The Liberty Scarf
By: Aimie K. Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski and Rachel McMillian
Pub Date: November 19, 2024
Publisher: Harper Muse
I am very familiar with Runyan’s novels and love them. It was nice to be introduced to other authors with this one. I am always amazed that several authors can weave a story together and blend so nicely.
A beautiful scarf connects three very different women in the winter of 1917. I love learning more about our history and the US Army Signal Corps is something I was slightly familiar with as I come from a long line of military. I had never heard of General Pershing’s Hello Girls.
I loved the part about an orchestra in the frontlines to help with morale. I was familiar with USO tours but not this aspect.
This audio was done beautifully. Thank you Harper Muse for this gifted audiobook. I will look for a hardcopy when this one is out in a few weeks.

“Hope is a thing with feathers….”

I really enjoyed this historical fiction, written by Aimie Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski and Rachel McMillan. All three authors did a remarkable job telling each individual story as they intertwined with the “liberty scarf.” I appreciated all three stories and the unique aspects of history that they included. If I had to choose a “favorite” of the stories, it would be Genevieve and Captain Maxime. But as I mentioned before, all were great and did such a splendid job incorporating the story of the scarf and what it meant in each story. The epilogue was the perfect ending.

“I think liberty is as lovely a word as hope.”

I was initially intrigued by this story due to both the premise and the authors. It exceeded my expectations and I am so glad I read it. It is the kind of story that sticks with you as it was both memorable in plot and in character. I also like how it was told in three parts with an amazing epilogue that just brought me joy.
I listened to the audiobook version and couldn't stop listening; I was so invested and hooked. The story follows three couples during WWI and the way a special Liberty Scarf connected their lives. I enjoyed each romance and the different complexities they had as individuals and couples. They all felt so unique and I loved the representation of the different ways men and women served during the war. It was uplifting and hopeful against the darkness of war during this era. I loved the historical aspects as well. The narrator did a great job with each POV and the different accents. I'll listen to it again and recommend it, it was a really good read.
I received an advance listening copy of this novel from Netgalley and Harper Muse. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Written by three authors, and set up in three parts, we follow the stories of three couples. First, we meet Iris Braxton who literally stumbles into Captain Conrad “Rex” Jones' life. Iris is a scarf maker who designed the titular scarf that finds its way into all the other stories. She and Rex, an architect in civilian life, fall in love as they spend time together and when tragedy strikes her family, he is there for her until he’s called away. Second, we meet Genevieve Tremblay, a French-Canadian immigrant who is a telephone operator for the American Signal Corps. She tries to stay loyal to her man at home, but is also falling for Maximilian, a French pilot and they begin to write. Which man will win her heart? Lastly, we meet nurse Clara Jassens, a Flemish nurse, and Roman Allaire, a French violinist as he recovers in her ward. They fall in love until he’s called back into duty as a precursor to the modern USO. In all three storylines, the women must cope with worry for their men once they are called away. Then after the war ends, the story of all of the characters merge in an unexpected way.

Told in vivid detail, the story is one where readers will connect to the characters and feel the character’s emotions. The inflection of the four narrators also helps to drive this home in the audio version. It’s hard not to feel sorrow as the couples are separated, or their fears for their loved ones at home or in war. Plus each woman is clearly a bit ahead of her time by hoping for more than women were allowed back then, but also realizing the ways they were held back. And then the scarf, it twined its way through many lives in the story, starring as a character of its own, and the way the novel was written, this worked out perfectly.

This review is based on the audio advanced reader copy on NetGalley.

This book is beautiful, and the narration helps bring it to life on an entirely new level. It was a joy to listen to.

An engaging telling of three women in three Individual stories in the World War I timeframe. Each woman overcomes a struggle for independence in her own way. Each is fortunate to find a partner who respects and supports her talents.

The audiobook is a beautiful reflection of this intriguing historical tale. There are three female narrators (Ann Marie Gideon, Caroline Hewitt, and Saskia Maarleveld) and one male narrator (Gary Furlong) to enliven the characters. Their voices are pleasing and the European accents are realistic.

