SUMMER ENDINGS by Sollace Hotze
It is 1945. The war is over, but Christine’s POW father still has not been heard from. Christine, 12, is in her sister’s wedding and misses Rosie sharply when she moves away. A bright spot is working as a soda jerk at the local drug store and later dancing at the Aragon Ballroom.
This coming of age novel intended for the young adult audience provides enough meat for adults to enjoy as well. Well written with believable characters and situations that give a glimpse of life in post war Chicago.
5 of 5 stars ( )

Easier to take than other hist. fic. I've been reading, as this had more of the nice mundane things that do happen, more often than not, even in times of war. That is to say, almost as palatable as a Little House episode, with just enough excitement to be enjoyable. Good attention to detail, like using make-up for lack of nylon stockings, and mixing the dye into the Oleo. Good characters, especially the sketches of the minor ones like the hairdresser Tilly and the soda jerk Peter. Otoh, not dramatic or gorgeous or otherwise special or memorable. ( )