By the author of one of the best books I have ever read, THE LIGHT OF LUNA PARK. That was a very heartbreaking and beautiful story.

This book is another historical fiction. Two different time lines, 1918 and 1976. One a war librarian the other one of the first women to enter the Navel Academy. Another very well written historical book. This one didn't hold my interest quite as much as the other but it was still good. It tells the stories of both women and what they went through in their lives. Each very likable and endearing.

This book was well written and researched. It is one that will keep you turning the pages. These two women will find a place in your heart. It's one you won't soon forget. They paved the way for some women to follow.

Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts.

4 stars and I recommend you read this one.

Two women, separated by time but linked by family, fight for women's rights in their own ways. In WWI, Emmaline Balakin leaves behind her job at the dead letter office to become a librarian for the troops in France. She finds herself caught up in the misery of the fighting men and becomes angry at seeing the inequality with which the races are treated. When she stands up for herself and against censorship and racism, she finds herself in trouble with the officers in charge.

Emmaline comes home from the war a different person.

Kathleen Carre takes her stand for women's rights by being a member of the first group of females admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy. Many make it clear that they don't think women belong at the Academy and Kathleen takes the brunt of their resentment in both physical and mental retaliation. Having been told her grandmother drove an ambulance in WWI, she is compelled to prove herself as competent and patriotic as her grandmother.

After her beloved Nana's death, some family secrets come to light and Kathleen discovers she has others who care deeply about her and celebrate her success at Annapolis.

Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction, family mysteries, and books about equality.

This was a very lovely dual perspective story, alternating between Kathleen in the mid 70's and a woman named Emmaline during WWI. I have not read or heard much about the time when women were finally allowed to join the US Navy, but I am in complete awe of Kathleen and her strength. I can't even imagine how difficult of an experience that was. I also really loved Emmaline's perspective as well. The power of books is so important and this story really proved that. Thank you to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 I love everything WWII and this is not something that I had ever heard about, being a war librarian. It was a bit intriguing. It was great to see how books could help soldiers escape the suffering they were experiencing. That’s why I like to read…to escape. I like Emmaline, timid and shy and really alone and ready to do something in her life. When she gets the letter from Nicholas, meant for another, she realizes that she needs to do something about her own life and sets off to France to become a librarian. In the meantime she meets Nellie who becomes a good friend, as well as some soldiers who suffer some injustices due to who they are. Kathleen Carre’s story was told during a time when women were first allowed into the military academies and the injustices they had to go through just to be there and stay. Overall it was a good book and I am glad I read about something unfamiliar to me in a time period I love to read about. I do feel like there could have been a bit more character development for Nellie and Nicholas but other than that it was a good read.

Thank you Net Galley as well as the publisher of this book for an advanced copy.

The War Librarian is a dual time line story about two women. The first takes place in 1918 and involves Emmaline who works in the Dead Letter Office and then decides to volunteer as a librarian in France so that service men have access to books.

The second storyline takes place in 1976 and involves Kathleen, one of the first women allowed into the Naval Academy. It will take everything in her to stay and graduate with the other women in her class.

Both women face more challenges than they every imagined and it will take every bit of determination they possess to persevere and do what they each set out to do.

I enjoyed everything about this novel. Two strong female characters doing what they are determined to do with no one having gone before them to do it. The ties of family both blood and chosen. Each woman learning just what they are made of as they push forward against so many obstacles determined to stop them.

This was my first book by the author and I cannot wait to read more of her writing.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Penguin Group Putnam. All views are simply my honest opinion.

I thought this was a great book written during the war. The story goes back and forth between time periods.

This was a wonderful book. I listened to the audio book while on a road trip vacation. It was easy to follow. The two time periods were nicely fleshed out with both being very strong women MC. It is WW1 AND 1976 admission of women to the Navy academy. I really enjoyed the librarian part, as I work in the library. Books help in so many ways. This book helps remind us of this. I can’t speak to the accuracy of the historical parts, but the author gives you more books to read to supplement. This was a nice change from the popular ww2 novels. I will read more from this author. Highly recommend for library loves and those who normally read WW titles with women MCs.
Thanks to NetGalley for the free ARC and the library for the audio version.

