On the Homefront

by Barb Warner Deane

In 1941, WWII begins for the United States, and life will never be the same for three women as they send their husbands, brothers, and friends off to war.

Ruth, a young wife and teacher, Lilly her teenaged sister-in-law, and Helen, a British war bride, learn to cope with rationing, change, fear, loss, humiliation, and brutality while they forge an impenetrable bond and grow to be stronger than any of them ever dreamed possible. They lean on each other for support, aided by the family and friends who surround them, but when one decides to go to the front lines as part of the American Red Cross Clubmobile program, how can they cope with her absence—and more telegrams reporting loss?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Womens Fiction, Inspirational, Book Club

388 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2017

About the author

Barb Warner Deane is the award-winning author of 4 books and a popular speaker on the topic of American women's roles in WW2. Barb grew up in the beautiful Finger Lakes area of NY, although she's lived in the Chicago area for more than 20 years, except for 2 years in Frankfurt, Germany, and 2 years in Shanghai, China. In addition to writing, Barb is a genealogy buff, is a fan of all things Harry Potter, and is crazy for both U.S. and international travel.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of books about WWII. There is always something new to learn. This book is no exception with the telling by three very different women with three very different perspectives. I learned so much I didn't know before about the Red Cross. This was a book I savored. I would read two or three chapters and put it down and mull over what I had read. I found myself thinking of them as friends and wondering what they were doing which is not my usual reading style. I found I wanted them to linger and hang out with me. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read another book by this author.

[Jane Klenck · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Homefront is a beautifully written tale of love, friendship, and family during World War II. Unlike so many World War II novels, this one tells the story from the perspective of those left behind and how they banded together while coping with fear, uncertainty, sacrifice, and loss. Barb’s intricate detail brings her characters to life, transports us to another place and time, and gives us keen insight into the Red Cross Clubmobile Program and the brave women who served their country close to the front through that little-known program. This was an eye-opening, riveting story which brought tears to my eyes before I even finished reading the prologue. It is a heartfelt tale filled with strong women and will hit home with anyone who has ever had to say good-bye. A must-read for fans of both women’s fiction and historical fiction.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love WWII historical fiction and was really pleased with this book. I enjoyed all 3 main characters and perspectives and learning about the Red Cross Clubmobile program. The whole book felt very well-researched. Great story!

[Marty Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing story covered WWII from the view of one family. It is such an amazing, emotional, and detailed look at how WWII unfolded both at the homefront and in the thick of the fighting through letters and accounts from the family members who were serving "Over There". This is an amazing story that really touched my heart. The characters are so amazingly real and the storyline is very well written and researched.

[Penny Linsenmayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

With its rich cast of engaging characters and war years setting, Deane’s WW2 home front novel hits all the right notes. The Walker farm home and the welcome the family extends to all will remind older readers of The Waltons with all its heartwarming feels. Deane doesn’t shy away from the less savory aspects of life on the American home front, tackling not only the inevitable war casualties but other social issues as well. And there’s a Red Cross Girl! Though her wartime service doesn’t begin until the latter third of the novel and is mostly conveyed through her letters home rather than in her own direct experience, Ruth’s experiences as a Clubmobile girl rang true.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story mostly takes place in rural upstate NY. The story revolves around several women who support the men they love, while the men are away at war in Europe and Asia. Loved the interactions of the characters. They experienced turmoil, love, friendship, happiness, rationing, taking on jobs at a plant making military gear. So well written and the story just draws you in. There were a number of unexpected twists, just as in real life. One part had me crying. Loved the ending. Thanks to the author for a wonderful reading experience.

[Cristie Underwood]

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for a copy of this in exchange of an honest review!

I love reading stories that take place during World War II, so this book was one I couldn't wait to dive into. The author's approach in writing about the people left behind at home was thoroughly enjoyable. It was also enjoyable to read about the background of the Red Cross. This book was just enjoyable on so many different levels!

[Barbara Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It explores those who kept the home fires burning during WWII in a small town in upstate New York. The characters are fierce, brave, loving, loyal, generous, and courageous women. The author deftly bring the war to the reader much as the characters would have. This book stayed with me long after I finished it.

[L Mendenhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book. I loved how the characters intertwined in the story development. I can almost picture how each character looked and sounded. I too, found myself thinking about their lives and couldn't wait to continue reading about them.

[Martha Valasek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. Its setting is WWII regarding how the women in Uptown, NY joined in the war efforts. It is very personable and filled with both joy and tragedy (elements that make a good book).

[Rachael Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read about love and hardship during WWII. I learned some new things from reading this!

[Lenore Kuipers-Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one incredible book! I would compare it to "The Beantown Girls" by Jane Healy, as it centered around the Red Cross Clubmobiles during WWII.
This book revolves around three women who are sending their husbands, brothers, and friends off to war. These women want to make a contribution to the war effort too, besides working the family farm or in an airplane engine plant. They develop a bond/friendship that surpasses old age and is stronger than any that they have ever experienced before. Ruth is a young wife, teacher, and makes the critical decision of becoming a member of the Red Cross Clubmobile women. There is Lilly, who is Ruth's sister-in-law, and Helen, a British war bride that comes to America for safety from the war and its' battles.
All Clubmobile members are women, have to pass a battery of tests administered in Washington D.C., and if accepted, go the front lines to support the troops by serving doughnuts, coffee, gum, music played on a victrola, and listening to the soldiers so as to boost their morale. They learn how the big trucks they are traveling in work, how to fix and drive them, and even sleep in them at times. They are found to be vital to the soldiers mental health, and very much appreciated.
The book is unusual in that it tells the story by using different characters in each chapter. Sometimes there are letters to read. Personalities come into play. I couldn't put it down.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on audible on my way to work and home each day. While it is an interesting shift on a war story (being the family back home instead of the soldier at war), I found the book a bit lackluster. I would recommend reading this with a physical copy if you can find one instead of audible as the narrator can put you to sleep. I had to force myself to finish this book.

[Mary J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but I found it confusing when the author kept switching between 1st person and 3rd person narration. Regardless, it was a good read and covered the lives of various small town, upstate NY women during WW II. Also, I don’t want to give too much information here, but I felt that one of the characters recovered from significant trauma a little too quickly/easily.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, kept my interest, which is hard to do. I enjoyed reading about the history of WWII, history of the Red Cross Clubmobile, it was history mixed with a love story. The ending was not what I expected, which made it morning interesting.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading about my local area. The story kept me wanting to see what happened next. I shed my share of tears throughout the story.
Congratulations Barb on your first book. I'll be looking forward to many more!

[Kassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the premise of the story, but was disappointed in the writing. Oftentimes, I felt that I was reading a short story written by a middle schooler. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend it to anybody, but I wouldn’t deter anyone from reading it.

[Jess Roman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was well researched and had an interesting story, however, I felt the writing style was slightly juvenile.

[Carol Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical fiction. Loved learning about women's contributions during ww2.

[K-BRC · Rating 5 out of 5]

WWII wonderful historical novel about three women who develop their strength and fortitude due to their life's circumstances. This creates impenetrable bonds that may last a lifetime. This book blends delicate blend of nonfiction history with women's fiction. As a true reflection of the times when women took the lead because they had no other choice and became strong and resilient together. As a reader, this book was difficult to pause; you were driven to discover what happened next (historically and personally) through the lives of these women. IMO, this is a 5⭐️ MUST read. This new author will add you to her devoted fan list, especially if you love historical fiction.