Poster Girls

by Meredith Ritchie

"Everyone is an outsider somewhere. There's a sameness to being different."
After an unwanted southern migration, an upside-down world in 1943 offers military wife and mother, Maggie Slone, a job at Charlotte's largest wartime employer--the massive and dangerous Shell Assembly Plant. Meanwhile, military wife and Alabama native, Kora Bell's steadfast determination enables her to navigate the challenges she faces as a Black woman seeking employment under Jim Crow. A shared love of literature begins an unlikely friendship between Kora and Maggie, and the two work together to unify the plant's workforce. Stringent rules are necessary when the air is charged with gun powder and polite society, until Maggie and Kora must break them in order to support their families, end the war, and bring their husbands home.Told from two perspectives, Poster Girls is driven by the true but forgotten events and accomplishments of a diverse group of American women, both relevant and necessary to stop modern cycles of misunderstanding.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Book Club, Historical

344 pages, Hardcover

First published January 11, 2022

About the author

I believe the past has a lot to teach us. By identifying and empathisizing with a protagonist, historical fiction deepens the context and sheds light onto our modern day motivations. I wrote my women's empowermentt novel, Poster Girls, because I wanted to read it.

As with many women's historical fiction books, I love to see myself and learn from a protagonist, following along in her footsteps as she navigates the highs and lows of a tenuous and new journey. Strong characters, ones that change us by the last page, show us pathways to get through the rough patches in life.

Reviews

[Antof9 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much! Loved the twins’ literary names, loved that Maggie and Kora bonded over books, loved watching Maggie’s character learn and grow and lead.

This was so interesting in terms of learning about women going to work and then … go home and live your life as if nothing changed! Everything is normal!

I’d love to see a partner book to this from Kora’s point of view. What we glimpsed was deep and nuanced, but not enough. And that’s not a criticism - I appreciate that a white author didn’t try to get inside the head of a Black character. But I’d love to see a Black author write a companion piece to this.

I couldn’t put this down and didn’t want to. This is definitely going in my re-read list.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner and feel good book about developing diverse friendships and women discovering strengths they didn't know they had to meet seemingly insurmountable goals. As I shed tears of joy, I wanted to cheer them on outload. I felt like I had made new friends with the characters ... they felt so real and vulnerable, flawed and courageous. I finished the book several days ago and miss Maggie and Kora and Billie and continue to think of them often, imagining their lives after the novel ends and wishing them well. Silly, I know, but they were that real to me. Thank you Meredith.

[Paula Martinac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poster Girls by Meredith Ritchie celebrates the resilience and camaraderie of female munitions workers in Charlotte, N.C., during World War II. You’ll root for these finely crafted characters as they confront the limits placed on women, white and black, and uncover their own hidden skills and ingenuity. A stirring historical novel!

[Kym Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Do something today that your future self will thank you for." -Advice Maggie Slone's mother gave her.

The name Rosie the Riveter was often used when referring to the women who played a crucial role in the production of war-related materials (bombs), to support the military effort during World War II. This story began with a massive plant fire, which was due to an act of sheer intentional negligence that could have been prevented. The plant needed the women to make these weapons for the military troops.

During circa 1940s, was a time when segregation and racial degradation were a very recognizable and unspoken way of life. Two unlikely women become friends because of their shared love for literature. But such a friendship is frowned upon by others, between Maggie Slone, mother of twins Daisy and Demi, and the military wife of Charlie Slone, and a Black woman, Alabama native Kora Bell who is also the military wife of James Bell.

Maggie gets a job at the dangerous Shell Assembly Plant, the largest wartime employer in Charlotte, North Carolina. Fortunately, Maggie's in-laws looked after her daughters while she worked. Wouldn't you know that Maggie had a late book checked out from the library Kora worked at, and asked her if she could return it for her because the book was late? But while Kora tried to sneak the book back into the bookshelf, the librarian saw Kora and thought she was stealing the book. Kora was fired on the spot.

When Leland Martin, Maggie's old fling from home suddenly shows up at the plant where Maggie was working, it isn't by coincidence. Maggie wondered why of all places Leland could have been assigned, why the plant where she worked. She would later find out.

