Hello GirlEx Marks The Spot

by Merline Lovelace

All that's standing in the way of the Dunbars' divorce is Brian Dunbar's unwillingness to sign the papers. And though his wife, Lieutenant Colonel Anne Dunbar, loves him as madly as she did on their wedding day eleven years ago, their differences--intensified by the pressures of career and family--are irreconcilable. Or so she thinks.
When a long-lost file lands on Anne's desk, she learns some unexpected lessons about love and trust from the remarkable story of a World War I "Hello Girl" telephone operator. Marie Reynaud fought valiantly for love--a love immortalized in diary entries that transcended war and time. A love inspiring enough to save Anne's marriage?

Genres: Military Fiction, Romance, Fiction

464 pages, ebook

First published April 1, 2009

About the author

After a 23-year AF career, Colonel Merline Lovelace launched a second career as a writer, basing many of her tales on her own experiences in uniform and on her travels all around the globe.

The USA Today best-selling author now has more than 11 million copies of her books in print. Her works have won numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA. Merline is especially proud to have been named the University of Oklahoma's Writer of the Year and the Oklahoma Female Veteran of the Year.

Reviews

[Tracey Cramer-Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book actually follows two stories, one happening in 1918 and the other in ‘present day.’ The way the two women’s lives become intertwined - and the way the author wove the two stories together in a dramatic climax - were especially awesome.

What I liked: Both stories star strong female characters, which I’m always attracted to. I like reading about female military characters, especially if they get to be the hero (be it physical or mental/emotional). At times the references to military processes and units got a little overwhelming, but the author kept the focus on the personal challenges (in particular the romances) of both women. I especially appreciated the realistic look at the marital strain and problems of the present-day couple.

We don’t get to know the two male characters very well, and I missed that a little bit because I enjoy stories told from the male point of view.

My only complaint was that it hopped around a little too much. Back and forth with the two stories was OK once I realized that was how the book was laid out. Then the author added flashbacks of the current couple’s meeting, dating and marriage. Within that you also had different point of view (his and hers) so I did find myself having to backtrack and re-read in some places, which tends to take me out of the story. It happened more at the beginning which also gave me the impression of a slow start. However, that may have been unavoidable given the overall story idea!

[Emma May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up based on the cover... I know I know never judge a book by its cover.. but I enjoyed this qucik read, and was surprized by the bonus book.. Will be looking out for more Merline Lovelace books.

[Tim Jin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I thought that it was an easy read because I like history and anything that has to do with WWII. I also heard the author giving an interview on a Podcast (99% Invisible). I wasn't into "The Hello Girls" as much as I thought that I would. The author gave a general overview on what these women did during war time at operating the phone lines. I expected more on the technical details of our phone system from the past. I've learned a few key moments during this period of time, but nothing to talk about. Each chapter in this book was a mini segment. There was nothing in depth. There was a click,but no dial tone.

[Vivian · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick and easy read. It was interesting reading about the women who manned the switchboards in Europe in WWI. The storyline was a bit of a stretch. It would be a little hard to believe that a person would keep journals that were as detailed as the ones attributed to Mimi. Also, the secondary storyline was rather frustrating...come on people, if you are as deeply in love as they are portrayed to be, you stick together and work it out.

[Diane Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad Merline Lovelace mentioned this book on Facebook. Intriguing. I had no idea about the "hello girls" and the role they played in WWII. Loved the two stories intermingling--the one in the 1940s and the one in present day. Ms. Lovelace knows how the military works and that gives her books such authenticity. Great story!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely Lovelace story

Merline Lovelace was in the Air Force which always gives more power to her stories. This book tells 2 similar stories of marriage, military service, and war in 2 different times in America history.

[Loralee Lillibridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two women's courage span two different wars

Two extraordinary stories of love and courage in times of war and the women who were instrumental in fighting for their country and the men they loved. This novel blew me away! Thank you, Merline Lovelace, for this beautiful story.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I thought it was going to be about.... I usually don't read romance novels, but pushed through it.

[Kersten K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book and how the characters interact. I have not finished the first story yet, but so far only have one minor complaint. I really don't like some of the wording and pet names used- I think it takes away from the story, beyond that I really like how the plot has progressed. If you like girly books <- This is pretty normal/ run of the mill/ easy reading- good for relaxing and reading while at the pool. ;)

[Erin Crittenden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this used because it looked like a cute, historical story that involved the military, but it sure surprised the heck out of me when I got to reading and found out that this was a harlequin!! It never got too sexy, so I read through both stories and did enjoy them, but mostly cos they were pretty easy reads and they had happy endings. I'll be more careful next time!!

[Natalie]

First book I have read my Merline Lovelace, but definitely won't be my last! The Hello Girl, was wonderfully done and so interesting to hear about WWI! I loved it and can't wait to read another title by her!

[Shay Ruiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I wasn't sure if I was going to dive into this book. Yet after the first few chapters I came to realize the parallels with both women. Its a great read and one that I am happy that I have read.

[Yolanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great story, and the sexual scenes are between a husband and wife but not necessary and soured the story for me.

This line so reminds me of my Man: I could catalog in my sleep his strengths, his faults, his annoying quirks and amazing generosity of spirit.

[Whitney Collins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even though I knew it a cheap romance novel, I was expecting it to be a little better than it actually was. I had to forve myself to finish the first part, and barely started the extra novel. Will definitely make sure to never read a book by this author again.

[Autumn Jordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. The details from WWI were interesting. I felt like I was there. Merline never disappoints me.

[Heather Costa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good easy read. Liked it.

[Coral · Rating 4 out of 5]

really good twist on reading style, first time for me ( that i can remember ) reading back and forth from present to past and back again. couldnt put this one down!

[Clarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful love story, liked the present day story and WWI story both. had me at tears at the end.