I highly recommend The Liberty Scarf to audiobook listeners. Many thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It’s 1917. Iris works in the paint department at Liberty's, colouring in other peoples designs. What she really wants is more colour and to have her designs made into scarves. One evening she is trying to catch the owner and show him her designs, but is distracted. Thankfully, she ends up talking to Captain Conrad, a junior architect working on the new design for Liberty’s - he says he’ll show the designs to the owner for one dance on Christmas Eve. Not one for fussing with soldiers, but this seems too good an opportunity to turn down and she agrees.
Geneviève is a French Canadian telecoms operator living in Maine, who volunteers to help the war efforts as she is fluent in French and English and is an experienced telecoms operator. She is the oldest of six children. She finds herself in France. She is given a beautiful scarf by Maxim, who is trying to woo her, despite her reticence because of her family back home. She loves the scarf but loses is during an air raid and a gentleman has an injured arm - she uses is at a tourniquet.
Clara is a nurse in Belgium and although she shouldn’t have favourites, she’s intrigued by Roman - a violinist in the war efforts.
On Christmas Eve 1918…….
Wonderfully read, I loved the war story from three females perspectives. Moving and emotional.

Gobsmackingly good! Exceptional storytelling. And what a surprise to discover that this is one continuous story written by three authors. I went into this read assuming it was a collection of novellas set in different eras, instead, the authors cover the same timeline from different characters’ perspectives which makes a stunning impact.

Each author’s story flows seamlessly into the next one — but oh the cliffhanger endings in the first two! They have distinctive styles in both plot and characterization but the stories mesh beautifully into a cohesive whole by the end which made ‘The Liberty Scarf‘ such a rich, emotional read.

Love the diverse settings (US, England and Europe) and the historical insights each brings to the story. There’s even a French-Canadian heroine! (says this Canadian reader proudly.) I love learning about history in my fiction and these authors captured elements of WWI that I wasn’t aware of which made the read that much more interesting.

Oh — and there’s a bit of the epistolary novel within these stories as well which I absolutely loved. While mostly told in ‘real time’ there are letter writing components too and those glimpses into the characters’ inner most thoughts were priceless. Such a great way to enhance the story!

I listened to the audio edition of this book and really enjoyed the multi narrator performances. Anne Marie Gideon, Gary Furlong, Caroline Hewitt and Saskia Maarleveld did an incredible job. Such a rich, rewarding listening experience.

My thanks to Harper Muse Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this novel.

Wow! This one was really different!
And, how lucky am I that I just read another 5++ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book??!!!

WWI story that revolved around 3 young women and their part in WWI and the lives they touched along the way!

Genevieve, Clara and Iris lead three very different lives at the time of the setting in this book...1917-1918.

We begin when Iris meets Rex. She works in a scarf factory, but also dreams of 'designing' scarves of her own. When she literally 'walks into' Rex, an ember is ignited that neither of them saw coming...especially in the light of the war that is looming. He is an architect, and as fate would have it, is now working on the Liberty Building...the one where the famous scarves are made and sold.

Then we meet Genevieve. She is a Canadian who's recently moved with her family to Maine and has become a telephone operator...one who is very good at what she does. She's from a family who needs to work hard for any and everything that they have, and her paycheck supplements her Dad's to cover costs for their family. When she is asked to become an operator for the war, she hesitates (due to the cost of the uniform needed), but then goes ahead, as her beau's family offers to cover the cost (they are wealthy, and insist on it)... She is shipped out, and so is Peter, her beloved.
While out in the field, she meets Maxime...who is a handsome and sweet soldier... but she is spoken for already. In any case, they become friends, and keep corresponding via letters when he is shipped out. She knows this can go nowhere, as her heart is promised elsewhere.

Lastly we meet Clara, who is a nurse in the field. She meets Roman, a gifted violinist, when he is admitted to her hospital in bad shape. She spends much time with him, telling him stories of home. He is NOT responsive, and she is not sure if he ever will be, or if he even hears her, but she continues day after day, in hopes of bringing him back to life...

Through all three women and these men, there are these ‘Liberty Scarves’ that somehow appear in each of the scenarios...and somehow seem to link them all together. I KNOW it sounds crazy, but it is the most sweet, heartwarming, lovely, beautiful set of stories that you absolutely need to add to your TBR list. There were moments where my heart was soaring and flying, and others where I was outright sobbing...but in the end, it was worth it all!

