ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: An engrossing story about a group Smith College women who volunteered to help French civilians in 1917 during WWI - based on a true story.


BRIEF REVIEW: Five years after graduating from Smith College, a private women's college in western Massachusetts, a group of alumni band together and head to France to help with the war effort. Most of the women are from wealthy families with the exception of Kate Moran, a scholarship student from New York. Kate is pleaded with to join the group when another woman is unable to go. Even though she has reservations she agrees to help out her wealthy best friend Emmie. The two women join some fifteen other strong, determined women including a few physicians among the group as part of the Smith College Relief Unit.

The group is met with many challenges, the least of which was hotel accommodations in Paris which were not up to expectations of some of the wealthy women. The women are unprepared for what they then face on the frontlines: untreated injuries, missing civilians, supply and equipment issues, a town which has been destroyed by the Germans, poisoned water, no crops and locals living in a burned out roofless castle. Faced with desperate circumstances and bickering among the women, they do truly band together and do what it takes whether it be learning to drive trucks, tending the injured, comforting children or working with animals.

Band of Sisters is a work of fiction based on true events which included letters written by the women during the relief effort. The story is strong and is a testament to the power of female friendship despite personality differences along the way. The author wrote an amazing story and although it could have been extremely sad, it never felt that way because there were some lighter elements and occasional snarkiness peppered throughout. While I thought I would like Kate more than I did, she often cam across as annoying and Emmie ended up being my favorite character instead. There are many women in this story but, most played a minor role in the telling of the story. Julia Whelan did a good job as audio narrator, yet, this was another audio book where at times I thought her inflection seemed a bit off for the seriousness of the story.

For me this was a combo read/listen: eGalley and audio download sent to me by Net Galley and Harper Audio/William Morrow. Fans of historical fiction should enjoy this one.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an #ARC of the audiobook Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig. Having listened to a number of other stories read by Julia Whelan, hearing her narrate this felt like listening to a treasured friend and she did a wonderful job with this book as anticipated. As the number of books on the market in the last several years have focused very much on WW2, I was delighted to find this one which was set during WW1. The story of these brave women from Smith College who went to France to provide aid in war-time was inspiring even if this was a fictional account. Willig captured the atmosphere, the detail of their experience, the relationships between these women, and the challenges they faced seemlessly as she wove this story together. This is a solid 4-star story for me and would be an interesting book club discussion primarily for the topics of the bravery they showed in going to France during the war (or maybe it was naivete) and the female relationships.
#BandOfSisters #NetGalley #ARC #LaurenWillig #JuliaWhelan #WWI #HistoricalFiction

I absolutely loved Band of Sisters! As a fan of Lauren Willig for many years, including the books that she has co-written with another fave, Beatriz Williams, I have come to know and love her writing so much, and Band of Sisters was just as wonderful to read.

From the drama that unfolds to the carefully crafted research that went into the true Smith College women who made up the characters for this story, I really enjoyed this novel so much.

I was also gifted an audiobook copy and was so happy to find that Julia Whelan (one of my absolute favorite narrators) was the voice and narrator, which was the icing on the cake for me.

Well developed characters with a story of strength, romance, survival and grit, I highly recommend this to my fellow book loving friends.

*many thanks to William Morrow, Netgalley and Harper Audio for the gifted copies

The narrator of Band of Sisters is hands down one of the best narrators I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Band of Sisters, in content, is an absolute gem.

Having looked up Julia Whelan, I can see that she is a veteran narrator that I am just late to hearing. So, I'm sure that this is a shock to only me!

There are so many amazing characters in Lauren Willig's book. All of them are so vibrant, and unique. Each stemming from different, complicated backgrounds that bring a unique lens to the height WWI, where they bring aid and presence to French villagers.

Whelan handles them all with care. She maintains each voice with astonishing accuracy, maintaining each voice that Willig has created.

The roller coaster of emotions, obstacles, joys, and heart-breaking setbacks that they go through are never underplayed. Each and every scene, event, and emotion are brought to life.

Being able to have an advanced hard copy and the audio copy has really brought home how complimentary Willig'a writing and Whelan's narration brought Band of Sisters to life.

Female empowerment is showcased in Willig’s new book that’s based on the heroic and true story of a group of Smith College students who went to France during WWI to help the French people in the wake of the German invasion. It’s 1917 and the students are mostly from entitled families, accustomed to the best in creature comforts. Remarkably, these girls decide to become engaged in the war overseas. They are committed to making a difference through their supplies and also their very presence in the ravaged French countryside. It might seem improbable if it wasn’t for the fact that it’s based upon real events.

Kate is the exception among the girls. She is a scholarship girl and often feels the condescension from many of the more affluent students. Her inner turmoil over her place among the girls is a source of much tension but it does not diminish the story of heroism and dedication to a just cause. This is more a plot driven tale, though the characters do have individual qualities that make for interesting interactions. Here women must learn mechanics on the fly, must devise clever plans to get much needed supplies, must deal with providing medical assistance despite no training and must handle the emotional costs of losing those they have come to care for.

The group of young female college students worked valiantly to help the French women and children find food and shelter after the German soldiers destroyed so much. They also helped wounded soldiers as they worked close to the front line. Their commitment lasted for quite some time, demonstrating the mettle and bravery of these volunteers. Not only did these women face adverse physical conditions, but they also were in peril for their own safety as shelling hit the areas where they were working. These were college students, not military personnel. These young women made a commitment, did what they needed to do, improvised when necessary and were determined to help, showing women at their best.

The audio is wonderful and enhances the story, bringing to life the young women and their indomitable courage doing volunteer work that puts their very lives in danger.

The author creates an admirable cast of fictional characters based on the real Smith women. The novel reads like a historical memoir of their experience while in France, serving closer to the front line than they initially expected. The two main characters, Kate and Emmie, were college roommates who drifted apart, but reunited for the relief unit. Their friendship has its ups and downs, but together they form an integral part of the unit. What shines through in this story, is how these selfless, courageous women overcame insurmountable odds to offer comfort where they could, under the most horrific conditions of war. Individually they had their weaknesses and strengths, but as a band of sisters they were invincible. This is an inspiring story of friendship and courage!

Band of Sisters is a historical fiction set in France during the final years of WWI. Smith alumnae formed the Smith College Relief Unit. Certainly they didn’t know what they were getting into.

Each chapter starts with a letter from one of the women. It relates her doubts and triumphs. It’s hard not to compare these women with contemporary ones. Women from the upper class were not use to work and wartime conditions. They tried their best and succeeded in their endeavors.

The best part of the book is the author’s notes. It was fascinating how she researched the unit and crafted the characters. The narrator was good although sometimes her voices were so annoying. 3 stars.

This is Lauren Willig at her best. She write Historical Epic novels and this one certainly is one of her finest. I loved this book and the audio. All the elements of a sweeping epic novel are there: war, friendships, love, hate, jealousy, romance, and kindness. It was quite long and I didn’t even notice, I got through the novel so quickly.

It begins with the Smith College Relief Fund where the women go off to France to assist during WWI. As women they are underestimated, just thought to be there to help, and assist people in the town. They are thought of as fluff, over educated women who are not really of much value. Nothing could be further from the truth. The conditions they endure are difficult and very dangerous. It is remarkable how much they accomplished.

War is not simple and fun, a way to see the world. These Smith Graduates leave as Girls, but certainly become strong, competent Women. They have seen and dealt with many horrors and offered so much coordinated assistance to people in the towns needing help. They see first hand the scars left. I found it really compelling that they had assumptions and petty grievances about one another, but start to realize that each woman has her own unique skills that can help the Team. Working together makes things run so much smoother and the women have each other to really lean on, as they know each other right down to the bone. That strength makes them able to keep going.

This was especially interesting as this was Historical Fiction, but Lauren Willig read many of the letters from this real Smith Group. She includes many instances that actually occurred. We didn’t hear much about them, but their accomplishments should be heard.

So, I definitely recommend this to fans of historical fiction who like stories about women’s role in the War effort.

Thank You Net Galley, Lauren Willig, and Harper for giving me an ARC. This was one book I couldn’t wait to read.

I listened to the audio book of Band of Sisters and have to commend the narration by Julia Whelan!!! She captured the character of the women of Smith College to perfection and I felt like it really added depth to the story telling.

I read a lot of Historical Fiction set in WWII, so I was highly anticipating reading this WWI era book. The story is based on real life events told through letters written by the 18 alumni of Smith College who risked their lives in France to help villagers whose lives had been destroyed by the German army. These women are now known as the Band of Sisters from the Smith College Relief Unit.

None of the women knew what they were actually signing up for when they volunteered to go to France....how could they even imagine facing such poor living conditions, the lack of resources and food, the missing and dead family members, the sickness and injuries of so many villagers. These brave women set up camp in a bombed-out chateau right behind the front line and went to work to do what they could to help the people in the village with little to no support from the British army. The story is told in such detail that you actually feel like you are on the front line with these dedicated Smith women facing the struggles, horrors and triumphs they faced together.