France, 1918: Emmaline just stepped foot on foreign soil for the first time in her life. Determined to do something worthwhile with her life, she volunteered to be a war librarian on the frontline in WWI. Once there, she finds camaraderie and romance, both of which give her strength she didn't know she had...or needed.

DC, 1976: Kathleen has just joined a groundbreaking group of young women. They have the honor of being the first female cadets in the US Naval Academy. Inspired by her grandmother's WWI service, Kathleen is determined to succeed in the military, but her male counterparts are less than thrilled to be part of the first co-ed class. Does she have what it takes to prove she belongs there?

What a terrific book! This book exudes female empowerment and feminist ideals. If you've followed me for a while, you probably know that Bad B main characters are my thing. While Emmaline might be a bit timid, her courage in the face of right/wrong is inspiring. And Kathleen's courage in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. The plot of both timelines is fully formed and the author does a great job weaving together the two storylines. While I saw the twist coming, I still enjoyed the way the author unfurled the puzzle piece by piece. If you're a fan of WWI novels or tales of women in service, be sure to pick this one up!

The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong is a wonderful story. I love historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. Emmaline Balakin loves books. She loves everything them about them but mostly she loves how you can escape reading a good book. She works at the Dead Letter a office, during WWI and most days are uneventful, until one day a letter comes across her desk. On this letter she sees a name from her past and it sets in motion a complete life change for Addison. She heads over to France to become a War Librarian. At the frontline, she is confronted with many difficult situations. She hopes to bring some joy with the books. It is surprising that she finds love and has to start telling her real story. Can she find the courage to set things straight?
1976 Kathleen Carre is waiting to start the United States Naval Academy. She will be part of the first class with women and will have to work twice as hard to keep her spot. She is so excited for this next step but is confused on why her nana is so against it. Her nana has always been her biggest cheerleader and her support now is so important. Once in the academy, she has to keep up with the physical and mental part of the school. She also has to put up with sexual harassment for her male classmates. Kathleen is faced with many challenges personal and at school and she can only hope to finish what she started.
While at school she finds out secrets to her nana’s life that are life altering. She must also deal with this. Can she juggle it all? Can she make peace with her nana?
I loved how the author told the story from two different women, during two different periods of history. The writing was excellent and I loved how the two stories came together.
I want to thank Netgalley & the author for my copy for an honest review. It was a pleasure to read and review. This was a 5 star read for me. I hope you enjoy it too!!!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this ARC.

1918: Emmaline Balakin has a passion for books, so when she finds herself on the frontlines of WWI in France she does whatever she can to make sure injured soldiers have books to read. However, she’s shocked at both the racism and censorship she discovers the US Army allowing to happen. Compelled to do something about both, Emmaline puts herself, and others, in danger.

1976: Kathleen Carre is ready to prove to herself and everyone else she has what it takes to be in the first coed class of recruits at the US Naval Academy. She expects the backlash she and the other female recruits will face, but she isn’t prepared for the extent the men will go to in order to make sure the female recruits know they aren’t welcome. After a surprising tragedy, Kathleen discovers family secrets that could lead to her losing everything.

The premise of this book was so promising. I was intrigued by both historical timelines of this story. Not a lot of historical fiction focuses on WWI and I’ve never read anything about the first female recruits at the Naval Academy. Unfortunately, for me, this story just seemed to fall flat. I wasn’t connected to the characters in either timeline and had the plot figured out pretty quickly. Some characters could have been more present, while certain parts of the story could have been shortened. Three stars because I learned about both historical periods and it did have moments that I was interested by.

