The Belgian Girls and the Kate Quinn connection

I never considered writing a historical novel until Kate Quinn sent me a signed copy of The Alice Network, a fact I am not making up. At the direction of Louise de Bettignies's grandnephew, Quinn discovered my book, Women Heroes of World War I, utilized the chapter on the great De Bettignies for her novel, and then sent me a copy by way of thanks. 

I wasn't all that interested in historical fiction at the time, but I was absolutely blown away by Quinn's portrayal of De Bettignies. I realized then that while well-written nonfiction can press a reader's face up against the window of a room, historical fiction, when done the right way, can bring the reader directly into the room. 

I decided I might try this for my favorite WWI spy, Gabrielle Petit. The result is my novel, The Belgian Girls, which has received some high praise since being published last year: 

THE BELGIAN GIRLS | Kirkus Reviews "Intriguing, disturbing and historically compelling." 

The Belgian Girls - Historical Novel Society "Beautifully written...highly recommended." 

 “The Belgian Girls” by Kathryn J. Atwood (Discovering Belgium): "...a poignant and powerfully told dual-timeline novel."

The Belgian Girls by Kathryn J. Atwood | Goodreads

And the ever-gracious Kate Quinn agreed to endorse my novel when it came out: