Local Investors to Lead Free Real Estate Workshops at Cumming Library

Cumming Real Estate Investor Education Alliance, a group of investor-agents dedicated to educating the public about ways to make real estate a source of income, will lead a series of free 2-hour investing workshops at the Cumming Library this fall.

“These workshops were designed for patrons that want to invest in real estate but aren’t sure how to get started,” explains Program Manager Laura Bradley.

“For more experienced investors, these workshops offer an opportunity to network with other like-minded investors and to learn analytical techniques that can guide more profitable investment decisions.”

The first session will be held on Sunday, September 10 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will focus on using the Investment School Report to find the right location for investing in real estate. CREIEA members will explain how to find the areas and properties that are selling fastest, as well as how to make decisions about investing to flip a property or to buy and hold the property.

The next session will focus on maximizing profit on investments in real estate on Sunday, October 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Participants will learn how to analyze a potential investment using investment formulas and analysis summary sheets to evaluate whether a specific deal or property meets your portfolio requirements.

The final workshop will be held on Sunday, November 12 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will focus on funding options for your real estate investments.

These free workshops are intended for adults and advance registration is not required to participate. For more information, please visit www.forsythpl.org.

Cumming Library to Host Touring Exhibition from Michael C. Carlos Museum

The Cumming Library will host an eight-panel touring photographic exhibition from Atlanta’s Michael C. Carlos Museum from September 2 to 19.

“Discover the Stories of Civilization: Stories of Beauty, Power, Love, Glory and Faith” highlights 15 treasures from the museum’s renowned collections of art from Egypt, the Near East, Greece, Rome, Africa, the Americas and Asia. The exhibition’s statewide tour is part of a partnership between the Michael C. Carlos Museum and Georgia Public Library Service.

Image courtesy Michael C. Carlos Museum.
Used with permission.

“The traveling exhibit offers a preview of the Museum’s most interesting collections and is sure to spark a bit of curiosity about history and culture,” says Program Manager Laura Bradley.

“Our patrons can also visit the Ask Us desk at any FCPL branch to request the Georgia Public Libraries Family Pass to the Museum and go see the treasures left by ancient artists and storytellers for themselves,” explains Bradley.

The Family Pass is available to library cardholders and is valid for up to six free admissions to the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University.

“As Socrates said, ‘wisdom begins in wonder,’ and nothing instills wonder in young children like Egyptian mummies and Greek myths,” said Carlos Museum Director Bonnie Speed. “On behalf of the museum board and staff, I would like to thank Georgia’s public libraries for helping us share these exceptional works of art and rare artifacts with families throughout the state.”

From its founding as the Emory University Museum in 1919, the Michael C. Carlos Museum has served generations of students, scholars, schoolchildren, history buffs, art lovers and tourists for nearly a century. Today it welcomes more than 100,000 visitors each year.

"Georgia's library users of all ages will enjoy visiting this marvelous education treasure, and we're delighted to partner with the museum to make its collections more accessible to families throughout the state,” said State Librarian Julie Walker. “This is one more wonderful way for public libraries to help create a more educated Georgia."

Library Unveils Winning Designs in My First Library Card Contest

More than 250 children answered Forsyth County Public Library’s call to build a better library card this summer and two new My First Library Card designs were unveiled Saturday at a special storytime event at the Post Road Library.

Samantha Fields was recognized as the My First Library Card art contest winner in the Pre-K to 5th grade division with a papercraft rainbow on a field of bright blue with encouragement for cardholders to read.

Kavya Suryadevara was recognized as the art contest winner in the 6th to 12th grade division with a colored pencil sketch of an Earth-shaped puzzle and words written in a hand-drawn font made of construction tools.

In addition to receiving new library cards featuring their designs, the winners also received complete sets of art supplies from the contest’s sponsor, Canton-Woodstock-Cumming Macaroni Kid.

“Our mission at Macaroni Kid is to give parents tips and information on free or low-cost opportunities for education and entertainment,” says Amie Esposito of Macaroni Kid.

“I believe the library is a wonderful place to find both of those things, and having a library card of their own is a great way to encourage responsibility – for the card, for the materials borrowed, and for keeping their account in good standing – in kids and teens,” said Esposito.

