What do you think?
Rate this book
Hearts of Glass #3
The Artist's War
Hampshire, 1916: Alice traces her hand over the cold glass of the window as the pale morning light slips into the empty room. The pain of loss is worse than a physical one. Reminders of Edmund are all around her. The coldness of the sheet on the other half of the bed. The unrelenting silence in the cottage when her stepdaughter Lottie is at school or tucked up asleep at the end of another day.
How did Alice ever imagine she could run their workshop in Edmund’s absence? Keeping up with their stained-glass commissions takes every ounce of her strength and ingenuity, and as Lottie becomes more withdrawn, Alice worries desperately about how best to care for the troubled girl.
Alice takes comfort from renewed closeness with her brother Victor, whose injuries prevent him from re-joining the fight, and who is enmeshed in undercover work for the Ministry of Munitions. She must go on, for Lottie, for Edmund, and for the life as artists they’ve built together. But with the news from the Front more desperate every day, she knows that the chance that she’ll ever see Edmund again is slipping away from her.
And then the telegram arrives…
From the trenches of France to the fraught Home Front in rural England and London, The Artist’s War is an unforgettable story of a society in the midst of devastating upheaval, and of courage in extraordinary times. Fans of Fiona Davis, Rhys Bowen and Kristin Hannah will adore this gripping historical love story.
How did Alice ever imagine she could run their workshop in Edmund’s absence? Keeping up with their stained-glass commissions takes every ounce of her strength and ingenuity, and as Lottie becomes more withdrawn, Alice worries desperately about how best to care for the troubled girl.
Alice takes comfort from renewed closeness with her brother Victor, whose injuries prevent him from re-joining the fight, and who is enmeshed in undercover work for the Ministry of Munitions. She must go on, for Lottie, for Edmund, and for the life as artists they’ve built together. But with the news from the Front more desperate every day, she knows that the chance that she’ll ever see Edmund again is slipping away from her.
And then the telegram arrives…
From the trenches of France to the fraught Home Front in rural England and London, The Artist’s War is an unforgettable story of a society in the midst of devastating upheaval, and of courage in extraordinary times. Fans of Fiona Davis, Rhys Bowen and Kristin Hannah will adore this gripping historical love story.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2024
264 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Clare Flynn
45 books221 followersClare Flynn is the author of eighteen historical novels and a collection of short stories. She is the 2020 winner of the UK Selfies Adult Fiction prize for her best-selling novel The Pearl of Penang, was shortlisted for the RNA Industry Awards Indie Champion of the Year for 2021 and won the award in 2022.
Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.
Clare Flynn is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Hostrical Writers Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors. More information about her books can be found at www.clareflynn.co.uk
Clare lives in Eastbourne. on the south coast of the UK. She is a fluent Italian speaker and loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel often and widely as possible.
Clare Flynn is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an active member of The Romantic Novelists Association, The Hostrical Writers Association, The Alliance of Independent Authors and The Society of Authors. More information about her books can be found at www.clareflynn.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 6, 2024
The Artist’s War ( Hearts of Glass #3) by Clare Flynn was the third and final book in this series. I had read the first book, The Artist’s Apprentice, in this series but for some reason missed the second one. I had no trouble, however, following the plot or assuming what I had missed about the characters lives in book #2. The Artist’s War could easily be read as a stand-alone book but I would suggest starting with book one to best understand the characters and their relationships with each other. The Artist’s War took place in Little Badgerton in Hampshire, England in 1916.
