Fellowship Point By, Alice Elliott Dark

The story begins with celebrated author Agnes Lee finalizing the last book in her series The Franklin Square Novels. She is also on a mission to permanently protect the peninsula know as Fellowsip Point off the coast of Maine. Agnes is intent on securing the land trust, and to dissolve the partnership of shareholders who are intent in building more and more residential homes, thereby destroying the preserve. One of the shareholders, she must convince is her best friend Polly.

This was an interesting, historical read which delves into the history of land development in Maine in the 1870's. During this period,indigenous peoples, who lived on the land, left the land uncultivated, due to their belief that they belonged to nature rather than the other way around. The original deed to the land owned by a Quaker, William Lee originated the land trust, which included 5 houses. I appreciated reading the back story as it enriched the story tremednously.

The storyline is enhanced with the inclusion of Maude, Agnes's literary agent, Polly's family, a handyman and friend, Robert and a little girl named Nan and her father. The turmoil twist brings to light the family saga between Polly and her three sons, who want to build and expand the area, thereby dissolving the land trust and preserve. With the backdrop of Agnes and her desire to preserve the land. Polly is caught in the middle.

"An ambitious and satisfying tale, Fellowship Point reads like a 19th-century epic, but it is entirely contemporary in its "refelctions on aging, writing , stewardship, legacies, independence, and responsibility. At its heart, Fellowship Point is about caring for the places and people we love. This magnificent novel affirms that change and growth are possible at any age." (The Christian Science Monitor).

At 578 pages, this is an epic tale but one, you will savor. The book does dip and drop in some areas, as the attention to detail can be at times, exorbitant. But, overall, I found the book to be a formidable read and certainly a tale worth telling. The Author does and excellent job inviting you in, so much so, that you don't want to leave.

Other Books By Author:

In The Gloaming 2001

Think of England 2003

Naked to the Waist 1991

HESTER By Laurie Lico Albanese

"A hauntingly beautiful-and imagined--origin story to the Scarlet Letter"-People

Albanese brings to life the backstory of the muse for the famous book, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, "The Scarlet Letter" based on Hester Prynne.

Albanese sets the stage, covering hefty subject matter, slavery, witchcraft, societal mores, religion and freedom. This was a rich and engaging read. 

Isobel Gamble sets sail for Scotland with her husband, Edward in the 1800's. Edward has been seduced by the drug opium, and days after the two arrive in Scotland, he leaves.

Isobel, destitute and alone in a strange country. She survives by using her artistic abilities,with needle embroidery. However, she is labelled an "outsider" and receives a pittance for her fine, detailed work.

Alone and desperate for friendship and companionship, she meets Nathaniel Hawthorne. They are immediately drawn to one another, and begin a torrid affair. The stories intersect when thier histories collide. Isobel has synisthesia and sees the world in colors. Nathaniel is the great grandson of Samuel Hawthorne, who was a judge that ordered the deaths of 19 women, accused of witchcraft.

As Nathaniel orchestrates the seduction of Isobel, he dumps her, accusing her of "enchantment."  Albanese does tie up the loose strings of this tale to a satisfying ending.

In the words of Isobel, as she describes her role in the tale of "The Scarlet Letter."

"Something in him knows--I believe this, even after all this time-- that although his father will never return, a story just as powerful is coming toward him. Ir is me, bent into the wind, fleeing home with my colors and my needle and my own set of needs and dreams. It is me with my red letter secreted away."

Books by Laurie Lico Albanese:

Stolen Beauty 2017

The Miracles of Prato 2009

Take My Hand By, Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Unforgettable, heartbreaking, horrific, compelling read -Historical Fiction. Based on true events, in the 1970's, between 100,000 to 150,000 young, impoverished girls were sterilized without consent. The Author focuses on the life of the Relf sisters, age 12 and 14, mentally disabled, who's illiterate father and grandmother, signed an "X" unknowingly, consenting to their sterilization.

Civil Townsend, daughter of a physician, graduated nursing school and accepted a position at the Montgomery County Family Planning Clinic. Her instructions, to give monthly Depo-Provera shots to young girls to prevent pregnancy. Her first patients are India and Erica Relf who live in a one room cabin, dirt floor, no running water, with their Father, Mace Williams and Grandmother.

Civil is determined to make an impact on these girls' lives. She finds an apartment for them, enrolls them in school, assists their father in finding a better job, and also provides for their grandmother. Civil, who is single and has no children, is aware that she may be overbearing and overstepping her role, as their nurse in an attempt to improve their lives. 

The girls, who's Mother recently died, relish the attention she provides. She takes them shopping, and essentially ingratiates them into her life. The family 'trusted' her.

Until, the day she arrives at the Williams door to discover the girls are at the local hospital and the girls have been surgically sterilized. Civil is unaware that they had been taken, and the procedure had been ordered. 

Civil fights tirelessly, to get the word out about the injustices this family has endured, A young, white attorney, Lou Feldman. hears the story and takes the case from Montgomery Alabama to the Supreme Court. Civil graduates Medical School and becomes a Physician of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

Decades later, Civil Townsend retells the story, noting in the first chapter, "A year never passes without me thinking of them, India, Erica. Their names are stitched inside every white coat I have ever worn. I tell this story to stitch their names inside your clothes too. A reminder to never forget."

This was a disturbing portrait of  American history, that needed to be told. I appreciated the Author's efforts to humanize the story, through the lives of India and Erica, who "loved rag dolls and ice cream."

I will note this as a 5 Star Read however, its impact has been 'stitched' into my life as one of the most notable and unforgettable books, I have ever read.

Other Book by the Author:

Balm 2015

Wench 2011

The Bohemians By, Jazmin Darznik

 

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This Historical Fiction book retraces the life of the Dorothea Lange, one of the first female commercial photographers. She is credited with the skill to see her subjects both as individuals and as representatives of larger issues. She is best known for her iconic photo, shown below,  "Migrant Mother". Her name was Florence Thompson, shown with her 3 children, who were desitute, homeless and hungry. The photo was taken in Nipomo CA in 1936. Dorothea Lange captures the Great Depression, with this iconic photo.

In 1918, after working as a photographer's assistant in NJ, Dorothea Lange dreams of Paris but settles on San Francisco. She is determined to make a living as a portrait photographer. Against the backdrop of a waning War, Spanish Flu, social and political unrest, Lange perseveres with unwaivering determination.

The Author does an excellent job telling a complicated story, Lange was stricken with polio as a young child and consequently walked with a limp. which she describes as a "crippled foot." Its a story of unwaivering friendship between 2 lost souls, Dorothea and her Asian American friend, Caroline Lee, who suffered daily from bigotry and vile racial abuse. And her marriage to artist Maynard Dixon, who was brilliant but, troubled.

Caroline Lee provides the connections, to help Dorothea-or Dorrie meet a colorful 'A List' of characters, including Ansel Adams, Maynard Dixon, Frida Kahlo and DH Lawrence. She then joins a camera club and an investor takes an interest in her work. He provides financial support, and she opens a portrait studio, which caters to the rich and famous. 

Lange resolved to take photos of the rich and famous, because they paid the bills. As the depression closed in on San Fransisco, she was forced to close the studio. She then turned to the 'world' at large and began to walk the streets to focus her attention on the poor, stating, "she wanted to see faces" and to demonstrate the power of an image to document the poverty and despair of the depression.

Lange's notoreity and willingness to walk the streets in ravaged areas, gained attention with the Federal Government. They commissioned her as well as other photographer's to take 80,000 photographs for the Resettlement Administration between 1935 and 1944. The intention was to show the plight of starving Americans, living in the drought ravaged area, known as the Dust Bowl.

Other Books By Jazmin Darznik:

Song of a Captive Bird 2018

Mrs. Poe By, Lynn Cullen

Lynn Cullen draws the reader into a fascinating affair de coeur in the literary world of New York City, 1845.This is a haunting tale based on historical individuals, Edgar Allen Poe, his wife, Virginia and Frances Osgood. Ms. Osgood, an aspiring poet, looks to Edgar Poe as a mentor.The two meet at a literary party, and the illustrious affair begins. Mr. Poe attempts to ingratiate Frances into his life, by introducing her to his wife, Virginia, who he claims, is a fan of her poetry.

A love triangle ensues. Virginia, who is ill and desperate for friendship, flatters Frances and the two formulate a 'friendship' based on manipulation and jealousy. Frances is fascinated with Virginia, and attempts to answer the question, of how this prestiguous man, Mr. Poe could be drawn to Virginia, who she describes as a child. Frances who is desperate for notariety reciprocates Mr. Poe's attention and the two formulate a literary relationship. 

Frances and Mr. Poe begin writing flirtatious poetry to each other, which is published in a literary journal. The public at large, notices and the whispers begin. Edgar Allen Poe has just published his famous poem, The Raven, which is a dark tale, based on undying devotion, which could point to the premise of his affair, with Frances, as he is caught between a desire to forget and remember Frances.

Frances, who is married at the time, with 2 children, enjoys the attention, Edgar offers but, she is also concerned about her social standing and her reputation as an author. A push and pull between the threesome ensues, and it ends tragically for all. 

This was a delightful, engrossing read. The characters were well developed, and a mysterious tale unfolds, between the three, regarding who knows what and how will this end. I enjoyed the book, particularly the excerpts of poetry and discussion. As with all historical fiction, facts are interwoven with fiction, but I thought the Author was skilled in using factual knowledge with a slight hand of embellishment. 

Books by Lynn Cullen:

The Sisters of Summit Ave. 2019
Twains End 2015
Reign of Madness 2012
I am Rembrandts Daughter 2011

The Creation of Eve 2010

This historical fiction book takes place at the end of the Civil War, just before General Robert E Lee surrenders to Ulysses Grant on April 9, 1865 after 4 bloody years of war. It is a difficult book to read but, well worth the 510 pages. This is significant, because I have never enjoyed a 500 page book...ever.

The first chapter sets the stage, with the sale of young children at a slave auction. The Author does not gloss over the abuse slaves endured. The book is written from several vantage points, the plantation owners, slaves, milliners/commerce and the impact of one particular family, the Woolsey sisters.The perspective switches with each new chapter from the sale of slaves, to plantation life, nurses and surviving in a war torn era; where rations are reaching to the point of wealthy plantation owners becoming destitute. And to the horrific scenes on the battlefield.

The author did an excellent job bringing a human experience to the horrors. The characters are very well drawn out and relatable. It is very clear, the book was heavily researched and carefully plotted to provide a wide range of characters and experiences, which ptovided a vivid picture of life during the Civil War. I particularly enjoyed reading excerpts from the poems and letters written by the Woolsey sisters. The book also focused on the women of that era, which was refreshing.

The book is the final book in the triology of the seven Woolsey sisters, preceded by, The Lilac Girls (2016) and Lost Roses (2019). I look foward to the Author's next book.

The Kitchen Front By, Jennifer Ryan

This book is an exemplary depiction, of an engrossing historical read. Historical Fiction, slowly unveils the interior lives, of people across time and place, expounding on the hidden dramas of everyday life. This book draws the reader in, providing a multi dimensional description of a war torn era.

In the Village of Fenway England, 1942, Ambrose Hart is looking for a radio host for the BBC radio program, "The Kitchen Front." The show's creators,  are desperate to provide a realistic portrayal of the wartime era. They illicit of the help of four local women, to compete in a cooking contest, creating dishes with a limted amount of rationed ingredients. The winner receives the title, which is paid position, as a host of the radio show.

The culinary creativity of these four women are astounding, from eggless cake to sheeps head roll to whale meat pie. Four women who are initially adversaries, find strength and wisdom in one another, discover that there is never truly one winner. 

The Author based the book on recipes found in the National Archives of London, and cooking books she found from that era. The four characters are based on the lives of four women, a kitchen maid at age 14, who worked in a manor house. Audrey is based on a young widow with small children who struggled financially; she kept a journal which is available today. Lady Gwendoline was a cooking writer for Marguerite Patten. Fanny Craddock was a professional chef who had a cooking show in the 1960's.

Unlike other historical World War II books, based on spies, soldiers and life on the battlefield. This book brought to life, the backstory of women, often left widowed, struggling with their own personal war to live, and support their families in desperate times.

Also by Jennifer Ryan:

The Spies of Shilling Lane 2020

The Chilbury Ladies Choir 2017

Mrs. Lincoln's Sisters By, Jennifer Chiaverini

This book is the 3rd in a trilogy on Mary Todd Lincoln. I have not read the other two, but I look forward to reading them. This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Chiaverini, and I will certainly take a deep dive into all of her books. I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this book. The Author did an excellent job, bringing the reader into the pre and post Civil War era, which provided the historical backdrop to this fascinating story.

Mary Todd Lincoln attempted suicide 10 years after the assasination of her husband President Abraham Lincoln. Mrs. Lincoln suffered 4 tragic losses, the death of her husband and 3 sons, and was debilitated with grief. Her son, Robert, the only surviving son, petitioned the court to have her declared legally insane and then committed to an asylum. Mary's sister Elizabeth, compassionately intervenes and insists that Mary be released from the hospital, to live with her.

It is a sweeping family saga, told from the perspective of Mary's four sisters, Elizabeth, Frances, Ann and Emilie. They all come together to support Mary, though their sympathy wanes, as Mary struggles to navigate life after leaving the asylum. Mary feels betrayed by her son Robert, and his need to control and manage her funds and her life.

I found this to be a compelling read. The Author does an excellent job telling the tale from multiple perspectives, as well as navigating a tumultuous time period. I enjoyed the family dynamics; as the sisters debate Mary's sanity or is it a need for attention? At times, they struggle with her need for 'more' of everything and the unseemly gossip she has brought to the family legacy.

The thorny tale is emboldened with the landscape of war, and the unassuming sanctitude of 'Honest Abe' and the emancipation of slaves. This was an unexpected treasure and I look forward to reading all of Jennifer Chiaverini's books.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley and William Morrow for an honest review. Thankyou for the opportunity to read this delightful book.

Other books by Jennider Chiaverini:
Resistance Women 2020
Enchantress of Numbers 2017
Mrs Lincoln's Rival 2014
Mrs Lincoln's Dressmaker 2013
(19) Elm Creek Quilt Series 2008-2012

Year of Wonders By, Gerladine Brooks

Based on the "Great Plague which lasted fron 1665 to 1666, which was the last major epademic of the bubonic plague to occur in England. The plague killed an estimated 100,000 people-almost a quarter of London's population in 18 months."- The National Archives

This was an interesting, historically based novel on the "Great Plague"  written in 2001 by Gerladine Brooks and at this time, could not be more felicitous. This book is extremely well written even though the subject matter could be considered dry and daunting given the current state of affairs. I thought the Author humanized the experience, by telling the story from the point of view of Anna Frith, a housemaid for the vicar.

The novel is based on the story of Eyam, a small rural village in the remote foothills of England. The Author chose to focus on this area because the town chose voluntary isolation to protect neighbors and the world at large to protect others.

In a journal entry by Samuel Pepys when describing plague victims, "The houses of plague victims were sealed and guarded, locking in the well with the ill, with no one to bring them food, water or comfort of any kind. Pepys writes that you could hear the cries of the afflicted coming from the houses, which were marked with large red crosses and the words, "God have Mercy."

There is a current debate in the blog-o-sphere and book world as to why people, like myself turn to historical fiction to further emphasize the current horrific state of affairs. I enjoy reading the 'history of anything' to see where we have been and where we are now. Books like these, illuminate the current landscape of fear and horror brought on by the pandemic. But, they also offer an opportunity to reflect on how our past infiltrates -seamlessly into the future.

A quote from Anna on a Year of Wonder, "These memories of happiness are fleeting things, reflections in a stream, glimpsed all broken for a second, and then swept away in the current of grief that is our life now.I can't say that I ever feel what it felt like then, when I was happy. But sometimes something will touch the place where that feeling was, a touch as slight and swift as the brush of a moth's wing in the dark."

Other Books by Gerladine Brooks:
The Secret Chord 2015
Caleb's Crossing 2011
People of the Book 2008
March 2006

The Underground Railroad By Colson Whitehead

New York Times Bestseller~Winner of the Pulitzer Prize~National Book Award~Winner of the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction.

Colson Whitehead's version of history, tells a fascinating tale of Cora, age 15 and orphaned.She embarks on a harrowing quest for freedom, at the suggestion of Cesar, who she meets on the plantation,where she picks cotton. Cesar picks Cora, as his accomplice, because he "knew she could do it" noting her spunk, energy and ability to imagine a life beyond slavery. Both of them come to realize that living as a slave, is in essence a death sentence, a life of servitude. They choose to fight for their freedom, fully aware of a potentially painful death.