Aside from teaching children about responsibility, the My First Library Card program also helps young people feel like a welcome part of the community at the library.

“Giving young patrons a card for kids that was actually designed by their peers is a wonderful way to communicate that children and teens are a vital part of our community,” explains Program Manager Laura Bradley.

The new My First Library Cards are now available to patrons while supplies last. New patrons receiving their first library cards may choose one of the new My First Library Card designs, or choose the standard library card, at no charge. Current cardholders may also pay $1.00 to convert their existing library card to a new design.

For more information or to apply for a library card, please visit www.forsythpl.org. For information on activities and events for families, please visit canton.macaronikid.com.

#ShelfLife - August 25, 2017

After some intense moments of looking up at this week's solar eclipse, we bet our patrons are ready to look down this weekend....look down at a good book, that is.

We've got several #ShelfLife recommendations for you, from the fantastically funny Gork the Teenage Dragon to the heart-wrenching Leaving Lucy Pear. Check out the books below and then visit catalog.forsythpl.org to place a hold on your weekend read.

Have something else exciting on your to-be-read pile? Snap a #shelfie or #bookstagram and tag @forsythpubliclibrary on Instagram and you could see your book featured on our #ShelfLife feed next week!

You have a new BFF in Karma Khullar. Half Sikh, half Methodist, and 100% hilarious," says fellow author Heather Vogel Frederick of Kristi Wientge's debut novel KARMA KHULLAR'S MUSTACHE. Karma Khullar is about to start middle school, and she is super nervous. Not just because it seems like her best friend has found a newer, blonder best friend. Or the fact that her home life is shaken up by the death of her dadima. Or even that her dad is the new stay-at-home parent, leading her mother to spend most of her time at work. But because she's realized that she has seventeen hairs that have formed a mustache on her upper lip. With everyone around her focused on other things, Karma is left to figure out what to make of her terrifyingly hairy surprise all on her own. #ShelfLife #FridayReads #debutnovel #teenreads #tweenreads #fiction #middleschool #friendship #identity #bodyimage #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram @kristiwientge #KarmaKhullarsMustache #SimonAndSchuster

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Aug 25, 2017 at 9:11am PDT

Trending now on the Bookmarked Blog: Nora St. Laurent’s review of LIFE AFTER by @katieganshert. Nora says, “This haunting tale follows a tragedy on the tracks, an explosion on a train that changed twenty-two people’s lives forever. I was hooked from the start.” We’ve got two copies (one is Large Type) left on shelves now, so head over to catalog.forsythpl.org to place a hold the book for your weekend reading! #ShelfLife #trending #amreading #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #fiction #staffrecommendation #staffpick #bookblog #LifeAfter #KatieGanshert

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Aug 25, 2017 at 8:41am PDT

We're wrapping up a week of celestial studies and solar eclipses with something entirely fantastic: GORK, THE TEENAGE DRAGON by Gabe Hudson (@hudson_gabe). Described as "the unholy child of THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY, Harry Potter, and SIXTEEN CANDLES - and this time with dragons," this oddball novel shows us just how human a dragon can be. Look for it at the Post Road Library or place a hold at catalog.forsythpl.org for a great weekend read! #ShelfLife #FridayReads #amreading #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #fiction #scifi #GabeHudson #gorktheteenagedragon @aaknopf #bookdragon #booksofinstagram

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Aug 25, 2017 at 5:50am PDT

Today is National Waffle Day, so give your breakfast a boost with a book! If you need a waffle recipe, you'll find breakfast and pastry cookbooks in our non-fiction collections for children, teens, and adults. If your kids need a morning giggle, check out WOODPECKER WANTS A WAFFLE by Steve Breen or FRANK PEARL IN THE AWFUL WAFFLE KERFUFFLE by Megan McDonald, on library shelves now. Reserve your copy at catalog.forsythpl.org. #NationalWaffleDay #breakfastwithabook #ShelfLife #kidlit #childrensbook #picturebook #chapterbook #easyreader #SteveBreen #WoodpeckerWantsAWaffle #HarperCollins #MeganMcDonald #JudyMoodyAndFriends #FrankPearlInTheAwfulWaffleKerfuffle #CandlewickPress #bookstagram #amreading #ForsythReads #FCPLstories