This story is told from the perspective of two different women, 58 years apart. In 1918, Emmeline Baker is working at the Dead Letter Office when she comes across a letter from a man she knew many years ago that she had lost touch with. She decides to take a daring step by going to France as a volunteer librarian on the front lines, in hopes of finding and rekindling a relationship with him. In 1976, Kathleen Carre, has been raised by her grandmother for most of her life. She’s determined to be accepted into the first coed US Naval Academy and works hard to get through the training. As you can imagine, female officers received substandard treatment at the Naval Academy and were constantly harassed by the male officers and made to work even harder to prove themselves worthy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I truly loved the fact that bringing books to all the wounded soldiers brought so much joy to those that were injured in the war and were recovering in field hospitals. I also think that the stories of the first women to be accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy in the 1970’s was accurate in all that they had to endure. This was a wonderful story and it came together beautifully in the end.. If you love historical fiction, I know you will also enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for allowing me to read this ARC of the War Librarian by Addison Armstrong and provide my honest review.

A big thank you to the author Addison Armstrong, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my candid opinion.

This was an interesting book with parallel timelines, one involving a young librarian who chose to serve at a hospital France and one involving a young woman who joins the first female class at Annapolis. The two stories reveal strong women who are tested both for their aspirations as well as their beliefs. It was a great read, giving life to two times of great struggle for women in the military.

I highly recommend this read.

I really enjoyed her debut novel The Light of Luna Park and was eagerly anticipating The War Librarian but it felt flat to me and was more of a meh book.

A dual timeline historical fiction set in 1918 with a new volunteer female Librarian on the frontlines in France and her granddaughter in 1976 who is one of the first females admitted to the US Naval Academy.

I liked the 1976 timeline better but I didn't actually like Kathleen. This was an every other chapter switch which made it harder to read in my opinion. Also this had my least favorite historical fiction twist as well so it made it harder to stay engaged as I was reading. I did like the Librarian during WWI aspect to this book though!

There are a lot of 4/5 star reviews on this book so if this sounds interesting to you I'd check out the more reviews on it!

This dual-timeline book was pretty good. I mostly enjoyed learning about what it was like for the War Librarians sent over to support the troops in France in WWI (alongside nurses, the only women to be part of the war effort in-theater).

The part about the first class of women at the Naval Academy was just OK. Since I am a graduate, I found that part was a quick overview of what it was like, but it didn't capture what I was hoping for. The author states she read the book "First Class" by Sharon Disher, as well as conducted interviews, but that part of the timeline seems to drop off as the focus is mostly on the 1918 narrative.

I wanted to start off by saying that I received a complimentary ebook arc. In return for my honest thoughts and my review.This book was released August 9, 2022. I still wanted to post my review if through its late. To which I apologize. This book did take me while to read. Not because I didn’t like it. I loved these strong female characters. And the world this author created. I couldn’t put this book down. I am so happy that I got approved for this book. I will be definitely buying my own physical copy. That being woman they could could do whatever a man could do in the service. I love the two POV and different time frames. It’s crazy that even reading this book today that women have issues when joining the military. How these female characters handle racism in the military during those times. I definitely will be adding more books from this author. I felt so bad for Kathleen Carre and the way she is treated because she wants to join the Navy. Not having family to support her anymore.
Emmaline Balakin War 1 librarian for the soldiers. Reading and getting books for those who are hurt during the war. I know my review is all over the place. But I really had a good time to reading this book. I highly recommend this book.
About Book:
This book is set in two different times 1918 where read that Emmaline Balkin who joins the war 1 efforts and became a war Librarian for hurt soldiers. To read and give soldiers books. But Emmaline realized how there was racism and books that weren’t allowed. They were viewed as bad during the war times.
1976 Kathleen Carre is being raised by her grandmother who once served during War 1 and didn’t talk about it much to her granddaughter. Kathleen who mother was off running around. When Kathleen wants to join the navy. Her grandma didn’t approved of her leaving and joining the Navy because her grandmother always said military was a mans world. Kathleen learning how hard is to be in the military. How really different men treated her. Being accused of a crime. This book really will hold a place in my heart. That ending will forever will be in my heart. How brave these women are. And women who are serving today. Thank you again to the author and netgalley for allowing me the opportunity.