So much had occurred from the time I had read the first book in this trilogy until the third book, The Artist’s War. Alice and Edmund had gotten married and Alice had made amends with both her father and older brother, Victor but not with her mother. Edmund’s daughter, Lottie, was now living with Alice and Edmund. Lottie’s mother had died and Edmund’s estranged father, Herbert Cutler, had been charged with her murder and was in prison awaiting his trial. The First World War was gallantly being fought. Many of the brave soldiers had suffered devastating injuries that prevented some from returning to the battlefield. Among those soldiers were Alice’s brother, Victor and another soldier named Captain Maurice Kynaston who had lost a leg and was now assisting Alice in the stained-glass studio. Maurice’s assistance was even more crucial now since Edmund had joined up to serve his country in the war. Alice came to rely deeply on Maurice’s work in helping her complete the Latchington window that she and Edmund had accepted to do before Edmund left to fight in the war. Now its completion was in her hands. She had come to rely on Edmund’s guidance and words of advice and encouragement while she worked on their projects together. After all, Edmund was the one who had been trained in this art and excelled at it. Alice was still a beginner. She was missing Edmund so much. It was more important than ever though for Alice to regain confidence in herself and learn to trust in her ability to complete this commission without Edmund’s careful eye to detail. She was more than capable. Alice also had to put her own fears and longings aside in order to help Lottie feel secure and safe. The poor girl had undergone some serious traumas in her short life. First Lottie had learned about her mother’s death, then she had come to live with her father and Alice and not long after had to say goodbye to her father when he was called to fight in World War I. That was more than any young child should have to endure. Alice soon learned that her brother, Victor, had been recruited by the Ministry of Munitions in a very secretive manner. At least he would not have to go back to the battlefield. Alice was surprised when she learned that Victor had gone to see Herbert Cutler in prison and had agreed to work at his finance firm part time in an effort to try and restore the clients that had left the company and to make sure the company was still in good standings. Little did Herbert Cutler or anyone for that matter suspect that Victor was searching for evidence that would keep Herbert Cutler behind bars for the rest of his life. Then there was Edmund. He had been ordered to train at the Gosport military training camp. Luckily Edmund and Robert Fuller, Viola’s significant other, had been assigned to the same training camp. Edmund was glad to have a friend there with him. He was proud to serve his country but he didn’t think he could bring himself to kill, not even the enemy. Edmund requested to become a stretcher bearer. By the time Edmund’s regiment was sent to France to fight the Germans, he had become a member of the Royal Army Medical Corps as a stretcher bearer. In that position, Edmund and others were sent to the front armed with stretchers but no weapons to retrieve the injured soldiers that had a chance of survival. Edmund missed Alice and Lottie so much. In order to keep his mind off the fighting and the fear he was feeling, Edmund drew. Then the Battle of Somme occurred. Will Edmund survive? Will he find his way back to Alice and Lottie?
I have to admit that I was sorry that the Hearts of Glass series had come to an end. I was not ready to say goodbye to the characters. In my opinion, I felt that the series deserved one more book. I wanted more. There were still loose ends to be wrapped up. I really enjoyed Alice’s character. She had grown so much since the first book. Alice was a strong, compassionate and caring woman. She sometimes second guessed herself and wondered how Edmund would have handled a particular situation but in the end Alice’s choices and actions were commendable. All my emotions were jarred while reading The Artist’s War. It was about family, hope, friendship, love, loss, fear, bravery and helping others. It did touch upon the discovery of a pedophile and bullying. Alice played a crucial role in exposing both acts. I had little knowledge about the role and existence of stretcher bearers during World War I or the Battle of the Somme prior to reading this book. The author’s notes at the conclusion of the book explained some of her choices and historically what was accurate and what was fictional. I really enjoyed The Artist’s War and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for allowing me to read The Artist’s War by Clare Flynn through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
So much had occurred from the time I had read the first book in this trilogy until the third book, The Artist’s War. Alice and Edmund had gotten married and Alice had made amends with both her father and older brother, Victor but not with her mother. Edmund’s daughter, Lottie, was now living with Alice and Edmund. Lottie’s mother had died and Edmund’s estranged father, Herbert Cutler, had been charged with her murder and was in prison awaiting his trial. The First World War was gallantly being fought. Many of the brave soldiers had suffered devastating injuries that prevented some from returning to the battlefield. Among those soldiers were Alice’s brother, Victor and another soldier named Captain Maurice Kynaston who had lost a leg and was now assisting Alice in the stained-glass studio. Maurice’s assistance was even more crucial now since Edmund had joined up to serve his country in the war. Alice came to rely deeply on Maurice’s work in helping her complete the Latchington window that she and Edmund had accepted to do before Edmund left to fight in the war. Now its completion was in her hands. She had come to rely on Edmund’s guidance and words of advice and encouragement while she worked on their projects