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.

This story will take you across the world and in two different time periods. Starting in 1918 as one New York Public Librarian does her part in the Great War, another NYPL employee in 1987 learns of her existence.
Jessie Carson travelled to France to work for the American Committee for Devastated France to help rebuild communities and bring books back to the children and their families.
Deep in the archives, Wendy Peterson learns about the organization’s work and the NYPL connection. As an inspiring writer herself she feels she must find out more and get Jessie’s story told.

I found the premise of the book interesting and definitely liked how the author flipped between the two time periods to tell the story. However, at times I found the characters’ inner monologues to be repetitive and some paragraph endings to be abrupt. The story dragged near the end for me, but I greatly appreciate the author’s note at the end of the book, detailing where all her characters real and fictional were derived from.

Thank you Atria Books, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for the copy to review.

“Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade” is a meticulously researched historical fiction novel that brings to life the often-overlooked contributions of women during World War I. The novel delves into the personal story of Jessie Carson, highlighting her bravery, resilience, and the profound impact she made. However, the novel's pacing may be a point of contention for some readers. While this allows for a rich, immersive experience, it may test the patience of those who prefer a faster-paced plot. Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for sending this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars but having been in a bit of a book rut I am rounding up! It's refreshing to read about WWI (WWII seems more common) and I felt it was detailed enough to feel wholly believable. A fast read; I genuinely rooted for the characters. The ending felt weak to me, but I appreciated the facts in the afterword. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. I look forward to listening to the audiobook of The Paris Library soon thanks to Libro.FM

As posted to GoodReads

I love stories that include books and libraires when the backdrop is historical fiction, I almost feel a winner in my hands. Janet Skeslien Charles’s novel Miss Morgan's Book Brigade did not disappoint. Set in 1918 and 1987 the dual timelines and storylines meshed well. The focus on the women of The American Committee for devastated France known as Card and their work in France WWI. The women of the Card were stationed 40 miles from the front they endured the daily devastation of the war. The 1987 timeline follows ambitious writer and NYPL employee who finds several old CARD bulletins published in 1918 that describe the work of CARD volunteers in Northern France.

This book beautifully demonstrates the power of reading. It was a fabulous book about a topic I knew very little, happy to say I learnt so much.

Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.I love stories that include books and libraires when the backdrop is historical fiction, I almost feel a winner in my hands. Janet Skeslien Charles’s novel Miss Morgan's Book Brigade did not disappoint. Set in 1918 and 1987 the dual timelines and storylines meshed well. The focus on the women of The American Committee for devastated France known as Card and their work in France WWI. The women of the Card were stationed 40 miles from the front they endured the daily devastation of the war. The 1987 timeline follows ambitious writer and NYPL employee who finds several old CARD bulletins published in 1918 that describe the work of CARD volunteers in Northern France.

This book beautifully demonstrates the power of reading. It was a fabulous book about a topic I knew very little, happy to say I learnt so much.

Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this authors first book, The Paris Library, and this second book was not a disappointment! It caught my attention from the first pages, the characters were well developed and its clear that much research was put into it to make it a great read! I highly recommend!

I really enjoyed this story about the CARDs - the American Committee for Devastated France. The main character is Jessie (Kit) Carson, in charge of establishing children's libraries in the war-torn countryside. The cast of Cards is delightful, with varied personalities and jobs, and the addition of well-drawn community members add to the charm and emotion of the story, set in 1917-18. A second storyline features Wendy, who works at the New York Public Library, discovering the forgotten story of these brave and resourceful women, and how learning about them sparks her own growth and confidence. This is a well-researched, poignant, and feel-good story that I couldn't put down until the very end.

This was a well written historical fiction based on a lot of truth. It was enjoyable, but a bit slow for my taste. I could see how this book would be very popular with those who love stories set in libraries. I appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC.

This book had allllll the right boxes for me. Dual timeline. Historical fictions. Dual storylines. All good things. I loved how this book was able to touch on a subject that you don't see too much or in historical fiction. I really loved the library concept and opportunity for people to find hope in a dark time.

I was a huge fan of The Paris Library so I was really looking forward to reading the next book from Janet Skeslien Charles.

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is a duel timeline novel based of off true events and real people. Half the book takes place in France during WWI where we follow Jessie “Kit” Carson as she tries to help villagers after their homes have been destroyed. While the other half takes place in New York in the 1980s as a woman working at the New York Public Library reads about Kit in passing and does everything she can to learn more.

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is full of interesting characters and I learned so much about the American Committee for Devastated France, a foundation I previously had no knowledge of. This is a great example of a fiction book that can teach you so much. I especially liked how at the end of the book there was information on all of the real life people the characters were based off of.

I definitely recommend this book if you’re in to historical fiction or uplifting stories about the power of libraries and books.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy to read and review!

I loved Miss Morgan's Book Brigade! Janet Skeslien Charles’s pleasurable writing propels you through the story, making for very addictive reading. The text is sprinkled with characters sharing their favourite books and quotations with each other. It will have you adding to your TBR and craving a plate of scones!

