One Hundred Names: A Novel
Ahern’s (The Time of My Life, 2013) latest is a redemption tale centered on a reporter who has suffered a startling fall from grace. Ambitious young journalist Kitty Logan made the mistake of believing two women who claimed they were seduced in their teens by a handsome high-school teacher, and ruins the man’s life. Disgraced after the truth comes to light, Kitty loses her television job. The new editor at the magazine where Kitty got her start wants to let her go, too, but Kitty manages to get a reprieve when she comes up with the perfect tribute for her recently deceased mentor, Constance, who founded the magazine and gave Kitty her big break. Kitty tackles her assignment with gusto, tracking down 100 people on a list Constance left behind and searching for the link that connects them, including a lovelorn hairdresser, a feisty octogenarian, and a grieving father. Though none of them know Constance, or each other, Kitty manages to draw out their unique stories. This heartwarming tale won’t disappoint Ahern’s many fans. --Kristine Huntley