I listened to this audiobook and the narration read by, Madeleine Maby, was good. I enjoyed, The Paris Daughter, and I like Kristin Harmel’s other book, The Book of Lost Names.

The story begins in Paris 1939 and two mothers meet and become fast friends. Soon after, the German occupation arrives in Paris and Elise, must leave Paris because she becomes a target. She leaves her daughter with, Juliette, to be safe.

This touches on the war itself, but more of a story of the after effects of what war does to people, families, communities, etc.
Two broken women; one that is stuck in the past and another drowning in regret and trying to find peace.

The story spans decades and we get to know more of the characters lives and personalities during this time. Then the story moves to New York where these two mothers meet up again.

Make sure to read the author’s note at the end.

One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris and narrated by ZuZu Robinson

The narration was a challenge because of the cadence. The reading is stilted for a few characters, but once in it, it became easier to listen to.

The story is about forgiveness and all the complications involved with it. Sara has to decide if she can forgive the unforgivable act, of sexual assault, that resulted in the birth of her daughter, Alana. Sara is forced to return home and face ghosts of her past. A lot of emotional baggage with secrets.

This story gives a voice to all Sara’s of the world. It brings difficult things to the forefront for discussion. I am intrigued that this debut author is a rural librarian and wonder if her book will be one of the thousands being banned from libraries and schools. I enjoyed the book and look forward to more from Terah Shelton Harris.

This novel portrays complexities of domestic abuse, psychological abuse, along with family relationships and the grieving. Multiple layers in this suspenseful novel are slowly peeled back, revealing more and more of the truth that has been hidden from, Ruby, since she was a small child.

Narration was very good and read by, Sophie Amoss. I liked the writing style of Una Mannion and I want to read her debut, A Crooked Tree.

Thank you to the publisher and BookBrowse for an advance copy of Kerri Maher’s book, All You Have To Do Is Call.

This is a timely read given the decision of the overturn of Roe v Wade. This decision overturned the longstanding Constitutional right to abortion and eliminated federal standards on abortion access. To think we have gone back 50 years and now have to start over fighting for a God-given, free-will right for women to determine what is best for them and not the government making their decision.

Kerri Maher has written a powerful and compelling novel that is loosely based on the true story of the Jane Collective, based in Chicago, in the early 1970’s. It pays tribute to these brave women who fought for a woman’s right to choose.

This is a pre-Roe v Wade read and the author brings a group of ordinary women together to fight for the right to choose. It is illegal to provide abortions and these women have trained to do a safe abortion, if a woman decides it is best for her. The group of Jane’s lead double lives because of the secrecy of the group and their personal everyday lives. It’s a story of sisterhood and the comaraderie of women helping women; knowing that they can be arrested because of the illegality of what they are doing.

This is a first read for me by this author and I enjoyed reading the advance copy of her book.

Take My Hand, touches on issues that I knew little about. I enjoyed reading this book although at times it was heart wrenching; especially when dealing with minor girls. Certain government agencies took advantage of underprivileged people; largely poor black families and minor children.

This book would be an excellent choice for book clubs, as it provides topics that would stimulate a lively discussion. It did remind me of the book, The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks.