The best historical fiction opens a window into the past, allowing us to see it anew and reordering our preconceptions. Girls on the Line does just that with the role of women in the Army Signal Corps in WWI. The heroine, Ruby Wagner, seeks to honor the memory of her brother, a fallen solider, by entering Corps against the wishes of just about everyone. Ruby is brave, sharp-tongued, and complicated--my favorite sort of character--and she's surrounded by a lively cast. Runyan's sure pacing and deft hand with nuances of plot kept me turning the pages as Ruby's story unfolded.
Runyan, a careful historian, weaves in period details that cement the book's undeniable realism.

Captivating, compassionate and assured, Girls on the Line is fresh take on how war changes the course of lives--one woman at a time.

This book is amazing! Author, Aimie K. Runyan's, words flow off of the page beautifully. Runyan brings history to life in a story of the unsung heroines of World War I-the women who worked the Army Signal Corps' lines. Her characters are strong, independent and unforgettable. Fans of historical fiction will love this book!

I have just finished Aimie K. Runyan’s new novel, “Girls on the Line: A Novel” and what a story it is! I loved it and couldn’t put it down. This was the story of Ruby Wagner, an upper-class young woman who wants to make a difference. The setting is World War I. After Ruby’s brother is tragically killed in the beginning of the conflict, she answers the call for telephone switchboard operators against her parents’ wishes. This novel showcases her life overseas as she comes to terms with what is expected for her life and what she wants.

Ruby’s story is told in the first person which brings the story an added dimension. This allows you to be privy to her inner thoughts and the reasons why she responds the way she does. It also allows the author to emphasize the struggle between the classes as the country was growing and changing.

This is an amazing book that kept me reading until late at night. Although it is historical fiction, it combined many events recorded in diaries from women who worked as line girls. The novel is well written and the story flows at a good pace to keep you interested but not bogged down. It can be read and enjoyed by young teen to adults. I will definitely be picking up Ms. Runyan’s previous books.

I love reading historical fiction when I am given not only a fantastic story but have the opportunity to learn about something that I knew little or nothing about. Aimee Runyan has done considerable research into the Army Signal Corps during WWI and their need for women operators to go overseas to help with the communications of the war. This was at a time in history that women's main goal was to marry well and spend their days taking care of their husbands and families. It was because of women who were willing to step outside society's norms that women finally got the opportunity to vote.

Ruby was 24 years old. As a member of high society in Philadelphia, she was engaged to another prominent member of society. While he was away in the war, she took a job for the telephone company. She loved working and when there was an opportunity for the best of the best to get a job with the Army as a member of the Signal corps, she applied and was accepted much to her parents' dismay. After training, Ruby is sent to war torn France to work in communications. Not only is she totally out of her comfort zone but she has to prove her worth as a member of the army to the male members of the Army. Will she be able to return to her society life or will her experiences as a woman who helped win the war send her on another path when she returns home?

This is a wonderful well written, well researched novel about the unknown role of women in WWI. It's about love and family and friendship and how women's roles were changing during this time.

Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.x

Girls on the Line is an emotionally captivating book about a group of courageous, groundbreaking women....the women operators who served this country as members of the Army Signal Corps during The Great War. With great attention to detail, the author has brought to life a subject I knew little about, in a story brimming with heart, compassion, and humanity. Ruby’s story touched my heart as she was transformed by world events as well as her own determination and bravery. This book is about conflicts beyond those fought on the battlefield, as the world was undergoing changes along with Ruby...old vs new, traditional vs progressive, privilege and advantage vs ambition and hard work, passion vs complacency. I highly recommend this compelling book that celebrates these unknown heroes who were instrumental in bringing an end to a horrific war along with the other women of that era who fought for the right to be heard.

Wow!!!! What an amazing read. While I will admit to little knowledge of The Great War I never thought about communication....in the time before cellphone and wi-fi. Aimiee Runyan's story about communications during the war. was warm and informative. Highly recommend, this book kept me up all night reading.

Girls on the Line by Aimee K. Runyan. If you love historical romance you will love Girls on the Line. Aimee Runyan beautifully describes a historic account of telephone operators in service during the war. The telephone operators go through many phases of illness and being nurses to the wounded. A beautiful love story I urge you to read..