I really loved this book. Historical fiction is probably my favourite genre and this book is really a perfect example of it. The story is so well thought out and engaging and is so impactful. I love a story about strong women and sisterhood and so this ticked lots of boxes for me. I loved the writing style and short chapters from alternating perspectives and I loved the main characters.

There were a few points that I wish had been closed of a little neater for me just so that I felt like the story gave closure, but I guess to some end that is the point!

This book is so well written and researched with such strong willed women who want to follow their need to do things to help soldiers at the front, both are exceptional women but Edie is determined whatever happens to be at war to hope to find news of beloved Nate so disguises herself as a man and enlists.
Dr Lucinda Garland reports for medical duty but her request is denied so she takes matters further and enlists her hep to the French Red Cross.
This book was emotional and thoughtful and gave a view as to what that time brought to anyone who fought for king and country and the endurance they would undertake just to get through and home to loved ones.
This book keeps you reading when you should be sleeping but it is such an amazing read
My thanks as always to NetGalley and to publisher Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House | Penguin for the read

Women of War is a remarkable, impeccably researched and heart-rending story, made all the more poignant as it’s based on real women.
I devoured this book. Its depiction of the horrors of WWI felt so authentic, the sometimes visceral moments in the story left me shaken.
I particularly loved Lucinda and Edie. Their determination and courage to succeed in a man’s world is exceptional, but they are still human and flawed. There are also some wonderful secondary characters and I would say my favourite is Stanley, who was able to find humour and stay true to himself in spite of the horrors of his situation.
Even though I was aware of the real WWI Women’s Hospital in France, this book brought the story of its inception vividly and fascinatingly to life. I would recommend this profoundly moving novel to anyone who appreciates the best in historical fiction.

It really shows that the two main characters in this novel – working class and workhouse girl, Edie, and the surgeon daughter of a surgeon mother, Lucinda – were based on real-life characters; they practically leap off the page of this story of the lesser-known women of World War I.

There are unflinching descriptions of trench warfare, as seen by Edie, our woman masquerading as a man so she can report on what’s happening at the front, but also heart-rending description of the blood, gore, sweat and tears endured by Lucinda and her all-female medical team as they tend to the injured and dying.

My heart was in my mouth and I couldn’t stop reading as soon as I realized our two heroines’ fates were about collide.

Louise Morrish is clearly accomplished at spinning a gold thread of a novel out of the straw that historical facts have given her!

The premise of this book immediately drew me in, especially since I typically read WWII historical fiction. I was eager to explore something different, and this story didn’t disappoint.

The plot was engaging and easy to follow, with two distinct points of view that ran parallel to each other. Despite the characters being in separate places, you could sense their paths would eventually intertwine, adding a layer of anticipation to the narrative.

It’s a slow-paced yet empowering read, following the main characters as they bravely pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.

The ending leaves you with lingering questions, making me eager for a sequel — both to find those answers and to see where the characters' journeys lead next.

Would you disguise yourself as a man to fight for your country? Edie Lawrence did just that. Reporting to the battlefield Edie hopes to seek out her beloved Nate who is already fighting on the front line whilst at the same time Edie wants to become the first female journalist to report on the horrors of war. When Eddie is injured she finds herself in the care of Lucinda, another brave woman who pioneers a field hospital. Well researched this remarkable story had me gripped.

I had the absolute pleasure of reading Women of War as an ARC through NetGalley, and wow—what a powerful and gripping read! Louise Morrish delivers a compelling historical fiction novel that celebrates the strength, resilience, and courage of women during wartime.

Set against the backdrop of WWI, this story mainly follows three incredible women - Edie, Lucinda, and Florence - each with their own struggles and sacrifices, yet all bound by an unbreakable determination to fight for what is right. I was completely drawn into their journeys, from daring missions to heartbreaking choices, and I found myself in awe of their bravery.

What I loved most about Women of War was how authentically it portrayed the often-overlooked contributions of women in war. The friendships, the risks, and the unwavering spirit of these characters made this a truly unforgettable read. If you love historical fiction that highlights fierce, inspiring women, this book is an absolute must-read!

Beautiful heartfelt story that I absolutely adored. I never thought I'd be someone that would enjoy historical fiction but wow this really hit all the emotions for me. The story of Edie and Lucinda is crafted beautifully, expertly woven together to create a story that will memorise you.

