novel had quite an effect on me. I loved how it showed both the warfront and the home front; with those in the thick of battle and those at home waiting and praying for their loved ones to return. Edmund’s perspective gives us quite a clear picture of the terrible things that happened in World War I. His emotional journey was moving and I felt I was there in the trenches, watching so many die. The emotional state of the men, their fears, the sights they saw were well presented with a raw realness.

Another viewpoint is Harriet (Countess of Wallingford), a dear friend of Alice’s. One she admires. When Harriet opens the door to her husband’s bedroom one morning to see what has detained him from breakfast, she finds he has passed away. Although they weren’t terribly close, she cared about him and is both shocked and saddened by his death. His Lordship was a good father to their children and she knows they will be heartbroken. But there are some surprises at the reading of the will with her husband’s financial affairs. This revelation will cause a great change in Harriet’s lifestyle for a while until a further solution appears on the horizon: one that will work for many people involved.

This is an evocative novel full of heart-wrenching experiences but also soars with depth and beauty. I felt transported back in time to The Great War years, one of the deadliest conflict periods in history that I heard so much about from my own grandparents before their passing. The Artist War is a brilliant stained glass window made up of many intriguing pieces such as vivid scenes of war, friendship and romance. Various kinds of relationships are explored: some of convenience and others that are hidden. It was a strict society of intolerance and mistrust. This novel demonstrates grief, despair, bitterness and fear but also joy, healing, acceptance and hope. I loved it and know many others will, too. I did not want it to end! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.

I loved this book which was for me a real page turner. It really was an insight to the times during the first world war for both the brave soldiers and those left at home to try and carry on with their lives. Beautifully written making for a captivating read.

I didn't realise that this was part of a series but I still enjoyed it. I loved the author's writing, which was easy to follow and the novel had a good cast of characters. A brilliant novel that I would recommend to other readers.
❤️ Thank you to storm publishing, netgalley and the author for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

The Artists War by Clare Flynn is a professional and a beautifully written book. It is a Historical fictional book and is the third book in this series. It is a captivating book set during W.W.1. It is the story of Love, Loss, separation, friendship, and family.
The two main characters Edmund and Alice live In Hampshire England in a little cottage in Bankston which is idyllic as they have a workshop where Edmund and Alice make beautiful stained glass to order. Edmund has signed up for duty and must leave Alice to run the workshop in his absence. Alice is apprehensive and doubts herself but realises she cannot let either Edmund or her clients down. Alice also cares for her stepdaughter Lotte whose mother was murdered by Edmund's father who is currently in jail awaiting his trial. Alice must reassure a worried Lotte they will be all right and that she will not abandon the young girl.
Alice’s brother Victor is living next door in the hospital wing recovering from his war Injury's that he has sustained. Alice finds overtime that she has a renewed relationship with Victor when he makes changes in his life and gets work going undercover working for the Ministry of Munitions. Victor also finds love once again with Maurice who is a veteran that Victor met in the hospital. Maurice also helps Alice as he finds working with glass and the colors very therapeutic after losing his leg.
The whole book is so beautifully written and is utterly addictive and will keep you riveted until the last page as you immerse yourself in all the characters. A fabulous series which I highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have loved this series so far and I hope there's at least another to come.
I loved the mixture of fact and fiction, especially the social history. The social taboo issues are handled really well. As per usual a great deal of historical research has taken place.
Clare has developed the characters, making me want to know more.

This novel is the third in the Hearts of Glass series. I did not read the first but read and reviewed the second book, The Artist’s Wife (https://jantramontano.com/2024/03/14/the-artists-wife/). The author did an excellent recap of backstory in this novel. It definitely could be read as a stand alone.

Time has moved on since the last book. Circumstances have dramatically changed since the war began. It is 1916. Edmond and Alice’s idyllic life in Bankston has been interrupted. Edmond, along with their neighbor Robert, are soldiers headed for the Somme in France. Alice, once an apprentice and now fully in charge, is working on a last commissioned stained-glass piece.

She is raising Edmond’s daughter, Lottie, his daughter from a first marriage. Lottie’s mother had been murdered by Edmond’s father, a despicable man in a variety of ways, who is now in prison awaiting trial. Before Edmond left for war, Alice worked in the hospital tending wounded soldiers. One soldier, Maurice, who lost a leg and is trying to regain purpose in life, befriends her and becomes her apprentice.
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Alice’s brother, Victor, sustained serious wounds when in Gallipoli and is having a hard time adjusting. But when he finds new purpose through work and a budding friendship with Maurice, the story takes off in a variety of interesting directions.

The one criticism I had in the last book was of the overplay of Alice’s emotions. This doesn’t happen in this book. She is a multilayered and believable. Vulnerable yet resilient.

Woven through the story of these engaging characters, Flynn doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war, the greed , corruption, and ineptitutude that further puts soldiers in harm’s way, and her continuing exploration of the many kinds of love relationships and hardships forged within and outside of the boundaries of an unforgiving society. It is well researched and just enough to give the reader context.

It is very readable and I highly recommend.

May thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and honestly review this advanced reading copy.

This is a very well researched novel about the effects of the Great War at home and at the front. The author describes the stained glass window work of which the husband (at war) and the wife (at home) are the "Artists". This is the third and final book in the "Hearts of Glass" series, and I unfortunately had not read the first two. The author does provide enough background from the earlier books so I wasn't entirely lost. Maybe this is why the book seemed really slow until half-way through.

I really appreciated the descriptions of the stained glass in Winchester cathedral. I didn't like reading about Victor and Maurice's (non-graphic) love-making; I skipped those parts. I also kept confusing the two "evil" mothers. The realistic war zone descriptions were necessary, however unpleasant.

I strongly suggest reading the books in order to get the most out of the story arc. Congratulations to the author for constructing a mini-"War and Peace."

First off I did not realise this was part of a series so I was on the back foot when it came to any backstory but I don't think it impacted my ability to read the story too badly.

This was an extremely well researched story that, as a reader, gave a great sense of the war times and the people in it.

The characters have real depth and are easy to connect with, which is a massive plus for me. Whilst the times may have changed, I was able to relate easily to some of the characters, especially when it came to family and children.

I really enjoyed the story of Victor and Maurice and the sadness of that era of disapproval, how times have changed!

Personally I recommend reading the series from the beginning as I think there were a few instances that would have made more sense if I had done so!

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

This is a fabulous read, I sat down to read a few chapters and got so engrossed I didn’t want to out the book down, the different characters are so well woven together, strands that link and reach over and under to tell their tales. The beautiful stained glass that is produced is in direct contrast with the maimed soldiers in English hospitals, the battle front at the Somme and the icy familial home. The friendships are strong, and their bonds are what keep the characters going but also allow the beauty and hope of life to be felt.

What an ending to this series! Alice is struggling to keep the workshop going without Edmund and his experience, then when she runs into a problem who to turn to! Daughter Lottie is struggling with missing her mother and father but is there some deep rooted issue that Alice doesn’t know about?
With Edmund busy defending the country, ploughing through the water logged trenches, it’s only his frien Robert Fuller who keeps him going.
Meanwhile brother Victor is trying to come to terms with injuries sustained during the war, then the war office approaches him to come on board and help with a secret matter. (This was exciting and I loved the way it unfolded). When captain Maurice Kynaston, who works alongside Alice agrees to chat with Victory who he is acquaint with due to being in Bankstone together while recovering from their war wounds, who could have foresaw the outcome! The Alice’s father in law Herbert Cutler rears his dislikeable head, is it time for him to get his comeuppance? I hope so!
Again Alice is helping others while suffering herself, her friend Harriet Wallingford who like Alice dispenses with formalities, comes to Alice when her husband Monty meets with an unexpected event. Could Harriet return the kindness ?

I loved the descriptions of the war conditions, brought it to life so vividly, likewise the workshop with the Lockwood window.
The characters were brought to life, I could just picture each especially Viola. The ending, beautiful.
I’ve really enjoyed this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this arc.
Alice, Edmund and Victor's story set during WW1
Edmund is sent to France leaving Alice behind to manage the business. Victor has fallen in love with Maurice only they have to keep it a secret because of the times, it was frowned upon. Oh my heart for those two and poor Alice worrying for Edmond.
This was a poignant and beautiful story, it was harrowing in places as we read the suffering that Edmund had to endure in the trenches as a stretcher carrier.
And the sadness of the era for the disapproval of two men Loving one another.
Flynn writes with perfection, her storytelling is enjoyable and full of tender moments. She does an amazing job of drawing you in their world and the era.
I absolutely loved this story and the ending was so heartwarming.

This was a lovely book, exploring WWI from the view of the men fighting, as well as the loved ones they have left behind. It is the third book in a series, which I didn’t realise until I started it. This may have impacted me slightly, as I found I needed more background to some of the characters and their motivations. It didn’t stop me from reading and enjoying this book as a standalone.
If you enjoy a war story which encompasses the difficulties faced by those who are left behind, as well as some insight into what the men on the front endured, this is a book you will love. I would recommend reading the whole series though, to get the full experience.

Hampshire, England 1916: As Edmund leaves to go to war in France, Alice is left wondering how she ever could have thought that she could run the workshop and keep up with the stained glass orders when all her strength is taken up with how best to care for Edmund's daughter Lotte.

While training to go to France, Edmund wonders how he will ever be able to take a life on the battlefield which will be his duty once he is in France. He is not afraid to fight, just can't see the sense of this war and the loss of lives on both sides. Perhaps he can try to be on the side of saving lives rather than taking them so he trains as a stretcher bearer...he will still be on the battlefield but as an unarmed member of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC). Together with his friend Robert Fuller and thousands of others, Edmund sets off to France.

Back at home in Hampshire, Alice is enjoying a renewed close relationship with her brother Victor wh0 has become enmeshed with undercover work with the Ministry of Munitions. Victor still suffers from his injuries from his time in France but he is determined to put his mind to the task when requested to investigate a problem within the Ministry. He has also been directed by his former boss, Edmund's father who is in prison awaiting trial for the murder of Edmund's estranged wife Dora, to look into the business of Cutler and Son and to keep it running by finding new clients. This allows Victor full access to the books and he is not happy with what he discovers.

I have loved this series, Hearts of Glass by Clare Flynn, and this third and final book in the series did not disappoint. Thank you Clare Flynn for a great series and thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story prior to publication. I highly recommend this fabulous series Hearts of Glass to other readers.

I was invited to review this book. I had no idea that this third installment was a part of a series, but that did not impact by ability to follow along with the characters or story. I found this book to be well-researched and written, and many themes explored. The characters had a lot of depth to them, particularly Edmund as he endured his experiences during World War I on the battlefield. I also enjoyed the storylines of siblings Victor and Alice, as it was clear that these two came into their own throughout their respective experiences. The author explores other themes besides the tragedies of war, and we get to read about other issues like the women's rights movement and even art.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book 3 of 3 - A wonderfully written WWI story. I stayed up late reading it. She writes great stories that grab you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have loved this series, and have been waiting for this final book. Like the previous ones, issues are gently explored and things are gradually revealed. I found Edmund's experience of war particularly moving. It was also touching how Victor's life moved on and his rapprochement with Alice , and their lives moving forward. I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey with these beautifully written characters, and felt that this book was a fitting end. I love the way Claire Flynn can show the foibles and weaknesses of society. Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a chance to read, enjoy and review this series of books.