Member Reviews

I greatly enjoyed 'The Liberty Scarf,' a historical fiction title set in WWI, specifically focused on 3 women and their efforts during the war. These women are tied together in the most creative way by a particular scarf. I found myself engaged in each of the women's stories to the point that I was always disappointed when the perspective shifted because I wanted to know what would happen next for each of them.

The authors did a nice job of highlighting women from different walks of life and exploring how the war experience impacted them .

I was lucky enough to review this book on audio. I found the narration added to the story.

Thank you to Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielsk, Rachel McMillan, and HaperCollins Focus for the ARC in exchange for an honest review of 'The Liberty Scarf.'

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The Liberty Scarf is a beautifully written collection I absolutely loved! Through these three novellas, an elegantly designed Liberty scarf weaves its way into each story as three women survive the turbulent times of WWI. Letters, sweet romance, & hope find their way into each woman’s life whether she’s on the front lines or waiting anxiously back home.

London: Scarf maker Iris Braxton spends her days copying other people’s patterns into the scarves she creates. She dreams one day of seeing one of her designs produced on a Liberty scarf. When she meets the handsome, wounded Capt. Rex Conrad on temporary leave, he tries everything to get her to dance with him to win a bet. She finally agrees if he’ll show her designs to Mr. Liberty. Their fast friendship grows to more until the war calls again. I loved the delightful banter, Rex’s uncle’s estate, & the sweet romance as Rex tries to win Iris’ heart. I also enjoyed the symbolism of Iris’ design & the way this story set up the others.

Maine: Geneviève Tremblay, a French-Canadian immigrant, is a telephone operator living in Lewiston, Maine. She joins the war effort in the US Army Signal Corps to serve as a bi-lingual operator, mainly to impress her boyfriend’s family who looks down on her humble roots. When she meets a charming Frenchman in London, she questions her choices, especially when she agrees to correspond with him throughout the war. I loved the correspondence between Jennie & Maxime. Though Maxime’s a wealthy wine merchant, he admires Jennie for who she is & is so noble & gallant. He’s a perfect contrast to her arrogant boyfriend.

Belgium: Clara Janssens, a Flemish Nurse, & Roman Allaire, an Alsatian violinist, meet in a Brussels palace-turned-hospital. As Clara nurses him back to health, they form a strong bond. When friendship turns to love, their relationship is threatened by the war & an enemy within. I enjoyed the almost poetic way music was used & referenced throughout this story. I loved their first kiss & the way Clara approached it. Letters also play a huge role & I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.

All three stories were so compelling. The writing was gorgeous & I enjoyed each couple equally. The way a scarf played a role in each story was cleverly woven in. I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook version. The narrators were fabulous & I loved the way each character was distinguished, making each novella unique. With each story, I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next as each story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I loved the way they all came together in the end for a fantastic conclusion. The historical aspects & rich attention to detail made this collection unforgettable.

Highly recommend to historical fiction/romance fans! I received an advanced listener’s copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

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This book was a fantastic historical fiction. Leaning on a scarf and its significance throughout different lives during WWI, it really was an interesting book to read.

This book introduces you to three women around the world, Iris (a scarf maker in London), Geneviève (a phone operator in Maine), and Clara (a nurse in Belgium). Not only do you see how the war affects them , you also watch them in what appears to be the beginning of fall in love and see how the Liberty scarf plays a significant role in their lives at the time.

It was a beautifully written story. I really enjoyed all three POVs and their individual stories. Though they were great all by themselves, I really appreciated their connections, especially seeing the scarf flow through the story. I appreciated seeing it from the beginning.

It was a great story! I appreciated their connections history, and really just the overall story. I thought it was a great book for fans of historical fiction!

So, if you’re looking for a WWI novel, or a book little different from the normal historical fiction novels, I’d recommend this one! Also, don’t hesitate to listen to the audiobook version - it added so much to the story!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from @jnellciesielski @rachkmc @bookishaimie @harpermusebooks @austenprose through NetGalley. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.

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A truly excellent novel set in WWI with three stories very lightly interwoven. Sometimes I have a hard time with books that switch to new characters once you’ve gotten into the groove with that story line. This one switches to a different woman’s story 1/3 and then 2/3 of the way through but it really works. I got immersed in each almost immediately, and the thread about the scarf was really moving. More than a gimmick or even narrative device, the scarf is the central way the book shows how art and color, representing hope and beauty, truly do touch people in their darkest moments - and each section shows how this is true in different ways, including the other thread of the violin.

Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend it!

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The Liberty Scarf is more than a piece of fabric–it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity in the face of war, binding these three women together in an indelible bond.

These three women, Iris Braxton, Geneviève Tremblay, Clara Janssens are each unique in their own way. They are definitely strong willed and love with a great fierceness. I enjoyed each of their stories!

This novel did not flow as well as I expected. It tends to feel more like a collection of short stories instead of one novel. Each part starts over with different characters and it takes a bit to get into this section of the story. But the scarf is ever present and it definitely gives hope and ties all of them together with a bond that is unstoppable.

This is narrated by a wonderful tag team: Ann Marie Gideon; Gary Furlong; Caroline Hewitt; Saskia Maarleveld. Excellent…especially with the different dialects.

Need a good WWI tale with hope as it’s center…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion.

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Set during WW1, “The Liberty Scarf” is three stories connected through as scarf. Iris is a scarf maker with a desire to become Liberty’s first female scarf designer. Genevieve is a telephone operator that signs up as a US Army Signal Operator. Clara is a nurse and violinist who is chosen to play to raise moral.

Loving historical fiction, I had high hopes for this WW1 focused novel. However while interesting, it struggled to keep me fully engaged. Instead of a multiple POV novel interwoven with each other, this is more of three novellas that are briefly connected by a scarf during the transitions from one story to the other. Because of the shorter formats, I felt that the stories were more superficial than I typically enjoy and wanted more from each of the stories. While the plots were okay, I would have liked more of the historical aspect threaded through. You might like this If you like short stories or historic fiction.

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I enjoyed this story. I am amazed how three amazing authors have sewed up three stories, matching their language, toning, emotions, excitement and vibes. I read the stories one after another and one can believe that the stories are written by the same person, specifically when you listen to the audiobook.
I immediately loved the main characters of the book, they all had their backgrounds and dedications in life. Despite the difficult times, they all managed to keep the hope, the belief and love at a level, allowing them to survive and move through the war times.
The stories entwined at the end, which confirms how small this world is.

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This was an interesting novel of historical fiction set during WWI about three women who have relationships with soldiers serving in the war, and they are each connected by a Liberty of London scarf which was created to inspire hope. Iris Braxton designed the scarf with a poem by Emily Dickenson embedded in the design. Genevieve is a telephone operator working for the allies moving code through the telephone lines and Clara is a Belgian nurse. All three treasure their Liberty scarves and hope that they will bring them luck and hope. Iris's and Genevieve's stories were interesting, but Clara's story got bogged down, confusing and much too long. The end was unfortunately not believable for this reader although I still enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the historical fiction aspect of the novel very much. 3 stars.

Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for a chance to read an ARC version of this novel. All opinions are my own.

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Thank you to Harper Collins Focus and NetGalley for an ARC of this audiobook.

This novel takes place during World War I and its aftermath. The story is written by three authors: Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski and Rachel McMillan. I was familiar with Ms. Runyan, but not the other authors. However, they all did a wonderful job bringing this beautiful story together. Each author writes the story of one of the main characters. The stories are tied together by a beautiful scarf. The epilogue does a great job bringing all of the main character's stories together in a very satisfying conclusion. The audiobook was narrated by several narrators and all did a beautiful job conveying each character and keeping the reader engaged. If you love historical fiction and are looking for a unique book that uses a scarf to tie together the lives of three women during wartime, I think that you will enjoy this story.

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If you’re looking for your next historical fiction book, pick up The Liberty Scarf. The audiobook was wonderful!

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This WWI-era novel is a refreshing take on wartime women's fiction. 'The Liberty Scarf' follows three women from three different countries as they each navigate captivating romance and how they can make a difference in a hurting world.

If you enjoy reading clean historical romance, then I recommend this book to you! The authors do a great job of balancing the POVs for each woman and her love interest.

Special thanks to HarperCollins Focus and Net Galley for a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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The scarf is a beautifully woven tapestry of love, war, and the quiet resilience of women during the darkest days of World War I. This audiobook captivates from the very first word, pulling you into a world of stark contrasts — the harshness of war set against the softness of the personal connections that bind us all together.

The story of Iris Braxton, a scarf maker in London, is deeply moving. She’s not only dealing with the monotonous struggles of war, but also chasing a dream of becoming Liberty’s first female pattern designer. Her relationship with Captain Rex Conrad is tender and realistic, with an added layer of longing as she stitches secret messages into the scarves she makes for him, hoping they’ll reach him on the frontlines. The emotional weight of this connection is palpable, and the narrator does a superb job of bringing Iris’s quiet strength and her aching hopes to life.

In Maine, Geneviève Tremblay’s story unfolds with equal depth. As a French-Canadian immigrant serving as a telephone operator, her internal conflict about identity and acceptance speaks to anyone who has ever felt torn between two worlds. Her connection with a French officer adds an unexpected twist to her journey, and her voice, narrated with sensitivity, captures her struggle beautifully.

Meanwhile, in Belgium, Clara Janssens’ and Roman Allaire’s love story adds a poignant layer to the novel, showcasing the impact of war on relationships and the fleeting moments of beauty that emerge from the rubble. The imagery of the scarf as a symbol of hope and connection across continents is powerful and unforgettable.

The audiobook’s pacing is perfect, allowing each character’s journey to unfold at just the right moment. The narrators give each woman a distinct voice, infusing their performances with emotion and authenticity. The intertwining of their lives, bound together by a simple yet meaningful scarf, is a testament to the power of human connection, even in the most turbulent times.

Overall, the scarf is a moving, rich, and atmospheric novel that will stay with you long after the final page. A perfect blend of history, romance, and the enduring spirit of women who carry hope through even the darkest hours. Highly recommended for anyone who loves historical fiction that tugs at the heartstrings.

