Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is a fabulous story about the power of books to bring people together and to lift them up in trying times, even in war. If you enjoyed The Wartime Bookclub by Kate Thompson, then I'd highly recommend this one!

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade is told from two points of view over dual timelines. The past is set towards the end of WWI in France. The present is set during 1987 in New York. The story is historical fiction, centered around Jesse Carson, who joined the American Committee for Devestated France to help rebuild their library system in the parts of France most ravaged by war. Archivist Wendy Peterson learns about Jesse Carson through her work at the NYPL. Jesse is an aspiring writer who decides to write about Jesse Carson.

There is something with books about books that really appeals to me. Miss Morgan's Book Brigade was unique in that, while in the past, we are learning about Jesse. In the present, Wendy is actually writing the story.

This story was captivating. The bravery that these women showed in helping the people of France rebuild. The difficulties they encountered, including having to evacuate the area when a German offensive came too close and the loss during the 1918 influenza epidemic, as if the loss and devastation from war wasn't enough. This book had me on the edge of my seat, smiling at their triumphs and shedding tears at their sorrow.

This is a definite must-read for those who enjoy historical fiction. Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for the advanced digital copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

A charming tale but a little repetitive in plot. I enjoyed this book but it was not a stand out read for me

What a fantastic story revolving around the love of books and reading bringing people together. The quotes scattered throughout were a great touch. Also, as someone who mourns the loss of my spouse, it moved me the way these women mourned their loved ones and still found a way to move forward with their lives. This novel captivated me in ways I couldn’t describe.

This book took me awhile to digest because it's meant to be savoured and not swallowed whole! As a lover of historical fiction about extraordinary women, this story was like an incredible 10-course meal.

The writing grabbed me immediately, especially, the lovely little nuggets about real-life Jessie 'Kit' Carson and her insecurities with her boss, her internal library she escaped to, and the courage she and the members of the American Committee for Devastated France lived out with the French communities they served and lived amongst during WWI. The emotions, imagery and daily struggles these people faced, alongside the joy that books and Kit's inspiration for a mobile library brought to the children as well as to their struggling caregivers will stay with me for a long time.

For my part, I was slightly put off by the modern timeline narrator, Wendy Peterson, and her own journey and sometimes felt like it took away from the Kit and the others, but may work for those who enjoy dual timeline tales.

Overall, the author did a fabulous job of bringing to life the tragedies of war as well as the power of hope, community, and female friendship (and some romance too!) in a way that linger as only the best literature can do.

If you're anything like me, sometimes you get a little overwhelmed by the bleakness of novels around women's history in wartime. I know that I love a good weep over a great story (talk to me about needing to pull over while listening to Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale) but I also, at times, need something about the strength of women in community that I can read before bed without it keeping me awake.

Miss Morgan's Book Brigade does a lovely job of filling that gap. It has a fascinating story to tell (check), some quirky, engaging characters (check), a solid base in fact (check), and a main character that you become genuinely attached to. I was expecting to enjoy this one, but I wasn't expecting to learn as much as I did. As a teacher-librarian, the determination of the women who formed CARD (le comite americain pour les regions devastes) and worked to bring the joy of reading to people who had lost everything created a compelling story. I'm also a fan of well-done parallel narratives, and this one is that, switching between Jessie Carson's challenges in wartime France in 1918, and a young librarian trying to research Jessie's story (and figure out her own strengths) in 1987.

This was a solid winner for me. Janet Skeslien Charles has created a well-researched, well-written novel, shining a light on a new-to-me part of women's history.

3.5 stars

There are stories that you instantly know will be a fascinating read so when I saw this book about WW1 and libraries (two of my favourite elements), I was excited to delve in. The story itself did not disappoint. It’s a dual timeline about Jessie “Kit” Carson and her experience working for CARD during the war. The plot mainly focused on Jessie’s accomplishments such as creating libraries out of ambulances. The other timeline was less developed and took place in the 1980’s. Wendy, a librarian in NYC comes across history about CARD and the disappearance of Jessie so decides to further research to find out what happened. This timeline fills in some of the earlier details about CARD.

I will admit I much preferred the earlier timeline involving Jessie as it not only talked about Card, but also had interesting historical details about WW1 and the Spanish Flu. As a whole, I enjoyed my time with this book yet also found myself having a difficult time connecting to the characters and immersing myself in the plot. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure why. Perhaps the pacing was off at times.Perhaps the writing style wasn’t exactly for me.

Despite my shortcomings in this book, I would recommend to others as I think others may not have the same issues I did and the storyline itself was a unique topic. Thank you to #NetGalley and publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

MISS MORGAN'S BOOK BRIGADE is a compelling narrative that intertwines the past and present through the lives of two women connected by their passion for books and their roles in aiding the war-torn regions of France. Jessie "Kit" Carson's pioneering efforts during World War I to bring children's libraries to devastated areas highlight the profound impact of cultural and educational initiatives in times of conflict. Decades later, Wendy Peterson's discovery of Carson's work ignites a quest to uncover the legacy left behind by these unsung heroes. The dual narrative structure allows readers to delve into the historical context of WWI and its aftermath, while also exploring the personal growth and emotional journeys of the characters. Charles's meticulous research enriches the story, providing authenticity and depth that resonate with fans of historical fiction, and underscores the timeless value of perseverance and the human spirit's capacity to bring light into the darkest of times. The inclusion of an Author's Note, photographs, and additional resources further bridges the gap between fiction and reality, inviting readers to explore the historical events that inspired the novel.

MISS MORGAN'S BOOK BRIGADE stands as a witness to the genre's ability to enlighten and move its readers. It celebrates the unsung heroes of history and the lasting influence of their deeds, reminding us that the past is not just a series of events, but a tapestry of individual lives and stories that continue to resonate in the present.

“Oftentimes, what you do in life is not so much a choice as chance. Either something happens to someone close to you, or there’s a reaction to events.” - Janet Skeslien Charles 💜💜💜💜Thank you @simonschusterca for the advanced readers copy of “Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade” by Janet Skeslien Charles. I devoured this book in 2 days and loved every minute of it. The strong woman characters are inspiring and Janet brought to life the bravery and heroism of a collective of woman known as “CARDS” who were instrumental in rebuilding France during and following WWI. These are woman worth remembering and Janet was so intentional with her well researched and thought out tribute to their little known actions. I will be continuing my research about them while holding close to my heart the characters that I couldn’t help but fall in love with during this novel. If you loved “The Paris Library” be sure not to miss this one!

"Books are treasures; their value only rises with use.
They should be cherished until their bindings break and their pages fall out, until smudges and tearstains obscure the words."

I really enjoyed this book and I often do enjoy books in the times of WW1 and WW2. This book is an enjoyable work of historical fiction, based on the true story of Jessie “Kit” Carson. Jessie is recruited by Ann Morgan, daughter of JP Morgan, to join a group of women helping in war torn France with a goal of bringing books to children. While we follow the story of Kit in 1918, we are also treated to the story of Wendy in 1987 as she learns of Kit, her story and the women she spent to much time with.

I love a book that celebrates books; and this book itself deserves to be celebrated. I love how multiple characters describe books, their love of books, favourite quotes and characters. It connects you to them when they mention a character you too might have loved from another story.

The love stories that intertwined within these pages were sweet, longingly hopeful, and sisterly. From the love in a romantic relationship to the love between to women that became like sisters, to the care of wounded soldiers, it was very enjoyable to read (and also made me believe I may have been born in the wrong timeline).

Knowing that these stories are often based in truth always leaves me in absolute awe of what people can endure and how selfless others can be. After reading this book, I want to know more about Kit, more about France and more about join The American Committee For devastated France known as Cards.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for the Advanced Readers Copy of Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade.

This historical fiction pays homage to women who played a significant part in preserving and changing the literary landscape in France during WWI. And these women are real, as explained in the Author’s Note following the story.

Told in past 1918 and present 1987 chapters - we follow, Jessie Kit Carson from New York, that moved to France during the war to work and Wendy Peterson in New York trying to uncover who Jessie was and what she did…

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade sprinkles in multiple children’s classic titles from Anne of Green Gables and The Wizard of Oz to The Little Prince that will delight many readers. Not only is this book about an American librarian who established libraries amidst war turmoil, but remembering how stories connect people. It is always an added bonus to learn new bits of history that includes actual people built-in the plot.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with an e-ARC of this via Netgalley.