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Aug 24, 2017 at 7:24am PDT

History and non-fiction readers - we're about to place copies of MIDNIGHT IN THE PACIFIC: GUADALCANAL, THE WORLD WAR II BATTLE THAT TURNED THE TIDE OF WAR by Joseph Wheelan on the shelves at all four of our branches. Place a hold on a copy with your library card at catalog.forsythpl.org. About the book: From early August until mid-November of 1942, US Marines, sailors, and pilots struggled for dominance against an implacable enemy: Japanese soldiers, inculcated with the bushido tradition of death before dishonor, avatars of bayonet combat--close-up, personal, and gruesome. The glittering prize was Henderson Airfield. Japanese planners knew that if they neutralized the airfield, the battle was won. So did the Marines who stubbornly defended it. #ShelfLife #midnightinthepacific #nonfiction #militaryhistory #history #worldhistory #ushistory #WWII #amreading #bookstagram

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Aug 22, 2017 at 7:37am PDT

Though we distinctly recall observing National Tooth Fairy Day back in February, apparently it’s time to celebrate again. If you’re sticking a tooth under the pillow this evening, stop by the library and check out one of these awesome books before bedtime. Pictured here are TOOTH FAIRY’S FIRST NIGHT by Anne Bowen, FRANKLIN AND THE TOOTH FAIRY by Paulette Bourgeois, and HERE COMES THE TOOTH FAIRY CAT! by Deborah Underwood, all available on library shelves now. #NationalToothFairyDay #toothfairy #ShelfLife #childrensbook #kidlit #bookstagram #amreading #librariesofinstagram #FCPLstories

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Aug 22, 2017 at 6:08am PDT

It will take just 93 minutes for the shadow of the moon to travel from Oregon to South Carolina in today's solar eclipse. No aircraft can move that fast, but in 1927 Charles Lindbergh made a daring flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 33.5 hours...in darkness and without the aid of GPS. Read all about this brave adventurer in THE FLIGHT: CHARLES LINDBERGH'S DARING AND IMMORTAL 1927 TRANSATLANTIC CROSSING by Dan Hampton, on library shelves now. #ShelfLife #eclipse #science #aviation #flight #STEM #nonfiction #bookstagram #charleslindbergh #danhampton

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Aug 21, 2017 at 6:59am PDT

Book Buzz book club will meet at the Cumming Library to discuss LEAVING LUCY PEAR by Anna Solomon (@thisannasolomon) at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 14. Book Buzz Twilight will meet on the same day at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the book. Parents may enjoy the book club while children enjoy Twilight Tales storytime. Reserve your copy of the book at catalog.forsythpl.org today! About the book: Inadvertently reunited with the daughter she secretly abandoned and the girl's Irish-Catholic adoptive mother during the height of America's xenophobic Prohibition era, the adult daughter of a Jewish industrialist finds her life turned upside down by her daughter's bold and unconventional personality. #ShelfLife #bookstagram #bookclub #fiction #womensfiction #leavinglucypear #annasolomon @penguinbooks #FCPLstories #ForsythReads

A post shared by Forsyth County Public Library (@forsythpubliclibrary) on Aug 18, 2017 at 10:45am PDT

Staff Picks Life After by Katie Ganshert (Adult Fiction)

Life After by Katie Ganshert

This haunting tale follows a tragedy on the tracks, an explosion on a train that changed twenty-two people’s lives forever. I was hooked from the start.

 "We rarely know when death will come…..Some are warned in sickness - But others - meet death without any warning at all, in an unforeseen moment that wrenches consciousness in two, separating the living from the dead.

That’s how it would come on this particular evening for twenty-two individuals."

This author pulls out all the stops as she has readers experience the loss along with twenty-three families. I loved this author’s unique attention to detail that dropped me in the middle of this event. She introduces a variety of rich exceptional characters I could connect with. I loved how the author mixed in a few surprises and twists I didn’t see coming. It made for a heartfelt, page-turning, unforgettable read, that would make a great book club pick. Katie Ganshert is one to watch! This book's a keeper.