“HOPE IS A THING WITH FEATHERS” !!🪶 🪶
One of the best quotes I’ve ever heard!!

5++ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✨✨✨💫💫💫 for me!

#TheLibertyScarf by #AimieRunyan, #JnellCiesielski and #RachelMcMilan and narrated beautifully by #AnnMarieGideon, #GaryFurlong, #CarolineHewitt and #SaskiaMaarleveld.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HarperMuse and #HarperCollinsFocus for an ARC of this delightful audiobook! **** RELEASE DATE IS SCHEDULED FOR 11/19/24...SO 👀 LOOK 👀 FOR IT THEN!! ****

Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The Liberty Scarf AUDIO by Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski, Rachel McMillan is an enjoyable story taking place toward the end of World War I and is vignettes about three different couples, separated by war. The thread that binds their stories is an expensive art scarf, sold exclusively at Liberty department store in London. The first story is Iris who paints other people’s designs on the scarves. She longs to design them. She meets a man, Captain Rex Conrad, before he is shipped off. The next story is Genevieve, a telephone operator from Maine, although she she is French-Quebequois. Her beau is local, but from a different strata of society and key in the telephone business in Lewiston. They have an informal understanding. She meets a French officer called Maximillian and writes to him after he leaves. The third is a Belgian nurse who meets a violinist when he is under her care after being wounded. Only Genevieve is disappointed by her “fiance” and struggles to locate Max.

This is a wonderful listen, full of strong personalities and interesting stories. War is difficult at best, and keeping in contact nearly impossible. Genevieve has managed to retain her post in Europe, although moving to Strasbourg. She is worried about her family who need her income to survive. She is worried her former beau may cut her out of her job. One asks if any of these romances will continue to fruition. Well, remember this is a romance. It is full of drama, mostly because of the war. It encounters death and mutilation and as well as interesting situations and background on what serving the in war was like. It was excellent. I loved it. It proves love goes beyond physical limitations.

It was narrated by Ann Marie Gideon, Gary Furlong, Caroline Hewitt and Saskia Maarleveld who brought the story to life in an extraordinary way. They did the appropriate accents well, not too pronounced, but enough. It was so easy to get caught up in their renditions of this excellent book.

I was invited to listen to The Liberty Scarf by Harper Collins Focus. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarperCollinsFocus #AimieKRunyan #JnellCiesieliski #RachelMcMillan #AnnMarieGideon #GaryFurlong #CarolineHewitt #SaskiaMaarleveld #TheLibertyScarf

War is hard and all three authors in the book bring this out. Beautifully crafted, we have three couples (I liked each one of them) who have hope, dreams and love to give. They lives are intertwined and we get to see how in the end. I was almost not going to read this book but decided to continue. What a mistake it would have been if I had not read it! Lovely, poignant and romantic.

#netgalley #TheLibertyScarf

The Liberty Scarf
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a Beautiful story for December & Christmas. The Authors collaboration together is perfect. I loved it! A beautiful Scarf connects three different woman in the Winter of 1917. It was really enjoyable. I loved hearing & learning about more history through the story. Truly a great treat. It made me look & feel my scarfs. LOL The Audio was great!!
Thank you NetGalley!

“I think liberty is as lovely a word as hope.”

This is easily one of the most memorable historical fiction novels I’ve read this year.

The way the liberty scarf tied together each story was truly remarkable. Every tale stood out, each offering something unique. One introduced me to the history behind the Liberty scarf, its iconic storefront, and the origin of the term “blighty.” Another delved into the contributions of the U.S. Army Signal Corps and the “Hello Girls” under General Pershing. The third illuminated Pieter Bruegel’s The Blind Leading the Blind and the orchestra that uplifted soldiers’ morale on the frontlines.

Every character was a joy to follow, but The Feathered Hope will linger with me the longest. The epilogue beautifully wrapped up the narratives, giving readers a sense of closure and satisfaction.

That said, I wish the cover’s scarf better represented the Liberty scarf described in the book—it felt disconnected from the rich history it embodies.

“Everything tastes sweeter when served with a heaping spoonful of nostalgia.”

Many thanks to HarperCollins Focus and NetGalley for gifting me a copy. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.