I love a good historical fiction novel, but I especially love it when it educates me about a part of history I didn't previously know. That was this book. The Alice Network was a network of female spies during WWI that I had never heard about before, and I was so happy to learn about it through this story. 
 The Alice Network perfectly balances two timelines--one during WWI and one shortly after WWII--and two female protagonists, each with her own set of demons. While there is a bit of romance, it's mostly about female friendships and the different effects that war has on different people. I loved the characters, the setting, the plot--both timelines meshed together so well at the end. I loved that the story managed to surprise me (view spoiler)[I definitely thought Rose was still alive somewhere with young Charlotte, awaiting an emotional reunion with Charlie (hide spoiler)]. Very well written.