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The Girls in Navy Blue
A gripping and compelling dual timeline novel about three women who joined the Navy during WWI to become yeomanettes and the impact their choices have on one of their descendants in 1968. 1918 - America is at war with Germany, and, for the first time in history, the US Navy has allowed women to join up alongside the men. Ten thousand of them rush to do their part. German-American Marjory Kunwald enlists in the Navy to prove her patriotism. Suffragette Blanche Lawrence to prove that women are the equal of men. And shy preacher’s daughter Viv Weston in a desperate attempt to hide from the police. Even as the US military pours into France and the war heats up, the three yeomanettes find friendship and sisterhood within the Navy. But all their plans for the future are thrown into chaos when Viv’s dark past finally catches up with her. 1968 - Newly divorced and reeling from a personal tragedy, Peggy Whitby unexpectedly inherits her estranged great-aunt Blanche’s beach cottage outside Norfolk Virginia. But her fragile peace is rattled when she begins to receive mysterious postcards dated from 1918 when Blanche served as a Navy yeomanette. Curious to learn more about her mysterious aunt and uncover the truth behind the cryptic messages, Peggy is drawn deeper into the lives of the three young Navy girls. But her digging uncovers more than she bargains for, and, as past and present collide, Peggy must decide if finding out about her aunt is worth the risk of losing herself.
416 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2022
306 people are currently reading
14654 people want to read
About the author
Alix Rickloff
13 books383 followersCritically acclaimed author of historical fiction, Alix Rickloff’s family tree includes a knight who fought during the Wars of the Roses (his brass rubbing hangs in her dining room) and a soldier who sided with Charles I during the English Civil War (hence the family's hasty emigration to America). With inspiration like that, what else could she do but start writing her own stories? She lives in Maryland in a house that’s seen its own share of history so when she’s not writing, she can usually be found trying to keep it from falling down.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
June 11, 2023
4.9 ✨ rating from me!
I finished this amazing and enchantingly thrilling story early Saturday morning June 10,2023. I didn't have a chance to write my review until now and I was trying to figure out how to write it,so here goes! I absolutely loved every minute reading this book and I really had a hard time putting it down! I've read many books about WW1 and I haven't heard anything about the women who joined the Navy to become yoemanettes. This is their story.
It's a duel timeline beginning in 1918 and then 1968. What's great is that both timelines get equal attention and one doesn't overshadow the other and the past leads into the present timeline of 1968 flawlessly.
It starts in 1918 with Viv, Blanche and Marjory all signing up for the Navy during WWI for different reasons. Viv signed up to run away from her past and thought this was her best chance to get away. Little did she know that her past would catch up to her. Blanche signed up because she had something to prove and secrets to protect. Marjory signed up for patriotism. The three of them end up sharing a house together that belongs to Blanches family. There's something mysterious going on here that needs solving.
In 1968 we have Peggy who is looking for a chance to start over leaving her troubles and heartbreaks behind her. She inherited her great aunt Blanche's cottage outside Norfolk, Virginia. Yep, it's the same Blanche in 1918! Peggy never met her, however once she moves in she starts getting post cards to Blanche from Viv dated 1918. What's going on here?? Peggy is now trying to figure out a mystery that began in 1918 and wonders at times if it's all a prank. Then all of a sudden there's news that a dog tag belonging to a Vivian Weston washes up on the beach in Norfolk, Virginia. Could this be the same Viv writing post cards? Read and find out what happens.
When I read the Authors Notes at the end of the book, I was shocked to learn that this is really based on a true story!! Over ten thousand yeomanettes served in the Navy between March 1917 and January 1922. Most of them were assigned clerical positions but they also served as switch board operators, couriers, supply drivers and encoding and decoding information among other jobs. This freed men up to do more front line jobs during the war. I really learned a lot,which is great because I love learning. This story had me laughing out loud at times and crying at other times. It's so well written that you are drawn in from the start and the characters become your friends. It's a book that I never wanted to end & will stay with me for a long time. Very highly recommend!!