I’m still reeling from reading this stunning book set during the First World War. The writing is literally visceral, throwing the reader into the depths of the trenches to emerge mud-spattered into a blood-drenched operating theatre. The descriptions are simply breathtaking and powerful, leaving the reader shell-shocked.
But despite the filth and gore, this is a moving story of women fighting to be seen and heard. From the opening scene in Holloway Prison, where Edie continues to defy the sadistic warders, to the final chapter in which two pioneering women doctors show they are more than equal to their male counterparts, this is a story of female courage and friendship.

‘Women of War’ is a beautiful novel: written in pitch-perfect prose and meticulously researched, it’s a fascinating tribute to three real life women from world war one. In Louise Morrish’s story, Edie, Lucinda and Florence emerge as characters of tremendous courage and stoicism, reminding us of the quiet heroism of so many in the darkest of times. The novel is rich in sensuous and historical detail, powerfully plunging us into the world of 1914. Morrish unwinds her narrative skilfully, drawing us into the characters’ lives, their loves, ambitions and dilemmas until reading becomes an immersive and compelling experience. A masterclass in writing, and a wonderful heart-warming story. I thoroughly recommend it.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Women of War by Louise Morrish is my first 5-star read of the year, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough!

This book completely captivated me from the very first page. Set in the early months of World War I, it follows the remarkable journeys of two women who challenge the norms of their time and prove that women are just as capable—if not more so—than the men around them.

Edie Lawrence, a fearless and determined woman, disguises herself as a man to report from the battlefields and pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Her courage and resolve are nothing short of inspiring. On the other side of the war, we have Dr. Lucinda Garland, who, after being rejected by the War Office, sets up an all-female-run hospital in Paris alongside the French Red Cross. Her story is equally powerful as she navigates the harrowing realities of war while also discovering love in the most unexpected of places.

What I loved most about this novel was how real and tangible these women felt. The fact that they were based on actual heroines from history made the story even more moving. The writing is rich and immersive, and Morrish does a fantastic job of making you feel the emotional weight of the characters' experiences. Their determination, compassion, and resilience shine through in every page.

I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a beautiful, emotional, and inspiring historical fiction novel that I will be thinking about for a long time. If you’re a fan of strong female characters, historical fiction, or just looking for a story that will stay with you long after you finish it, this is an absolute must-read! ✨📚

Two strong women, based upon real people, determined to do their duty in 1914 when women were left to mind babies, tea and the like. Dr Lucinda Garland and Edie Lawrence were strong characters, working in a time of women's suffrage. The doctor managed, eventually, to set up and run a French Red Cross supported hospital in Paris whilst Edie manged to persuade the British Army that she was a young man volunteering for training and combat in order to follow her sweethearts and to write reports about war conditions. Their stories overlapped when Edie, wounded, found herself in Lucinda's hospital, and her gender was discovered. This lead to further ramifications because she was deemed a traitor. The research about conditions in the First World War were well done - the horror, mud, injuries, trials of getting equipment and so on. The sheer horror and drudgery of never ending injury and death felt real. The Doctor's story seemed more realistic than Edies's. Given life in the Army it seems hard to believe she got as far a she she did pretending to be male and I don't know how far or near that was to the real-life Edie. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

An enjoyable read although I did find some parts of Edie's story far fetched. I know the story was based on Dorothy Lawrence but Dorothy revealed herself to be female soon after her arrival in France. I found it hard to believe Edie would not have been discovered when not shaving, going to the toilet, washing etc.

The storyline of women doctors on the front line was far more enjoyable and believable although I wasn't sure their sexuality preference mattered or added to the story.

The book did leave some unanswered questions like who did report Edie? What did happen to Stanley if his name was not mentioned in the lists of the dead?

I'd look for more by the author as it was enjoyable in parts and easy to read.

This is a book about ambitious and determined women in a time when women were not supposed to be so. Based on real life women this is a fictional story of what happened to them, but it's not just about ambition and determination, it's about how women were treated in a world that belonged to men, it's about love, it's about making your own destiny.
I loved this book - it's pacy, breathtaking in places and passionate. Backed up with meticulous research, Louise Morrish has come up with something even better than her fabulous debut, Operation Moonlight. One not to be missed.