This was absolutely wonderful – a fascinating and heartwarming story told in 1918 France and 1987 New York (specifically at the New York Public Library). I learned so much as I read and felt so proud of my librarian self and of all those who came before me. Book lovers and library lovers should snap this up.

I normally love books about books, especially those in a historical setting. I thought the premise was excellent but I did not care for the writing style.

A historical fiction about two women in two different eras who work at the New York Public Library. Clearly well researched and definitely well written. A great story about unsung heroes and the power of women in the aftermath of war.

A tremendous book on hope, courage and compassion. The love of literature can try a help you through and devastating situation.

Typically I love books about books, but this one just didn't hold my attention. I loved Janet Skeslien Charles' previous novel, The Paris Library, so much that maybe I felt like I needed something different.

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is an inspiring and heartwarming tale that beautifully intertwines history, literature, and the power of perseverance. Jessie Carson’s dedication to creating children’s libraries in war-torn France is moving and admirable, and her story is complemented by Wendy Peterson’s passionate search for answers decades later. The dual timelines create a compelling narrative, each one rich with emotional depth and historical significance. The author’s writing is engaging, and the character development, particularly Jessie’s, is powerful. While the connection between the two women is heartfelt and satisfying, the pacing of Wendy’s story could have been tighter. Overall, it’s a captivating and poignant tribute to the life-changing power of books.

Jessie "Kit" Carson heads to France to help with recovery efforts during WWI. As an experienced children's librarian she champions access to education and books in rural communities. The Author's note is a must read!

Janet Skeslien Charles captured the heartbreak and hope during war while developing the connection between the reader and characters. There were a few lines here and there that I highlight like "my mother was my window to the world" and the sentiment of books tasting better than spinach. Carson's relationship with other members of the organization and French people was well written.

I enjoyed the addition of Wendy's experience of researching their efforts in 1987 for providing a peak behind the curtain of a historical fiction writers process. BUT I felt her romance plot was not necessary and detracted from the overall story.

I'm rating the book five stars purely for the emotional response it inspired as I learned about Jessie Carson and the CARDs.
Would recommend to fans of Kate Quinn.

my review was delayed because of personal circumstances.

Jesse Carson works for the New York Public Library and decides to take a leave of absence to head to France to help the war effort. It is 1918 and the Great War is raging and it is time to volunteer her time. American Committee for Devastated France, needs help and Jesse can’t be more excited. Millionaire Anne Morgan had set up this group to help towns in France recover from the devastating effects of war. At first she doesn’t know what she can do to help but realizes she can help with her library skills. She puts her efforts into creating children’s libraries. When she can’t find the right places to set them up, she creates mobile units. She works with Miss Morgan’s brigade until she disappears. 1987- Wendy Peterson is working in the NYPL and comes across the name of Jesse Morgan and her story. Wendy can’t get Jesse out of her mind and decides to research her. She doesn’t know why she is drawn to her but she can’t stop. She uncovers things that make her connected to Jesse in more ways than she could have imagined. This is such a good read about females, courage and their place in history. Based on Croix de Guerre medal for courage under fire, Janet Skeslien Charles tells such an interesting story of WWI, not often mentioned in the history books. I want to thank Netgalley and the author for my copy of Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade, for an honest review. It was my pleasure to read and review this book. I love any opportunity to read historical fiction and this one didn’t disappoint.

I really enjoy reading historical fiction books. But I should have known better than to try to appreciate one that was written about WWI. That is not a time period I enjoy reading about And I am definitely not a big fan of books in the romance genre. So there were several factors that turned me off before I had hardly gotten started reading. One aspect that I should have found appealing is that it included a dual timeline. But even that did not work well for me. Warning: there is the subject of rape or near rape mentioned as well as a couple of lovemaking scenes between Anne Morgan and Anne Dike … one of which is fairly graphic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Adult
Adult Fiction
Books About Books
Fiction
France
Historical
Historical Fiction
War
WWI

I really enjoyed this book. It did take a bit for me to get into but once I was hooked I buzzed right through it. Great historical references.

1918, WWI, France. Jessie Carson joins a group, the American Committee for Devastated France (CARD), in France, to help establish children's libraries in some very war torn areas. Founded by Anne Morgan, daughter of J.P. Morgan, Anne was using the money for good causes. The villagers came to like and truly respect the American ladies and in turn, the American women came to see how much the villagers were able to do with so little. The Americans turned old ambulances into bookmobiles and with the aid of families sending them books, were able to stock the shelves with children's books.