I finished this amazing and enchantingly thrilling story early Saturday morning June 10,2023. I didn't have a chance to write my review until now and I was trying to figure out how to write it,so here goes! I absolutely loved every minute reading this book and I really had a hard time putting it down! I've read many books about WW1 and I haven't heard anything about the women who joined the Navy to become yoemanettes. This is their story.
It's a duel timeline beginning in 1918 and then 1968. What's great is that both timelines get equal attention and one doesn't overshadow the other and the past leads into the present timeline of 1968 flawlessly.
It starts in 1918 with Viv, Blanche and Marjory all signing up for the Navy during WWI for different reasons. Viv signed up to run away from her past and thought this was her best chance to get away. Little did she know that her past would catch up to her. Blanche signed up because she had something to prove and secrets to protect. Marjory signed up for patriotism. The three of them end up sharing a house together that belongs to Blanches family. There's something mysterious going on here that needs solving.
In 1968 we have Peggy who is looking for a chance to start over leaving her troubles and heartbreaks behind her. She inherited her great aunt Blanche's cottage outside Norfolk, Virginia. Yep, it's the same Blanche in 1918! Peggy never met her, however once she moves in she starts getting post cards to Blanche from Viv dated 1918. What's going on here?? Peggy is now trying to figure out a mystery that began in 1918 and wonders at times if it's all a prank. Then all of a sudden there's news that a dog tag belonging to a Vivian Weston washes up on the beach in Norfolk, Virginia. Could this be the same Viv writing post cards? Read and find out what happens.
When I read the Authors Notes at the end of the book, I was shocked to learn that this is really based on a true story!! Over ten thousand yeomanettes served in the Navy between March 1917 and January 1922. Most of them were assigned clerical positions but they also served as switch board operators, couriers, supply drivers and encoding and decoding information among other jobs. This freed men up to do more front line jobs during the war. I really learned a lot,which is great because I love learning. This story had me laughing out loud at times and crying at other times. It's so well written that you are drawn in from the start and the characters become your friends. It's a book that I never wanted to end & will stay with me for a long time. Very highly recommend!!
November 11, 2022
⚓ 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑 & 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 ⚓
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲
𝗕𝘆 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝘅 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗼𝗳𝗳
𝟰𝟭𝟲 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
𝗣𝘂𝗯: 𝗡𝗼𝘃 𝟭𝘀𝘁, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 -- out now!
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 • 4.5 / 5 stars
It's no secret that I love historical fiction, and The Girls in Navy Blue was no exception! Rickloff's descriptive writing and strong character development transported me to the past, where we uncover long-buried secrets that transcend decades.
This is a dual-timeline historical fiction / mystery set during two time periods from the past. In 1918, we follow a group of young women known as "Yeomenettes" -- the first women to join the United States Navy during WWII. In 1968 we meet Peggy, who is grappling with a tremendous loss, and moves into her late aunt's home to start over. These women's lives are intertwined in ways the reader will enjoy uncovering. Rickloff holds these secrets close, divulging them slowly throughout the novel. This makes the reader invested in the outcome and turning pages to find out what happens next.
This was such a great read and I definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys a well-written historical fiction novel. As it also has that mystery component, it is perfect for fans of Diane Chamberlain!
Thank you @tlcbooktours , @williammorrowbooks , and @alix_rickloff for the gifted copy! This was such a pleasure to read! 💕
.
.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲
𝗕𝘆 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝘅 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗼𝗳𝗳
𝟰𝟭𝟲 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
𝗣𝘂𝗯: 𝗡𝗼𝘃 𝟭𝘀𝘁, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 -- out now!
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 • 4.5 / 5 stars
It's no secret that I love historical fiction, and The Girls in Navy Blue was no exception! Rickloff's descriptive writing and strong character development transported me to the past, where we uncover long-buried secrets that transcend decades.
This is a dual-timeline historical fiction / mystery set during two time periods from the past. In 1918, we follow a group of young women known as "Yeomenettes" -- the first women to join the United States Navy during WWII. In 1968 we meet Peggy, who is grappling with a tremendous loss, and moves into her late aunt's home to start over. These women's lives are intertwined in ways the reader will enjoy uncovering. Rickloff holds these secrets close, divulging them slowly throughout the novel. This makes the reader invested in the outcome and turning pages to find out what happens next.