I love reading unknown stories and this was an incredible one! It is a significant part of our history, one that might never have been told if it wasn't for Lauren Willig and should be read by any history enthusiast. It is a story that will stay with you long after you read it!

Band of Sisters, by Lauren Willig
In the final year of World War I, a group of Smith College alumni known as the Smith College Relief Unit went to France to give aid to the remaining residents of destroyed French villages near the front line. Miraculously, every member of the unit made it home safe, both in life and in Lauren Willig’s latest historical novel.
Kate, Emmie, and Julia are among the group of 18 women who head out together with lots of good intentions, but no idea of what they’re heading into, or what they’re doing, really. After a number of months supporting the villages and getting pretty good at their work, the Germans launch their spring offensive in March 1918 and since the villages are only a few miles from the front, the British army wants the women to leave immediately. They refuse, instead working up to the last possible minute to evacuate the villagers they’ve been helping. Slowly, over their time in France, this band of strangers and near strangers had evolved into a true band of sisters.
The three main characters are totally made-up (though drawing from characteristics of real people), while most of the others are based pretty closely on real Smith Unit women, and the letters home that begin each chapter are taken from their real letters.
People who’ve read and enjoyed All the Ways we said Goodbye will recognize the village of Courselles and its backstory from that book. This book has intrigue, romance, and touches of humour mixed in – such as Emmie, a city girl, being tasked with buying hens to provide them with eggs, and then wondering for several months why they haven’t produced any eggs …. Turned out, they were roosters!
This is an engaging, page-turning historical novel that in the end deals mainly with relationships. Should appeal to fans of JoJo Moyes’ The Girl you Left Behind, The Whispers of War, by Julia Kelly, and The Alice Network, by Kate Quinn.

Readers will tell you that the best experience for all of us is to find a book that we fall into on page 1 and don’t crawl out of until the end. This was the case for me with Band Of Sisters. The story centers around a group of women who attended Smith College. They decide to go to France to help the residents who had been decimated by WWI. The author does a great job to help the reader see history through the eyes of the women who experienced it. While the characters are fictional, most of the events are real and both are based on true accounts found mostly in letters written by the women. In spite of the challenges, like having to put together a truck before they can drive it, the women learn to overcome obstacles through sheer determination, perseverance, and the desire to help others. The story focuses on their relationships to each other, the residents they have come to aid, and the soldiers in the area. You will cheer them on as they each discover their strengths and their true value not just as a part of a team, but as a woman. There is enough humor to keep the subject from being heavy and a tad of romance to make you smile. This is historical fiction at its best. The voice of this story reminds me of the Call The Midwife books, or series if you’ve watched it.

Publication March 2nd 2021

Thank you to Harper Audio and NetGalley for this ALC.

It's 1917 and graduate of Smith College, Kate Moran is setting out to try to earn a living when her friend encourages her to join a group of eighteen female alumni, known as the "Smithies," to travel overseas to help in-need French villagers as World War I rages on. Based on true events, Willig's research shows in the realistic events that take place throughout the book.

This is my first "solo" book by Lauren Willig (I've read a couple of her collaborations with Beatriz Williams and Karen White) but it certainly won't be my last. This was fascinating historical fiction, based on the experiences of the Smith College Relief Unit, a group of Smith College alumnae who aided in humanitarian relief work in France during and after the First World War. These were young women who signed up for various reasons and with various expectations, but once they got to France most of them found that what they'd actually be doing didn't quite match up with their expectations. Most of these were privileged young women from wealthy families. The two main characters were roommates at Smith, but came from vastly different backgrounds, one from a wealthy family, the other a scholarship student with a bit of a chip on her shoulder because she never felt she fit in at Smith, despite her many accomplishments there and the friendship of her roommate. Many events in the book are based on letters from the women of the unit to their friends and family back home, which Willig found in her research. The growth of these young women is fascinating to watch, learning skills and lessons that they never expected when they signed up for the unit. Julia Whelan's narration of the audiobook is impeccable. Be sure not to miss the "Historical Note" at the end, where Willig describes how the book came about, and to do a web search for images of the Smith College Relief Unit. They deserve to be remembered.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harper Audio for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

