Kate knows that everything in her life will go as planned, starting with her being accepted by MIT. She’s so certain of this, that she hasn’t even applied to any other colleges. But Kate’s carefully structured life begins to fall apart when her neighbors’ house burns down, and they move in with Kate’s family. Now Teri and her brother are living with Kate, and all of a sudden life is so much more complicated than she ever thought possible.

Marguerite is 16 years old when she travels from France to the New World on her uncle’s ship. Accompanying Marguerite are her servant girl Damienne, her secret love Pierre, and other pioneers in search of adventure and riches. When Marguerite and Pierre are discovered together, they, along with Damienne, are banished to a deserted island off the shore of the New World. Now facing starvation, illness, Indians, wild animals, exposure and loneliness, Marguerite must summon all of her courage to survive.

This novel is inspired by the true story of Marguerite de La Rocque. The fictionalized account is fascinating, and I would love to read more about the real Marguerite.

I very much enjoyed Berg’s latest book. It is set in WWII America, and focuses on the lives of the 3 Heaney sisters who are living at home, and doing their part to support the war effort and the soldier whom they love. Although the girls’ focus is of course on their boyfriends on the battlefield, Berg’s story really shows the love the sisters have for each other, the strength found in family, and the beauty of self-sacrifice.

A mediocre mystery, not believable at all, no strong character to cheer for, no evil villain to hate. I need a new mystery author!

Lucy, her mom and her little brother are forced to move to a homeless shelter after her dad dies, leaving the family deep in debt. The loss of her home, clothes, friends and social standing is difficult for Lucy to accept. But gradually she begins working to make things right, and as she does so, Lucy discovers the importance of family and true friendship.

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