together. After all, Edmund was the one who had been trained in this art and excelled at it. Alice was still a beginner. She was missing Edmund so much. It was more important than ever though for Alice to regain confidence in herself and learn to trust in her ability to complete this commission without Edmund’s careful eye to detail. She was more than capable. Alice also had to put her own fears and longings aside in order to help Lottie feel secure and safe. The poor girl had undergone some serious traumas in her short life. First Lottie had learned about her mother’s death, then she had come to live with her father and Alice and not long after had to say goodbye to her father when he was called to fight in World War I. That was more than any young child should have to endure. Alice soon learned that her brother, Victor, had been recruited by the Ministry of Munitions in a very secretive manner. At least he would not have to go back to the battlefield. Alice was surprised when she learned that Victor had gone to see Herbert Cutler in prison and had agreed to work at his finance firm part time in an effort to try and restore the clients that had left the company and to make sure the company was still in good standings. Little did Herbert Cutler or anyone for that matter suspect that Victor was searching for evidence that would keep Herbert Cutler behind bars for the rest of his life. Then there was Edmund. He had been ordered to train at the Gosport military training camp. Luckily Edmund and Robert Fuller, Viola’s significant other, had been assigned to the same training camp. Edmund was glad to have a friend there with him. He was proud to serve his country but he didn’t think he could bring himself to kill, not even the enemy. Edmund requested to become a stretcher bearer. By the time Edmund’s regiment was sent to France to fight the Germans, he had become a member of the Royal Army Medical Corps as a stretcher bearer. In that position, Edmund and others were sent to the front armed with stretchers but no weapons to retrieve the injured soldiers that had a chance of survival. Edmund missed Alice and Lottie so much. In order to keep his mind off the fighting and the fear he was feeling, Edmund drew. Then the Battle of Somme occurred. Will Edmund survive? Will he find his way back to Alice and Lottie?
I have to admit that I was sorry that the Hearts of Glass series had come to an end. I was not ready to say goodbye to the characters. In my opinion, I felt that the series deserved one more book. I wanted more. There were still loose ends to be wrapped up. I really enjoyed Alice’s character. She had grown so much since the first book. Alice was a strong, compassionate and caring woman. She sometimes second guessed herself and wondered how Edmund would have handled a particular situation but in the end Alice’s choices and actions were commendable. All my emotions were jarred while reading The Artist’s War. It was about family, hope, friendship, love, loss, fear, bravery and helping others. It did touch upon the discovery of a pedophile and bullying. Alice played a crucial role in exposing both acts. I had little knowledge about the role and existence of stretcher bearers during World War I or the Battle of the Somme prior to reading this book. The author’s notes at the conclusion of the book explained some of her choices and historically what was accurate and what was fictional. I really enjoyed The Artist’s War and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for allowing me to read The Artist’s War by Clare Flynn through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 21, 2024
This is a moving and thought-provoking story set in WWI. Each of the main characters is deeply affected by the war, in differing ways. I very much enjoyed the previous books in the series and found it satisfying to return to Alice and Edmund’s stained glass workshop, and to find out what happened to Victor and Harriet.
The depictions of life on the front were beautifully written, showing the harrowing nature of the conflict. The ending was measured and perfectly done, with real emotional impact.
I’ll look forward to the author’s next book.
The depictions of life on the front were beautifully written, showing the harrowing nature of the conflict. The ending was measured and perfectly done, with real emotional impact.
I’ll look forward to the author’s next book.
June 29, 2024
Clare Flynn has written a spectacular final book for the series. As a reader, you always hope the author won't forget a favorite detail or kill off characters because the story has to end. No worries, The Artist's War doesn't rush to conclusions but rather gives the reader a soul-satisfying plot with some unforeseen twists. Alice must conquer her insecurities as an artist in her own right with Edmund away at war while also being a single parent. Her brother Victor plays a large role in this last book and I loved the changes he has made in his life. If war changes a man, it improves Victor and makes him a far better man than he was before. I wasn't expecting that at all. The military is no place for a gentle man like Edmund and his experiences are gut-wrenching to read, especially at the Battle of the Somme. "He wasn't a coward. He had no fear for his own safety. It was a deep-rooted reluctance to take another life." Viewing the carnage and devastation of trench warfare through an artist's eye for detail made it even more horrific for me. Thankfully, Lady Karma visits our villains, Herbert Cutler and Captain Fitzwarren, who are even more despicable than we knew. This is such an impressive series, covering important issues like women's rights and gender issues while giving me a new appreciation of stained glass art. The characters were so unique, with such depth that their anguish or joy was visceral. I'm saddened this series has come to an end but oh, what an ending!
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
July 6, 2024
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.
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.
