Grand Central – by bestselling authors Melanie Benjamin, Jenna Blum, Amanda Hodgkinson, Pam Jenoff, Sarah Jio, Sarah McCoy, Kristina McMorris, Alyson Richman, Erika Robuck and Karen White

A collection of post war stories set on the same day in September 1945 and in the same place Grand Central Terminal, New York. The stories are written in a mixture of styles, some written in first and some in third person. I enjoyed all of them. Each story stands alone, but also picks out a character or two from the previous story, which I thought was cleverly done. I liked the fluid feel to each story, which captured the sense of place with everyone on the move, some coming home from the war, some embarking on a new life and others escaping their past.

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

The story opens in 1961 when sixteen year old Laurel Nicolson witnesses a shocking event concerning her mother Dorothy, and a stranger. She and her mother are the only ones who know the truth, but it has never been discussed. The story then jumps forward fifty years and Laurel, who is now a famous actress in her sixties, has been summoned to the family home as her mother is dying. Laurel has always been haunted by the shocking event and, before her mother dies, she wants answers. The story then alternates between 2011 and 1941.  The chapters in 2011 are narrated by Laurel, but the 1941 chapters are narrated by Dorothy, her boyfriend Jimmy and her friend Vivien. I especially enjoyed the chapters from Vivien’s point of view. I found myself skipping pages as I felt there was a lot of overwriting with lots of unnecessary scenes. I am glad I had the patience to finish this book because the twist at the end was worth it.