In the third book in Hearts of Glass, readers follow Alice, Edmund, her brother Victor, and stepdaughter Lottie as World War I continues to rage across Europe and disrupt their lives in the Hampshire countryside. Alice, running the workshop while Edmund is at the front, has rebuilt her relationship with Victor, injured severely and unable to return to the front, and is working to keep on carrying on. As the village changes around them, new challenges to their peace -- brought on by the war -- surface, while Victor takes on a new undercover role with the Ministry of Munitions. As the war continues and life changes, readers follow Alice as she takes on life without Edmund. Continuing the strong character development from the preceding books and focusing on Alice’s relationships with Lottie and Victor, readers explore the home front of World War I through her eyes, while alternating chapters focus on Edmund’s stories of the front lines and the challenges within the ranks. With a new storyline focusing on Victor and the juxtaposition of all three major storylines, the narrative is complex, dynamic, and vibrant, with incredible characters and relationships at the center of this powerful World War I historical fiction novel.

The Artist’s War ( Hearts of Glass #3) by Clare Flynn was the third and final book in this series. I had read the first book, The Artist’s Apprentice, in this series but for some reason missed the second one. I had no trouble, however, following the plot or assuming what I had missed about the characters lives in book #2. The Artist’s War could easily be read as a stand-alone book but I would suggest starting with book one to best understand the characters and their relationships with each other. The Artist’s War took place in Little Badgerton in Hampshire, England in 1916.

So much had occurred from the time I had read the first book in this trilogy until the third book, The Artist’s War. Alice and Edmund had gotten married and Alice had made amends with both her father and older brother, Victor but not with her mother. Edmund’s daughter, Lottie, was now living with Alice and Edmund. Lottie’s mother had died and Edmund’s estranged father, Herbert Cutler, had been charged with her murder and was in prison awaiting his trial. The First World War was gallantly being fought. Many of the brave soldiers had suffered devastating injuries that prevented some from returning to the battlefield. Among those soldiers were Alice’s brother, Victor and another soldier named Captain Maurice Kynaston who had lost a leg and was now assisting Alice in the stained-glass studio. Maurice’s assistance was even more crucial now since Edmund had joined up to serve his country in the war. Alice came to rely deeply on Maurice’s work in helping her complete the Latchington window that she and Edmund had accepted to do before Edmund left to fight in the war. Now its completion was in her hands. She had come to rely on Edmund’s guidance and words of advice and encouragement while she worked on their projects together. After all, Edmund was the one who had been trained in this art and excelled at it. Alice was still a beginner. She was missing Edmund so much. It was more important than ever though for Alice to regain confidence in herself and learn to trust in her ability to complete this commission without Edmund’s careful eye to detail. She was more than capable. Alice also had to put her own fears and longings aside in order to help Lottie feel secure and safe. The poor girl had undergone some serious traumas in her short life. First Lottie had learned about her mother’s death, then she had come to live with her father and Alice and not long after had to say goodbye to her father when he was called to fight in World War I. That was more than any young child should have to endure. Alice soon learned that her brother, Victor, had been recruited by the Ministry of Munitions in a very secretive manner. At least he would not have to go back to the battlefield. Alice was surprised when she learned that Victor had gone to see Herbert Cutler in prison and had agreed to work at his finance firm part time in an effort to try and restore the clients that had left the company and to make sure the company was still in good standings. Little did Herbert Cutler or anyone for that matter suspect that Victor was searching for evidence that would keep Herbert Cutler behind bars for the rest of his life. Then there was Edmund. He had been ordered to train at the Gosport military training camp. Luckily Edmund and Robert Fuller, Viola’s significant other, had been assigned to the same training camp. Edmund was glad to have a friend there with him. He was proud to serve his country but he didn’t think he could bring himself to kill, not even the enemy. Edmund requested to become a stretcher bearer. By the time Edmund’s regiment was sent to France to fight the Germans, he had become a member of the Royal Army Medical Corps as a stretcher bearer. In that position, Edmund and others were sent to the front armed with stretchers but no weapons to retrieve the injured soldiers that had a chance of survival. Edmund missed Alice and Lottie so much. In order to keep his mind off the fighting and the fear he was feeling, Edmund drew. Then the Battle of Somme occurred. Will Edmund survive? Will he find his way back to Alice and Lottie?

I have to admit that I was sorry that the Hearts of Glass series had come to an end. I was not ready to say goodbye to the characters. In my opinion, I felt that the series deserved one more book. I wanted more. There were still loose ends to be wrapped up. I really enjoyed Alice’s character. She had grown so much since the first book. Alice was a strong, compassionate and caring woman. She sometimes second guessed herself and wondered how Edmund would have handled a particular situation but in the end Alice’s choices and actions were commendable. All my emotions were jarred while reading The Artist’s War. It was about family, hope, friendship, love, loss, fear, bravery and helping others. It did touch upon the discovery of a pedophile and bullying. Alice played a crucial role in exposing both acts. I had little knowledge about the role and existence of stretcher bearers during World War I or the Battle of the Somme prior to reading this book. The author’s notes at the conclusion of the book explained some of her choices and historically what was accurate and what was fictional. I really enjoyed The Artist’s War and highly recommend it.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for allowing me to read The Artist’s War by Clare Flynn through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

I have loved all the books in this series and all of them are a brilliant read.
As well as a love story it deals with the horrors of trench war fare in the First World War.
Although it is the third book 📕 n the series it can easily be read as a standalone novel.
My only criticism is the abrupt ending which for me left a lot of issues unfinished which I would have liked to be resolved

Note: Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Clare Flynn for the advanced reader copy of this book. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.