Maggie felt bad about Kora losing her job and asked Leland for a favor to hire Kora for a job at the Shell Plant. While the workers were segregated during this Jim Crow era, Maggie managed to get Kora to work in her area, where Maggie was later assigned as supervisor.

But these friends are from very different worlds and it was a stark and obvious reality in the division of Black and White. Maggie and Kora knew they would be treated differently because they were women, but Kora knew she had two strikes against her. She would be treated worse because she was a 'Black woman.' When Maggie found herself in a dilemma, Kora found herself in a bigger, more strangling dilemma that was more painful to navigate through.

One of the biggest challenges at the plant was the men and Maggie's female nemeses, Lieutenant Owens. Men at the plant were adamant about not taking orders from women and they did their best to sabotage their efforts. This is where the explosion comes into play. Maggie and Kora had to testify about a report that Kora wrote regarding legitimate safety infractions on her inspection check near the cafeteria. Because Kora was a Black woman and Maggie was a woman, officials cleared the men whose outright negligence caused and made Kora and Maggie look incompetent.

The familiar areas like the Myers Park area in Charlotte and cities mentioned in the book like Gastonia are actually in or on the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina. Maggie Slone struggled with a lot of questions, confusion, and doubts. But during a conversation with her father-in-law George, he said, "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes it's just the whisper at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'"

Eventually, the war ends, and the husbands of both Maggie and Kora return home. Charlie experiences PTSD because he was a prisoner of war. Some of the men were killed in action. After reading this book, you definitely walk away with a myriad of emotions next to those mentioned in the book (pain, loneliness, heartbreak, anger, racial, and sexist tensions). This was not a difficult read, despite some of the challenges a few of the characters faced, I could relate to some of those characteristics and emotions.

[Surabhi Kaushik]

Through the pages of Poster Girl, I got a glimpse of the shaky and lonely worlds of military wives, the uncertainty and horror of war, grief, and the strength of women and the power of their meaningful relationships, that shine throughout the book. This historical fiction novel brings to life two strong women characters Kora Bell and Maggie Slone and their true friendship.

One of the quotes that stayed with me is,"Maybe that's what the preacher meant today. Small victories." It was a roller coaster ride to be on the tumultuous journey of Maggie, and her best friend Kora, the way they navigate their triumphs and setbacks, the power of their friendship and the way they fought their own battles and had each others' backs as well.

"A very wise woman - also a great mother - once told me that courage and fear might look very different from the outside, but inside they feel just the same. Maybe I am more courageous than
I thought. Maybe we all are." This quote sums up this book better than anything else.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat shamefully, I’d never read a local author before, so it was fun getting to a read a book by a Charlottean about Charlotte. All the haughty charm of Myers Pahhhk and southern genteel in this book were on point with my experience. It was also a fun bonus to see my friend Mark Wilson’s name in the acknowledgements, alongside Tom Hanchett’s, whom I’ve met and who is a significant player in the preserving and telling of Charlotte’s history. Overall, a solid book; exceeded expectations. “Differences make the difference!” (paraphrased) If only more Charlotteans thought like that when it mattered.

[Susan Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Loved this book. I have lived in Charlotte since 1985 and had no idea of the city's involvement in the war. Meredith Ritchie wove a beautiful story for us to enjoy.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this book, especially as I grew up (and still live) in the Charlotte, NC area and am so familiar with many of the places mentioned in the book. Given I also love historical fiction, it was a no brainer for me. The characters were so well developed and the storyline gave great insight into what it was like for the women who went to work during the war while all the men were away and how they were affected, while also delving into the relationships that were created, especially between white and black communities, long before the Civil Rights movement.
Our neighborhood book club was lucky enough to have the author, Meredith Ritchie, come and discuss the book with us. She is so nice, personable and it was wonderful to hear about how the story came about, her writing process, as well as the editing process. I honestly had no idea what all went into writing a book, so it was very educational. Hearing her talk about the various characters and where her inspiration came from was really interesting. Definitely recommend this book and hope Meredith will write more.

[Sandi Walthall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction which is set in Charlotte, NC during WW II. From the beginning, as the story unfolds, the characters capture your attention and admiration. These strong women are so relatable; the reader can almost hear their conversations and dialects. This is a fun book that you will not put down until it is finished.

