Lately I’ve really been in a historical fiction mood. I enjoy going back in time to learn about different time periods, imagine myself living there, and seeing how characters go through the same stuff we can go through today. It’s inspiring. The Liberty Scarf was a story I knew I wanted to get my hands on. Not just because the three authors that collaborated on it are amazing, but because the story itself intrigued me. I mean, what does a scarf have to do with anything important!?
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About the Book
The Liberty Scarf Author Aimie K. Runyan, J'nell Ciesielski, Rachel McMillan
Series: The Heart of Cheyenne #4
Published by Harper Muse
on December 2, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Anthologies (multiple authors), Fiction / Historical / 20th Century / World War I, Fiction / Romance / Historical / 20th Century
Pages: 368
Amazon | GoodreadsFrom 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 Perspective
When you think about it, scarves don’t really seem all that important. For some they are a fashion piece. For others they are a source of comfort. For those living in the winter months they are a way to keep warm. So how is this little piece of fabric so important that three authors came together to write a historical fiction novel? Well, let me say that you might just be surprised as you read the pages of The Liberty Scarf.
First let me say how well these authors collaborated together. Each piece of the story was well balanced, beautifully written, and perfectly placed. I will say that as each of the three stories ended I was questioning why they appeared to end so, well oddly for lack of a better word. Almost abruptly, like we weren’t getting the full story. But I kept reading, and I am so glad I did. It all comes together at the very end. There are no questions remaining, and it was actually refreshing to read a story written that way. Some may not appreciate it, and I admit I was scratching my head while reading, but I liked it in the end.
The scarf weaves itself through the story and the lives of these characters in a way I never dreamed of. It shows how lives can be so different, and yet connected from different parts of the world during the same time period. If I had to choose a favorite character it would probably be Iris. She was spunky, and just a gal I could see myself getting into trouble with.
Historical fiction fans will not only embrace this story, but come to love the characters, their charm, and the beautiful way this simple scarf touches their lives. Romance fans will enjoy the sweet love stories. Readers will learn from the powerful message this scarf brings. I highly recommend putting The Liberty Scarf on your TBR. It’s a quick read and well worth your time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Authors
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. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.
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. Visit her online at rachelmcmillan.net.
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. Visit her online at aimiekrunyan.com.
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