GRAND CENTRAL: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion - featuring fiction by Bestselling Authors

Publisher:  Berkley Trade
Release Date:  July 1, 2014
Pages:  368
Genre:  Short Stories/Historical Fiction

Book Description:  A war bride awaits the arrival of her GI husband at the platform…
 
A Holocaust survivor works at the Oyster Bar, where a customer reminds him of his late mother…
 
A Hollywood hopeful anticipates her first screen test and a chance at stardom in the Kissing Room…
 
On any particular day, thousands upon thousands of people pass through New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, through the whispering gallery, beneath the ceiling of stars, and past the information booth and its beckoning four-faced clock, to whatever destination is calling them. It is a place where people come to say hello and good-bye. And each person has a story to tell.
 
Now, ten bestselling authors inspired by this iconic landmark have created their own stories, set just after the end of World War II, in a time of hope, uncertainty, change, and renewal….

Featuring stories from
 
Melanie Benjamin, New York Times bestselling author of The Aviator’s Wife
Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Save Us
Amanda Hodgkinson, New York Times bestselling author of 22 Britannia Road
Pam Jenoff, bestselling author of The Ambassador’s Daughter
Sarah Jio, New York Times bestselling author of Blackberry Winter
Sarah McCoy, New York Times bestselling author of The Baker’s Daughter
Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of The Pieces We Keep
Alyson Richman, bestselling author of The Lost Wife
Erika Robuck, bestselling author of Call Me Zelda
Karen White, New York Times bestselling author of After the Rain
 
With an Introduction by

Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Home Front

Wanda's Review - 

This was a great collection of short stories, all taking place in Grand Central on a day in September 1945.  These are bittersweet tales of new beginnings that use a blend of history, hope, trust, and romance.  All of these authors have a style of their own, adding their own personal touches, some of whom are my favorites, and a few that I’ve been inspired to read more of their books. 

A few of my favorites__

Going Home by Alyson Richman – The violin had the capacity to speak sorrow and to sing joy to Gregori, and the music fed his soul.  Liesel was deeply moved by her love of dance and music.  The violinist at the terminal, and his beautiful musical selections, began to draw her in like a magnet and touched her emotionally. 

The Kissing Room by Melanie Benjamin – Marjorie is on her way to Grand Central for a screen test to be held in the Kissing Room.  Hopefully this would be a ticket for her future as a young starlet. 

I’ll Walk Alone by Erick Robuck – A woman and her 3 year-old-son await the arrival of her husband.  This is a story about an abusive marriage.  Josie lived in a war, but not in Europe, at home. 

I’ll Be Seeing You by Sarah Jio – Rose’s future hinges on this cross-country journey.  She is a woman in conflict and must learn to trust her heart and know that she is in control of her own destiny. 

The endings did not always have a solid resolution, but the reader is provided with questions to ponder, giving us the opportunity to face questions about how lives were so deeply touched by World War II.  Definitely a worthwhile read – 4 stars. 

I received this book as a Goodreads “First-Reads-Winner” to read and give an honest review.