[Donna Chisum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've looked at this book so many times at The Painted Tree in Matthews and when I finally bought it, I read it in about three days! I live in Charlotte but had no idea of this part of Charlotte history and what a part the city played in WWII. I'm thrilled for the author that she's in talks to make the book into a movie. I don't normally watch movies of books I like, but I'll make an exception for this one! And I'll definitely read anything else she writes.

[Dawn Milgrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was such an easy and interesting read. Meredith Ritchie did a wonderful job of weaving in the history of Charlotte during the wartime. I am a native Charlottean and I had no idea about the role our city played during the war. This book showcases strong women characters and their roles and relationships during the war.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

You would think with all the WW2 books out there, that they would begin to all sound the same. I was pleasantly surprised that this one provided a new-ish side to the dynamics of the war.

This one was a domestic story, based in Charlotte. The men are off to war & the women are working in the factory producing the bullets going in the machine guns. Men vs. women. Black vs. white. Mother vs. daughter-in-law.

[Angela Davenport · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4. The story is fascinating and it happened right in my own community! The story line is good, writing skill is average but pretty good for a local authors first book.

[Teri M Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

​Poster Girls by Meredith Ritchie tells a delightful story about a group of "Rosie the Riveters" working in a bullet factory in Charlotte, NC during WWII. The story comes from two points of view - Maggie and Clara.

Both women are married to soldiers, have moved to Charlotte from other areas, and love books - enough to start a friendship. However, others aren't quite as keen to see this relationship, since Maggie is a white woman of privilege and Clara is a poor, black woman.

These two women are strong and fight for themselves and for one another. I enjoy how Ritchie shows how, despite her good intentions, Maggie often 'gets it wrong.' I also love how she shows that Clara, who interprets life through a lens of racism, also gets it wrong. Most importantly, I love how the two characters persevere despite it all.
​
If you love a good historical fiction, especially one that makes you think about issues we face today, then, this is the book for you.

[Rachel Dunham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great read! I was immediately drawn in by the characters and the setting. The story includes tension between races, between genders, between generations, in marriages, in the workplace, and all are handled well. I enjoyed learning about shell manufacturing in Charlotte, NC during the war, and how women stepped up to do the work and care for their families. Very well-written. I hope the author publishes another one soon!

[Janice Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because my mother worked at "the shell plant" during the war. Not only did I learn more about the place she worked, the story also gave me a better perspective about women in that time.

[Jim Stegall · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a teenager in the 70’s growing up in a small town outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, my grandmother would sometimes tell me how she worked in “the shell plant” during the Second World War. From the description she gave me of her work, I concluded that she was loading powder into anti-aircraft shells to be used on the “Bofers” 40 millimeter rapid-fire cannons found on US Navy ships of that era—though it was also clear that she had only the vaguest idea that that was what she was doing. I filed the information away and seldom thought of it over the next fifty years.
But then I happened upon a mention of Poster Girls by Meredith Ritchie. Though it is not the kind of novel I would normally pick up for my own pleasure reading, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to explore the link it provided to my grandmother’s past. By the end of the book, I was wishing I had gotten Grandma to tell me more.
Ritchie’s novel paints a detailed and realistic picture of the shell plant and the people who worked there, populates it with complex, sympathetic characters, and gives them interesting stories, artfully told. There are multiple threads of tension throughout the novel: the prolonged and indefinite anxiety of women whose husbands are facing the unknowable dangers of war; the strained relationship between the main character and her mother-in-law; and of course, the ever-present difficulties and injustices posed by the racial codes of the day. The story really begins to pick up when a former lover of the main character arrives as her new boss.
I’ll admit that I had to struggle through some of the early bits--the old ‘wife vs. mother-in-law’ dynamic of judgement and competition that crops up in the beginning holds no interest for me. But once our protagonist began work at the plant I was hooked. As the story progresses Ritchie manages to weave all the threads into an entertaining narrative that will hold the reader’s interest to its satisfyingly poignant end. I’m glad I read it, and I think you will be too.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to hear Meredith speak at my public library so first hand I knew some of the background for the novel. Maggie and Kora were strong characters in their own way. So many ideas were brought out that I think this book would be wonderful for my Catholic book club. There’s a lot to discuss.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A coming of age book!

