This blend of historical fiction and mystery novel from Rickloff ("Bligh Family" series) moves between the Vietnam War and World War I eras. The plot follows the lives of Peggy in 1968 and Vivian in 1918. Peggy Whitby moves into her great-aunt Blanche's beachside cottage after losing her child and divorcing her husband. The cottage is in a dilapidated state and Peggy resolves to bring new life to it. From the moment she moves into the cottage, she receives mysterious postcards from "Vivian Weston," postmarked 1918. So, when she hears about a military ID tag that has washed up ashore and learns that the name on it is Vivian Weston, she becomes emotionally invested in discovering who Vivian was and what connection she had to her great-aunt. As she continues digging into the past, more mysteries about the women who served in the Navy during World War I surface. VERDICT This extraordinary novel follows the stories of strong women who undertake struggles and become stronger for it. Peggy's journey renovating the cottage recalls Frances Mayes's memoir Under the Tuscan Sun and its run-down villa.--Victoria Kollar

Rickloff (Heir of Danger, 2012) spins a tale of friendship, loyalty, and secrets in this historical novel about women coming into their own. In 1918, the U.S. Navy accepts women into its ranks for the first time to serve in the fight against Germany. Vivian Weston seizes the opportunity to get further away from her secrets and to hide herself under a new identity. Viv meets Blanche and Marjory, fellow yeomanettes, and together they prove their loyalty not only to the cause but to one other. In 1968, newly divorced Peggy Whitby takes a chance and moves into a cottage left to her by her estranged Great Aunt Blanche. After receiving some mysterious post cards dated 1918, she begins to wonder more about her aunt's past--and what history might reveal about why her aunt left her the house. Secrets from both the present and the past are held dear and once found out, bring Peggy and Viv closer to the ones they love. This is an endearing account of the first women in the navy and how they proved themselves worthy.