An American Marriage has been on my TBR list for some time. The librarian who leads our local book club at my branch library chose An American Marriage for our Feb discussion. I already had a copy, so I began reading it following our last meeting. I was unable to put the book down. The characters tugged at my heart; they are well-drawn and they quickly became people I cared about. They find themselves in a terrible situation through no fault of their own. The story is heartbreaking and redemptive at the same time.

Greer Macallister has taken the few facts known about Kate Warne, the first female Pinkerton detective, and has created a compelling story. Macallister uses what little is known about Warne to give readers a picture of a female detective 1856 and after. Warne helped other Pinkerton agents thwart an assassination attempt on Lincoln. I found the story interesting and well-written.

The Traveling Cat Chronicles is a treat of a book. It depicts a young man whose life has been difficult, but he continues to stay positive and to show others how to live. His goodness in rescuing the cat he names Nana because the cat's tail resembles the number 7 and nana is 7 in Japanese reaffirms faith in others. The book is a delight.