Nora St. Laurent
Collection Support Aide

Goodbye for Now by Laurie Frankel - Adult Fiction

Only a couple of ladies came to our Lit Chicks book club on Wednesday morning, August 9th. It could have been the weather. Perhaps it was the book. While both ladies were happy to have read the book, only one said she would recommend it, and that recommendation would only be for someone “who reads a lot of books."

Frankel’s novel is about a computer service called RePose that uses the social media logs of the deceased to create projections that are able to mimic the deceased in a way that the living can interact with to find closure. The group felt that while this service is fictional now, it could be a possibility in the future. Both of the attendees have been widowed; one recently and one shortly after she was married many years ago. I asked both women if they would use RePose if it was a real service and they both said no. Not only did they think that RePose would keep them from “moving on”, they both doubted if their deceased husbands would have enough of a social media footprint to create a believable projection. We then talked about our own social media use and wondered how a RePose projection might reflect us just based on our emails, texts, and other accounts.

Goodbye For Now has a fascinating premise with a sweet love story. The high-tech business created by the characters in this book is explained just enough to appear plausible and did not put off the non-techie of the group. The book does deal with loss; so much loss! For this reason, it may not be appropriate or desirable for someone who is grieving.

Kim Ottesen
Information Services Supervisor

Library Changes Perceptions of Aging with Virtual Dementia Tour

Sometimes it is difficult to empathize with an aging parent or family member as they age or suffer the effects of dementia. Those changes are hard to imagine if you haven’t actually experienced them for yourself.

Now you can, when you experience the Virtual Dementia Tour presented by Second Wind Dreams at the Hampton Park Library on Thursday, September 14.

Participation in the Virtual Dementia Tour is free and patrons should register online for a 20-minute simulation session at goo.gl/ccFhLK.

“The Virtual Dementia Tour gives caregivers and others that aid elderly patients an opportunity to walk in someone else’s shoes – to feel what it’s like to lose your vision or depth perception, and how those factors combine with diminished motor skills to make even simple tasks more complicated,” explains Program Manager Laura Bradley.

Created in 2002 by geriatric psychologist P.K. Beville, founder of Second Wind Dreams, the Virtual Dementia Tour is an evidence-based and clinically proven simulation of the effects of aging and dementia. Over two million physicians, nurses, first responders and caregivers in 20 countries have experienced the Virtual Dementia Tour.

Second Wind Dreams is a charitable organization dedicated to changing the perception of aging through the fulfillment of dreams and the offering of educational programs including the Virtual Dementia Tour as its flagship sensitivity training.

“Staff from Second Wind Dreams will lead participants through hands-on simulations that use glasses, gloves, headphones, and slippers or special shoes,” adds Bradley.

The program simulates the loss of vision acuity, color differentiation, depth perception, motor skills, and hearing, as well as presenting new aches and pains with an overall sensation of discomfort.

Health care and residential facilities frequently use the Virtual Dementia Tour to train and create empathy in those who will be working with and caring for elderly patients. Family members who are caretakers for elderly relatives may also benefit from an increased awareness of the challenges their loved ones face as they grow older.

“Patrons can register online or by contacting the library to participate in this free simulation. It takes about 20 minutes to complete a simulation and elder care experts from Second Wind Dreams will be available to answer questions about aging, geriatric health, and dementia as participants finish the tour.

For more information, or to register, please visit www.forsythpl.org.

Staff Picks: Girl in Snow by Danya Kukafka (Adult Fiction)

I was in the mood for a short, quick read and this fit the bill. A YAish coming-of-age story touted as a mystery/thriller, Girl in Snow by Danya Kukafka grabbed my attention right away. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did based on some other reviews. For a debut novel, I thought it was pretty impressive. Was there anything really new that we haven't seen before? Not really. But I liked the fact that it was sort of strange, with characters that were misfits, and some voyeurism thrown in for good measure. Who killed Lucinda Hayes? Was it the jealous girl, the boy who worshiped her from afar, or someone off the radar completely? The mystery is solved at the end, making for a satisfying, tidy read.

Beth Moore
Information Specialist

Cumming and Post Road Libraries to Host Solar Eclipse Programs

We’re just 14 days away from being in the path of a solar eclipse! The sight is expected to be incredible, even though Forsyth County is just outside the path of totality.