Based on a little known true story told in two points of view, this book inspired. In an era when women were expected to keep the home fires burning, 18 alumnae from Smith College head to France just miles from the frontlines. They bring relief to the French villagers who have been devastated by the German invasion. Emmie, a privileged daughter of wealth, and Kate, an Irish catholic woman from the working class, narrate. The book explores the many layered relationships among the women while they face every hurdle and danger head on. As someone who loves historical fiction featuring strong women with powerful narrators, this book hits all the targets. Julia Whelan’s narration was formidable - perfectly paced and nuanced. Lauren Willig’s explanation of her research of the Smith College Relief Unit left me in awe. Insight into an author’s inspiration and thought processes is always a huge plus.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Those Smith girls must have been very good letter writers! Lauren Willig discovered a memoir that one of the girls wrote about their time in France during WW I. She was so taken with the account that she used the letters written to their loved ones back home to write this book. All though all the characters in this little band are fictional, they are based on real people AND what I loved the most is that the many adventures this group had in the book are based on real life as well. An engaging blend of history and fiction that sheds light on a group of women who did amazing things to help the French villages unfortunate enough to be stationed near the front. Many were destroyed at least twice and had to rebuild. I listened to this on audio (thank you, Harper Audio and NetGalley). This book will make you both laugh and cry. I especially enjoyed the letter excerpts before each chapter as they are so revealing of social conventions from that era. My opinions are my own.

Based on a real group of Smith college alumni, I read this whole book anticipating the author's note to find out what was real and what was fiction. So much of the things I was sure were fiction turned out to be based on the author's research and really happened! This book is about more than just a group of privileged American women going to provide relief to some poor French citizens in the wake of WWI, it is a book about loyalty, dedication, and not judging circumstances until you know all the facts.

I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into another part of history and getting to meet this real group of women through this compelling fictional tale.

Julia Whelan does an excellent job with the narration. Even in the author's note, Willig admits there are a lot of characters in this book to remember, and Whelan does such a good job giving distinctive voices to each that I was never confused.

Content Warning: WWI bombings and war related injuries, sexual assault

I really enjoy historical fiction, and this book did not disappoint, it kept my attention right to the end, and then beyond with the author’s notes!
You are given the feeling that you are in the trenches of this horrible war, we see the aftermath of what is left behind when the enemy retreats, and wonder how things will ever get back to some normalcy, if there is such a thing, and how and if these people will survive.
While fictional this story is brimming with facts, and just thinking of these young woman so close to those trenches, knowing how the enemy was spewing gas on those fighting for freedom.
I enjoyed this, it is good to remember the past, so hopefully it doesn’t repeat!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher William Morrow, and was not required to give a positive review.

Band of Sisters was an interesting read. A lot of historical fiction I've been coming across lately has been focused on WWII era, so it was nice to read something from a different period. I found this book hard to get into, but stuck it out and did enjoy it.

In the beginning a lot of characters were introduced and I was a little overwhelmed by trying to keep track of who was who. I went back and listened to the beginning again and when it became apparent Kate and Emmi were the main characters I stopped stressing about remembering details about each of the characters. That being said, it felt like there were too many characters, but after listening to the author's notes in the end, it makes sense. She talks about how in her research she learned there were 18 Smith girls in the group, but she reduced it to 15, though it still felt like a lot. I would have loved a little more focus on just a few and more character growth and stronger bonds. For a book about a sisterhood, I just didn't quite feel that.

I did really appreciate the amount of research the author did and the historic accuracy. The content is unique, intriguing, and worth the read.

As I read this, I kept wondering how this group of Smith College graduates managed to do so much in France during World War I. The fictional characters are based on real people. Willig did a lot of research in letters written by the 17 women, most of whom grew up in luxury, find themselves raising chickens, nursing people and providing stability for several small villages in France during the Smith College Relief Tour. While all 17 women in the group are given voice, the story is told from the point of view of two of the women. Kate Moran is the only one of the “Smithies” who didn’t grow up with money and the fact that she can’t pay her way is a major frustration for her. Emmie, her Smith roommate grew up in a well-known wealthy New York family with a mother who was an ardent Suffragette but ignored her own family. This band of sisters grew into tough, determined, courageous people who made a real difference for French “peasants” during the war. As always, Willig has done a lot of research when writing historical fiction. The afterword is a must read to discover who the real band of sisters were. Julia Whelan did a excellent job of narration. Her ability to distinguish the voices of the many characters in the book. Without her expertise, the story could have become an audio muddle of confusion.

This is a terrific story from one of my favorite authors. Willig tells the story of an ill-assorted group of Smith alumni who head to France during World War I to help restore civilian villages. High-minded and well-intentioned, the Smith girls find themselves perilously close to the front lines of the war, facing deprivation and tragedy at a scale they couldn’t have imagined. While struggling to cope with the job they have taken on, and the maturity it demands from them, they still manage to support each other and form a true “Band of Sisters”.

The audiobook was a delight. Julia Whalen does a great job of providing individual voices for the characters that distinguish them and highlight their personalities. Kate’s slightly husky alto contrasts with Emmie’s higher, breathier tones.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.