The other half of the story is that of Wendy Peterson, also working at the same New York library where Jessie worked many years prior. Wendy, in 1987, stumbles across some references to Jessie Carson and determines to find out what happened to her and the CARD organization.

Alternating chapters tell the stories of both women. Jessie Carson was real, she did leave New York and move to France to run the libraries. Based on research done by Janet Skeslien Charles, Jessie and her story are brought to life. The Author's Notes at the end are a great addition to the story.

This is a dual timeline book following our two main characters Jessie "Kit" Carson and Wendy Peterson. Kit is in France in 1918 as a children's librarian working with the American Committee for Devastated France and Wendy Peterson is working for the NYPL in the late 80s. When following Kit we are watching her become immersed in the lives of the French people during the devastation of the Great War and all of the efforts the CARDs are making to restore France. When following Wendy, we watch as she discovers the CARDs and their work during the Great War and she dives into researching Kit so she can write a book about them. Eventually, the two timelines collide and we see the ending of Kit and Wendy's stories.

This book was a bit slow to get into, however after about 30% I was totally hooked. I liked the way the characters interacted with those around them and stood up for themselves and what they believed was right. I loved all of the side characters and their support of our leading ladies. I thought this was a beautiful story about the impact women have on the world and how their efforts should be recognized and celebrated. I love this author and can't wait to see what she puts out next!

Compelling story, interesting history and memorable characters, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade was enjoyable and inspiring.

There are so many stories set during this time period. This one did not add much that was new. I didn't love the characters.

This is a dual timeline novel set in WWI France and 1987 New York City. While I enjoyed the story, there were a few aspects that left me wanting more. The main narrative, set during WWI, was incredibly detailed and clearly well-researched. The focus on the friendships between a group of young women was central, though it did introduce quite a few characters, and I struggled to keep them all straight at times.

I think I would have enjoyed the 1987 timeline more if it had felt more grounded in its time period. While there were a few details, it didn’t fully capture the essence of the era for me. On a positive note, both main characters in each timeline were librarians, and I loved the vivid descriptions of their work and activities. The author seamlessly weaves in quotes from beloved books, doing so in a way that feels completely natural and is a delightful touch.

Overall, this story is a beautiful ode to books, libraries, and history. It’s an enjoyable read for anyone who shares a love for these things.

I love books, I love libraries, and I love historical fiction. This book was all of that and more. Such bravery. A very different look into another less known aspect of war.

At first I had a hard time getting into this book so I set it aside. I think I just wasn't ready for it yet because then when I picked dit up again a month later, I could not put it down. I love historical fiction and this packs a punch. I had no idea about the CARDS in France founded by the daughter of JP Morgan and her friend. But through the eyes of Miss Carson, we come to learn about these courageous women who went to France to help the people there displaced by the war and Miss Carson's role in creating a library for the children and townspeople. A library that served as a community builder, a ray of hope in a time of despair. Told in a dual timeline, we travel back and forth as her life and contributions are researched by one who works in the NYC public library. Rich in detail and character development, we see the story unfold of strong women who were determined, courageous, and compassionate in their humanity. Well done. Many thanks to #netgalley, #missmorgansbookbrigade # janetskesliencharles for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thank you for this ARC! i loved it so much i ended up buying the hardback copy for my library. I’ve read other books by this author and loved and this did not disappoint.

A book about books! How could I pass up on this one?!

The first POV is of Librarian Jessie Carson. She joins Anne Morgan’s foundation to help France during WWI. She travels to France and creates the first children’s libraries there. She creates bookmobiles that allow for traveling books. I loved how dedicated Jessie is to sharing books with other people. France was ravaged from the war, but she wanted to bring even a little joy to its people.

The second POV is of Librarian Wendy Peterson. She finds mention of Jessie in the New York Public Library archives and wants to learn more about her.

I was fascinated by the converging timelines of this story. I liked learning about Jessie along with Wendy.

Thank you Atria Books for my ARC of this book.

This historical fiction novel of a group of brave women (the CARDS) made of a group of American and French women was so inspiring. Before reading this book, I knew of Anne Morgan by name (she was the daughter of JP Morgan), but knew nothing of what she helped to do in France during World War I. I was amazed by this group of women and what they were able to accomplish and am grateful for this book for introducing me to them- especially the librarian, Jessie Carson.

A MUST read!!