Insightful, rich, and absorbing!

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is an alluring dual-timeline tale set in France and New York City during WWI, as well as 1987, that takes you into the lives of two main characters; Jessie, a librarian who joins the American Committee for Devasted France to bring books and the love of reading to those families trying to carry on in a land ravished by war, and Wendy, a young writer and librarian who after stumbling upon information about another employee of the esteemed NYPL from the distant past, is driven to discover everything she can about this woman’s life, achievements and ultimate fate.

The prose is smooth and fluid. The characters are genuine, innovative, and determined. And the plot, including all the subplots, unravel and intertwine seamlessly into an intriguing tale of life, loss, hardship, courage, devastation, hope, friendship, adversity, self-discovery, wartime living, survival, and ultimately the power of books.

Overall, Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is a well-written, vivid, informative tale inspired by real-life events that does an exceptional job of highlighting her considerable knowledge and impressive research into a real-life historical figure that was determined to show the power and importance of the written word to uplift and provide hope in even the most dire of situations.

I really enjoyed this book, especially the parts that were set during WWI. It was a subject I didn’t really know a lot about, so it was great to read something fresh. I thought the ending was a bit rushed, and would have loved to hear more about what happened to Jessie after the war ended.

It was a good read! It was fascinating to read about Jessie Carson and her adventures through the second world war. The friendships she developed and the work she did was amazing!

If you love stories that celebrate the power of books, Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles is for you. Set at the end of the first World War, and the 1980s, the story introduces us to real-life historical figures the CARDs (American Committee for Devastated France) who helped rebuild towns in France devastated by the atrocities of the war. Front-and-centre is children’s librarian, Jessie Carson who leaves the New York Public Library (NYPL) to join this amazing group of women led by billionaire heiress Ann Morgan and Dr. Anne Murray Dike who risk their lives to help others. Jessie is charged with rebuilding the town library and instantly wants to start a children’s reading hour. With no place to hold these readings, she sets out across the countryside just miles from the fighting to share her stories with the children and the widows in the region. What she discovers is a community who has suffered so much, and the power of stories to help them escape and dream. Jessie’s story is discovered through documents in the NYPL in the 1980s by librarian Wendy who finds the story fascinating and sets her on a quest to learn Jessie’s story. The dual timelines flow well together and Jessie’s story is fascinating. The passion that she had for sharing the love of reading and helping those who were rebuilding their lives in France was such an interesting look into history. This story explores the heartbreak of war, the vulnerabilities of women revealing incredible resilience, and finding what you are passionate about. When Wendy finds out what happened to Jessie and the other CARDs at the end of the story, the reader is also waiting for this update as you are swept away in this story. This story is perfect for fans of historical fiction, books about books, and those looking for a story about strong and impactful women. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon Schuster Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

During the time of turmoil Jessie still wanted to share her loves of books and make sure that books were preserved for the future. She tries to help the people of French by exposing the children to children's literacy.

In this dual timeline novel, author Janet Skeslien Charles introduces us to two young women, Jessie Carson in 1918 in France and Wendy Peterson in 1987 in New York City. Both women are librarians and work for the New York Public Library.

1918:
Jessie Carson, hearing of the work millionaire Anne Morgan and her group of women are doing as part of the American Committee for Devastated France (known as Le Comité américain pour les régions dévastées, i.e. CARD), decides to head to France. Jessie is also escaping a bullying, dismissive boss. Jessie is shocked by the devastation mere miles from the Front; the group of women, comprised mainly of rich heiresses, work to rebuild the communities. Jessie is there to set up a library, but soon sees that the emotional and physical damage of the people will require her to take a bit of a different approach in getting people reading again, and for the children to patronize something they've never seen or heard of before: a children's library.

Taking advantage of the friendship of one of the ambulance drivers, Kate Lewis, Jessie begins travelling around with books to loan out, and also begins training Marcelle, a twelve-year-old eager for new experiences and work as a librarian, much to her mother's anger.

Jessie and the women of CARD did more than distribute books; they provided medical care, and when the Germans approached, helped evacuate everyone they could, going well above what their mandates were.


