It's 1942 and the United States is deep into World War II. At home, amid adjustments to the hardships and heartaches of war, Kay Ann Franklin is losing a lonely battle caring for her terminally ill mother and her five-year-old twins, one stricken with polio and the other with chicken pox. Worried and exhausted, she has little left to give her baby daughter and her war-absorbed husband. When a colored girl appears at her back door offering to help, Kay Ann welcomes her but holds slight hope that the tiny, crippled Say can make a difference in their situation.

To her surprise, the teenager brings reinforcements for the battle and lightness to their burdens. The family also discovers Say's exceptional musical talent and begins to envision more than the girl can grasp. Kay Ann's dream of a college education for Say is sidetracked by a brutal attack and malicious opposition from neighbors, friends, and Say's preacher.


In this historical tale, Kay Ann and an unlikely group of lady warriors embark on an unforgettable journey during the chaos of a world war endeavoring to help an underprivileged teenager achieve more than she ever imagined, and, most importantly, to believe in herself.


"Wright does an excellent job of re-creating the feel of the homefront during WWII… It's an important, engaging story that's been neglected by other authors." - Kirkus


"Tommye Hamilton Wright offers a wise insider's look into small-town life during World War II… This well-structured story offers interesting plot threads and well-drawn characters that maintain tension from the first chapter to the last. You Are Cordially Invited to War will interest those who enjoy good fiction set during a pivotal time in American history." - Clarion