Where the Wildflowers Lay: A WWI Novel

by Elora Maxwell

As spring wildflowers bloom in the American midwest in 1917, Lorraine McQuarrie envisions those same flowers rising from the trenches in war-torn France. Ever a fearless young woman, Lorraine knows the Great War is coming for her nation and her loved ones. She would brandish a helmet and uniform if she could; anything to save her youngest brother from the fate of a German rifle.

It’s not until General John Pershing calls upon women to join the war effort that Lorraine finds her opportunity. For the first time, American women will join their husbands, sons, and brothers at the front lines. With the skills needed and a heart for adventure, Lorraine joins the U.S. Army Signal Corps and begins her journey as a Hello Girl.

Fighting against her sister's disapproval and a rigorous training program, Lorraine is determined to make it to France and discover her purpose in the process. Despite the evils of war, she finds that there is much more to life, love, and sisterhood than her homestead on the Kansas prairie raised her to believe.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Family, Fiction

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2024

About the author

Elora Maxwell is an independent historical fiction author. She writes historical things, romantic things, fantastical things, and sometimes devastatingly sad things. When she’s not traveling through time, she likes visiting amusement parks, watching movies, and forcing everyone around her to listen to Taylor Swift.

You can find her on Instagram and TikTok @author_eloramaxwell

Reviews

[Elora Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author's Note:

Thank you for reading this love letter to our female veterans. I hope the story of the Hello Girls gripped you and didn't let go. Please go out there, learn more, and shout the story of Grace Banker, Merle Eagan and the rest of these incredible women from the rooftops.

They deserved to be remembered, and I hope my novel aided that effort, even if in a small way.

Thank you for reading,
Elora

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Elora for allowing me a copy of your book ❤

Set in 1917, this book focuses on the Hello Girls in World War 1. Lorraine being the main character, we see her develop from a home girl searching for independence to a fully matured woman with every bit of independence about her. From office work to saving lives in the war. From loss, to love, to loss again, to every conflicting and deep emotion possible.

The best thing about this book is how realistic it felt. The troubling thoughts, the grief, the mental health issues one would expect from this horror. The desire to be free and independent while also wanting to be home and safe, looked after by loved ones.

While Lorraine is the main character and she feels like a friend, we also learn so much about other characters too. The firey Marie. The sweet Harry. The wonder that is Elvyn. The feeling of childlike happiness and safety everytime Da' is mentioned. The strength and female power of Victoria and Grace. The heart of Nathan and his parents. The beauty of adventure through Malcolm. The friendship and found family of James. The innocence these characters are fighting to protect with the children characters. I knew every one of these characters deeply, and felt such a connection to them.

To me, it was as if Elora must have went back in time to listen to these stories from the real people, and bring them to life through this book. Of course these characters are fictional, but we know many of the stories and experiences would have existed. It felt somewhat close to magic to read them. The people who experienced this, especially the real Hello Girls, I believe, would be very grateful for this book and how their stories have been told, and how their work was so important.

The writing is beautiful and vivid, putting you alongside Lorraine in the good, the bad, and the conflicting moments.

I had a huge lump in my throat at the end. If I had been alone, I'd have deffo wept. The ending is painfully sad, but painfully real to this time period, and overall, I was pleased for what felt like an honest and satisfying ending. What you'd expect from a book set in this time!

[Stephanie Affinito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elora has done it again. Every time I read one of her books, I'm swept away to another time, another place and another life. In this book, I felt instantly connected to Lorraine, a woman in the early 1900's who is longing for a freedom she can't quite articulate. While dutifully bound to her family, this longing brings her straight into the front lines of WW1 as a Hello Girl, the undercelebrated group of women who made communication possible during this difficult time. I felt like I was inside Lorraine's heart and mind as she grappled with her decisions, dared to imagine a future different than what was expected of her and was put to the test in more ways than one. For as long as I was turning the pages of this book, I was in another life and when I turned the last page, I instantly started learning more about the Hello Girls and their important, yet lesser-known contributions to the war effort. Elora has such an uncanny way of both inviting me into the story and igniting my curiosity for more information.

