A Perfect Silhouette

August 1, 2019

Mellicent "Mellie" Blanchard travels to Manchester, NH, seeking employment in the mills to support her sister and her family after the death of her brother-in-law. In 1850, there aren't many jobs for women outside the home and Mellie is desperate. When she learns her wages in the mill aren't as promised, she asks the local daguerreotype shop owner to let her make paper silhouettes for his clients who can't afford photos. At the shop, Mellie meets Morgan Stark, son of a mill owner, who is working there undercover to discover new ways to improve conditions. He's impressed with Mellie's artistic skill and is soon escorting her home from work each day. But Mellie hates lies since they ruined her family, and hiding his identity is one of the greatest deceptions of all. VERDICT Miller (coauthor with Tracie Peterson of the mill town-set series "Bells of Lowell" and "Lights of Lowell") has written a well-researched novel, which falls flat on some potential areas of conflict between Mellie and the other young women from different backgrounds, and with Morgan's mother, who suddenly changes personality. Still, Miller skillfully weaves Bible verses and Sunday church visits into the narrative, and fans will be eagerly awaiting her newest, so purchase where demand is high.--Melanie C. Duncan, Washington Memorial Lib., Macon, GA

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