This was such a great read and I definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys a well-written historical fiction novel. As it also has that mystery component, it is perfect for fans of Diane Chamberlain!
Thank you @tlcbooktours , @williammorrowbooks , and @alix_rickloff for the gifted copy! This was such a pleasure to read! 💕
.
.
February 17, 2023
I received this from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
1918. American men are being shipped overseas to fight the Germans during WWI. For the first time the Navy is allowing women to enlist. Called the yeomanettes, the women were assigned various duties to aid the war efforts. Viv Weston enlists to escape an abusive father, Blanche Lawrence is fighting for women's rights and Marjory Kunwald is seeking to prove herself as a true American. The three form a bond of sisterhood, sharing secrets and dreams for their futures. But their friendship is tested by the tensions of the war and divisions in the community.
1968. Peggy Whitby has inherited Blanche's beach cottage just outside Norfolk, Virginia. Recently divorced and still recovering from a personal tragedy, Peggy is looking for peace and a fresh start. When mysterious postcards begin arriving from Viv dated 1918, she becomes curious about her Aunt's past. As she digs deeper, she discovers the triumphs and tragedies of the three women's past.
A captivating story of strong and courageous women forging a path for future generations, the bonds of friendship, along with an intriguing mystery.
1918. American men are being shipped overseas to fight the Germans during WWI. For the first time the Navy is allowing women to enlist. Called the yeomanettes, the women were assigned various duties to aid the war efforts. Viv Weston enlists to escape an abusive father, Blanche Lawrence is fighting for women's rights and Marjory Kunwald is seeking to prove herself as a true American. The three form a bond of sisterhood, sharing secrets and dreams for their futures. But their friendship is tested by the tensions of the war and divisions in the community.
1968. Peggy Whitby has inherited Blanche's beach cottage just outside Norfolk, Virginia. Recently divorced and still recovering from a personal tragedy, Peggy is looking for peace and a fresh start. When mysterious postcards begin arriving from Viv dated 1918, she becomes curious about her Aunt's past. As she digs deeper, she discovers the triumphs and tragedies of the three women's past.
A captivating story of strong and courageous women forging a path for future generations, the bonds of friendship, along with an intriguing mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2022
The Girls in Navy Blue shines a light on the wartime experiences of servicewomen known as “the yeomanettes”, the first women to join the United States Navy. In this compelling story of ground-breaking women and the dangerous secrets they keep, Alix Rickloff brings the past vividly to life.
December 1, 2022
What a beautiful, fun story! I was immediately swept away on a fast-paced journey of love, loyalty, pain, and friendship! These characters feel like friends and the setting was my hometown which made it even more special! This book has it all!
September 28, 2022
The photo showed 3 young girls dressed in navy blue.They were the early “class of of Navy yeomanettes” (WWI). Thank you Alix Rickloff for an enjoyable read. A historical novel that contains mystery, secrets, friendships and love….it is also a story how the past can become part of the future. Definitely a new favorite author.
August 4, 2024
The book starts out in 1968. Peggy newly divorced inherited her great aunts home. It has been left abandoned and not the nicer home she was hoping to drive up to. She never knew Blanche and had know clue why she was left this home.
It bounces back to 1918 when women were admitted to serve during WWI . Called Yeomanette these women were looked at braking the rules of what is expected of women of that time. The story focuses on 3 women as different as can be yet more alike than one would think.
Blanche the dashing suffragette.
Marjory the German immigrant.
Vivian the preacher's daughter on the run from the police.
A Friendship that will bind them as they are making their way in a man's world. Their secrets will resound through the next fifty years
I personally had not heard of the Yeomanette. Have not heavy read WWI books. So this was a refreshing read. I truly enjoyed it.
The only negative I can give is Peggy seems to know more than what she should. Yes we the read are along for the full story. I just don't remember where she learned more about Viv or Marjory.
It bounces back to 1918 when women were admitted to serve during WWI . Called Yeomanette these women were looked at braking the rules of what is expected of women of that time. The story focuses on 3 women as different as can be yet more alike than one would think.