[Kelsey Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so unexpected to find a personal connection with this beautiful historical novel based on the war efforts of women during WW1.

The story follows Lorraine who joins in the war effort as a “hello girl”- a force of women who maintained communication lines across the front lines. Lorraine’s story was bold, heartfelt, and one that needs to be shared. I loved the romance (hello love triangle!) and the other characters in this had such depth. I did find myself wishing there was a world where the end was different but I loved how our main characters made peace with it. The writing and research included was amazing and this is my favorite book for the year I think!

It connected me in unexpected ways to my great grandmother Myrtle who grew up in Kansas City, on a farm with immigrant parents from Denmark. I am lucky enough to have a very special journal from World War 1.

@author_eloramaxwell is so talented and I need to read all of her books now! Please read this one (available on Kindle Unlimited too!) Elora was kind enough to let me message her throughout reading this book ❤️

Fans of Lovely War, Testament of Youth, Atonement, and Not So Quiet would enjoy this one!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I finished last Christmas in Paris, I knew I needed to read more WW1 fiction. I am so thankful an Instagram friend connected me with Elora Maxwell and her newest book.

I knew barely anything about the Hello Girls of the Great War and it was fascinating all that they went through and contributed. The book follows Lorraine’s journey becoming one of them.

The story is full of different natures of love. Love of country, adventure, family, friends, as well as two love interests. The author had me guessing which of the 2 men she would end up with and it wrapped up beautifully, of course with some heartache! ♥️

The vivid voice and tone of the writing made me feel like I was right there with these characters. I highly recommend this book!

[Cheyanne Fletcher-Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could rave about this books for days! It is one that I should have easily devoured it one sitting, but there were too many responsibilities that day.
This is the story of Lorraine McQuarrie, who starts off as a telephone operator before the US enters WWI. After watching family members leave and having to leave work to help keep the family farm afloat, Lorraine is given the opportunity to become a “Hello Girl”.
I have never heard of Hello Girls before this and it has me wanting to get my hands on more. It is absolutely amazing what these women did during this time, to come home and not be recognized. This book gives a brief insight as to what was expected of these women during their time overseas and some of the trials they suffered.
This is a great intro into this topic and had me hooked from the beginning.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a wonderful story of a lady and her love of her family, her country, and two men. I love the description of what these wonderful ladies, Hello Girls, did during WWI.

[Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of the Hello Girls and admittedly have never been a history girly but this story brought me to tears more than once and I’ve been doing my own research on the amazing, selfless women since I started reading it! I felt so connected to Lorraine as a sister and a working woman and when she was experiencing different forms of loss I found my heart aching for her. The Hello Girls deserve the world and all of the attention they can get.. I highly recommend this emotional and enlightening read 🥲🫶🏼

[Mikayla Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a ride! I honestly do not know what to write and how to express how I feel, so please bear with my ramblings.

First off, this story was so immersive. I don’t like reading a lot of first-person stories because they can either be too detailed within the perspective and not show the world around them to the reader. Elora does not fail to dive deep within Lorraine’s perspective and show every detail of her life, growth, emotions, and feelings. I felt as though I were walking beside her.

I never knew much about the Hello Girls, but I’m happy to say I walked away from this book learning something new. Now I want to watch documentaries, haha. These women were heroes!!

Now, the romance side was so heartbreaking and also heartwarming. Since I felt as though I were walking with Lorraine, I was in her same boat, confused which man to choose. Nathan was a literal sweetheart and Malcom was the adventurous and outgoing one. I was back and forth between them, and hours after reading, I realized that the ending was solid and peaceful. Lorraine definitely made the right choice!

I totally recommend this book, especially since there’s not a lot of WWI fiction books out there.

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxwell nailed it! Lorraine leads this incredible historical fiction piece full of an array of memorable characters set against a forgotten backdrop.

We’re immediately made to feel a part of Lorraine’s family, romantic relationship, job, community. She’s so heavily involved with all that’s around her so it’s no surprise when she takes an opportunity to support her country during WWI. I am still taken aback by how beautifully this was written. There is so much recognizable angst coming from a young woman, embarking on the unknown and being swept away emotionally, physically and mentally in all her experiences.

