In this week's edition of End Notes, we take a look at Kristin Hannah's latest novel, The Women (St. Martin’s, Feb.), which follows the story of a young nurse named Frankie McGrath whose life is forever changed by the Vietnam War. Publishers Weekly's review called the novel an "emotionally charged page-turner" and said "Fans of women’s historicals will enjoy this magnetic wartime story."

Here's how the book came together.

Jennifer Enderlin, President and Publisher, St. Martin’s Publishing Group

“What I love about working with Kristin is that no question or note or comment I have is too big for her. I never hold back from telling her what I think because I’m worried it would be too hard for her. The revision process actually brings her joy! She embraces the work and the entire process. She challenges herself more than I could ever challenge her.”

Andrea Cirillo, Literary Agent, Jane Rotrosen Agency

“Jennifer Enderlin and St. Martin’s Press have been Kristin’s publishers for quite a while and this book was part of an existing contract. None of us knew what the story would be when we made the deal, but once Jen heard the idea, she instantly became its champion.”

Michael Storrings, V-P and Executive Creative Director, St. Martin’s Publishing Group

“I wanted to reflect the period of the book by using a typeface from the ’70s and quickly signal Vietnam by use of a helicopter. The dilemma for me was to create a design that was both gritty and pretty at the same time. The use of gold foil in a distressed way solved that for me. I may have created 30 designs for this book before landing on the final jacket.”

Kristin Hannah, Author

“The Women is a story I’ve wanted to write for more than two decades. I was a kid during the Vietnam War and I remember the chaotic turbulence of the time well. All of it made a lasting impression on me and fueled my desire to tell this story. But it wasn’t until we were in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and I saw how exhausted and overworked our nurses and doctors were that it all came together for me and clicked in my head. I knew my way into the story. I would write about the nurses. The women.”