Blanche the dashing suffragette.
Marjory the German immigrant.
Vivian the preacher's daughter on the run from the police.
A Friendship that will bind them as they are making their way in a man's world. Their secrets will resound through the next fifty years
I personally had not heard of the Yeomanette. Have not heavy read WWI books. So this was a refreshing read. I truly enjoyed it.
The only negative I can give is Peggy seems to know more than what she should. Yes we the read are along for the full story. I just don't remember where she learned more about Viv or Marjory.
December 13, 2022
TITLE: The Girls in Navy Blue: A Novel
AUTHOR: Alix Rickloff
NARRATOR: Dylan Moore, Carlotta Brentan
Listening Length: 13 hours and 46 minutes
PUB DATE: 11.01.2022 Now Available
Suspenseful
Secrets
Sisterhood
The Girls in Navy Blue by Alix Rickloff is a triumph! I loved this book.
The narration by Dylan Moore and Carlotta Brentan really captured the voices and characters and had me totally immersed into the story.
The Girls in Navy Blue is an incredible historical fiction read told in a dual timeline, about three women who joined the Navy during WWI, and how choices have impacted Peggy in 1968, when she receives mysterious postcards from 1918. The way the story from these two timelines were weaved was done so masterfully, that I was quite intrigued to keep turning those pages.
I loved the detailed historical facts mentioned in the stories and also adding to my knowledge about the navy and being a yeomanette. I love each of the compelling back stories of the strong and inspirational characters, their friendships, and the historical research incorporated into the story line.
AUTHOR: Alix Rickloff
NARRATOR: Dylan Moore, Carlotta Brentan
Listening Length: 13 hours and 46 minutes
PUB DATE: 11.01.2022 Now Available
Suspenseful
Secrets
Sisterhood
The Girls in Navy Blue by Alix Rickloff is a triumph! I loved this book.
The narration by Dylan Moore and Carlotta Brentan really captured the voices and characters and had me totally immersed into the story.
The Girls in Navy Blue is an incredible historical fiction read told in a dual timeline, about three women who joined the Navy during WWI, and how choices have impacted Peggy in 1968, when she receives mysterious postcards from 1918. The way the story from these two timelines were weaved was done so masterfully, that I was quite intrigued to keep turning those pages.
I loved the detailed historical facts mentioned in the stories and also adding to my knowledge about the navy and being a yeomanette. I love each of the compelling back stories of the strong and inspirational characters, their friendships, and the historical research incorporated into the story line.
October 12, 2022
Alix Rickloff’s THE GIRLS IN NAVY BLUE is a thrilling story showcasing the wartime contribution of a forgotten sisterhood of soldiers: the yeomanettes, brave women who answered the call during the First World War and served their country with dignity and resilience. Pulling together the experiences of three yeomanettes and one of their descendants, Rickloff beautifully depicts how secrets and sisterhood can resonate through the years.
November 10, 2022
Compelling, vivid, and insightful!
The Girls in Navy Blue is an immersive, dual-timeline tale set in Virginia during WWI as well as 1968 that takes you into the lives of four main characters. Marjory Kunwald, a young German American who yearns to prove where her patriotism lies; Blanche Lawrence, an independent gal determined to do whatever it takes to fight for equality; Viv Weston, a scarred woman with a tortured past looking for a new start; and Peggy Whitby a divorcée who after inheriting her great-aunt’s cottage starts to uncover more secrets about her family’s past than she ever could have imagined.
The prose is rich and expressive. The characters are independent, spirited, and brave. And the plot is an intriguing, tender tale of life, loss, love, hope, family, sacrifices, new beginnings, and female friendship.
Overall, The Girls in Navy Blue is an absorbing, moving, lovely tale by Rickloff that does a wonderful job of showcasing the lifestyles, struggles, and daily intricacies involved in being a “yeomanette”, one of the first women honoured with the right to serve in the US Navy.
