Overview

In 1942, an impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn’t be more different—a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they have more in common than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.

Review

Avis is head librarian in her small town in Maine. She has just learned her private library is about to close because the owner is wanting to turn it into a child care center. So, Avis decides to form a book club to keep up moral and to help keep her library doors open. This book club turns into the saving grace for many of the townspeople.

This is a sweet but intense read. There are quite a few characters but the author did a great job keeping them distinctive. They each have characteristics which make them unique and just plain special.

The setting of Maine during WWII is amazing! I loved learning about all the issues this state faced. I knew about the siting of the U-boats but I did not know about the people they recruited to keep and eye out for Germans.

Then there is the book club. I love, love, love all the book references and the closet with romance novels hidden from everyone. I swear, I found myself grinning and laughing at some of the antics from these characters! Such a cute and captivating read!

Need a book about strong friendships and coming together to help everyone…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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