1987:
Wendy Peterson comes across a series of old documents, articles and photographs showing the work of CARD in 1918. Wendy is also a budding writer, though is struggling to gain respect for her work with her instructor. One day, she finds a reference to Jessie Carson, and Wendy's imagination is captured by the other woman's bravery and unconventional work during the Great War. Wendy begins trying to track down information about Jessie, which is understandably difficult because of limited records, and no mention of Jessie in the materials she does find. This search and what she learns galvanizes Wendy to reexamine her priorities and her life, and sets her on a more positive path in her life.

This was fascinating. I have a fondness for stories set during WWI, and I was pleased to learn about this small group of very determined women who worked with limited funds and much danger, being 40 miles from the Front, but managed to have a big impact on the lives of people whose lives had been blasted apart by German forces.

I was also pleasantly surprised that several of the characters in the novel were real people, and even more intrigued by the Author's Note that provided some background on the real women, including Jessie, who made up CARD. I was also thrilled to learn that Jessie, after her stint with CARD and a move to Paris, created a library in a working-class neighbourhood, which still exists.

I've never read anything else by this author, but now I'm eager to read her "The Paris Library".

I recommend "Miss Morgan's Book Brigade" if you're a fan of historical fiction set during WWI.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Simon & Schuster Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as a female, as a teacher, as a mother, as a lover and user of libraries for both myself and my children, grandchildren, and all my students. This book tells two stories of two women, both who are passionate about what they do in and outside of libraries, and the hardships and the prejudices that they have overcome to be where they want to be. Jessie is working in France during the First World War to instil a love of reading into war-struck children and their families. The second woman, Wendy, is trying to investigate Jessie's life and bring it to public awareness through the writing a book on her. Wendy's research activities helps both herself mature and aids in Jessie's life work. Finally the two worlds/time-lines meet when Wendy locates a woman in the US who was from France and one of Jessie's then proteges.

Many women in my lifetime have also been disrespected, dismissed and diminished by choosing to follow a career path rather than the more traditional one of marriage and children. Books such as this show that women have and can continue to overcome such prejudices and find themselves and have rich lives, with or without marriage. Jessie had many many children who listened to her read and who in turn developed a love of reading. What more can a person ask!

An excellent book. Well written, meaningful, and very thought provoking as well as tear jerking.

My first book back into Historical Fiction genre after an (unintentional but) long hiatus. I've had the opportunity to read a variety of WW2 era fiction but this was the first set in 1918. Janet has a wonderful way of weaving in historical events from multiple time points and bringing the reader into the characters shoes. Miss Morgan's Book Brigade centres on two women in two time points. While alternating from 1918 France and 1980's New York City, we learn about the power of the written word and how a library can be a safe space for men, women and children in the grief, trauma and elicit joy.
In 1918 we learn about the impact of an American organization at the front lines of war and how the CARDs were able to support the French families during war and as the country recovered from the devastation it left behind. In that, we see how the experience impacted the women of the CARD organization.
In 1980s NYC the reader experiences how a woman learns of this organization for the first time, learning of the CARDs through her eyes.

While I excitedly received this Advanced Reader Copy courtesy of netgalley I have since purchased it for my own library.

*Huge thanks to Simon & Schuster CA and Atria Books for a physical ARC of this book. I offer this review willingly and without any compensation whatsoever.*


I’m an avid historical fiction reader, and even more when they’re based on true stories and people and thoroughly researched. So, as soon as I saw Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles up for review, I requested it. How fortunate am I to have received it! Honestly, this has been such an amazing read—it sure didn’t disappoint, and it checked all my boxes for a great historical read.


The Positive Points
I love that it starts with a reminiscence of a CARD woman of something very meaningful to her while she’s going through her closet: her brigade uniform. It’s beautiful, like a dance with the past—like Anastasia and her song Once Upon a December! The reminiscence with her uniform (the unknown CARD) makes for perfect time travel in the following (first) chapter. The best part of this is that we come to learn who the CARD woman from the first chapter (who’s unknown to us then) is at the end. This was a delightful surprise, and much realistic, too.

The first chapter introduced a bit of thrill and fear, which was very promising. And the book kept on delivering on this promise!

Kit Carson’s exchanges with kids are lovely. Her kindness with children to help is obvious. Very sweet. Also, I love how she talks about “double standard” that we, women, experience. The MC is quite intelligent, it’s so pleasant!