The Artist's War is the third book in a series by Clare Flynn titled Hearts of Glass. It centers around Alice Cutler, the wife of Edmund Cutler who is a renowned artist who works with stained glass. Previous books detailed their history together. There is a summary of these events for those like me who have not read the last two books. Although it filled in many of the blanks, I do think I would have given this four stars if I had read the last two books in the series.

World War I is raging across the English Channel. Edmund left to join up and serve, leaving Alice by herself with a new stepdaughter and a stained glass window to complete. Edmund has confidence in Alice's ability to handle the commission, but she's not so sure she can without him there. Prior to his leaving, she had worked for a time as a local nurse helping the men injured in the war. One of them was her own brother, Victor, from whom she was once estranged. Another is Maurice, who has begun helping Alice with her stained glass work. He finds the rote work a good distraction from the memories that haunt him from the war.

During training, Edmund begins to have misgivings about whether or not he could actually kill another human being. He sees the German soldiers as much like himself; just boys sent off to do what their superiors tell them. When he is recruited for the stretcher corps, he accepts without hesitation.

I also appreciated seeing what it was like for the soldiers who were injured in the war and trying to readjust to life. Victor has his own secrets, but he kept thinking about the events in Gallipoli that had left him with only one eye. Eventually, he is offered a position at the War Department for a specific task, which helps him feel valued again. Actually, he ends up quite overwhelmed with how badly he's needed in many different places with so many men off fighting.

The relationship between Alice and Edmund is at the center of the story, although they are apart for this book. The love they feel for each other is quite apparent as they exchange letters. Both fret over causing the other unnecessary worry and hide some of the problems they are facing in the other's absence. Their feelings come across very well throughout the book.

I'm sorry I didn't read the first two books in the series prior to this one. I think I would have enjoyed The Artist's War much more if I had. It's not a bad book by far, but there was a lot of backstory that was recapped here that I didn't get to experience first-hand. These experiences give an emotional investment in the characters as they are followed from book to book. I didn't feel like I had that here. The story was a good one, mostly following what it is like for the people who are back home while the war is going on.

This is the first book that I have read by Clare Flynn, not my usual genre but I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Alice Cutler is happily helping Edmund, the husband that she adored, to make beautiful stained glass masterpieces, when war breaks out, Edmund and his best friend Robert Fuller are sent to the Somme, although Alice has the skills to take over Edmund's art work she has insecurities, she doubts her ability.
This book has various stories running concurrently, some very emotive, some twisted and some heart wrenching and I learned such a lot whilst devouring the intrigue, the class system in England at the time, marriage for status and money, how the upper class treat the people that they consider to be their inferiors, how the class system also extends to the armed forces, if you have a title you automatically get a commission despite your lack of knowledge, homosexuality and the lengths that people went to to hide what was known as "their dirty little secrets".
Edward was a gentle soul, not so his titled father, Herbert was in prison for the murder of Edmunds first wife, would having a title sway the jury ?
Edward didn't want to fight, not because he was a coward but because he didn't think that he could actually kill someone, when the chance came for him to be a stretcher bearer and help people he jumped at the chance but was it a wise decision ?,
The authors brilliant descriptions of the horrors of the Somme, life in the trenches, the sights, the smells, the noises are palpable, the young lives that were sacrificed, nothing more than cannon fodder, the grieving families. Clare Flynn also illustrates brilliantly how the women left behind learned to cope, how, although they took over the men's jobs, they weren't allowed to vote.
This is a strong, emotive story, told with such passion that it has a lasting impact.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.

The Artist’s War was a great read for my low energy days, when I wanted an immersive reading experience (and stay in bed).
As someone else mentioned in another review, I would have appreciated a few lines on the previous books in the series (even though this one can be read as a standalone) — I did not realize this was a series before opening the book and was a little confused at first.
Once past the initial confusion, I was able to push through the book pretty easily. The author has an immersive style and the book is clearly well researched. The character’s developments are well thought of (and this is probably even better if you read the whole series in order :)), and I would probably pick up the rest of the books later in !
I’m not sure if you can call historical fiction timeless, but it’s definitely becoming a classic !