Thank you to Uplit Reads for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Girls in Navy Blue is an immersive, dual-timeline tale set in Virginia during WWI as well as 1968 that takes you into the lives of four main characters. Marjory Kunwald, a young German American who yearns to prove where her patriotism lies; Blanche Lawrence, an independent gal determined to do whatever it takes to fight for equality; Viv Weston, a scarred woman with a tortured past looking for a new start; and Peggy Whitby a divorcée who after inheriting her great-aunt’s cottage starts to uncover more secrets about her family’s past than she ever could have imagined.
The prose is rich and expressive. The characters are independent, spirited, and brave. And the plot is an intriguing, tender tale of life, loss, love, hope, family, sacrifices, new beginnings, and female friendship.
Overall, The Girls in Navy Blue is an absorbing, moving, lovely tale by Rickloff that does a wonderful job of showcasing the lifestyles, struggles, and daily intricacies involved in being a “yeomanette”, one of the first women honoured with the right to serve in the US Navy.
Thank you to Uplit Reads for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2023
The Girls in Navy Blue is a fascinating dual timeline novel, partly set in 1918 and 1968. We meet the main character, Vic Weston, as she is signing on the the US Navy during the US involvement in WWI. On that first day, Vic meets BlancheLawrence, a fellow yeomanette, who has a point to prove that women are just as capable as men at serving in the Navy. The girls form a fast friendship and team up with a third yeomanette, Margery, becoming roommates in Blanche’s beachside cottage in Ocean View VA.
Both Blanche and Vic have some major secrets and as we follow these intrepid ladies through their year in service, the secret’s slowly unravel, leading to unspeakable tragedy and also new beginnings.
In 1968, Blanche has just passed away and left the Ocean View cottage to her great niece, Peggy Lawrence, who is a recent divorcee needing a home and an escape from her shattered life. Peggy starts to receive postcards addressed to Blanche from a mysterious stranger Viv, dated 1918 and talking about secrets Peggy never knew existed. As Peggy tries to solve the mystery of her Aunt’s life, she becomes a part of her community and finds love again.
I was absolutely fascinated with the role of these women in 1918. I have always known of the valiant women serving in WWII, but had never heard of women who served in WWI. The yeomanette’s were about 10,000 women who served between 1917 to 1922. Their presence as land bound clerical and phone operating staff allowed more men to be transferred overseas to fight. It’s amazing that these women didn’t even have the right to vote while serving in a military capacity. Many of them were staunch suffragettes, fighting later for women’s rights in the political arena. This part of the story was eye-opening. It really talked about a lot of taboo subjects for the time and showed how the Navy dealt with these issues.
The 1968 sections were less interesting for me and I felt were less developed. The character of Peggy could have been more multi-faceted. She was really a flat character, at times, leaving a few questions about who and what she was and how she got to this place. The characters of Viv and Blanche were rich and vibrant, fully developed and theirs lives were extremely interesting. This kept me reading the story until the end, to find out what actually happened.
The plot has some plot points that were easy to figure out early on, I wouldn’t say the story has a surprising ending. There was just enough mystery to keep me hooked.
These were incredible women who lived an incredible life. They were the trailblazers. I will always enjoy a story honoring that legacy.
Both Blanche and Vic have some major secrets and as we follow these intrepid ladies through their year in service, the secret’s slowly unravel, leading to unspeakable tragedy and also new beginnings.
In 1968, Blanche has just passed away and left the Ocean View cottage to her great niece, Peggy Lawrence, who is a recent divorcee needing a home and an escape from her shattered life. Peggy starts to receive postcards addressed to Blanche from a mysterious stranger Viv, dated 1918 and talking about secrets Peggy never knew existed. As Peggy tries to solve the mystery of her Aunt’s life, she becomes a part of her community and finds love again.
I was absolutely fascinated with the role of these women in 1918. I have always known of the valiant women serving in WWII, but had never heard of women who served in WWI. The yeomanette’s were about 10,000 women who served between 1917 to 1922. Their presence as land bound clerical and phone operating staff allowed more men to be transferred overseas to fight. It’s amazing that these women didn’t even have the right to vote while serving in a military capacity. Many of them were staunch suffragettes, fighting later for women’s rights in the political arena. This part of the story was eye-opening. It really talked about a lot of taboo subjects for the time and showed how the Navy dealt with these issues.
