Mary Bowser was a real person and this book combined fact with fiction to fill in the gaps. I enjoyed this book very much and learned about the Civil War, the Underground Railroad and how blacks were treated in the Union North, that they really were not allowed to live totally free. Reading about Mary's life was interesting, intriguing and I learned many new things about this time period. A wonderful read! I'm going to choose it for my book club when it's my turn.

I thought Next to Love was a great read. I love the way it was written in the present tense. I felt like I was watching from afar the three school friends grow up, marry and how each of their lives turn out within the historical context of WWII through the early 1960's. Familiar historical events become very personal and the author drew me in to really care about all the characters. I think it's a great book club book as there is a lot to think and talk about. It makes you think how the war and afterwards affected each character and how each of us believe we would respond to all the different situations and relationships. A good book always stays with me for weeks and this one is having that affect!