Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I found this novel to be very humbling and emotional. Two sisters, each with different qualities. Ruth and Millie also have different lives now. One an officers wife the other a widow. Without the sisterly bond that most sisters have, jealousy and resentment becomes an issue. As adults a friendship is what each seek but neither knowing how to get to that point. Engrossing and gripping I found this hard to put Dow. I actually read it twice. The author has done a great job weaving the story and you feel as though you are a part of. It. I will be purchasing copies for family members because I truly love this book.


5++ ⭐️ out of 5

The Wartime Sisters is an engaging novel set during WWII that follows the complex relationship between two sisters.

The Kaplan sisters, Ruth and Millie, are only 3 years apart in age, but unfortunately never grew up with a strong sisterly bond. Ruth was known as “the smart one” while Millie was known as “the looker” and that ultimately was the crux of the matter. As they mature into adults and they become wives and mothers, their issues become more apparent especially when secrets from the past rise to the surface!

I love Lynda Cohen Loigman’s writing style! I thoroughly enjoyed The Two-Family House (if you haven’t read it, check it out), so I was excited to start The Wartime Sisters. From the moment I started I couldn’t get Millie and Ruth out of my head- when I was doing the household chores or out and about, I couldn’t wait to get back to this book! I was really intrigued by the complex and fragile relationship between the sisters and how that played a major part in the decisions they make throughout the years. Lynda Cohen Loigman did a fantastic job with time hopping through the novel to tell the sister’s journey. I also enjoyed the supporting characters and felt they added so much! The Wartime Sister is a 5 star read the I highly recommend. This book would make a great bookclub selection!

A heartfelt story of two sisters estranged from each other. Both have secrets that could destroy their fragile relationship. One sister is academic, rather stern and plan. The other sister is flighty, looking for love and beautiful. Each have their separate strengths. Finding a sisterly relationship is what each desire, but both are afraid.
These are outstanding characters. Wonderful storyline. Recommended!

I finished this emotionally engrossing novel yesterday....a particular moment in history - against the backdrop of Springfield Armory in Massachusetts.

It’s a wonderful novel that untethers within it the impact of universal forces: discrepancy of treatment in childhood/parental favoritism, family disharmony, self-esteem, resentments, rivalries, withheld communications, lies, betrayal, assumptions, secrets, friendships, marriage, motherhood, sisterhood, patriotism, ambition, desire, religious differences, jealousy, classism, loyalty, and love.

Ruth, invites Millie, (her sister who is 3 years younger), to bring her 2 year old child, Michael, to come live with her in Springfield. The sisters had been exchanging letters. It’s how Ruth learned Millie was alone. Millie had once written Ruth that her husband, Lenny ( thought of as the ‘bum’ in the sister’s mother’s eyes), had enlisted many letters back - then a letter saying he was missing. A final letter saying he was gone. Not ‘all’ was the truth ( suggested beliefs lived)...but the news Ruth received from Millie opened her heart up ( just enough) to offer her sister & nephew an extra room in the house she shared with her husband Arthur and their twin girls, Alice and Louise ( 4years of age at the time). There were reasons the two sisters - both young mothers - had not seen each other - not once in 5 years. Their parents were dead - and there was much to worry about with the war.

Ruth and Millie grew up in Brooklyn, New York. They had nothing in common even as small children. Ruth was composed, disciplined, neat, enjoyed reading, and her studies. She was also insecure about herself - ( her mother didn’t offer an ‘ounce’ of help). Father was much more kind - yet didn’t hold the power in their family.
Ruth was often frustrated - unhappy & socially lonely. Ruth’s target of anger pointed toward her sister....usually unfairly.
Her mother, constantly highlighted Millie’s physical beauty’. Ruth was aware of how critical her mother was of her.....yet Millie could do no wrong. Millie was actually sensitive too ...only nobody took interest in her ‘feelings’. Mother had high dreams for her to marry a rich Prince. Ruth thought she should focus on education and work.
Ruth observations of her mother: (rather accurate):
“To their mother’s discerning eye, Ruth’s wrinkles were conspicuous. But her sisters stains were overlooked and hastily”.