I was hooked the entire novel wondering why I didn’t know more about this piece of history and anxious to finish the novel so I could begin googling many of the people and events as Maxwell always includes actual historic figures in her historical fiction.

I can not believe what I learned from this novel, i mourned for many of the characters, actual and fictional. I mourned for myself not knowing this info sooner and I deeply appreciate awareness of the Hello Girls, their risks and commitment to their country.

[Katrinalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive an ARC for this book that releases December 30th. The cover is so beautiful and it is reflective of the beautiful story inside. I'm so glad I got to read it. Thank you for the ARC, Elora.

An unknown piece of history is told in the story of the Hello Girls – Brave women who served on the front lines of WWI as switchboard operators. Their work was a major factor in bringing the war to an end. At that time, they didn't receive the recognition or pay they deserved from our country. Reading historical fiction like this makes me immensely grateful for the rights I have today and especially for those who blazed the way for me to have these rights. 

As explained in the author notes, the stories of the Hello Girls are fading from memory and nearly lost, but Elora has rescued them and brought these bittersweet stories to vivid life. The early chapters of the book detail the life of Lorraine McQuarrie, the daughter of a Scotsman and a French woman (who has passed away), living on a farm in Kansas and traveling to the city to work as a switchboard operator. Her sweetheart, brother, and brother-in-law join the fighting in Europe. When she is invited to serve, her adventuring spirit says, “yes!” The book details the struggles of Lorraine and her fellow volunteers as they overcome prejudice and learn the many skills they will need to save men's lives and preserve their own, representative of the 200 women across the country who answered this call to serve. Eventually she and her comrades travel to Europe, to the front lines in France.

The horrors of trench warfare combined with the pandemic of 1918 are additional reminders of how blessed we are to live in this day. With the realistic troubles of family dynamics, friendship, romance, and war, this story has many heartbreaking moments easily felt by the reader, but there is also an underlying current of hope and love. 

[Ariana Ochoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Wildflowers Lay is an unputdownable historical fiction novel covering the brave telephone operators for the U.S. Army Signal Corps.

The book begins in 1916 Kansas. Lorraine McQuarrie is the youngest daughter in her family. Half Scottish and half French, she was raised on a farm alongside her two brothers and older sister. After the sinking of the Lusitania, several local boys are up in arms and decide to enlist, including her neighbor and boyfriend Nathan and her brother Collin.

Working for a telephone company, an opportunity opens up for her to serve her country during the Great War as a soldier and female operator for the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Lorraine, in search of independence and adventure, leaves behind the safety of her home and makes a harrowing journey to war-torn France to aid in the war.

This book was bittersweet: poetic at times yet raw. I loved seeing the progression of Lorraine's character as she matured from an adventure-seeking young girl to a tenacious operator in the trenches. This story beautifully captured the brave women that served with little recognition for their brave service to their country. Allowing women to serve alongside men during wartime was a monumental step in the progression of women's rights, yet was met with a stifling drawback as the women were never formally recognized until several years later. Having not known much about the Hello Girls in WWI, I am grateful to have read this book. It is already a book that I find myself pondering on and one that I will cherish.

Many thanks to the author for the complimentary ARC. My review is voluntary, and all thoughts are my own.

[Chelsie Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1916, the weight of war was felt everywhere, including in small-town Kansas, where Lorainne and her family live. Understanding that the US would soon join the fight, the men in her life began preparing to serve their country. With much of her family gone, young Lorainne must leave her job at the telephone exchange company to help care for the homestead. Missing her fiancee, and worried for her handicapped younger brother, she would do anything to help with the war effort.

The following year brought the news they'd all expected - the US had officially joined the war. When a call goes out for women to join the U.S. Army Signal Corps as switchboard operators, Lorainne seizes the opportunity to serve. Young but experienced, she presses on, determined to be one of the few 'Hello Girls' to serve her country.

Where the Wildflowers Lay is a bittersweet story full of heartbreak and hope. The war brings much loss, but the relationships made there are destined to last a lifetime.

