Month: April 2021

Children’s author, Constance C. Greene, died this month at age 96. Growing up, I read and reread her ‘A Girl Called Al,’ ‘Leo the Lioness,’ and ‘Isabelle the Itch’ books multiple times. She belonged in the Judy Blume/ Norma Klein group of authors writing about kids from divorced parents and annoying siblings. Although her titles are somewhat dated now, I have great memories of picking up one of Greene’s books knowing I held a treasure in my hands.

Janet Skeslien Charles has written a novel based on a true story of the American Library in Paris during WWII. Odile is a librarian who joins the resistance movement by delivering books to her Jewish patrons who are no longer allowed to visit the library. She also steals “crow” letters from the desk of her father, who was chief of a police precinct. These were letters of betrayal, written by those who were hoping to gain favors from turning in their neighbors.

The novel jumps ahead to introduce Lily, a young girl in a small Montana town who is Odile’s neighbor, and is taking French lessons from her. Eventually, Odile tells Lily the story of her life during the war, which she has never shared with anyone else. There is an author’s note that reveals more about the history of the library, and how the characters were based on real people. A fascinating read!

Abigail is about to get married and everything seems to be right with the world. Her husband-to-be is a wealthy man who is letting her make all of the wedding decisions. He only wants to arrange their honeymoon. When the story begins, Abigail is on her bachelorette weekend. Unexpectedly, she meets a handsome stranger at the spa where she’s staying and has a one-night stand. Horrified at what she did, she wants to forget it and move on. The wedding takes place and the honeymoon begins. Up to this point I liked the book, but then the plot takes a more unbelievable turn and the second half of the novel is too far-fetched and unbelievable. The honeymooners are on an island being pampered, but odd circumstances foretell of danger. If you want a quick thriller to entertain you, this might do the trick. However, be prepared for that voice in your head saying, “This would never happen in real life.”