Thank you to Atria books and NetGally for the honor of reading this book inits ARC form.
As a lifelong lover of Historical Fiction, I devoured this one in a single day. And I LOVED IT.
We follow Jessie “Kit”Carson from her dedicated work as a librarian in the New York Public Library to the ravaged countryside of France during “The Great War” WWI.
Recruited by Anne Morgan, Jessie moved to France where she joined The Committee of CARD, bringing hope, promise and refuge, even if only temporarily to the children and adults of the war torn villages by creating libraries, both structured and mobile. It was believed that the reading of books was just as important as any of the other necessities. Some of my best memories as a child was visiting the bookmobile that often graced our school system. I found it fascinating that Jessie actually took an old worn out ambulance and turned it into a mobile library or early bookmobile.
This book was well researched and very hard for me to put down. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys Historic Fiction and who is looking for the chance to learn more about WWI and some of its heroes.

As the Great War rages on in France, a group of dedicated women will work to help the civilians whose lives have been devastated by the fighting. Only forty miles from the front lines they will put their safety on the line to serve the region. Jessie Carson is recruited by Anne Morgan to establish a library in the area to bring some life and learning back to the children of the region. The tenacity of the civilians and the women volunteers will see them all through the final years of the war and forge bonds that will withstand generations. In 1987 NYPL employee and aspiring writer, stumbles upon Jessie’s story and is determined to bring her and her colleagues contributions to the war to light.
A book about a niche of the war I had never heard of that involves brave unsung women and books, I knew I was going to love this one. @jskesliencharles has written another touching novel, while giving life to a group of people history forgot. The depictions of the French civilians who refused to give in after being pushed to their limits by the German occupation was awe inspiring. The camaraderie exhibited by the women who walked into a war zone willingly because they wanted to help was incredible. And the two groups of adults working together to improve the lives of their the children of the area and to bring life back to the devastated landscape was truly heartwarming.
Releasing April 30, 2024
Thank you to @netgalley and @atriabooks for allowing me to read #missmorgansbookbrigade early in exchange for a review.
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I am not nearly as familiar with WWI as I am WWII, so a lot of things mentioned in this book were new to me. The book follows Jessie Carson as she travels from New York to France to become a member of the American Committee for Devastated France (Comité Américain pour les Régions Dévastées de France), or CARD. I had never heard of CARD before, so I enjoyed reading about the committee and its members. Many of the characters in the book were real people, including Jessie Carson and the Annes, though others were created by the author.

The novel follows dual timelines, with the first being about Jessie during the war, and the second following Wendy, an NYPL librarian in 1987. Jessie is a librarian with the NYPL who joins CARD in order to help the people of France during the war. She believed that books were just as important to people as other necessities, and worked to create a library that villagers could enjoy. She ended up creating a bookmobile, as well as story hour for young children. We witness her struggles with trying to get these things created, along with the struggles of living so close to a war zone and being a Card (as they were called)

Wendy works at the NYPL, scanning and photographing old articles and photos for preservation. She comes across a box which contains information on the Cards and becomes fascinated with their many stories. She learns of Jessie and feels a kinship with her, as they both worked for the NYPL. She begins to research CARD and its members in hopes of tracking down Jessie and finding out what became of her.

The dual timeline worked well for this. Each woman had a distinct voice and their own story and struggles. My biggest issue was the ending. It felt rather abrupt, as it never actually goes over what happened to Jessie. We get some information on her after she left CARD and moved to Paris, but not a fully satisfying conclusion, which is an odd thing seeing as how Wendy was so obsessed with finding her and learning her story. In the author's note at the end, we do get more information on her, but even then, we are left without the whole story. I ended up researching her myself after I finished the book to find out happened to her after France. The author's note does include information on several other people in the book and includes some pictures, which I enjoyed. Even though I wasn't satisfied with the ending, I still enjoyed this and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and war novels, and definitely recommend learning more about the Cards and their role in WWI.

A must read for book and library lovers! Based on the true story of mobile librarians serving war-torn French communities in WWI, this interwoven book tells the past drama of the dedicated women and the current view of a writer seeking to illuminate their great deeds to her peers. Lovingly researched and shared with readers, Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade is a touching historical fiction account.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This novel tells the story of Jessie Carson who took a leave of absence from her work at the NY Public Library at the beginning of the 20th century to join the CARDS and travel to France during WWI. She knew the value of books to help the people to get through these desperate times. Establishing story hour was a big priority of hers as she read stories that allowed escapism to all who listened. Establishing libraries, training for future librarians, refurbishing ambulances into bookmobiles were some of her selfless priorities. Aiding during the War and through the Spanish Flu are all a part of this story. Research in 1987 by a young librarian in NY led to what happened to this remarkable woman as she investigates and writes a book about this unsung hero. Meticulously researched over 10 years is showcased throughout this novel. The author’s notes at the end of the book highlights the lives of many of the CARDS! #MissMorgan’sBookBrigade #JanetSkeslienCharles #NetGalley

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles

Thank You NetGalley and Atria Books for a complimentary ARC e-copy of this novel!
This is a historical fiction novel based off true events from the life of Jessie “Kit” Carson. She worked as a children’s librarian in a few cities including the New York Public Library, until she was recruited in 1917 by Anne Morgan (daughter of J.P. Morgan and his second wife Fanny) to become a member of CARD. CARD is a French organization that supplied books and other necessities to war-torn families during and after WW1. Kit Carson helped to establish libraries and a traveling library to provide books for children and adults to offer hope and respite to the families who endured hardship in France during WW1.

Each of these main fictional characters in Janet S. Charles’ novel are based off real life people who either worked for CARD directly, were helped by CARD or later joined the crusade to get more books to people and rebuild France after the Great War.

I truly enjoyed reading this novel about Jessie “Kit” Carson and the other CARD members and what they did for the war effort in France. I feel that Janet S. Charles did an amazing job researching this novel and there is even a short history section in the back of the book about the real-life heroes from which the book was based (along with pictures)!!! Thank you for reminding us of this important historical moment that most likely many did not even know about. This novel is a book about books!!! And to me…. those are the best books!!! I look forward for more books from this author!!! Look for this novel AVAILABLE April 30, 2024!

***I received an ARC from Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.***

From the author of The Paris Library comes a war story to tug at your heart strings. With the perfect amount of history and fiction, Skeslien Charles, has, yet again, mastered the art of the historical fiction novel. This book left me wanting more and with a thirst for research that I haven’t experienced in some time - “who needs cocaine when you have research.”

What I loved about this book:
❤️ Characters based on real people!
❤️ The way the author eloquently sets the scene for each setting - taking care to ensure that the reader can’t help but find themselves transported there when in the “library of their minds”.
❤️ A book lovers dream! With quotations and descriptions of binding, foil lettering, etc. A true gift to experience a book in this way.
❤️ The sprinklings of love stories throughout the heartache and loss.

What I could have gone without:
⭐️ Although useful to the plot, the Influenza A outbreak/ heartache made me feel raw in the aftermath of the COVID shut-down.
⭐️ Marcelle as an elderly woman seemed to have lost her spark. I would have excepted her to forever be youthful and witty.
⭐️ Both a pro and a con - the ending left me wondering.

I highly recommend getting your hands on this book when it comes out on 5/7/24. I had such a great time falling in love with Kit and Wendy.

4.25. I really enjoyed this novel. It focused on a librarian who worked at the New York Public Library, Jessie Carson, who during World War I, joined the American Committee for Devastated France, a Women’s volunteer group founded by Anne Morgan, JP Morgan’s daughter, to bring relief and assistance to help rebuild the towns and cities of France destroyed by the war. Although more of late, few recent novels focus on the devastation and horrors of World War I, on the land and on people and families, particularly in countries where the fighting occurred. Whole towns were destroyed and families were displaced with little to rely on or resources to build back with. The small group of women volunteers did an amazing variety of services to revitalize the areas so decimated by the ravages of war, including bringing books and libraries to the small towns, provided medical services, food, clothing, education, and other provisions to assist. Ms Morgan was on the front lines as well as being an ardent fundraiser for the cause. I had never heard of this group, but the novel highlights how they persevered and assisted those, even under high risk situations as some were close to the war fronts or faced with the land mines left by tghe soldiers. An incredible and inspiring historical novel of the strength and resilience of these female volunteers. Great character development. I would highly recommend this novel. A very interesting read. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an advance copy in exchange for an unbiased and candid review .

based-in-truth, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, history-and-culture, librarian, library, WW1, France, selflessness*****

This is based on the life story of Jessie Carson and her mentor, Anne Morgan, during the War To End All Wars. It is the story of children's books, children's librarians, a terrible time in France. Here we learn about self discovery, the rescue of children's minds from the world of those days, and the way that adaptation for now and the future can be effected. The story is moving and the author relentless.
I requested and received a temporary EARC from Atria Books via NetGalley. Thank you, I have preordered a copy for my local public library.

This book tells the true story of Jessie Carson and her work of bringing books and libraries to northern France after World War One. I love historical fiction but always welcome the change from a WW2 novel. The book was uplifting while still showing the hardships that Europe faced after The Great War.

I rate this historical fiction book a solid 4 stars. It is the inspiring story of the women of CARD(Le Comite americain pour les regions devastees). These women volunteered to go into the northern part of France evacuated by retreating Germans in 1917. They were only fifty miles from the front and often faced great danger, sometimes being bombarded with artillery. They provided food, medicine, nursing services and books.
The librarian, Jessie "Kit" Carson, with the help of locals, rebuilt a local library and went on to create over fifty libraries. She started bookmobiles, using converted ambulances. The book should be named Miss Carson's Book Brigade. My wife read this book before me and this was her only complaint, as Miss Morgan , wealthy daughter of J. P. Morgan, a wealthy American banker, was the chief fundraiser and contributor of funds. However, she was also there with the other women volunteers. She was also the chief recruiter of new women to volunteer and paid Jessie's salary.
One Quote:
Breckie, fellow CARD, to Jessie: "A wise woman once told me that some folks who say they want the best for us are the worst for us."
I read this book over the course of ten days, immersing myself in this time and place.
Thanks to Dayna Johnson at Atria Books | Simon & Schuster for sending me both print and eARC copies of this book through NetGalley. #MissMorgansBookBrigade #NetGalley

"Miss Morgan's Book Brigade" follows Jessie “Kit” Carson, a New York Public Library librarian, as she joins Anne Morgan and Anne Murray Dike's effort to support French communities during World War I. Known as the CARDs, this organization, comprising American socialites, aimed to rebuild war-torn France, with Kit focusing on restoring libraries.

This novel is both engaging and meticulously researched, making it a treat for bibliophiles with its rich tapestry of literary references, including numerous nods to "Anne of Green Gables." Featuring a dual timeline that also introduces an aspiring writer in 1987, the story draws intriguing parallels between the challenges faced by characters in both eras, particularly the impact of criticism on their lives. A must-read for any book enthusiast, the novel beautifully blends historical fiction with a deep love for literature.

Book Review: Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade’
Stars: 4 x 5
Author: Janet Skeslien Charles
Publisher: Atria Books

What an interesting book. There are two dual story lines. The first is about Jessie “Kit” Carson and takes place in 1918 . Kit is a librarian at the New York City Public Library. She takes a leave to go to France to help rebuild a devastated French community. While there she ends up converting an old ambulance into a “bookmobile” for the children. She also ends up working with libraries and creating children’s sections.

In 1987 Wendy is a librarian at the New York City Public Library and she comes across some papers in the the Archives that mention Jessie Carson and what she had done back in 1918. Wendy decides to research this further. The reader finds out about Jessie Carson and what she did in France and beyond. This book is based on a true story and it was fascinating to read.

Wonderful heartfelt book. Characters were interesting and entertaining. I usually don't enjoy war books, but this book sucked me in and kept me there. Will be handselling this like mad - first one up is my daughter in law and granddaughter!

MISS MORGAN'S BOOK BRIGADE is a must-read dual-timeframe novel about strong women inspiring and fostering women and book lovers for generations to come and the long-lasting impact of libraries and librarians.

The story is chock-full of enlightening details about WWI and the CARDS, and it is well-balanced with what life was like for the villagers and those who served in any capacity.

Fans of THE PARIS LIBRARY will be excited to learn that the author learned of the CARDS while researching the library director, Dorothy Reeder. The author knew somebody must share their stories, and she was right.

Thank you for being you, Janet Skeslien Charles! And thank you, ATRIA Books, for the complimentary galley.

5.0 stars
HIGHEST recommendation

I received a complimentary Kindle e-book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Janet Skeslien Charles, Atria Books. and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

WOW!! This book is the reason that I love, love, love historical fiction! I learned so much about WWI which I knew very little about at all. I have been very tired of WWII books so reading something different was fun and exciting!

This book covers two timelines with two main characters. Jessie "Kit" Carson in 1918 at the end of WWI in war-ravaged northern France working with CARD (a refugee/civilian aid organization) and Wendy Peterson in 1987 in NYC while working at the NYPL discovering CARD and wanting to write about it. The storylines are woven together beautifully and create an amazing storyline.

Of course, both characters are librarians who have worked at the same library in vastly different timeframes. A story about books, libraries,, and librarians - you had me at BOOKS!!

I know very little about WWI and this book helped educate me about this brutal war. Now I want to research it more thoroughly!!

My thanks to Atria Books for the ARC. It was a great historical retelling of Kit Carson, a librarian who risked life and limb to bring the joy of books and reading to people who demoralized and injured by World War I. The stories of those people who lived through the horrors of the War and how Kit interacted are researched by a NYPL employee who happens onto her story and brings it to life as a separate story line. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read Miss Morgan's Book Brigade. This story was amazing!! I devoured this book. It is impeccably researched and the absolutely awesome charecters come to life on the pages. The bravery and strength and heart of these women is so inspiring. This is a story you do not want to miss.

Many thanks to Janet Skeslien Charles, Atria Books, and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade. I had never heard the story of the WWI CARD volunteers, so this bit of history was fascinating, and I learned a lot. In that regard, I very much appreciated the author’s note at the end of the novel, that provided photos and more detail on the real-life characters. I always love a story centered around books and libraries, but here I did not connect with the characters in the same way as I did in The Paris Library.

There is two POVs in this book but it works well as the characters are well developed and relatable. I enjoyed the settings and learning about how both worlds worked - the research and protection, the recovery and care.

It was a new topic from WWI I didn’t know about with the CARDs and the work they did. Interesting stuff! And enjoyed learning about them in a very personal way.

The ending felt a little off in the way things were wrapped up, but at the same time it was satisfying. The authors notes at the end about the real people she researched and based her characters on was fascinating.