Forsyth County Schools are delaying the release of students on Monday, August 21 until the eclipse passes, but two FCPL branches will also be hosting programs for patrons of all ages to gain a better understanding and viewing of this amazing natural phenomenon.

Total Eclipse of the Sun Celebration at the Post Road Library

Patrons of all ages are invited to the Post Road Library at 1:30 p.m. on August 21 to view educational displays, make eclipse-themed crafts, and watch a live stream of the eclipse in the library’s Hot Spot. At 2:15 p.m., step outside to watch the eclipse with special safety glasses (provided by the library, while supplies last).

Updated August 15, 2017: Tickets for glasses will be given out at 1:00 p.m. and glasses at 1:30 p.m. One pair of glasses will be given per family or group.

Solar Eclipse Viewing at the Cumming Library

Patrons of all ages may also visit the Cumming Library at 2:00 p.m. on August 21 to watch solar science videos, see educational displays, and make eclipse-themed crafts. At 2:20 p.m., step outside to watch the eclipse with special safety glasses (provided by the library, while supplies last).

Free Eclipse Glasses No Longer Available 

With support from Google and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Space Science Institute's STAR_Net initiative distributed ISO-compliant safe solar eclipse glasses to libraries all across the U.S. and Forsyth County Public Library received a limited supply of eclipse glasses to distribute to patrons and to use at programs on the day of the eclipse.

Our supply of glasses for the general public has been exhausted and the only way to receive glasses from the library now is to attend one of the programs listed above at the Cumming and Post Road Libraries.

Finding Eclipse Glasses

It is unsafe to look directly at the sun, even during a partial eclipse, as we’ll experience locally. If you’d like to purchase your own eclipse glasses, NASA and the American Astronomical Society warn consumers that only eclipse glasses verified by an accredited testing laboratory to meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard are safe to use.

The American Astronomical Society provides a list of reputable manufacturers and retailers of eclipse glasses and solar filters for telescopes, binoculars, and cameras. STAR_Net also lists other safe ways of viewing the eclipse.

Chatterbooks: A Book Club for Grades K-2 at the Cumming Library

Chatterbooks is a book club designed for children in grades K-2 that incorporates a story, book discussion and a craft.

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty is this month’s selection. Rosie is an inventor of gizmos and gadgets, who dreams of one day becoming an engineer. When her great-great- Aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes to visit and mentions her one goal is to fly, Rosie sets to work on a flying contraption. Much to her dismay the contraption only hovers, and Rosie thinks the invention is a failure. Her great-great Aunt Rose shares with her that you can only truly fail if you quit.

Children do not need to read the book prior to the program which will be held on August 31, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at the Cumming Library. No registration required.

Lorraine Lane
Information Specialist – Youth Services

Staff Picks: This Is What a Librarian Looks Like

There’s a wonderful new book in the library’s collection called This Is What a Librarian Looks Like, which includes thoughts from writers such as Neil Gaiman, Jude Deveraux, and Nancy Pearl and more than 200 photographs of librarians across the globe with their thoughts about what it means to be a librarian and why libraries are essential to our communities and culture.

 Here are just a few of the many quotes I liked:

“Libraries encourage creativity and innovation and provide opportunities for lifelong learning. Librarians are the ultimate search ninjas.”

“Libraries are the people’s university. As the cost of a formal education rises and the options for learning in non-traditional formats increase, libraries will be the great equalizer, allowing everyone to grow and embrace their passions.”

“Libraries are part of the essential services in every community. First responders save lives. Librarians make lives.”

“There is no time in which I would rather be a librarian than today…unless it is tomorrow. We have never lived in a time where the data, information, resources, and tools exist to meet people’s needs and in which our abilities to navigate them are more vital.”

“When I was growing up I always saw the library as a refuge, a launch pad, and an oasis. I want to make sure others have the same opportunity to experience the magic of the library.”

“In the morning, I’m a rock star to a room full of preschoolers; midday, I’m a social worker, assisting a recently unemployed patron in finding resources; in the afternoon, I’m an educator leading kids through an after-school science workshop. Librarians serve so many purposes and wear so many hats, but all of them change lives.”

“Why libraries? Innovation, creativity, inspiration, diversity, community.”

