WAVES on the Potomac

by R. Ann Bush

It’s 1942. Meg Burke casts off the security of being a math teacher in her native Brooklyn to attend officer training for Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) at Smith College. During her first assignment in Washington, DC Meg relentlessly decrypts Japanese radio transmissions and daily proves her professional competence while downplaying her male colleagues’ personal interests. But when Meg finds herself entangled in a dangerous undercover intelligence operation, she realizes that serving her country requires more than breaking codes.

456 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2022

About the author

R. Ann Bush is a southern California native who studied history at Princeton University as an undergraduate and received her Masters in Women’s History at the University of London.

One of her academic assignments was an oral history project featuring her great aunt’s experiences in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II. She received her PhD in Public Health at the University of California San Diego and is currently a professor in Health Sciences at the University of San Diego.

An experienced researcher and scientific author, Ann used the pandemic lockdown to weave together family narratives and first-hand naval experiences to tell the story. Ann lives with her patient husband and two inquisitive sons.

Reviews

[Christy Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

With crisp and transportive detail, WAVES on the Potomac is a coming-of-age story that will have you cheering for lovable, diligent Meg Burke as she puts her methodical math mind to work for the U. S. Navy during World War II. From her training at Smith College in Massachusetts to her post in Washington D.C., Meg’s lipstick color choice is deemed imperative while the menial tasks expected of women during the era disguise covert assignments that she can’t even share with her family. Whom can she trust in her code-breaking mission? The three women Meg trains with are fast becoming friends while she navigates working beside a charming professor, a pining church choir member, and a misogynistic lieutenant. Each will test her ability to keep secrets or face the consequences in a game she didn’t even know she was playing as Meg rises through the ranks amid the first women to serve in uniform. Witty, charming, and well-dressed as a black and white cinema classic from the 1940’s, WAVES holds riveting plot twists and a misty-eyed ending reminiscent of the cherished soda bread recipe she keeps close to her heart: wholesome and satisfying to the last page.

~Christy Baker Knight, author of On Display, a novel of natural history

This is my advanced copy author review.

[Alexandria Cassatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this as a book club selection and it made for great conversation. It was apparent that the author thoroughly researched the Waves' role & participation in WWII; this was interesting & unfamiliar to us. I enjoyed the sweet friendships that developed between the main female characters. I could easily see this story made into a series, and it evoked memories of other shows like "Call the Midwife". The ending & some other loose ends in the plot lead me to believe there could be a sequel, which I would happily read.

[Gail Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

High praise for this work of fiction in historical and women's fiction subgenres. Espionage and women's issues during WWII make this a fabulous read and thoroughly enjoyed learning how the protagonist, Meg, navigates making her mark in the WAVES to serve her country during a time of crisis. The plot twists are many and you will be cheering Meg on throughout the entirety of the book!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I received my signed copy of this book after winning it during an American Historical Novel event, I wasn't sure how quickly I could get through its 442 pages. But it was such an intriguing book that I didn't want to put it down. Having recently attended a presentation on "Codes, Ciphers & Rats", I was drawn to this book and its topic of WAVES in WWII who were recruited to decode Japanese transmissions. R. Ann Bush develops her characters so well and moves the story along while providing historial context for the story. I didn't want it to end where it did so hope there might be a sequel. Thank you, R. Ann Bush, for a book that kept me captivated!

[T. Rash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains many interesting historical facts regarding the first women in the Navy during World War II. It is easy to see that the author did extensive research. I learned quite a few things I did not know.

The main characters were capable women that were breaking ground for others to follow. The author also showed their softer sides, and this, along with the touch of romance, helped make them relatable.

Much of the book is build-up for the twists that come closer to the end of the book, but I would have liked to have a few more surprises earlier in the book, as well.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is an easy straight forward read, but the ending does have a couple of nice plot twists. The novel shows the low status of women of the WWII era and the low expectations of their abilities. The author is a first-time novelist and while it shows in spots this is a really good debut novel.

[Jennifer Halter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Ruth Bush's book based on the life of her great Aunt who was a Navy WAVE during WWII. About half way through the book I could not put it down as the story unraveled. I am excited to have Ruth speak about her book at our Daughters of the American Revolution chapter meeting to learn more about her inspiration for writing the novel. Our entire Book Club really enjoyed this one!

[Sally N. Inglis · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous

R. Ann Bush’s book is so easy to read. It’s like you’re sitting around chatting. Very interesting story of being in the WAVES during WWII.

[Sofia Bedolla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I pretty much love the book about sisterhood living in World war 2.

[Sue D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down.