Plus, it’s so cute that she fitted as many books as she could in her trunk. Ain’t that true! It’s cute, and the reader’s life is on display. I think the “library of her mind” (Kit Carson) is so cute. It’s adorable to read about a mind library so detailed and loved, because not enough people have them nor think about this; which is even rarer in books, I find. I speak from experience—I’ve got one such mind library.

Moreover, I am fond of how Jessie Carson reaches out to help those in need (in many different ways, some more dire than others). Sometimes a shared tragedy can open people up, or help them, when they’re unreachable. It was both beautiful and tragic, poignant and hopeful.



As they checked out books, Madame said, “A town needs a library in the same way that a home needs a hearth.”

p.503 of 669 from the digital copy of Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade.



This quote describes the whole ambiance of this story. It is warm like an embrace, bookish, familial, and much inclusive of found family. It speaks of a deep need and unity too, something that all families and all towns revolve around: the hearth, a.k.a the library.

Surprisingly, it also tells the tale of Wendy Peterson in the 80s. When it switches to modern times with that specific character, I find the humour is priceless! It’s still bookish, just modern.

As for romance, I shipped Kit and her lover so much! They’re so cute and he’s so lovely with her. Two readers, awww! But I won’t tell you more about him, or it might ruin a few surprises ;). In addition to that, I think the sex scenes were done with gusto. It was full of feelings and emotions, yet suggestive but not vulgar. I was just surprised that there were sex scenes in my historical read. A special shout-out the sapphic love (between two women): the way sapphic love is tackled is gentle and beautiful. Genuine. Thank you, it touched me.

While this story isn’t built on action, a few moments are quite fearful and exciting. During a high-voltage chapter (what I call it since there was, let’s say, an urgency to it), I had goosebumps all over my body during this thrilling chapter. There is a place where the character mentions that “always courage”. And I agree. Always courage, indeed. And that’s why I love humans, and such stories that are inspiring.

On top of all this, I noticed the research was thorough, because the CARDs a Peugeot car and it fits the time period and setting since it’s in and from France, and it needed to be imported in America and Canada back then.

As for the book itself, the chapters’ layout is interesting, with the title cards of the characters, location and dates being on the right. It makes it easy to read and discover we’re with which character for this chapter. Our eyes usually go instantly to the right of the next page, so this layout is great and intuitive!

An admirable thing was that I could feel the author’s love and respect for CARDs through Wendy Peterson. Thank you for bringing them forth into the light; they deserve this literary spotlight. Lastly, the fact that the author included some of her research with photos, and resources about the CARDs, makes me so thrilled! I love when authors do that—as if this book couldn’t get any more perfect!



The Negative Points
Sometimes, the rhythm of the read would slow down—a bit too much to my taste. But it’s also quite normal considering how CARDs were there to help rebuild and not directly at war, though quite close, it was still very dangerous. Despite this, I acknowledge these slow parts were necessary for this tale. I’m not taking any points for this, but I just wanted to let you folks know this read can slow down here and there, and that if you’re looking for a completely high-tension historical book, this is not for you. But if you like your historical fictions realistic, emotional, and character-building, this is your book!



In Conclusion
I had such a fantastic time reading this book. I can remember tracking my reading time (yes, I love doing that!), and when I was not reading, I just longed to track my time again and discover more of Jessie “Kit” Carson and the CARDs’ story! For all these beautiful positive points, I give Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles a lovely rating of 5 out of 5 stars! It was a beautiful, sometimes thrilling read, but always touching and engrossing.

Janet Skeslien Charles, known for her captivating storytelling skillfully crafts a tale that unfolds in two distinct timelines.

In 1918, Jessie Carson, a librarian, at the New York Public Library, involved herself with the American Committee for Devastated France alongside a group of women to establish children's libraries and bring a sense of normalcy to communities ravaged by war.

Several years later, another librarian at the NYPL, Wendy Peterson, found a mention of Jessie's story while going through the collection of archives and was intrigued by her.

This book takes readers on an exploration of themes such, as bravery, the enchantment of literature and the unpredictable connections that shape our lives. It honours humanity's enduring strength, highlighting the impact of books.