The 1968 sections were less interesting for me and I felt were less developed. The character of Peggy could have been more multi-faceted. She was really a flat character, at times, leaving a few questions about who and what she was and how she got to this place. The characters of Viv and Blanche were rich and vibrant, fully developed and theirs lives were extremely interesting. This kept me reading the story until the end, to find out what actually happened.
The plot has some plot points that were easy to figure out early on, I wouldn’t say the story has a surprising ending. There was just enough mystery to keep me hooked.
These were incredible women who lived an incredible life. They were the trailblazers. I will always enjoy a story honoring that legacy.
November 21, 2022
I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction novels this fall with many set during WW2. This one centers around the WW1 era as well as the 1960s. One aspect of historical fiction I truly enjoy is when I am able to feel what it was like to be living during a particular timeframe. I always find it interesting to learn of the war effort but what makes a novel come to life is when I can read about the likely lifestyles of women and society during this time and this book did just that. This book also added an element of mystery that made this an excellent read.
July 9, 2024
I really liked this! In 1918 we follow three women who join the navy as yeommenates during WWI. One is a socialite turned suffergette, one is a German American facing discrimination, and the other on the run from mysterious past. In 1968 one of their great nieces inherits the house the three lived in and starts unraveling the past. The 68 timeline fell flat for me, but I loved the girls in 1918. I had no idea women were in the navy during WWI so I loved learning about their experiences and there was a good mystery element.
June 23, 2025
I don’t usually read historical fiction, but I ended up enjoying this one. It was unique in the way it shifted between two timelines—Peggy in 1968 and her great-aunt’s friend, Viv, in 1918. While I initially preferred Viv’s perspective, Peggy’s story grew on me as the book progressed.
At times, the perspective shifts between time periods were a bit confusing, and I occasionally found myself feeling a little lost. Still, the mysterious tone, with elements of suspense and romance, made it an engaging read overall.
At times, the perspective shifts between time periods were a bit confusing, and I occasionally found myself feeling a little lost. Still, the mysterious tone, with elements of suspense and romance, made it an engaging read overall.
April 23, 2025
2.5 to 3 stars I am probably the minority in giving this book 3 stars because there are so many 4-5 star ratings. The story is told in two timelines, WWII and in the late 60's. In my opinion, this book's title is misleading. There really isn't a lot about the navy in this story. It does talk about the girls being in the navy and the reports they file, or the admissions made at the hospital that day, the men don’t treat them with respect etc. The cover has the girls standing on a boat. Unless my memory is wrong, they don't go anywhere together on a navy boat. It isn't until the half way point that we even really learn what a yeomanette was and what they were supposed to be doing in the navy. That didn't even come from one of the girls, it came from the 60's time line when a friend of Peggy gets info from her aunt or something who was a yeomanette. The book really seems to be more about Peggy in the 60's and her issues and her great aunt's house than anything. I would skip this book. It was kind of boring and it was just ok. There are too many other WWII books to read that are way better.
May 5, 2023
So it shouldn’t have taken me two months to finish this book. But it felt like it was dragged out with fluff instead of character development. The story progressed and plot holes were closed and came full circle. But I couldn’t appreciate the story until the very end- which is fine in hindsight- but made the reading more of a chore.
March 24, 2023
“I didn’t want you here, any of you. Having women in the Navy is preposterous!” That is the general consensus of men regarding women joining the services in 1918 after the Navy announced its intention to enlist women for land service duty as part of the War effort. Navy men looked for these yeomanettes to fail at whatever they were assigned to do. Yet these young women continued to do their clerical or nursing duties at the Norfolk Naval Base in hospitals and administration offices, while continuing their suffragist meetings in town.
Juxtaposed to this small seaside house with Blanch, Viv and Marjory, three Navy women in 1914, is Peggy, a recently divorced woman in the same cottage in 1968. She is trying to recover from a crushing loss in the cottage left to her by her Aunt Blanch. She works to repair her broken life, while simultaneously solving the mystery of these three women from 1918.
“I’d heard the life expectancy of a combat pilot was ten weeks.”