I enjoyed learning about this piece of history that is often overlooked or forgotten. I'd never heard of the Hello Girls and I appreciate Maxwell's desire to draw attention to the incredible women who served in The Great War. However, it felt like many parts of the book breezed through difficult moments rather than allowing them to be immersive. This made it difficult to emotionally connect with the characters in a way that moved me. I enjoyed the story, I just felt like it read like a YA novel because it lacked the depth I've found in other historical fiction novels.

3.5 stars.

Huge thanks to Elora Maxwell for the ARC of this novel.

[Ysabeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece by Elora Maxwell based on lesser-known true historical events and facts. Again, I learned new things and I loved every single word of it. This story made me cry and smile, and I urge you to pick up this book because the Hello Girls were a great part in WW1 and saved so many lives, yet are very unknown, unfortunately...

Lorraine McQuarrie grew up in Kansas from a French mother and a Scottish father and works at a telephone company as a Switchboard girl. Having already lost a brother to the war, she follows her fiancé and brother-in-law to Europe with a group of Telephone Girls selected after weeks of training in Iowa. Upon arriving in France, she is immediately put to the task of connecting thousands of calls from the trenches. Will she find the love of her life? Will she make it alive?

Fav quotes out of context:
🌼 Wildflowers have sprung up alongside the road: yellow, white, and blue. Do these flowers grow across the ocean? Do these flowers bloom in war?
🌷 "Perhaps I shall let the Lord do all of my meddling from now on."
🌸 "My love," [he] breathes, "tell me what you see." Looking out over the field, a lovely breeze catches a line of dancing grass. "Darling, the flowers have sprung up. Yellow, white, and blue."

Tropes include:
🌼 WW1 novel
🌷 Lesser known history
🌼 Female "soldiers"
🌷 Friendships in the darkest days
🌼 Letters
🌷 Childhood friends to lovers
🌼 War injuries

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 0,5🌶️ (Mainly chaste and one or two heated kisses)

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maxwell gives readers a genuine, authentic look into history. Not just the war itself, or even how it affects one person. No, she shows how if affects a family, an extended family, and even friendships.I appreciated her ability to do so without too much info dumping. The history was fascinating, and you can tell how much time and effort she put into her research.

I personally did not care for the romantic trio, though I can understand how it is true to life. People get caught up in the moment, and during a war probably even more so. For me, it didn't add to the story, though I know that is not true for other readers. Again, it's a personal preference.

I did, however, really like the fact that Maxwell allowed real life to happen to the characters. I can't go into detail because of spoilers. But let me say this - not everyone had the ending you wanted them to have. That's real life. We don't all have things wrapped up in a package with a beautiful bow on top. I like books that offer true to life scenarios.

I think those who love to read about history and family will really enjoy this book. There is romance - though it didn't stand out as much as the history did to me. Overall this was a good read, and I look forward to seeing what Maxwell has next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Fawn Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This novel shines a light on women who served as WWI telephone operators, the "Hello Girls." What an amazing piece of history I've never heard! These women sometimes served on the front lines, yet were not recognized as part of the military until the 1970's.

The story follows Lorraine, a French-Scot, first-generation American from Kansas. I was fully immersed in her story and her family. She rises to the call to join the war effort, following her brother, sister's husband, and her sweetheart. Her camaraderie with the other Hello Girls and the stakes and horrors of war were vividly depicted.

There is a no-spice, sweet romance with her childhood sweetheart and chemistry with a Scot she meets during the war. That's where I docked half a point, but that may be to taste. I wish it was spicier or cut entirely. I feel like there was a lot unexplored with the Scot. Her childhood sweetheart being severely injured by mustard gas was gut-wrenching and created enough of a will-she-won't-she in the question of sticking with their plans to marry after the war, despite his injuries, without the Scot love interest.

If you enjoyed Kristin Hannah's The Women and sweet romance, this novel is for you. Everyone should learn about the Hello Girls of WWI!