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"The Liberty Scarf" is a touching novel centered around a powerful message woven into a scarf that symbolizes liberty and hope. This message brings comfort and inspiration to several characters who face personal challenges during a tumultuous time, motivating them to keep pushing forward in the aftermath of a devastating war.

The story conveys a profound theme about the resilience of the human spirit, showing how courage and the will to survive can arise from something as simple as a piece of fabric or a few encouraging words. These small reminders inspire individuals not to give in to despair.

Divided into three distinct parts, this engaging novel feels like a collection of interconnected stories. The well-developed characters capture the essence of those who endured the hardships of war, highlighting their struggles and triumphs.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, "The Liberty Scarf" combines romantic elements with historical context, offering a heartfelt exploration of love and hope amidst adversity—perfect for the holiday season.

I appreciate NetGalley for providing a free advanced copy of this inspiring novel and Aimie K. Runyan for crafting such a memorable story.

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The Liberty Scarf is a collabortion written by three of my favorite authors, Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan. This book is a collection of three stories that have a connection because of a beautiful scarf.
During World War One, in Europe, we meet different couples who make a connection during the war and there is a unique theme of hope, kindness and service to others among them amidst the horrors of the war.
I loved the clever ending that weaves the stories all together. I absolutely loved all the history included.
The "Hello Girls" as telephone operators was quite fun to read about.
I was so fortunate to get an early audiobook of this story and loved the narration by Anne Marie Gideon, Gary Furlong, Caroline Hewitt and Saskia Maarleveld.
This was such an incredibly beautiful story. This collabortion is excellent.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for a early audio copy.

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Thank you to the author, narrators, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free audio ARC version of this title in exchange for my review.

I was very excited to find a historical fiction set in WWI (as WWII is so much more popular for a time setting). I also liked the idea of a scarf touching the lives of the three women. But this book didn't work for me. I felt like the research for the historical aspects was sloppy, and the arrangement of the three stories seemed more like three novellas put together, with the ending for the first two stories coming at the end, when I had trouble remembering the details of their stories.

Still, it was mostly enjoyable and a clean romance. I might recommend it for older ladies in the family looking for a nice romantic story, but for a history fan, I don't think it would work.

3 stars for "I liked it"

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The audiobook of this story makes this story a million times more enjoyable. While the book I rated a 4, the audio for me was a 4.5. The multiple voices really brings it all to life!

This book is such a powerful read, all tied together by a scarf that connects three different stories. It’s full of romance, hope, and so many beautiful love letters. The history woven into the narrative really pulls you in, and I honestly didn’t expect to feel so immersed in these characters’ lives—whether it was hiding in a theater basement or feeling the raw fear of war. Each story brings its own unique love story, but all are deeply affected by the war, and that scarf weaves through it all.

I found myself completely hooked on the letters between the characters. It was like waiting to see how their casual chats would slowly turn into declarations of love, hope, and dreams for the future. If you're a fan of historical romance, this collection is definitely for you! And the way the stories all tie together at the end? So satisfying.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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The Liberty Scarf was such a good book, with three unique stories connected by one unique scarf. I really enjoyed it and was so grateful for the epilogue at the end to tie them all together. Each little story leaves the reader wanting more!

The audiobook was very well done. Saskia Maarleveld and Caroline Hewitt are two of my favorite narrators. Ann Marie Gideon and Gary Furlong are two I will look for in the future. Each narrator brought their part of this story to life. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to each story and felt like I was there, thanks to the talent of this amazing cast.

Thank you to Harper Collins for the ALC. all opinions are my own.

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The Liberty Scarf
I love historical fiction, and “The Liberty Scarf” did not disappoint. The idea of three authors writing this story from the perspective of three different women during WWI all interconnected by a scarf that holds so much symbolism was so unique. I listened to the audiobook while following along with the ebook. The narrators did a fantastic job, and I would recommend this book.

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I absolutely adored listening to the Liberty Scarf, written by Aimie Runyan, J’Nell Cieseilski, and Rachel McMillan. It is a compelling historical fiction novel that links three women to one scarf during WWI. Each author was responsible for one woman’s story, and together, they were entwined superbly! The story begins with a scarf maker who weaves messages into her scarves. We then have a bilingual telephone operator. And finally a Flemish nurse who helps wounded soldiers. Each woman finds peace, friendship, hope, and love.

What made this audiobook extraordinary was the four narrators: Ann Marie Gideon; Gary Furlong; Caroline Hewitt; and Saskia Maarleveld. While listening I could easily imagine the scenery and the surroundings, and what each woman was feeling. This audiobook is well deserving of 5 stars. Bravo!

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This story was written by three different authors who bring together the stories of three women during WW1 with one scarf. Each of their stories is heartfelt and unique, I really enjoyed Iris and Rex's story! I loved the theme of hope carrying you through hard times...whether that's in the shape of love, friendship, service, or a scarf.

The only thing I didn't like was how the stories didn't really connect together as much as I was hoping. I might be picky when it comes to dual POVs in a story, but I felt like this one rushed the ending and the chance to connect the stories together in a more endearing way.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the authors for the chance to listen to this arc audiobook. All opinions expressed are my own.

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