September 25, 2024
This wonderfully written, captivating and poignant ‘Heart of Glass’ trilogy comes to an end with this final historical novel. Once again, I was transported back in time by the authors detailed descriptive narrative alongside her added historical features. It was nice being back with Alice and Edmund, but its now 1916, in Hampshire and Alice is on her own whilst Edmund is away at war. Alice continues to run their stained-glass workshop in Edmund’s absence and care for her stepdaughter Lottie, but she is struggling with missing Edmund. Her fears increase as news from the front gets more desperate each day. Lottie is also suffering and becoming more withdrawn, and as the time goes on Alice knows that she may not see her husband again. She is determined to carry on with the stained-glass commissions and keep the artists life that she and Edmund have built together.
Alice does take comfort in her renewed relationship with her brother Victor whose injuries prevented him re-joining the fight. Alice waits in fear each day of receiving a telegram, and then it arrives! This heartwarming and at times heartbreaking novel is full of art, love, duty, loss and sacrifice, and I was once again swept up in Alice and Edmund’s story. The settings from the fraught Home Front in both London and rural England to the horrors of the trenches in France came to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. I love Alice and Edmund’s characters and the chemistry between them, and I am sad that this is the end of their story. However, I can always re-read the books and get lost in Alice and Edmund’s epic love story again one day!
Alice does take comfort in her renewed relationship with her brother Victor whose injuries prevented him re-joining the fight. Alice waits in fear each day of receiving a telegram, and then it arrives! This heartwarming and at times heartbreaking novel is full of art, love, duty, loss and sacrifice, and I was once again swept up in Alice and Edmund’s story. The settings from the fraught Home Front in both London and rural England to the horrors of the trenches in France came to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. I love Alice and Edmund’s characters and the chemistry between them, and I am sad that this is the end of their story. However, I can always re-read the books and get lost in Alice and Edmund’s epic love story again one day!
August 14, 2024
This was another good addition to this series.
There’s really three different plots going on. All interwoven between the characters and all interesting.
I didn’t enjoy the war parts as much as the others.
It’s still a good historical fiction book and good series
There’s really three different plots going on. All interwoven between the characters and all interesting.
I didn’t enjoy the war parts as much as the others.
It’s still a good historical fiction book and good series
June 29, 2024
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 Edmunds 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.
August 19, 2024
The Artist's War by Clare Flynn is the third in a wonderful series entitled Hearts of Glass. The series involves two upper crust British families whose focus on wealth and titles attempt to destroy any happiness that may cross the paths of their offspring. It covers time leading up to and including WWI. Although the main characters are very strong but human and lovable, Ms. Flynn has also brought to life colorful secondary characters whom you will not forget and will find yourself rooting for! I found the issues with the suffragettes very interesting and learned of another side of them. The description of the stained glass process was so fascinating and the pieces were so lovely I can't help but wonder if Ms. Flynn delved into this a bit herself! Her description of WWI was devastating and I applaud the amount of research she must have done to accomplish these heartbreaking results. I also found it commendable that she tackled the issue of homosexuality and carried that through the series. I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review. I had already read the first two books so would have read this regardless. Ms. Flynn is one of my favorite authors and I have read most of her series. I really enjoyed all three books in this series, however, this became my favorite as I was so emotionally invested in Alice, Victor, Edmund and the other characters. While Ms. Flynn seems to have wrapped up all loose ends, I am hoping she can add a fourth so I can revisit my favorites and find out how Charlotte, the youngest addition turns out! Thank you and kudos to you, Ms. Flynn!
July 28, 2024
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 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.
August 27, 2024
#Stormpublishing
#The artist's war
It's 1916 in Little Badgerton in Hampshire, England, and Alice is feeling troubled about running her husband's glass workshop. Edmund, her husband, is fighting on the front during WW1. He is missing her and his daughter Lottie desperately and spends any spare time sketching pictures of his fellow soldiers and the landscapes along the Solent.
Her friend Harriet is getting over her husband's sudden death, she has three young children and although her husband was quite a bit older than her, his mother is still alive and she definitely doesn't approve of Harriet. Her husband had mortgaged the Wallingford estate and hadn't kept up with the repayments, Harriet has been left a house in Portman Square in London, but she has no money for the running of it.
Maurice (Alice's brother) is in a convalescent hospital after losing part of his leg on the battlefields.
Harriet then finds out that a rental property is available in the village of Little Badgerton and she will be a neighbour of Alice's, something that the two friends are really looking forward to. Alice is really missing Edmund, and his daughter Lottie's behaviour worries Alice, as she won't open up to Alice what is wrong. Having her friend nearby will be a great comfort to both women.
