Nearly 400,000 American women served in uniform during the Second World War (which is more or less directly lifted from the afterward; I think that all I did differently was write out WWII – so, this from 99% mark of eBook). “During the war years . . . female independence and love between women were understood and undisturbed and even protected (Faderman, "Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers: A History of Lesbian Life in Twentieth-Century America", 119). This book tells the fictional story of Caroline “CJ” Jamieson, of Michigan, and Brady Buchanan, of California while both are stationed at Fort Bliss Texas during the Second World War.

This is my second book that involves women in uniform during WWII, and my third book written by Kate Christie (by the way, I did notice that one of the characters names was Kate, but she was a side character with few lines). Tereska Torrès 1950 book "Women's Barracks" being the first ‘women in uniform during WWII’ book I had read. Considering that I rated Christie’s book 5 stars, and Women’s Barracks 3 stars, I do not need to go that far to note that I liked Christie’s book more than Torrès.

When the book opens, it is 1943 and CJ is on her way to Fort Bliss Texas after extensive training. She’s annoyed that she’s going to Texas instead of her original assignment, California. Almost immediately, though, her opinion begins to change. This change might be largely due to her bumping into another woman, also a (in?) the WAC, while zooming around the PX. Brady Buchanan gives CJ a tour of Fort Bliss. One thing leads to another, and . . . well, it’s 1943 and neither are exactly aware of their own lesbian natures (well, at least I know that from being in CJ’s head, I’m less sure of Brady), so naturally there’s some tension that develops. Instead of, say, instant coupling.

CJ works in the mechanical division, keeping planes up and running. Brady works in the Admin division. Two things work against them developing . . . happy attachments with each other. There is a kind of hierarchy/division in the military and the Admin people and the Mechanical people do not tend to hang out together. Plus, there are several regulations regarding fraternization, specifically on point for Brady and CJ is the regulation against same sex relationships. Despite this, they circle each other and flirt with the idea of ‘bending’ regulations and societal mores.

This is a strong well written book. Quite interesting book. It is quite nice to be able to read about lesbians back in time, historically. I have some relatively vague idea of the history, really vague, from about 1940 to 1960 from reading a nonfiction book on the topic, [book:Boots of Leather, Slippers of Gold: The History of a Lesbian Community|187541], and an even vaguer idea of the history 1970 to today. Prior to, say, 1930? No real clue. I say prior to 1930 because I think that nonfiction book I had read had a few details provided for 1930.

Hmm, I know I want to write more, or should write more, but I just finished reading it and probably should have waited, oh, three days or something before attempting to write. But, meh. ( )