[Parker Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elora Maxwell is a phenomenal author! Anything with her name on it is sure to be good and Where the Wildflowers Lay is no exception!
This is a story rich with the heart and soul of Americana contrasted by the tragedy and fear of an unknown battlefield. I found myself relating to Lorraine's irresistible urge for adventure and independence and the equal urgency for home and security once the adventure has waned.
The romance woven throughout was so sweet and tender. Though the options might make one's heart flutter, Lorraine's choice was obvious.
The McQuarrie family will forever hold a place in my heart as I'm sure they will in yours. Their tragedies will feel like your own, and once you read you will understand why I have never wanted to pummel a character quite as much as a *certain* McQuarrie.
Where the Wildflowers Lay is not only incredibly heartfelt and moving but it holds immense historical significance. The "Hello Girls" were the first of their kind, and yet they were so quickly and completely forgotten for too long. Much of the respect and honor due them has come too little, too late. However, with this book Elora Maxwell has cleared the way for our generation and those to come to keep legacy of those brave women alive.

[Emilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Elora Maxwell for the ARC of Where the Wildflowers Lay.

What to say about this wonderful book…

First, this is the only book I’ve read by this author but it won’t be the last. The writing was so good. The way the author told the story made me feel like Lorraine had written me and was telling me everything that was happening. It was so beautiful written.

Second, I loved all of the characters. The Hello Girls, and Lorraine’s family were all so unique. Elora really put a lot of thought into each of the characters and made them feel real. I laughed with them and I cried with them too.

Third, I’m a big fan of history but I went into this book knowing nothing about the Hello Girls. I am definitely going to do more research about them. Their story is really interesting.

Lastly, I am rating this 4.5 stars. It’s not getting 5 stars purely because of the love triangle. The man I liked the best was the one that unfortunately wasn’t picked in the end. Really he deserves his own book.

Elora is extremely talented at writing and after I finished this book I went and bought two more of her books. Everyone should pick up this book.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an advanced ARC of Where the Wildflowers Lay! This is the first book that I’ve read by her and it won’t be my last. I really enjoy rich historical fiction that is also based on true events.

Lorraine McQuarrie grew up in Kansas. She already lost her brother in the war so she follows her fiancé and brother-in-law to Europe after she receives extensive training in Iowa. While in France, she connects thousands of calls from the war zone. Will she find her love, Nathan, while she’s there? Will she feel like she’s made a difference?

Although it’s a work of fiction, the author did an amazing job describing what the Hello Girls went through operating the switchboards overseas during WWI. I never knew what the Hello Girls were until I read this book. The author described the story in such a vivid way that I felt like I was there experiencing all the emotions and struggles with these ladies. At certain points in the story, it was very poignant to read but it was something that needed to be told. I enjoyed all the characters and following them through the story. I feel like the author ended the story well. I highly recommend it.

Favorite quote: “Now nothing remains of a pre-war America except the wildflowers swaying sadly in the wind.”

I received an advance review copy and I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.

[Rachael Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Wildflowers Lay introduced me to the “Hello Girls,��� which had me googling about them before the last chapter! Although the story is set during WWI and spans various locations, it has a backdrop of my hometown, Kansas City, which made reading this feel even more special to me ✨

The relationships in this novel are where it truly shines. Lorraine’s growth, whether in her friendships, family, romance, or most importantly, the relationship with herself, kept me so engaged. I found myself reading a few chapters each day, cheering her on as she made her choices (I was secretly rooting for a “why choose” moment, but we won’t go there, LOL 🥵), or aching with her as she experienced so many different forms of loss.

If you enjoy realistic historical fiction with strong female leads and a story that packs an emotional punch, Where the Wildflowers Lay is a must-read! 🌾

DISCLAIMER: An ARC was gifted to me however this review is based off of the finished e-book which was purchased by me. All thoughts are my own.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Fantastic historical fiction with a dash of romance makes for an excellent final read of the year. I never heard of these Hello Girls, women who helped save countless lives during WWI but who weren’t officially recognized by the US government as legitimate veterans until Carter’s term in the 70s.

Lorraine was instantly relatable as a smart, loyal daughter/sister/sweetheart who is content knowing her lot in life, but at the same time longs for a bit of adventure before settling down. A good girl who is clever enough to be diligent in her job and yet break the rules, she is a fun character to root for and also one whose mind I couldn’t guess at, even in the final few pages.

A true “who will she pick?!” love triangle, the author masterfully guides the reader to a satisfying conclusion while remaining true to the genre and fulfilling the little known story of these brave, intelligent women in an age where they weren’t even allowed to vote.

