Historical Romance Book Review: The Liberty Scarf

About the Book

Title: The Liberty Scarf 

Authors: Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan 

Genre: Historical Romance/Historical Fiction 

Publisher: Harper Muse 

Release Date: November 19, 2024 

Click here to purchase a copy of this novel. 

Publisher's Book Description

“From acclaimed authors Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan comes an evocative, three-part novel about a thread of connection during World War I--a single scarf that links three extraordinary women, each battling societal expectations, enduring the devastations of war, and striving for personal growth amidst the chaos. The Liberty Scarf is a testament to the resilience of women and the enduring power of hope and unity in the harshest of times. 

In the midst of a seemingly endless war, a scarf connects three women in the cold winter of 1917 . . . 

London: As an ambitious scarf maker, Iris Braxton spends her days surrounded by color and luxury not often seen during the dark days of war that were promised to be over by Christmas. That promise has come and gone for three years with still no end in sight, and her days continue in a monotony of rations and threads while she spins a dream of becoming Liberty's first female pattern designer. She hasn't the time or interest in rakish soldiers, but the temporarily-on-leave Captain Rex Conrad is persistent--and before long his charm wins her over. But war is cruel, and, all too soon, Conrad leaves once more for the Front, but not before vowing to meet again in Strasbourg, France, the most magical of Christmas cities. Iris begins stitching small messages into each of the scarves she makes in hopes that one will find a way into Rex's hands to let him know she's thinking of him. And when she receives word that he's wounded in Strasbourg, she rushes to his side. Along the way, she passes a woman wearing one of her scarves . . . 

Maine: Geneviève Tremblay, a French-Canadian immigrant, is a telephone operator living in Lewiston, Maine. Her beau is a member of a prominent family who has helped to Americanize her in a community often unfriendly to Canadians. As part of this effort, she enlists in the US Army Signal Corps to serve as a bi-lingual operator. Along the way, she meets a French officer who makes her question whether losing her identity is too heavy a price for acceptance. 

Belgium: Clara Janssens, a Flemish Nurse, and Roman Allaire, an Alsatian violinist, connect in a Brussels palace-turned-hospital far beyond their routine provincial and countryside lives--and the expectations in those towns. Their love of music creates a spark between them, but the destruction of battle and the transient nature of their relationship threatens the bond they have built. Still, the appearance of a kind stranger and the unexpected gift of a treasured scarf bind them long beyond their stolen moments and offer them a future brighter than they could have even hoped. 

The Liberty Scarf is more than a piece of fabric--it's a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity in the face of war, binding these three women together in an indelible bond. Experience their stories of love, sacrifice, and survival in this captivating novel from Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan.”

My Review

The Liberty Scarf is an historical novel in three parts, featuring interconnected stories by Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan. Compelling and inspirational, each of the stories in this novel is thoughtfully written, cleverly connected, and truly engrossing. All three stories contain well-developed characters, detailed settings, unexpected romance, and plenty of gripping history. 

   

With stories that are set principally in England, Belgium, and France during WWI, this novel will captivate readers who enjoy stories infused with courage, self-sacrifice, perseverance, and hope. Linked by the silken threads of a very special scarf, these narratives reveal uncommon love stories, unforeseen friendships, significant struggles, and indomitable dreams. Page after page, the intricate design of the scarf inspires those who appreciate its beauty beyond a mere accessory. The scarf becomes a palpable symbol of hope and love in a season of extreme adversity. 

 

Deftly written from beginning to end, this touching book is quite riveting. The fictional world and the characters created by these collaborative authors are genuinely captivating. Real emotional connections with the characters in each story is nurtured through their authenticity, perseverance, and courage. The characters' setbacks, successes, motivations, fears, and dreams are certainly intriguing and thought-provoking. Their honest vulnerabilities as well as their earnest persistence are thoroughly meaningful and inspiring. 

 

Unflinching and filled with plenty of heart, The Liberty Scarf is moving and memorable. Its three stories are detailed, immersive, and worthy of attention. It is a unique and special novel that I recommend wholeheartedly. 

 

*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher/author. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

 

About the Author: Aimie K. Runyan

“Internationally bestselling author Aimie K. Runyan writes to celebrate unsung heroines. She has written six historical novels (and counting!) and is delving into the exciting world of contemporary women's fiction. She has been a finalist for the Colorado Book Award three times, a nominee for the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers' 'Writer of the Year,' and a Historical Novel Society's Editors' Choice selection. Aimie is active as a speaker and educator in the writing community in Colorado and beyond. She lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her wonderful husband, two adorable (usually) children, two very sweet cats, and a pet dragon.”

Click here to visit Aimie K. Runyan's website. 

About the Author: J'nell Ciesielski

“Bestselling author J’nell Ciesielski has a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories while weaving fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. She is a member of the Tall Poppy Writers and lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle.”

Click here to visit J'nell Ciesielski's website.

About the Author: Rachel McMillan

“Rachel McMillan is the author of The London Restoration, The Mozart Code, the Herringford and Watts mysteries, the Van Buren and DeLuca mysteries, and the Three Quarter Time series of contemporary Viennese romances. She is also the author of Dream, Plan, Go: A Travel Guide to Inspire Independent Adventure. Rachel lives in Toronto, Canada.” 

Click here to visit Rachel McMillan's website.