I thoroughly enjoyed this compulsively readable historical fiction novel. Set in dual timelines - a war librarian in WWI and one of the first women accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy in the 1970s - the two stories wove together in an interesting way.

I enjoyed the writing and the stories of each of the women, and, like most historical fiction, I learned a lot too.

I do enjoy WWI/WWII historical fiction, but I know many readers are weary of them, feeling like they all feel the same after you’ve read many of them. I would say if you still like these historical fiction books, I’d definitely recommend The War Librarian, but if you’re tired of them, I’d skip this one. It follows a similar structure to many of the others and isn’t anything incredibly unique. Again, I really liked it, but know yourself.

Inspired by the first female volunteer librarians during World War I and the first women accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy, The War Librarian tells a story that spans half a century.
In 1918. timid and shy Emmaline Balakin volunteered as a librarian on the frontlines in France. She befriends Nellie, a driver, and several soldiers, including Nicholas. With an iron will, Emmaline speaks out against imperfect segregation by providing books for all the men. She also makes an ultimate sacrifice that changes her life.
In 1976, Kathleen Carre decides to prove to herself and join the first coed class at the United States Naval Academy. But she soon becomes a target and must decide how to fight back while managing a tragedy at home.
This book is a tough one to rate. I enjoyed most of the story, but the characters didn’t grab my heart. The concept is interesting, though, and prioritizes the power of strong, determined women. For that reason alone, I would recommend this book.
Favorite quotes:
“Books are the best place to hide when the world is just too much to take.”
“We don’t make the rules, but with enough hope, we can challenge them.”
“Sharing your story is never a weakness. When we realize we aren’t alone, we grow so much stronger.”

During WWI, Emmaline leaves the Dead Letter Office to serve as a librarian on the front lines. Stationed at a hospital in France, Emmaline must overcome her fears to serve the bored and wounded soldiers. There, she encounters an old crush, a man from her past. In 1976, Kathleen has been chosen as one of the first women to enter the Naval Academy. There, she experiences hazing, prejudice, and downright hostility from the men who are supposed to be her comrades.

Although the two stories were related, they were extremely different. I did not think that Emmaline and Kathleen's stories worked well together. Each could have been a standalone book, but together they were very discordant. I did think the naval academy story was a bit stronger, and found myself waiting for those chapters. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

This is a very compelling read! WW1 and WWW2 stories always pique my interest and when I saw this had a librarian element-I had to read it. It did not disappoint. It drew me in from the beginning and it didn't let go once. I was all in for Emmaline and Kathleen's stories. There is a very surprising twist that was a great addition to the book to make it even more exciting. Great read!

The title grabbed me, being a librarian and lover of words, the story kept me engaged right up to the very end.

"Books here calm me. Things end happily in books - and when they don't, there's a reason." - Armstrong

I love historical fiction - a story rooted in the past, but told with imagination. So when I saw "The War Librarian" and heard it was based on the War Department and the American Library Association providing 7-10 million books to soldiers libraries, I had to know more. Addison Armstrong definitely gave that to me and more.

Told in 2 timelines, 1918 and 1976, both relevant to women soldiers and librarians, this is a fascinating read. In 1918, Emmaline arrives to provide books to wounded soldiers, hoping to give them peace in troubling times. And 1976, Kathleen is a plebe in the first ever womens class at the Naval Academy. Both women fight for acceptance in a male dominated world. Both find the path difficult.

I agree with others, the title of this book is simplified although I can't think of what else I would have named it. Between the cover of Armstrong's book you will find the strength of family, both blood and by choice, raciscm, politics, feminism and most importantly the power of the written word. 'Emmaline's world begins with words and Kathleen's future depends on them.

So while this is a story told during war times (Emmaline) or preparing for war, (Kathleen), its ultimately about the strength of character and the power of words to transform society for the better.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group and Addison Armstrong for introducing me to war librarians. I was shocked I had never heard of them! Thank you for this thought provoking, important story! I am already telling my coworkers, and library patrons its a must read!