Lynda Cohen Loigman did an exceptional job portraying the complexities between Ruth and Millie during every stage of their development: early childhood, teenage years, and adult years as young mothers. I’m still thinking about their relationship—( the underline reasons for choices they made - appointed blame - shame- hurt - miss opportunities for years of closer bonding & understanding, etc.)

There are two other standout women in this book. It’s no accident that Lynda wrote their characters the way she did. Inspiring contrasts - to ‘both’ Ruth and Millie.
These women ‘must’ be mentioned. - Their strength in this novel shines!!!
*Lillian Walsh*: Her husband, Patrick, was a commanding officer. They had 4 children.
Lilliian was a community leader - She inspired the military wives to get involved. With men at the frontlines it became necessary for women to work in the factories. The manufacturing buildings were on the other side of the armory from the family homes.
One side of the armory was where more than 10 thousand civilians worked — the other side had manicured lawns, nice homes with ancient trees, tennis courts, and community swimming pool.
Until Lillian arrive - the wives with young children didn’t work — even though there was childcare available for them at the factory. Most of them spent their time exchanging recipes, gossiping, boasting about their children, complaining about their husbands, - and none of them followed the news or read a book.
Lillian changed things!!! They put together packages for children overseas - clothes & supplies - started a book club - held concerts - etc. Lillian’s background is sad - parts of it - yet she demonstrates what’s valuable in life and what’s not. She’s my personal favorite character.

The other inspiring female is Arietta Benevetto- Her story is awesome and she’s such a ‘love’. She cooks. She sings... makes killer yummy macaroni and cheese - and to die for lasagna. Most - she’s a great friend.

The Springfield Armory in Massachusetts depended on women workers during WWII. We take childcare services for granted today at large corporations- but childcare during this period of history was relatively new and grew out if need. The great thing is - most woman-after WWII, realized they had other options other than just being a stay at home mother. They could work for a living while day nurseries provided for their children.

It was a thriving community for women at the Armory. A joy stepping back in time.

As for the men - you’ll meet a few worth reflecting on.
Mr. Schmuck - ( not his real name)—but you’ll figure out ‘which’ male I’m referring to soon enough, makes for great storytelling drama!

Great character development- and a marvelous satisfying story!

Thank you St. Martin’s
Thank You Lynda.... * congratulations on this wonderful book!!!

A well written story that I would definitely recommend. It takes sibling rivalry to an entirely different level. I enjoy historical fiction especially the 30’s and 40’s. The background of pre- war and WWII era made for a quick interesting read.

Two sisters, Ruth Kaplan and Millie Kaplan, estranged. Ruth, older by 3 years was smart, plain and for the most part not "kvelled" over, in other words no one fussed over her. On the other hand, Millie was pretty, with blue eyes, reddish hair and she was "kvelled" over by everyone. While she wasn't smart like Ruth, her good looks attracted both family and others who constantly favored her. Feelings of insignificance settled over Ruth, as if she really didn't exist. Her mother could only think of Millie, Ruth, even though older, was an "also ran".As for Millie, she had her problems but in an opposite way. Being watched by her parents who didn't want her to socialize, mingle with the boys, they made sure to keep a strong hold on her. Throughout their early and teen years resentments grew on both side, even more so as adults. There are secrets not shared along with feelings that are buried in both women. And while they had more in common than they thought, they were driven apart by the pain and hurt they had thrown at each other.

With her husband missing, Millie, who has no money and a two year old little boy, turns to her sister Ruth for help. Not wanting to turn her away, she offers Millie a place to stay. Settling in at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts with her sister's family, tensions are still mounting, resentments linger. Ruth remembering how Millie had pushed her away as a child, and Millie remembering Ruth's constant disapproval. And like everything else in a small community, others get involved in one way or another.

Set from 1937 through 1943, it starts out in Brooklyn, New York and follows through to the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts. With in-depth characters, this novel will definitely hold your interest, as each relationship unfolds and eventually all comes together. A well written book that I would strongly recommend.

My thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.