Women can be heroes. When 20-year-old nursing student Frankie McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing.

But in 1965 the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal.

But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.

The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, it is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.

Says Booklist, “It is a moving, gripping tale that pays tribute to the under-appreciated skill and courage of combat nurses.”