“Dirty foreigners. They don’t even try to speak our language.”
There are only brief details about the War, more about the personal lives of four women. Still, interesting look at societal norms in 1914 and 1968…some views about women have made incremental changes.
Juxtaposed to this small seaside house with Blanch, Viv and Marjory, three Navy women in 1914, is Peggy, a recently divorced woman in the same cottage in 1968. She is trying to recover from a crushing loss in the cottage left to her by her Aunt Blanch. She works to repair her broken life, while simultaneously solving the mystery of these three women from 1918.
“I’d heard the life expectancy of a combat pilot was ten weeks.”
“Dirty foreigners. They don’t even try to speak our language.”
There are only brief details about the War, more about the personal lives of four women. Still, interesting look at societal norms in 1914 and 1968…some views about women have made incremental changes.
November 1, 2022
In this dual timeline WWI masterpiece, Alix Rickloff portrays the lives of 3 women in 1918 who were among the first women in the US Navy. As you can imagine, they were met with a lot of resistance from the men in the Navy. I always love learning about women who buck the system to create needed change.
The second timeline is 1968 where Peggy has unexpectedly inherited her great aunt’s beach cottage. She did not know much about her great aunt, one of the 3 yeomanettes of the WWI timeline. When Peggy begins receiving postcards from the past, she begins digging up secrets that she isn’t sure she wants to know.
I was fully immersed in both timelines, which doesn’t always happen in dual timeline books. The audio narration was excellent- there were separate narrators for both of the timelines and yet their voices blended together so well.
The second timeline is 1968 where Peggy has unexpectedly inherited her great aunt’s beach cottage. She did not know much about her great aunt, one of the 3 yeomanettes of the WWI timeline. When Peggy begins receiving postcards from the past, she begins digging up secrets that she isn’t sure she wants to know.
I was fully immersed in both timelines, which doesn’t always happen in dual timeline books. The audio narration was excellent- there were separate narrators for both of the timelines and yet their voices blended together so well.
October 3, 2022
I received an uncorrected proof of this book. Once I got past some grammatical errors that I hope were corrected in the final edition I found this to be an enjoyable read. The story takes place in two timelines. The older story revolves around 3 young Yeomanettes who discover confidence and purpose during an era filled with sexism. The historical perspective on a fairly unknown role of women in WW1 was fascinating. The more recent story also involves a woman finding new understanding of her self and her family as she researches the past.
January 18, 2025
Okay, but I felt like it was about the romance between Peg and her handyman as much as it was about the Yeomanettes of WWI
I kept forgetting that the "modern" story was in 1968, so I had trouble believing the age of some of the characters.
I kept forgetting that the "modern" story was in 1968, so I had trouble believing the age of some of the characters.
January 21, 2023
This book had a slow start but I'm glad I kept going. I never heard of the yeomanettes and was intrigued by both the historical and fictional stories.
June 19, 2024
3.5 stars. This book has a storyline that was a bit hard to follow and a few of the characters were off putting for me
June 30, 2023
It was a good historical fiction book. Sometimes I was even swept back to 1918.
August 11, 2024
Interesting story of women who enlisted during WW I but were stationed in the States as well as about female friendship.
February 24, 2023
If there’s one thing i like it’s a military retelling mixed with a thriller baby
October 15, 2022
It's like Little Women and a League of their Own, but a melodrama with three Jos . It was just kind of sad overall basically because of the the fact that the girls just kept getting in their own ways. They could have been happy and do what they wanted, but they had one track minds that told them they couldn't have both so they missed out on a lot. Also the prejudice seemed a little too extreme giving the Navy a sour look, which I am sure there was some, but not all of them, which made it a little more depressing. It is a drama with more sadness then happiness.
October 23, 2024
Der er små hentydning til de dødes nærvær/duft.. uden at der dog gøres noget ud af det... Defust..
September 27, 2023
This was a "meh" for me. I felt like Rickloff started with too many storylines. Once the characters' storylines hit their climax, I was disappointed. There was so much build-up leading up to the "big finish" that each story competed against each other. It felt rushed in the end after 400 pages. The writing was well done, and the story was original. I wanted more.