Very soon, orders have been posted for mobilisation, and Edmund noticed that they were due to leave camp the next day. He settled down to write a letter to Alice, telling her that he would be an orderly with the medical Corps, asking about Lottie and including some sketches of sea birds and one of Robert to give to Roberts wife, who also lives in the village. Leaving the following day before dawn, on arrival at Boulogne, they were put on another train about twenty miles south of Boulogne at Etaples. Travelling along, they saw the horrors of war with lots of wounded men. As the story progresses, the horrors of war are described, making you realise just how bad it was.
There are also lots of secrets and promises, including the liaison between Maurice and Victor, and bad feelings from families hurting with grief and secrets.
From the horrors of the battlefields on the Somme, to battles in the courtroom, and to life trying to get ahead and build a life in the English countryside, this is a romantic story with the horrors of war looming over everyone.
It is part three of the trilogy but can be easily read as a stand-alone book. It's thought-provoking and heartbreaking, but written with believable characters, and it's an extremely good book. A five-star read from me.
#The artist's war
It's 1916 in Little Badgerton in Hampshire, England, and Alice is feeling troubled about running her husband's glass workshop. Edmund, her husband, is fighting on the front during WW1. He is missing her and his daughter Lottie desperately and spends any spare time sketching pictures of his fellow soldiers and the landscapes along the Solent.
Her friend Harriet is getting over her husband's sudden death, she has three young children and although her husband was quite a bit older than her, his mother is still alive and she definitely doesn't approve of Harriet. Her husband had mortgaged the Wallingford estate and hadn't kept up with the repayments, Harriet has been left a house in Portman Square in London, but she has no money for the running of it.
Maurice (Alice's brother) is in a convalescent hospital after losing part of his leg on the battlefields.
Harriet then finds out that a rental property is available in the village of Little Badgerton and she will be a neighbour of Alice's, something that the two friends are really looking forward to. Alice is really missing Edmund, and his daughter Lottie's behaviour worries Alice, as she won't open up to Alice what is wrong. Having her friend nearby will be a great comfort to both women.
Very soon, orders have been posted for mobilisation, and Edmund noticed that they were due to leave camp the next day. He settled down to write a letter to Alice, telling her that he would be an orderly with the medical Corps, asking about Lottie and including some sketches of sea birds and one of Robert to give to Roberts wife, who also lives in the village. Leaving the following day before dawn, on arrival at Boulogne, they were put on another train about twenty miles south of Boulogne at Etaples. Travelling along, they saw the horrors of war with lots of wounded men. As the story progresses, the horrors of war are described, making you realise just how bad it was.
There are also lots of secrets and promises, including the liaison between Maurice and Victor, and bad feelings from families hurting with grief and secrets.
From the horrors of the battlefields on the Somme, to battles in the courtroom, and to life trying to get ahead and build a life in the English countryside, this is a romantic story with the horrors of war looming over everyone.
It is part three of the trilogy but can be easily read as a stand-alone book. It's thought-provoking and heartbreaking, but written with believable characters, and it's an extremely good book. A five-star read from me.
August 1, 2024
#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.
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.
August 23, 2024
This is the first book that I have read by Clare Flynn, not my usual genre but I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Alice Cutler is happily helping Edmund, the husband that she adored, to make beautiful stained glass masterpieces, when war breaks out, Edmund and his best friend Robert Fuller are sent to the Somme, although Alice has the skills to take over Edmund's art work she has insecurities, she doubts her ability.
This book has various stories running concurrently, some very emotive, some twisted and some heart wrenching and I learned such a lot whilst devouring the intrigue, the class system in England at the time, marriage for status and money, how the upper class treat the people that they consider to be their inferiors, how the class system also extends to the armed forces, if you have a title you automatically get a commission despite your lack of knowledge, homosexuality and the lengths that people went to to hide what was known as "their dirty little secrets".
Edward was a gentle soul, not so his titled father, Herbert was in prison for the murder of Edmunds first wife, would having a title sway the jury ?