I hope that browsing through this book brings you as much joy and inspiration as it brought me.

Stephen Kight
Assistant Director for Public Services

Book Buzz and Book Buzz Twilight

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman presents Norse mythology in an entertaining and easy read. Gaiman begins with introductions to a few of the main players in Norse mythology: Odin, father of mankind; Thor, his son and protector of Asgard, home of the gods; and Loki, the trickster everyone loves to hate.

The Norse creation myths come next, with many unpronounceable names. Gaiman has given his readers a hand, however, placing a glossary in the back so his readers can remember who's who. The rest of the book consists of Gaiman's masterful retelling of common Norse myths while truly delving into the personality of the gods. It's easy to sympathize and commiserate with Loki's victims while wanting to wring his neck. Fans of mythology and anyone who wants to learn more about Norse mythology will enjoy Norse Mythology.

Come join our Book Buzz Book Club on Thursday, August 10th at either 1:30 p.m. or at our new Twilight Book Buzz time at 6:30 p.m. to discuss this title (and learn to pronounce the names of a few Norse Gods).

Jennifer Forbes
Information Services Supervisor

Library Limelight: Vaidhegi Vijayakumar, Collection Support Aide, Sharon Forks Library

Library Limelight is intended to be a quick read to help FCPL patrons get to know our librarians and staff. We hope you enjoy learning about the people who make our libraries great!

Vaidhegi Vijayakumar
Collection Support Aide
Sharon Forks

Where is your hometown?

I was born and raised in Chennai, India. I have been living in Georgia for the past 14 years.

How long have you been at FCPL?

I have been working at FCPL for about 3 years.

What other jobs have you had at FCPL?

I have not had any other jobs at FCPL.

Why did you choose to work in a library?

I always wanted to pursue a career in the field of education. I was impressed by the library system in this country and volunteered in a county library for about 2 years before landing at FCPL. My schedule allows me to balance work and family commitments.

Describe your job in five words or less.

Shelving, organizing, and always moving.

What is unique about your job?

It requires patience, attention to details and efficiency. I am always around good friends - be it books or friendly faces.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I am surrounded by a multitude of books. I enjoy the camaraderie with my peers, supervisor, and colleagues.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve lived or traveled?

 Taj Mahal, India and Niagara Falls, USA. Both were on my bucket list.

What are your hobbies?

Listening to music, reading books, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family

What are you reading right now?

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?

Mostly, I prefer paper books and at times eBooks, as well.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Forsyth County is a great place to live. It is diverse and getting even more diversified day after day. I would like to thank FCPL for giving me the opportunity to serve the community and pursue my career in the field that I always loved!

Staff Picks A Lady in Disguise by Sandra Byrd (Adult Fiction)

A Lady in Disguise by Sandra Byrd

Gillian leaves her father’s poorly attended funeral and stumbles upon a plain clothed police officer searching her home without permission. Why? What are the police looking for?

“...Louisa said, “Scared us to death, it did, when he broke in. Didn’t expect to find us here, no doubt.”

“Why would a policeman break in, I ask you, and one your father worked with at that?”

Gillian is strong willed, a woman of faith, naive to the ways of the world and pursuing answers with little thought to her safety. Her father’s body was found on a city street. Was it an accident or murder? She is unexpectedly orphaned and left in a precarious and dangerous predicament. Gillian now realizes how a woman can be taken advantage of. Who can she trust? Every time Gillian tries to uncover clues about her father’s accident, reputation-threatening people try to ruin her livelihood. Why? Why is she threatened by people who were once considered close friends? Gillian must decide if finding the truth is worth losing everything, including two potential romances and the ability to help a local charity that mentors young girls past the pantomime age for kids in the theater.

I loved the theatrical side to this story. I was fascinated by the method and materials Gillian worked with to make stunning seasonal dresses. I was also amazed at how Gillian went about designing gowns for the theatrical performance of Cinderella.

This author saved the best story for last in The Daughters of Hampshire series. I was spellbound by this Victorian romance/Gothic Thriller. I was sorry to have it end. This makes for a wonderful summer read, a great book club pick; with a delightful conclusion to the series. I highly recommend it. It’s a keeper.

Nora St. Laurent

Collection Support Aide