In 1918, Jessie “Kit” Carson, a librarian with the New York Public Library travels overseas to work for the American Committee for Devastated France or Le Comité américain pour les régions dévastées, known as CARD. Founded by millionaire Anne Morgan, the committee helps rebuilt communities mere kilometres from the front. Kit brings her love of books to people that have been living in survival mode for much too long. She starts a story hour, travelling across the devastated landscape in an ambulance-turned-bookmobile, and eventually rebuilds the bomb-damaged library.

In 1987 aspiring author, Wendy Peterson, finds a reference to Jessie Carson while at her job documenting archives at the NYPL. Soon she is caught up in the lives of the Cards and Jessie Carson in particular. Tracing Jessie Carson through time proves to be a challenging task. One that results in Wendy finding her way back to herself in the process.

One of the loveliest things about this book, besides hearing about a group of women I knew nothing about, was getting to see how reading and writing, two things often thought of as solitary endeavours, bring people together and build communities out of individuals.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. I had an incredible time with Kit, Wendy, and the Cards!

Lovingly researched and an ode to librarians and books, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade takes us to the years of the Great War and a lesser known American committee to provide bookish support to devastated France. Painting that country with deep love and true warmth as only she can, @jskesliencharles blends fact and fiction in a winning and unputdownable way. More still, she juxtaposes the work of the women who received the Croix de Guerre medals with a fascinating librarian decades later --- converging history, time, people, places and books in an intricate and intertwined way. Perfect for lovers of Madeline Martin and Patti Callahan Henry.

This was a very sweet book, and was very fun to read! It's very similar to her previous book, but had more joy in the characters, making it a much more enjoyable read for me.

This book centres on two timelines, one in 1918 France, and the other in 1987 New York City. Jessie Carson is a librarian from the New York City Library, who's volunteered with the American Committee for Devastated France (CARD) and is helping to establish the first children's library in France, while helping the war-torn communities recover. While the country is still at war, Jessie works at bringing literature to the devastated Blerancourt, while finding friendship with the people she helps. Wendy Peterson is an aspiring writer in New York, and discovers references to Jessie Carson during her work in the microfiche centre, photographing documents from the archive. While struggling with her writing class, she becomes enamoured with the stories of CARD in the documents she's photographing. With newfound determination, Wendy sets out to find where Jessie ended up, and write the story of CARD.

As much as historical fiction is not my favourite genre, this was a lovely story! Janet Skeslien Charles has an incredible way of describing the world she's writing about, and brings the characters to life in a very detailed way. Reading of the women in CARD, and their struggles of working in a war zone, brought that time to life in a very real way. There were times where the story got a bit too sweet for my preferences, but overall this was a very lovely book!

Thank you very much to Simon & Schuster for the eARC of this book!

This novel is based on the true story of Jessie "Kit" Carson, an American librarian who, in 1918, attempted to establish children’s libraries in France as the Great War raged just miles away. She becomes an important member of the American Committee for Devastated France or CARD (Le Comite americain pour les regions devastees) founded by millionaire Anne Morgan, daughter of J.P. Morgan. In 1987 librarian and aspiring writer Wendy Peterson stumbles across reference to Jessie Carson in the archives and becomes consumed with learning her fate.

The story is told by Wendy and Jessie in alternating chapters and I was engrossed in the stories from both eras. The characters were admirable, very realistic and likeable. Once again, my heart was breaking and tears threatened while reading about the hardships the people of France suffered. This is another of those stories from wartime (in this case WWI) where we learn of important contributions made by little-known characters and of how those contributions resonate in the future. The amount of research the author did is absolutely staggering. The Author's Note at the end contains a wealth of information, some pictures and many related websites for further information.

I previously read "The Paris Library" by this author and highly recommend both books.

My thanks to Atria Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this historical fiction. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: April 30, 2024

My favorite thing about a good historical fiction novel is learning something about the past that I didn’t know before. This book was so extensively researched and told an incredible, likely little known story.

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade was based on the true story of a group of women, led by wealthy heiress Anne Morgan, and American librarian Jessie Carson who worked tirelessly for the American Committee for Devastated France.

Through an incredible personal journey, Jessie creates children’s libraries in France, sets up bookmobiles, trains librarians, and brings a bit of hope back to a war devastated country through the power of books and the connection they bring.

This book has dual timelines, one of Jessie and the other of librarian Wendy Peterson in 1987 who stumbles on Jessie’s story. I liked the contrast of these two timelines and how we were able to learn more about the work these women did during the war through Wendy’s eyes. It was a fun reading experience to make those discoveries with her.

The author’s note at the end is so interesting and shows again just how well researched this book really was.

I read this author’s other book a few years ago, The Paris Library, and that one is my favorite of the two, just because I found it easier to connect with the characters.

Thank you @netgalley and @simonschusterca for my advanced copy of this book. Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade publishes today, April 30!

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for the ARC on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Near the end of WWI, Jesse “Kit” Carson a children’s Librarian with New York Public Library, is recruited by Anne Morgan (daughter of JP Morgan) to help build children’s libraries in France. Known as the CARDS

In 1987, Wendy Peterson working in the NYPL archives discovered the CARDS and Jesse “Kit” Carson.

This book is a great introduction to other aspects of wartime in France. For fans of women’s historical fiction.