The author's version of the tale is literal,he superimposes an actual railroad with tracks, engineers and conductors. He weaves a visceral tale of the protagonist Cora, who travels from Georgia, to North Carolina to Tennessee and then to Indiana. This is a gripping- I cannot put the book down narrative, that will leave you crying and cheering for Cora.

In reference to Cora, the author epitomizes the feeling of freedom succinctly in one line.
"This was the farthest she had ever been from home. Even if she were dragged away at this moment and put in chains,she would have these miles."

The book travels back and forth through time, as we meet the slave traders and heroes of the railroad. Its a deep dive into the abyss of slavery, that is both tragic and riveting. This book brings the dark pages of history to light,beyond the history books.Its a searing portrayal of humanity and a vivid characterization of history-in the past and present day.

Other Books by Colson Whitehead:

The Nickel Boys 2019
The Noble Hustle 2015
Zone One 2012
Sag Harbor 2010
The Colossus of New York 2004
John Henry Days 2002
The Intuitionist 2000

A Single Thread By, Tracy Chevalier

"Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2019." (Time Magazine)

Tracy Chevalier is a master of historical fiction. Her well researched topics shed light on the details of the time period, 1932 from a fascinating perspective. Within this time frame, she focuses on the men and women who are immersed in the church and want to contribute their talents and honor the fallen soldiers through embroidery and bell ringing. I found it to be a perspicacious, fascinating perspective to focus on.

Its a very creative way to bring the reader into the time period,1932 after the Second World War. After losing her brother and fiance, Violet Speedwell is considered to be a 'surplus woman' condemned to a life as a spinster, after the loss of so many men to the war.

After living with her embittered Mother for 38 years, she finds the courage to move out to Winchester, and finds a job as a typist. By accident, she meets a group of 'broderers' at a local church; who embroider seat cushions and kneelers, which brings comfort to parishioners.

Tracy Chevalier writes elegantly about death and grieving, the complications of being Gay in the 1930's, female friendships, family, and loving a married man. She also focuses on the dilemma Violet faces, trying to live a single vibrant life, as an independent woman. She loves to walk and is seen as 'strange' and naive, when she embarks on a long journey from "Winchester to Lymington and then takes the ferry from Isle of Wight and stays for a few days in Ventnor." Violet pushes through and relishes the naysayers, with new found confidence.

My only criticism of this book, was the ending. It was assiduous, but predictable. I had hoped it would have been a little more complicated and challenging for the reader. However, all of Tracy Chevalier's novels are well researched and prove to be a welcome education on subject matter that is somewhat elusive but, fascinating.

Other Books by Tracy Chevalier:

New Boy 2018
At the Edge of the Orchard 2017
The Last Runaway 2013
Remarkable Creatures 2010
Burning Bright 2008
The Lady and the Unicorn 2004
The Virgin Blue 2003
Falling Angels 2001
Girl with a Pearl Earring 2001

The Age of Light By, Whitney Scharer

Enthralling! The author acknowledges this is loosely based- historical fiction. I enjoy historical fiction, to learn about that period of history, told through the Author's imagination. Although the Author may not tell the 'actual' story, we can still get the flavor of the era-the sights, smells, art, music, architecture, fashion, currents events of that time. And what is the "Actual Story?" Do we ever know?

The story is based on the lives of photographer Man Ray and Vogue model, Lee Miller. This is the author's first book and I think it is exceptionally written. I found it to be a compelling read.

The author brings you into the story of the life of a photographer and model. At age 22, Lee Miller states, "I'd rather take a photograph than be one." She wants to move out of the photo and into the story by becoming an artist- photographer. It is a sweeping saga from 1920's Paris to the battleground of World War II.

Lee meets and begins a life-changing affair with Man Ray, who initially is hesitant, but agrees to take her on as a photography assistant. Man Ray reluctantly agrees to this, after much debate, as he would prefer to 'use' her as a model. The word 'use' is a fundamental quandary throughout the book. Because of her beauty, Lee feels 'used' beginning with her Father, and as she begins to work full time as a model. She sees the shallowness of the 'quick pic' as a way to sell beauty, as if it were a commodity. She wants more.