November 8, 2022
The Girls in Navy Blue by Alix Rickloff
Thank you to @uplitreads for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a dual timeline novel of 1918 and 1969.
In 1918 the world is at war with Germany and for the first time, the Navy is allowing women to join alongside men. Suffragette Blanche joins to prove women are equal to men. Majorly enlists to prove her Patriotism and Viv is joining to hide from the police.
1968: Blanche is divorced and reeling from a personal tragedy when she inherits her great aunt Blanche’s seaside cottage. She finds postcards from 1918 when her aunt was enlisted in the Navy.
I enjoyed this story. I was more interested in the 1868 timeline than the 1918 one because I found the 1918 timeline to be a tad slow. I had no idea about the Navy yeomanettes during the First World War so I appreciated learning something new.
Thank you to @uplitreads for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a dual timeline novel of 1918 and 1969.
In 1918 the world is at war with Germany and for the first time, the Navy is allowing women to join alongside men. Suffragette Blanche joins to prove women are equal to men. Majorly enlists to prove her Patriotism and Viv is joining to hide from the police.
1968: Blanche is divorced and reeling from a personal tragedy when she inherits her great aunt Blanche’s seaside cottage. She finds postcards from 1918 when her aunt was enlisted in the Navy.
I enjoyed this story. I was more interested in the 1868 timeline than the 1918 one because I found the 1918 timeline to be a tad slow. I had no idea about the Navy yeomanettes during the First World War so I appreciated learning something new.
July 16, 2025
BOOK REVIEW: THE GIRLS IN NAVY BLUE // ALIX RICKLOFF
MY THOUGHTS: The cover doesn’t do this book justice in my opinion. A cover tells a lot about a book, and I feel as if this cover to me felt a little too “simple”. This book was a powerful story of an unlikely friendship between three women who signed up to serve their country when, at the time, women were not allowed to vote or hold any other sort of power. They all had their secrets and their vices, but they were all good friends. It shows TRUE friendship, that even though we are all so different, we can have a strong relationship with each other. I also really liked Peggy’s point of view, which was set in 1968. She had to uncover family secrets, and help herself heal at the same time. I am a sucker for this trope! Overall, a fantastic read.
CONTENT: Medium. Sex implied, kisses, death, sickness, childbirth, murder, war, prejudice
WHAT I LIKED: The writing was so well done. I also didn’t mind the shifting in point-of-views between Peggy and Viv. Sometimes one or the other feels unnecessary, i.e. they get too many chapters when nothing is really happening, but each one was so important to the plot, so it was done well.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: I wish the ending could have revealed one little secret! I kept hoping the author would reveal it, but I guess it wasn’t to be!
GENRE: WWI Historical Fiction
PAGES: 416
RATING: 4.5☆
WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS?: Absolutely! A great WWI historical fiction, which we do not have enough of.
MY THOUGHTS: The cover doesn’t do this book justice in my opinion. A cover tells a lot about a book, and I feel as if this cover to me felt a little too “simple”. This book was a powerful story of an unlikely friendship between three women who signed up to serve their country when, at the time, women were not allowed to vote or hold any other sort of power. They all had their secrets and their vices, but they were all good friends. It shows TRUE friendship, that even though we are all so different, we can have a strong relationship with each other. I also really liked Peggy’s point of view, which was set in 1968. She had to uncover family secrets, and help herself heal at the same time. I am a sucker for this trope! Overall, a fantastic read.
CONTENT: Medium. Sex implied, kisses, death, sickness, childbirth, murder, war, prejudice
WHAT I LIKED: The writing was so well done. I also didn’t mind the shifting in point-of-views between Peggy and Viv. Sometimes one or the other feels unnecessary, i.e. they get too many chapters when nothing is really happening, but each one was so important to the plot, so it was done well.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: I wish the ending could have revealed one little secret! I kept hoping the author would reveal it, but I guess it wasn’t to be!
GENRE: WWI Historical Fiction
PAGES: 416
RATING: 4.5☆
WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS?: Absolutely! A great WWI historical fiction, which we do not have enough of.
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