Edward didn't want to fight, not because he was a coward but because he didn't think that he could actually kill someone, when the chance came for him to be a stretcher bearer and help people he jumped at the chance but was it a wise decision ?,
The authors brilliant descriptions of the horrors of the Somme, life in the trenches, the sights, the smells, the noises are palpable, the young lives that were sacrificed, nothing more than cannon fodder, the grieving families. Clare Flynn also illustrates brilliantly how the women left behind learned to cope, how, although they took over the men's jobs, they weren't allowed to vote.
This is a strong, emotive story, told with such passion that it has a lasting impact.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.
Alice Cutler is happily helping Edmund, the husband that she adored, to make beautiful stained glass masterpieces, when war breaks out, Edmund and his best friend Robert Fuller are sent to the Somme, although Alice has the skills to take over Edmund's art work she has insecurities, she doubts her ability.
This book has various stories running concurrently, some very emotive, some twisted and some heart wrenching and I learned such a lot whilst devouring the intrigue, the class system in England at the time, marriage for status and money, how the upper class treat the people that they consider to be their inferiors, how the class system also extends to the armed forces, if you have a title you automatically get a commission despite your lack of knowledge, homosexuality and the lengths that people went to to hide what was known as "their dirty little secrets".
Edward was a gentle soul, not so his titled father, Herbert was in prison for the murder of Edmunds first wife, would having a title sway the jury ?
Edward didn't want to fight, not because he was a coward but because he didn't think that he could actually kill someone, when the chance came for him to be a stretcher bearer and help people he jumped at the chance but was it a wise decision ?,
The authors brilliant descriptions of the horrors of the Somme, life in the trenches, the sights, the smells, the noises are palpable, the young lives that were sacrificed, nothing more than cannon fodder, the grieving families. Clare Flynn also illustrates brilliantly how the women left behind learned to cope, how, although they took over the men's jobs, they weren't allowed to vote.
This is a strong, emotive story, told with such passion that it has a lasting impact.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.
August 25, 2024
Note: Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Clare Flynn for the advanced reader copy of this book. This review will also be posted on NetGalley. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.
The Artist’s War is the third book in a series by Clare Flynn titled Hearts of Glass. It centers around Alice Cutler, the wife of Edmund Cutler who is a renowned artist who works with stained glass. Previous books detailed their history together. There is a summary of these events for those like me who have not read the last two books. Although it filled in many of the blanks, I do think I would have given this four stars if I had read the last two books in the series.
World War I is raging across the English Channel. Edmund left to join up and serve, leaving Alice by herself with a new stepdaughter and a stained glass window to complete. Edmund has confidence in Alice’s ability to handle the commission, but she’s not so sure she can without him there. Prior to his leaving, she had worked for a time as a local nurse helping the men injured in the war. One of them was her own brother, Victor, from whom she was once estranged. Another is Maurice, who has begun helping Alice with her stained glass work. He finds the rote work a good distraction from the memories that haunt him from the war.
During training, Edmund begins to have misgivings about whether or not he could actually kill another human being. He sees the German soldiers as much like himself; just boys sent off to do what their superiors tell them. When he is recruited for the stretcher corps, he accepts without hesitation.
To read my full review, please go to The Artist’s War by Clare Flynn – Love, Struggle, and Redemption Amidst World War I
The Artist’s War is the third book in a series by Clare Flynn titled Hearts of Glass. It centers around Alice Cutler, the wife of Edmund Cutler who is a renowned artist who works with stained glass. Previous books detailed their history together. There is a summary of these events for those like me who have not read the last two books. Although it filled in many of the blanks, I do think I would have given this four stars if I had read the last two books in the series.
World War I is raging across the English Channel. Edmund left to join up and serve, leaving Alice by herself with a new stepdaughter and a stained glass window to complete. Edmund has confidence in Alice’s ability to handle the commission, but she’s not so sure she can without him there. Prior to his leaving, she had worked for a time as a local nurse helping the men injured in the war. One of them was her own brother, Victor, from whom she was once estranged. Another is Maurice, who has begun helping Alice with her stained glass work. He finds the rote work a good distraction from the memories that haunt him from the war.
During training, Edmund begins to have misgivings about whether or not he could actually kill another human being. He sees the German soldiers as much like himself; just boys sent off to do what their superiors tell them. When he is recruited for the stretcher corps, he accepts without hesitation.
To read my full review, please go to The Artist’s War by Clare Flynn – Love, Struggle, and Redemption Amidst World War I
July 21, 2024
This third book in the series, the Artist’s War was my favourite.