"Here in Paris where she wants to start over, Lee seems to be another pretty detail in a city where almost everything is artfully arranged. A city built on the concept of form over function, where rows of jewel toned petits fours gleam in a patisserie's window, too flawless to eat. Where a milliner displays exquisitely elaborate hats, with no clear indication of how one would wear them. Even the Parisian women at the sidewalk cafes are like sculptures, effortlessly elegant, leaning back in their chairs as if their raison d'etre is decoration."

Man Ray and Lee Miller enjoy a passionate love affair that is cleverly drawn out, so you feel the trepidation of working with and loving an artist. Lee Miller accidentally discovers a photographic technique, which Man Ray claims was his. So, the melodrama is there and it is fraught with tension and the soliloquy of what underlies the juxtaposition of love and art.

I loved the artsy drama of the book-the quirky characters, the vivid descriptions of Paris, the Salon, the beauty of a photograph and the potential story it tells. Its all there. The ending, summarizes the finesse of the author, who closes with a vivid image. After being apart for decades, Lee Miller and Man Ray reunite at one of Man Ray's final photography exhibits.

"Lee is sitting, eyes closed, when she hears a noise behind her, the squeak of rubber on a hardwood floor. Someone in a wheelchair is rolling into the room. And then as the person gets closer there it is: a voice, his voice gravelly and thin now, but still familiar, a voice she wasn't able to recall until she hears it." "Lee?" Man says. What passes between them will be just a memory. There are no pictures of it.

I look forward to Whitney Scharer's next book.

At the Wolf's Table By Rosello Postorino

Germany 1943. World War II. The 'wolf' at the table' is Hitler and 26 year old Rosa Sauer has been ensnared, as one of 9 women, who is a 'taster' for Hitler. Three times a day, she must taste the food before Hitler does, to assure that it is not poisonous. Its a revolving daily process; after eating, she then waits an hour to see if there is a fatal reaction, and if not, she returns the next day.

"we know Hitler is there. They called it the Wolfsschanze, the Wolf's lair. Wolf was his nickname. A legion of hunters was out looking for him, and to get him in their grips they would gladly slay me as well."

It is a compelling read. Rosa's parents are gone and her husband is away fighting in World War II. One morning the SS arrive and inform her that she has been conscripted to be one of Hitler's tasters. "Fear comes to me three times a day, always without knocking. It sits beside me and if I stand up it follows me, by now its practically a constant companion." Within the sisterhood that develops, secrets and resentments grow to reach a dramatic climax.

The story evolves as Rosa begins to realize that she is on the wrong side of history.

"I couldn't have known then about the mass graves, about the Jews who lay prone, huddled together, waiting for the shot to the back of the head... But I was afraid and couldn't speak and didn't want to know."

Rosella Postorino is an internationally bestselling author and editor. This is her first novel to be translated into English.

Joan Boswell (Reviewer)

Loving Frank By Nancy Horan

This is a book for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book is listed as Historical Fiction and is based on the love affair between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney. At the time of the affair, both were married with children. Ms Horan, describes in harrowing detail, the struggles, these two encounter, to justify their affair. as they travel across 2 continents.

It was an historical scandal in 1914 Chicago, when Mamah Cheney announced, she was leaving her husband and children to travel with Frank Lloyd Wright. Ms. Cheney, was an educated women, who felt confined and stifled in her marriage. Once she met Frank, she welcomed the opportunity to break free from the strains of convention and explore the world. Ms Horan also vividly depicts the personality of Mr Wright, who she describes as egotistical, charismatic and melodramatic.

The book also discusses the 'weight' of Frank Lloyd Wright's influence on what he described as 'organic' architecture, which emphasizes simplicity and natural beauty. However, he was criticized for designing homes that were aesthetically pleasing, but lacked practicality. There are numerous debates on his architecture, as to whether they are art objects or houses?

The book is an exquisite tromp through Frank World, the consequences of a clandestine affair, travel and a bitter, tragic ending.

I also highly recommend Nancy Horan's other book, "Under the Wide and Starry Sky". Another historical novel, based on the marriage of Robert Louis Stevenson and Fanny Van De Grift Osbourne.
Unfortunately, these are the only 2 books Nancy Horan as written.