[Kim Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book to start the new year with. Such an emotional read from start to finish. This is probably now in my top ten of books I've ever read. I had never heard of The Hello Girls until I read this. It is written is so well that you really do feel like you're there in every moment with those women in the war. I loved the characters, the stories of friendship, sisterhood and romance. It felt like it had so many different stories in one book. The relationship Lorraine had with her sister, sister in law, her brothers, her father, Nathan and the girls on the front line with her. Every one of them told so well. That was all beside the stories of her experience in the war, her personal loss and the loss of soldiers around her.
I would highly recommend this book especially if you like historical fiction and are interested in WW1 stories. It would be such a shame if this book never gets to be a best seller, which it deserves to be.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

"Where The Wildflowers Lay" was my first introduction to the women known as "Hello Girls." These were American women who operated switch boards during World War I. Our FMC, Lorriane, is recruited for one of these roles. This story was so well written and weaved in history while creating an engaging story. Most World War I books I have read are written from a European POV, so it was interesting to read from an American perspective. Each character was well developed and made you love them or wish they would change. This is a beautiful story about love of country, love of family, and love for another. There are some content warnings, but nothing that wasn't handle with care and respect. I highly recommend picking up this novel. 

[Courtnie ~ courtniemustreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good historical fiction and I loved the writing on this one. This book is set during WWI and follows the story of Lorraine, a Hello Girl from Kansas. I loved watching the personal growth of each of the characters over the course of the war especially Lorraine.

It was heartbreaking to read all that this fictional family went through during the war, but I loved reading their story. I love how smoothly the writing flowed and I loved how some chapters were just of the letters written to each other during the war.

The romance was kiss only, there was no swearing, and the war parts were very mild. Overall I loved this story!

[Literature and Leaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was tragically beautiful while having a gentleness to it that read like a period written piece. It follows the effort of the WWl Hello Girls through Lorraine, and the personal hardships she and her family experience. It was a rough time period to live through and my heart ached for her.
This story of dedication, loss, and finding yourself speaks to the importance of learning where your heart truly lies and listening to it. I loved reading about the amazing Hello Girls and their contribution to the war effort and how invaluable they were.
I loved it. An absolutely amazing story worth diving into!

Thank you to the Author for the eArc! My opinions are my own.

[Andrea]

This book instantly put me in the brain of Lorraine- 1916 telephone operator and adventurer who must also provide support to her large family and stay true to her childhood sweetheart. I loved the Kansas City setting (including the opening of the WWI museum)- and the history of the women who served in WWI to operate communications at the front. Just fascinating! Like any good historical fiction writer, she has blended real people who actually lived and real events with the lives of her characters in a smart and believable way.
Elora transported me back in time, and I very much enjoyed the read.

[Ashley Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! The perfect clean, world war 1 girl power book with a touch of romance! I could picture everything was such a vivid description it was a great tribute to the women that helped win the war! These stories so need to be told even if they are told in fictional stories because parts of this really did happen. These love story was so sweet and just the perfect amount of romance for a primarily historical fiction action drama. This made me want to buy her other books especially the other historical ones!

[Melanie Ollila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heroing tale about the Hello Girls that supported the war efforts of WWI.

I love reading historical fiction like this because I learn about our history. I’ve never heard about these brave women that lead the way starting in 1917. They served our country while not even having the right to vote, and it took years for them to be recognized, more accolades yet to come in 2025.

Lorraine is a beautiful character, filled with youthfulness yet perseverance beyond her years, being sent to France at the age of 19. Being challenged mentally, physically and emotionally with the waging war she was supporting, losses of family members, torn between feelings of love, confusion over that love being of obligation and comfort.

Thank you to Elora Maxwell for such a beautifully touching story!

[Katherine Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had so much love! A love story from so many angles in so many ways… love of country, the love of sisters, of friends, and so much more. It sparked real emotion from me. I fell in love with the characters.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Second half of the book was better than the first, glad I stuck with it! Not sure I've read a book yet about the Hello Girls and I loved learning about them. I've been planning a trip to the WW1 museum in KC and now it definitely has to happen!