New Historical Women's Fiction For You!

The Girl in Gray, a new historical women's fiction by Annette Lyon, is a riveting story about the Hundred Day Winter War between Finland and Russia. To be honest, I didn't know much about this part of history and I could hardly put it down! Finland was the literal David facing the Goliath. They struggled to maintain their country's freedom and the people who were on the frontlines had a monumental task that they met with Finnish sisu, but those 100 days were costly---physically and emotionally.

We are first introduced to Sini Toivola who is sure she loves Dr. Marcus Linna, but her feelings are not returned. When war breaks out, Sini decides she needs a fresh start, so she volunteers with the Lotta Svard and is sent near the front lines. While there, she has to use every skill she has to not only assist with delivering supplies to the frontlines, but also in surgery and in the field. Pushed to her limits, Sini is grateful when she is asked to help in the kitchen, but while taking out the trash, she finds a lost Russian spy, who doesn't seem to be the enemy she imagined. But can she betray her country to keep him safe?

Historical fans will love all the details that bring this time period to life (for example, they used white snowsuits for camouflage for the soldiers because of all the snow!). Sini is such a relatable heroine who is forced to make difficult choices that affect her and the people around her. The author does an amazing job with not only the setting, but what it was like for the women providing support services during the war and the things that they witnessed and endured. But Ms. Lyon maintains that sliver of hope throughout the entire book that keeps readers turning pages to see what will happen to Sini and if she gets her happily-ever-after. The Girl in Gray will take you on a journey that you won't soon forget. I'm still thinking about the book long after turning the last page!

You can get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

In November of 1939, Sini Toivola is sure of two things: she loves Marko Linna, and she has a comfortable life in Helsinki. But when the massive Soviet army invades her beloved homeland and Marko spurns her affections, her life is turned upside down. Needing a fresh start, Sini decides to join the female volunteer corps—the Lotta Svärd—and is sent to serve near the front lines. Service at a field hospital proves a good distraction—until Sini discovers a Russian soldier lost behind their camp.

Duty requires her to turn him in, but her heart begs to keep him safe and help him escape. Torn between love for her country and love for her enemy, Sini must choose—but no matter what choice she makes, heart-wrenching consequences await them all.