Jencey's Writer's Corner

  Today we move to World War I  and the adventures of the American Committee for  Devastated France (CARD).  This book appealed to me because it is about a librarian.  I also love history!  Author Janet Skeslien Charles is a new author to me.  I hope you are ready to go to war-torn France.  Synopsis:  “1918: As the Great War rages, Jessie Carson takes a leave of absence from the New York Public Library to work for the American Committee for Devastated France. Founded by millionaire Anne Morgan, this group of international women help rebuild destroyed French communities just miles from the front. Upon arrival, Jessie strives to establish something that the French have never seen—children’s libraries. She turns ambulances into bookmobiles and trains the first French female librarians. Then she disappears. 1987: When NYPL librarian and aspiring writer Wendy Peterson stumbles across a passing reference to Jessie Carson in the archives, she become...

  The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patty Callahan came out two years ago.  This book is pure escapism!!  I would also say a beach read! Journey into a magical land!  Enjoy the ride.  About the book:  In the war-torn London of 1939, fourteen-year-old Hazel and five-year-old Flora are evacuated to a rural village to escape the horrors of the Second World War. Living with the kind Bridie Aberdeen and her teenage son, Harry, in a charming stone cottage along the River Thames, Hazel fills their days with walks and games to distract her young sister, including one that she creates for her sister and her sister alone—a fairy tale about a magical land, a secret place they can escape to that is all their own. But the unthinkable happens when young Flora suddenly vanishes while playing near the banks of the river. Shattered, Hazel blames herself for her sister’s disappearance, and she carries that guilt into adulthood as a private burden she feels she deserves. Twenty...

Thank you to Atria Books for giving me a copy of It Happens All The Time by Amy Hatvany. I was given this copy in exchange for an honest review. I also received no financial compensation. Sexual assault is a major crime against women.  In It Happens All The Time by Amy Hatvany, shares a story of sexual assault and how it impacts both the victim and the abuser. I am a sexual assault survivor like Amber in this story. This story is symbolic what this experience might be like. Synopsis: Amber and Tyler have been friends for years. Their families met when they were teenagers. Tyler has been the best friend that Amber has ever had. He has been with her through some of the worst times in her life. Tyler also has a secret crush on Amber. So fast forward to college and Amber comes home with an engagement ring on her finger. Tyler is crushed that he has lost his opportunity with the woman of his dreams. When Amber graduates from college, and starts her plans towards her futu...

Good In Bed is the debut novel by Jennifer Weiner.  It also started the trend in Women’s Fiction known as Chick Lit.  I only recently read this novel.  Of course it is great for the beach!  Aren’t all her books? Synopsis: Candice (Cannie) Shapiro is about to get some bad news. Samantha Her friend tells her about the new column in Moxie by her exboyfriend Bruce.  Is he Cannie's ex?  She thought that they were just taking a “break.”  It appears to be more than a break and is meticulous in covering their relationship, for his job.  Cannie finds herself a free woman but will she ever find respect or value by others?  She examines herself and decides a diet will be a great place to start. Will these changes that Cannie pursue provide her happiness?  Could a little surprise change her life for the better? My Thoughts: I liked Good in Bed, Jennifer Weiner’s debut.  I have enjoyed seeing how much she has grown as a writer...

Thank you to Atria books for a copy of Lake Season by Hannah McKinnon in exchange for an honest review.   I have read many novels, but none like this.   So when a story really grips me and compels me to finish then I know that I can’t want to share it with you!   The Lake Season makes a great beach read this summer! Synopsis: Nothing seems to be going right for Iris Standish.   She can’t get her family on the right track once her husband Paul tells her that he wants to separate.   Then an embarrassing episode takes place at her daughter’s soccer game.   What could be the solution?   How about a break to visit her family in the lake country in New Hampshire.   While she received a card from her sister asking to come up this summer, is there more to the story?   Will Leah truly tell her what has been going on as she prepares for her wedding? Or will Iris find it out from a different source?   My Thoughts:   I lo...