It is set during the First World War, when men were recruited from all over the Commonwealth to fight against Germany in a War which took an enormous toll on the lives of the young men enlisted.
The scenes set in France during the Battle of the Somme are particularly well researched and the appalling conditions graphically described. Many of the young men such as Edmund, a sensitive artist, found not only daily life in the trenches a constant struggle to survive, but suffered battles of conscience due to the fact that they were required to kill men against whom they held no personal animosity. In joining the medical branch as a stretcher bearer, Edmund felt at least he was helping to save lives, instead of destroying them. Even so, there were many he was required to abandon to die alone, in order to carry those with a chance of survival to the aid posts. No wonder most of these young men, if they lived, returned home both physically and mentally damaged.
Meanwhile, back in England, women like Alice were expected to fill those places in the factories and farms left vacant by the men, as well as keeping the home fires burning. They all found diverse ways to cope with their loneliness, stress and responsibility.
I was especially drawn to the characters of Alice, Edmund, Lottie and Victor. I should like to read more about their lives going forward. Maybe the author would consider writing more books about them in the future.
It is set during the First World War, when men were recruited from all over the Commonwealth to fight against Germany in a War which took an enormous toll on the lives of the young men enlisted.
The scenes set in France during the Battle of the Somme are particularly well researched and the appalling conditions graphically described. Many of the young men such as Edmund, a sensitive artist, found not only daily life in the trenches a constant struggle to survive, but suffered battles of conscience due to the fact that they were required to kill men against whom they held no personal animosity. In joining the medical branch as a stretcher bearer, Edmund felt at least he was helping to save lives, instead of destroying them. Even so, there were many he was required to abandon to die alone, in order to carry those with a chance of survival to the aid posts. No wonder most of these young men, if they lived, returned home both physically and mentally damaged.
Meanwhile, back in England, women like Alice were expected to fill those places in the factories and farms left vacant by the men, as well as keeping the home fires burning. They all found diverse ways to cope with their loneliness, stress and responsibility.
I was especially drawn to the characters of Alice, Edmund, Lottie and Victor. I should like to read more about their lives going forward. Maybe the author would consider writing more books about them in the future.
September 21, 2024
In the third book in Hearts of Glass, readers follow Alice, Edmund, her brother Victor, and stepdaughter Lottie as World War I continues to rage across Europe and disrupt their lives in the Hampshire countryside. Alice, running the workshop while Edmund is at the front, has rebuilt her relationship with Victor, injured severely and unable to return to the front, and is working to keep on carrying on. As the village changes around them, new challenges to their peace -- brought on by the war -- surface, while Victor takes on a new undercover role with the Ministry of Munitions. As the war continues and life changes, readers follow Alice as she takes on life without Edmund. Continuing the strong character development from the preceding books and focusing on Alice’s relationships with Lottie and Victor, readers explore the home front of World War I through her eyes, while alternating chapters focus on Edmund’s stories of the front lines and the challenges within the ranks. With a new storyline focusing on Victor and the juxtaposition of all three major storylines, the narrative is complex, dynamic, and vibrant, with incredible characters and relationships at the center of this powerful World War I historical fiction novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advance copy.
July 21, 2024
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.
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.
July 18, 2024
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."
I obtained an advance copy of this book via NetGalley and Storm publishing.
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."
I obtained an advance copy of this book via NetGalley and Storm publishing.
August 20, 2024
I read this as a stand alone title not realising it was part of the Hearts of Glass series. I really enjoyed the book despite not reading the previous 2 books in the series. The book centres around Alice, her brother Victor and her husband Edmund. Alice is left to continue the stained glass business she and her husband run when Edmund is conscripted to join the war. Alice is also caring for her step daughter Lottie as Edmund’s former wife Dora has died supposedly at the hands of Edmund’s father Herbert Cutler, who is on trial for her murder. Victor who is recovering from war wounds falls in love with Maurice who is also recovering from losing his leg in the war and he is assisting Alice with the stained glass business. Victor who was employed by Herbert Cutler as a financial advisor is now employed by the Ministry of Munitions to investigate Herbert Cutlers business in relation to illegal arms dealings. There is a lot occurring within this family but the author weaves a wonderful story with believable and likeable characters.
July 10, 2024
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.
Kerry Kennedy Author
July 16, 2024
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 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.
August 19, 2024
This was a great historical fiction novel! To be honest, I actually read this before realizing that this was a final book in a series. I noticed it at times, but I thought the author did a fantastic job of making the characters engaging throughout with calls back to previous novels.