This is a moving and thought-provoking story set in WWI. Each of the main characters is deeply affected by the war, in differing ways. I very much enjoyed the previous books in the series and found it satisfying to return to Alice and Edmund’s stained glass workshop, and to find out what happened to Victor and Harriet.
The depictions of life on the front were beautifully written, showing the harrowing nature of the conflict. The ending was measured and perfectly done, with real emotional impact.
I’ll look forward to the author’s next book.

This was a great historical fiction novel! To be honest, I actually read this before realizing that this was a final book in a series. I noticed it at times, but I thought the author did a fantastic job of making the characters engaging throughout with calls back to previous novels.

The story takes place during WWI and follows Alice who is completing work on a stained glass window while her husband, Edmund, is at the front. I think the author did a great job of handling the war as a subject for the book and I appreciate that she was able to touch on some of the things that were realistic from that time period for soldiers and their families.

Overall a very strong book and I really look forward to reading the other books now!

Thank you to the author and the publisher, as well as NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.

The Artist's War is part of a series which I didn’t realize in the beginning. It is book three Hearts of Glass Series by Clare Flynn. The reading of the first two books would enhance the enjoyment of this one for me as far as knowing the characters and their backgrounds better. During WWI Alice runs the stain-glass workshop that Edmund and she established. From the fighting in France to the ones at home in England this is a strong impressive look at the effects of war.

Alice and Lottie have their struggles, but Edmund has some that are so very heartbreaking. This is a hard look at the effects of war. Yet it shows the resiliency of those involved too. Great story but read the series in order.

Thank you for allowing me to review book 3 in this series, The Artist's War. I had enjoyed the previous 2 books and was keen to know what would happen to Alice and Edmund. This book was just as enjoyable and a good reminder of the hardships faced by those fighting on the Somme. Alice has gained strength and her character has developed over the years since we first met her in The Artist's Apprentice. This is a beautiful series that I would highly recommend to all readers.
Clare Flynn is a good author who I hope to read more from.

It tells the story of a brother and sister and their friends and partners druing the war. It was a nice warming storyline with plenty of suspense and action throughout.

This was another good addition to this series.
There’s really three different plots going on. All interwoven between the characters and all interesting.
I didn’t enjoy the war parts as much as the others.
It’s still a good historical fiction book and good series

The horrors of war and the predicaments of loved ones at home, kept me glued to this captivating story.. It was
very readable, a real page turner.

I read this as a stand alone title not realising it was part of the Hearts of Glass series. I really enjoyed the book despite not reading the previous 2 books in the series.
The book centres around Alice, her brother Victor and her husband Edmund.
Alice is left to continue the stained glass business she and her husband run when Edmund is conscripted to join the war. Alice is also caring for her step daughter Lottie as Edmund’s former wife Dora has died supposedly at the hands of Edmund’s father Herbert Cutler, who is on trial for her murder.
Victor who is recovering from war wounds falls in love with Maurice who is also recovering from losing his leg in the war and he is assisting Alice with the stained glass business.
Victor who was employed by Herbert Cutler as a financial advisor is now employed by the Ministry of Munitions to investigate Herbert Cutlers business in relation to illegal arms dealings.
There is a lot occurring within this family but the author weaves a wonderful story with believable and likeable characters.

This is the third part of Edmund and Alice's story and is set during the Great War. I enjoyed it very much but was disconcerted by the very abrupt ending. I think the book deserved better. However, I'd happily recommend it, although I'd say that you need to read the trilogy in order to get the most from the story.

This was my first book by Clare Flynn, and having thoroughly enjoyed it I now have to read the first two books in the series.
I hadn't realised it was the third book in a series but didn't feel that I missed out in any way by not having read the first two books.
Clare has created some endearing characters. I especially came to love Alice, Edmund, Victor and Maurice.
I love the level of detail Clare has gone to with describing the battlefield conditions.
A totally gripping read that I couldn't tear myself away from.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

Third in a series depicting life in England during World War I. The details of the war are well researched. There are quite a few characters that were introduced in the previous books. Alice continues Edmund's work at the stained glass shop. Alice plays an important role in her friend's life when the earl passes away. The passing presents problems that bring many of the characters together. War stories and memories play a major role in the book. Thanks to Net Galley for the arc.

I started this book then stopped as I couldn’t get into it but then returned and really enjoyed it. Alice and Edmund are married but separated by WW1. The book goes between England and France depending on whose character is being looked at. A well written book with likeable or not so characters. Thanks to Clare Flynn and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley

This amazing historical book of WWI is a combination of a well researched history of the war and an enduring romance of two glass artists. The characters are true to life, caring, flawed and in some cases despicable. The everyday life and hardships of the women who are left to carry on at home are poignantly filled with everyday chores and longing for their husbands, sons or brothers. But nothing compares to the horrors of those who are fighting a war that they could never imagine while fearing that they could be killed by the next bullet. Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this series of three books. Even if I had not read the two previous books, the author’s writing and snippets of the former books made this easy to read as a stand alone. This review is my honest opinion.

this is a World War 1 novel. it is the 3rd in a series but can easily be read as a standalone. I haven't read the first two and could easily keep up with the story.