This book was so full of feelings! I was a wife left home during the Vietnam War so I could really relate to these ladies. I met many strong women who carried on and found a way to make their life better so I understand how being suddenly left with no husband but still married and having to carry on for family and the world around me. Very different from other novels I've read about WWII.

[Tonya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really struggling with all these five star ratings….nothing spectacular or special about this book. Found the characters’ racism typical for the time period and obnoxious. Nothing heartwarming or charming in the story, there’s no camaraderie just the racist south continuing to be the racist south but getting a pass because it is norm of the segregated south. Typical, predictable, happy, sweet ending for the white families, moderate, ok ending for the families of color. Much better historically accurate fiction exists. I think many reviewers are friends or enabling a local author. I’d skip it….

[Beverly VanLandingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long time Charlottean, I thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspect of this book. A piece of Charlotte history I had never heard of. I liked all the characters and the various relationships between the women. I also liked the strength of the women and what they accomplished. I did cry at the end.

Thank you Meredith for a wonderful book!

[Aparna Salvi Salvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poster Girls
Author- Meredith Fidelle Ritchie
Genre- Historical fiction

Maggie, Kora, and a huge landscape of friendship interspersed with the trauma of World War II. That is the book in a nutshell. To expand without revealing much, Maggie Slone and Kora Bell become friends at a library in Charlotte where the latter works as a cleaner. The two are military wives waiting for their husbands to return from the war. While Maggie is the white affluent American wife, Kora happens to be on the other side of the spectrum, a Black American.

From here onwards, the two women, who land jobs in the US Rubber Company to support their household, in their own unique way help to end the war and find meaning and purpose to their in-limbo existence while also supporting a deep friendship that is frowned upon.

The writing is fluid and the chapters easily blend into one another. There are many side characters, but the character graph of each one of them is distinct and doesn’t confuse the reader. It is a women-centric novel and I loved the way each woman reacts differently to the tragedy of war. Some women are waiting with a heavy heart while others have turned indifferent to the happenings of fate. Some have taken it upon themselves to help their distraught husbands fighting in a foreign land while some others feel helpless at the gargantuan form of the holocaust.

The author has successfully portrayed the characters that still find relevance in this age and day. The author has successfully characterized characters and their actions that still appear relevant to the current time and age. Though the book has a background of war yet there isn’t any negativity or sense of doom that envelopes the reader. It is a highly optimistic book with folds of history tucked in.
Two of my favourite characters of this book have been Maggie- the optimistic, tender but not faint hearted woman and Lieutenant Owens- the stoic, unshakable military personnel. Where Maggie wants the war to end, for Owens war is the means of livelihood, a performance zone, a space where she can prove to her dead father that girls too can mend and fend for a family. The sharp contrast in the attitude of these women and the path they have carved for themselves makes the reader wonder how the same ecosystem can breed varied mentalities.

I landed on this book after I finished The Book Thief which describes the World War from a German point of view. Not knowing what this particular book held, I picked it up after the author sent me a review copy. This felt an extension to the previous book where the effects of war have been written from the American point of view. One incidence where Maggie interacts with the German captives made to work as construction workers in Charlotte, touched my heart. The author has beautifully depicted how language barriers and enemy nations cannot deter man from sharing his deepest emotions of love and gratitude which are universal traits of sympathy. Such small but significant fragments restoring one’s faith in humanity as the greatest religion of all times have enriched my reading experience.

Maggie and Kora’s friendship blooms like a white lily in pool of murky waters. It withstands the stormy winds and the voracious waves waiting to pounce on their vulnerable self. It has an air of freedom about it where each woman allows the other to err and yet, get back to a fulfilling relationship. One might find limited incidences of the women sharing their bare heart yet, one discovers the depth of their involvement through the silence they share and the nods they swap. I find this open-endedness quite enduring. Nothing is said but everything is understood.

There is succinct romance in the book, a touch and go kind of that adds a lemony zest to this well-simmered meaty endeavour. There is sorrow which the Maggie chooses to step on and walk ahead. There prevails innocence of her daughters which makes her forget the shortcomings of her life. There is pain and pressure to stay strong, when heartbroken. Being brave is a necessity over choice. A condition on which one can thrive.

Pick up the book, if you are a fan of warm yet strong narrative style. Things are predictable but there is comfort in this predictability. There are no extremes of emotions to hang on to. The author maintains balance everywhere. The book didn’t make me laugh or cry but there was a immersive feeling always. I had been thoroughly occupied by the ordinariness of the characters which in itself is their biggest asset.

Overall, a well-written and well-researched book though a debut one.

[John Kiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey there bookworm pals! 📚✨ So, I just stumbled upon Poster Girls by Meredith Ritchie, and y'all, it's like finding a hidden treasure in the book world! 🌟 I'm a 38-year-old history buff from Israel, knee-deep in the magical land of historical fiction, trying to soak up all the brilliance from the masters of the craft. 🧐💭

Now, let me spill the tea on this literary gem without diving too deep (I've got my own writing to do, you know). 😅 I didn't give it a full-on read, but dang, even skimming those pages got me hooked like a kid in a candy store! 🍭

Picture this: Poster Girls is a time-traveling machine that drops you smack dab in a US Rubber Factory in Charlotte during World War II. Meredith Ritchie, the literary wizard behind this, paints a vivid picture of the shell plant, complete with characters that tug at your heartstrings. 😍🎨

There's this reviewer, Jim Stegall, who recalls his grandma's wartime tales, and suddenly, I'm thinking of my own bubbe's stories. 🕰️✨ The connection is like finding a lost family album. 📸

Now, Katie from the book club spills the tea on the local scene, and it's like she's unraveling the mysteries of Charlotte during the '40s. 🕵️‍♀️🌆 And Rebecca, bless her heart, didn't realize it was fiction at first (we've all been there), but still found beauty in the slow dance of the plot. 💃💫

Debbie Maskus takes us on a nostalgic trip to Charlotte in the '40s, complete with recipes. 🍗🥧 The way she talks about the Southern atmosphere is like a warm hug from a favorite aunt. 🤗💖

Then, Tonya throws in a bit of shade, questioning the five-star ratings and suspecting some local bias. 👀🌐 Drama alert! But hey, different strokes for different folks, right? 🤷‍♀️🎭

Patrice Pickett is all praises for Meredith Ritchie's debut, and I'm here cheering like a proud friend at a talent show. 🎉👏

Kathleen Price, a newcomer to Charlotte, gets all deep and emotional about understanding her childhood and the 'greatest generation.' 😢💕

Anne Schmitt, in her cool and collected way, labels it a must-read for history buffs like us. 🏰👓

Beverly VanLandingham, the longtime Charlottean, spills the tears and gives a virtual high-five to Meredith for a job well done. 🤧👋

Brianna, in 2023, feels all the feels and insists you need to grab this book to time-travel with Maggie and Kora. 🚀💓

And Marguerite Schoel is practically waving a banner for a Poster Girls movie! 🎬🍿

So there you have it, folks – my rollercoaster of emotions with Poster Girls. It's like connecting with long-lost friends, sharing laughter, tears, and a whole lot of historical vibes. 🚂💖 Whether you're a history geek or just love a darn good story, this one's for you. Happy reading, fam! 🤓📖✨

[Susanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as part of the NC Humanities 2024 “North Carolina reads” most excellent program.
Maggie has just moved to Charlotte, NC from Boston with her husband and two young daughters to be closer to her in-laws in case she needs help as her husband goes off to fight in the Pacific theater of WWII. She has difficulty making new friends and fitting in with her in-laws’ society and church friends yet manages to make friends with Kora, a Black woman who cleans the library. Although their friendship is awkward in the Jim Crow period the book is set, they form a bond over books. When Maggie gets bored and anxious about not being able to contribute to the war effort she decides to work at the local munitions factory, talking her in laws into helping with childcare and her boss into taking Kora into her production line as well. Turns out the factory supervisor is a love from Maggie’s past—coincidence—or not? The book switches between Kora and Maggie’s perspectives as they navigate through their challenges as working women, and in Kara’s case, a Black working woman.
While the premise of the book is interesting, I found Maggie’s character to be unrealistically unflawed and Kora’s character with a halo—both were too good to be believable. I kept waiting for plot conflict which finally emerged halfway through the book. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of both women’s perspectives but I wasn’t convinced that Kora’s perspective was as intense as it could have been.
I still think it’s a book worth recommending. While the history is well presented, don’t expect to get too uncomfortable about the racism and sexism of the period; I think both were soft pedaled.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I read: Poster Girls by Meredith Ritchie

Why I picked it up: It’s our January book club selection – chosen because one of our members knows the author from the local “mothers of multiples” group.

How I read it: On paper over the course of a week – without a giant work event in the middle, this would have been a quicker read.

What it’s about: The setting is Charlotte during WW2 at the US Rubber Factory when women were called up to work. The story follows two women very closely: Maggie, a white woman who moved here from Boston after her husband enlisted, and Kora, a Black woman who moved here from Alabama and her husband was called up. The story is about their time in the factory, finding their voice, what racial tensions looked like, and what it was like to be the women who stayed home while the men were off fighting.

What I liked: I really appreciated this window into the past of my own city, and found it quite interesting. Now I want to know more about US Rubber and where this was all happening – I think there’s still a US Rubber factory in Huntersville at exit 25, was that the location?

What I disliked: It ends when the war ends, but the ending could signal just the beginning of another story – what happens when the guys come home and things “go back to normal” when no one feels normal?

Genre: Historical Fiction, Race, WW2.

Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and definitely! Always nice to find a local author!!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

First confession, I didn’t realize this was fiction when I picked it up. Two, it’s got a lot of great things about it but it was just way too slow for my liking. And too many plot points seemed to be thrown around before something exciting did happen (way too close to the end for my liking).

That said, it’s a beautiful story of the type that I haven’t really been exposed to before and for that reason I have to recommend it.

The characters are realistic and their relationships are strained (just like in real life). Some days it feels like all they do is go to work and come home and nothing big happens. Other days they’re reporting to Washington for safety hearings and having competitions to see who can assemble shells the fastest. Do these alternate rhythms not ring true in our daily lives too?

I was though overall disappointed with it and felt like the story could/should have been told differently/with more strength.

[Cindy Brookshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother worked at a factory in Denver during WWII - perhaps the Denver Ordnance Plant in Lakewood that produced ammunition. She wasn't married yet; she didn't meet my father until after the war, when his brother told him to come to Nebraska for jobs there. There are so many things they either didn't share about their wartime experiences ... or we just didn't ask the right questions. I liked this book because it made me think about women's roles, separation of races, and how women and blacks were treated. There are so many stories that need to be told, and studied. Also, because this was an NC Reads book in 2024, I received a free copy and I appreciate it! There is a panel discussion of the book with the author that I watched on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpH2h... Thank you, NC Humanities!

[Debbie Maskus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed returning to Charlotte, NC, in the 1940’s. The scenes provided reminders of the atmosphere in the North Carolina “Southern” climate. Very little has changed. This story follows Maggie Sloane as she struggles with life during WWII as she works while her husband fights in the Pacific. The conflict between the male and female workers still raises its ugly head today. As usual, a woman becomes the one to shoulder the blame for any problem, even though a man’s carelessness caused the fire. The recipe suggestions from Kora highlighted how to make fried chicken and sweet potato pie the “Southern” way. The story ends dramatically and this reader feels a second book could be forthcoming.

[Carol Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels personal and important. The characters are so well developed that I miss them already. I love historical fiction and stories that demonstrate women's empowerment and this book delivers powerfully on both fronts. Maggie and Kora stepped up to the challenge of working in the new shell factory to support the war effort and hopefully speed their husband's return. We learn so much about the importance of their work at the factory, then the war suddenly ends .... it is fascinating what happens at that factory where so many women and minorities dedicated so much of their time and energy to. Sequel please?!!

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3.5 for me. I heard Meredith speak at Queens University this week and was intrigued by this story that took place in Charlotte. Most of the audience had never heard of the Shell plant that existed during WW II. A huge facility built in the Westinghouse Boulevard area off what is now Interstate 77. It produced ammunition used during the war and provided opportunities for women to work while their husbands were at war. It closed when the war ended. The story tells of the wonderful friendships these women made and of the integration of women of color. These women discovered the strengths they had and how together they could achieve great things. An important story for all women.