The story takes place during WWI and follows Alice who is completing work on a stained glass window while her husband, Edmund, is at the front. I think the author did a great job of handling the war as a subject for the book and I appreciate that she was able to touch on some of the things that were realistic from that time period for soldiers and their families.
Overall a very strong book and I really look forward to reading the other books now!
Thank you to the author and the publisher, as well as NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.
The story takes place during WWI and follows Alice who is completing work on a stained glass window while her husband, Edmund, is at the front. I think the author did a great job of handling the war as a subject for the book and I appreciate that she was able to touch on some of the things that were realistic from that time period for soldiers and their families.
Overall a very strong book and I really look forward to reading the other books now!
Thank you to the author and the publisher, as well as NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.
August 22, 2024
The Artist’s War was a great read for my low energy days, when I wanted an immersive reading experience (and stay in bed).
As someone else mentioned in another review, I would have appreciated a few lines on the previous books in the series (even though this one can be read as a standalone) — I did not realize this was a series before opening the book and was a little confused at first.
Once past the initial confusion, I was able to push through the book pretty easily. The author has an immersive style and the book is clearly well researched. The character’s developments are well thought of (and this is probably even better if you read the whole series in order :)), and I would probably pick up the rest of the books later in !
I’m not sure if you can call historical fiction timeless, but it’s definitely becoming a classic !
As someone else mentioned in another review, I would have appreciated a few lines on the previous books in the series (even though this one can be read as a standalone) — I did not realize this was a series before opening the book and was a little confused at first.
Once past the initial confusion, I was able to push through the book pretty easily. The author has an immersive style and the book is clearly well researched. The character’s developments are well thought of (and this is probably even better if you read the whole series in order :)), and I would probably pick up the rest of the books later in !
I’m not sure if you can call historical fiction timeless, but it’s definitely becoming a classic !
July 2, 2024
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.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2024
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.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
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.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
August 19, 2024
The Artist's War is part of a series which I didn’t realize in the beginning. It is book three Hearts of Glass Series by Clare Flynn. The reading of the first two books would enhance the enjoyment of this one for me as far as knowing the characters and their backgrounds better. During WWI Alice runs the stain-glass workshop that Edmund and she established. From the fighting in France to the ones at home in England this is a strong impressive look at the effects of war.
Alice and Lottie have their struggles, but Edmund has some that are so very heartbreaking. This is a hard look at the effects of war. Yet it shows the resiliency of those involved too. Great story but read the series in order.
Alice and Lottie have their struggles, but Edmund has some that are so very heartbreaking. This is a hard look at the effects of war. Yet it shows the resiliency of those involved too. Great story but read the series in order.
August 5, 2024
This was my first book by Clare Flynn, and having thoroughly enjoyed it I now have to read the first two books in the series.
I hadn't realised it was the third book in a series but didn't feel that I missed out in any way by not having read the first two books.
Clare has created some endearing characters. I especially came to love Alice, Edmund, Victor and Maurice.
I love the level of detail Clare has gone to with describing the battlefield conditions.
A totally gripping read that I couldn't tear myself away from.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
I hadn't realised it was the third book in a series but didn't feel that I missed out in any way by not having read the first two books.
Clare has created some endearing characters. I especially came to love Alice, Edmund, Victor and Maurice.
I love the level of detail Clare has gone to with describing the battlefield conditions.
A totally gripping read that I couldn't tear myself away from.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 28, 2024
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.
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.
August 4, 2024
Third in a series depicting life in England during World War I. The details of the war are well researched. There are quite a few characters that were introduced in the previous books. Alice continues Edmund's work at the stained glass shop. Alice plays an important role in her friend's life when the earl passes away. The passing presents problems that bring many of the characters together. War stories and memories play a major role in the book.
August 26, 2024
I loved this book had to catch up and read the first two .. I loved the historical side of the war reminded me of my grandparents love story and the more I read the more involved I became .. historical based novels always appeal to me but I like the way the author mixed fact with fiction and was a lovely end to a series of books in the book club I had the opportunity to read . Definitely recommended to other book lovers
June 27, 2024
What a read! In keeping with the first two in the series, I could not put it down. I love how each chapter is dedicated to a character and how well it blends overall! If you're looking for a historical romance, read the series!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGallery for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGallery for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews