This novel follows two artists: one deceased yet still fighting to be seen, and one trying to navigate a new love without compromising her personal identity. I thoroughly enjoyed their courageous journeys to finding their voice, speaking their truth, and making their unique mark both inside and outside the art world. The multiple points of view were strongly executed, and Anita and Raquel's compelling narratives had me riveted and rooting for them both. Definitely recommend.
What to do when your mother is pressuring you to marry well for the sake of the family but you're just not feeling all that in love with the guy? Plan to steal the wedding envelopes of cash, naturally...then run. But will all go according to plan? I enjoyed the dynamic female friendships of these three women who decide to make their own good fortune in this heist adventure.
I truly enjoyed journeying with both Bao and Snow as they each tracked a murderer--one for truth, one for revenge. As their paths draw closer together, the mystical stories of fox gods and family curses intertwine to create a mesmerizing narrative tapestry. A unique mix of historical fiction, magical realism, detective story, and Chinese folklore. Definitely recommend.
Six writers, one murder--wait...two murders, okay...wait...
Stevenson takes his readers on another humorous murder mystery adventure as Ernest Cunningham boards a train through Australia for a mystery writers' festival. When a famous writer is murdered, the snide remarks fly, the list of suspects grows, and the mind games begin. Perfect for mystery fans with a keen eye for detail, a love of ever-shifting plots, and a fondness for self-depreciating wit. If you enjoyed EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE, this sequel won't disappoint.
When shy college freshman Margot meets Lucy, she's drawn in by her energy and magnetic personality. And after the death of lifelong best friend, Eliza, mere weeks after their high school graduation, Margot decides she's ready to reignite her social life. But as sophomore year begins, Margot discovers Levi--the boy she blames for Eliza's death--is attending her college, and haunting memories resurface. But are Margot's memories accurate? And will Lucy's fascination with Levi drive yet another wedge into Margot's relationships? A twisty novel of old friendships, new alliances, skewed perceptions, and the tricks memory can play in the face of trauma and jealousy.
When Massimo is rescued by the beguiling Pietro Houdini after his parents are killed in a WWII bombing of Rome, he has no idea the role he will play in saving the priceless works of art kept at Montecassino, the Benedictine monastery where Pietro works as an art preserver. This coming-of-age historical novel, with its threads of art heist adventure, wartime heartache, and found family, had me hooked from the start. A beautifully rendered story. Highly recommend.
Format Reviewed: Hardcover with dust jacketWhen a very pregnant Alice and her partner Joe move to the British countryside to start life as a family, they are shocked when a murder occurs during their prenatal class. Alice and the other soon-to-be-moms jump into playing amateur detective, but tensions rise as Alice realizes any of them may have ties to the murderer. A sharply funny, engaging mystery. Highly recommend this witty debut you like a hefty dose of laughter with your sleuthing.
This narrative nonfiction dives into the world of alligator poaching and goes behind the largest alligator poaching sting in Florida's history. A mix of undercover adventure and ecological exploration, Renner unveils not only the underside of animal poaching but also the delicate balance of conservation efforts, legalized hunting, and a unique understanding into the motivations behind illegal poaching in the Everglades. A fascinating read!
All Gary Thorn did was meet a work mate at a pub for a drink. Next thing he knows, he's searching for the girl of his dreams while becoming rapidly entangled in a murder investigation. Part quirky, part mysterious, part pursuit-of-love story, this debut novel had me laughing out loud one moment and shaking my head the next (in a good way). A fresh, funny, quirky, part sweet/part gritty debut. Highly recommend.
This twisty mystery with characters whose lives intertwine in the most surprising of ways kept me riveted...and guessing. A multi-generational story about family, trust, and doing what's right, even if it takes a few wrong turns to get there. An entertaining read.
It's the spring of 2020, and Lara is telling her three grown daughters the story of her brief acting career and romance with an iconic actor. As they pick cherries on their family's Michigan orchard, Lara finds herself reliving that emotional summer of 1988, and her daughters find themselves meeting a very different version of their mother and the vibrant life she led before her girls were ever a thought. An evocative novel of love, shifting dreams, family, and the what-ifs of the paths we chose not to take. A gem!
When con artist Ali witnesses her mentor and partner-in-crime commit a most horrific act, she runs. But when she tries to take on someone else's identity to escape, she ends up falling for one of her targets. But is it too late to turn her life around, or will her ex-partner find her first? A sizzling suspense set in the South of France that considers the life events that shape one's life path and the potential for redemption. Highly recommend.
A delightful read about not being defeated. When retiree Loretta Plansky is scammed out of her life savings, her first reaction is denial. Then she's stunned. Then she figures out how to get by on what she has. And then--when the FBI tells her these cases rarely get solved--she takes action. In Romania, Loretta embraces her inner undercover operative and finds not only the culprits of the crime, but surprising new friends as well. A heartwarming adventure!
Life on an affluent Massachusetts cul-de-sac is about to go from cozy to uncomfortable as the personal lives--and secrets--of several neighbors begin intertwining in unsettling ways. And when a mother and daughter push their curiosity even further (one out of concern and the other for revenge), the truths they uncover will alter their quaint neighborhood forever. A fast-paced, compelling read.
When Edie O'Dare makes the shift from supporting actress to Hollywood gossip columnist, she strikes a tenuous balance between dishing the dirt and maintaining her vital connections on the backlots. A vividly entertaining glimpse into the glitz and scandal of old Hollywood.
When Carl is joined on his book delivery route by a strong-willed nine-year-old girl, he's not thrilled. He prefers to work alone. But when she makes connections with his customers, walls come tumbling down, and suddenly Carl discovers he's needed more than he ever realized. A heartfelt story for fans of A Man Called Ove. Highly recommend.
This narrative nonfiction portrait of art thief Stéphane Breitwieser is riveting from the first page. Finkel's writing perfectly balances the many facets of Breitwieser's story: his personal philosophy of art, his relationships, his misused genius and emotional obsession with possessing fine pieces, the psychology behind what propelled him to steal, and the impact such heists have on society's efforts to remember and honor history and cultures through art. Vibrant and fascinating! Absolutely recommend.
"Happiness is..." this book! Barnett's mother barely has time to process her gay son's engagement. When she finds out the wedding will be held on her farm--in mere days--she begins to fray. But with help from her enlightened father-in-law and the inspired wedding planning genius of her future in-laws, she discovers a fresh appreciation for all kinds of love and a new connection with her son. Equal parts funny and thoughtful, this novel touched my heart. Highly recommend.
Unavailable at this time
Clover is a death doula who feels more comfortable with the dying than the living. When she is hired to work with Claudia, an elderly woman with a terminal illness, Clover finds herself drawn to not only Claudia's feisty personality but also her unresolved love story. When Clover sets out to find Claudia's long lost love, she discovers a new energy for living she never had before. A terrific book club pick!
I adored this novel of discovering a dark, unknown family history. When archaeological entomologist Sam visits her mother following a delayed research trip, she finds her mom--and her childhood home--acting strangely. With the help of her neighbor--a self-professed witch--her mom's handsome handyman, and some persistent vultures, Sam dives headfirst into determining the cause behind the swarming ladybugs in her bedroom, her realistic dreams of fingers--claws?--in her hair, and the absence of insects in her deceased Gran's prized rose garden. In confronting memories of her harsh Gran, Sam discovers the true reason behind Gran's bitterness and an unusual power she never knew she harbored. This one's a gem! Definitely recommend!
When Vera Wong finds a dead body in her tea house, she is shocked at the sight...and inspired to try her hand at detective work. Swiping evidence from the body, she identifies her suspects, holding them close and becoming like family--unrelentingly bossy, yet protective and doting. A humorous and endearing story of a parent who means well and the deeper-than-blood bonds of found family. Highly recommend.
A sharp, observant novel of the privileges and pitfalls of extreme wealth--both for those who grew up with it and those who married into it. With wit and heart, Jackson dives into the Stockton family, shining light on their profound flaws and revealing their sincere will to do better. A tremendous debut.
A darkly funny debut with a shockingly wicked twist. Sure to keep the conversation flowing at book club.
It was difficult enough for Louise to lose her parents in an accident, but when the unique collection of puppets and craft projects remaining in their house makes gaining closure even more challenging, Louise realizes family secrets run far deeper than she ever realized. A twisty, squirmy, wild page-turner. You'll never look at a puppet the same way again! Highly recommend.
This short novel squeezed my heart. Rich, layered characters and a strong sense of place make this story equally lovely and poignant.
The perfect book for lovers of tennis and those who enjoy the art of competition. This novel dives into the mental mindset of winning at all costs and reckons with the fact that winning isn't always everything. Or is it?
Strongly recommend.
With an endearing ensemble cast, this novel is a delightful escape into the lives of people who love books--even though their bookish lives often push them to the brink. A most enjoyable read.
Unavailable at this time
When pragmatic and--let's face it--desperate Kitty Talbot heads off to the London season determined to find a husband and save herself and her four sisters from financial ruin, she runs into the most eligible--and arrogant--bachelor the season has to offer. Sharp-witted and entertaining, this Regency-era novel had me smiling start to finish.
I so enjoyed this spin on Hitchcock's "Rear Window," with its twists and turns and bourbon and binoculars! Sager kept me guessing until the edgy ending. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a twisty thriller!
I enjoyed the island hotel setting and light paranormal aspect of this novel. A fun summer read!
This historical novel about a disturbing chapter in America's history--the institutionalization of "feeble-minded" women--kept me engaged from page one. Definitely recommend.
Unavailable at this time
This novel presents a sensitive examination of the various ways people cope with the death of a loved one. It dives into the evolution of grief through the eyes of Sally, the victim's younger sister, who always held a special place in her heart for the boyfriend blamed for her sister's tragic death. A sad yet hopeful story of heartbreak, forgiveness, love, and resiliency.
This mid-20th century historical novel tells the story of Maddie Sykes, a talented young seamstress whose new-found admiration and befriending of the fashionable tobacco wives is challenged by a disturbing discovery. Her ethical dilemma--to tell or not to tell--may put her dear aunt, whose livelihood depends on the tobacco wives, in jeopardy. You can hear the taffeta swoosh and smell the curling smoke in this compelling debut sure to generate discussion at book club.
An intriguing dive into the individuality of each person's moral compass juxtaposed with the often conventional expectations of society. Equal parts edgy and passionate, this novel is sure to generate lively discussion at book club!
Sex in the City meets Fatal Attraction. An enjoyable read with a conclusion that's bound to generate plenty of lively conversation at book club.
Chloe Davis has never completely shaken the dark murkiness of her child memories: a man carrying a shovel, six missing girls, her father in prison for their murders. But twenty years later, miles from her childhood home, Chloe has earned her Ph.D. and is a psychologist with a private practice. She has her own home. She's engaged. She's moved on. But then the cycle begins again as teenage girls start disappearing in an eerily similar manner to those crimes committed by her father. Is it a copycat? Is it coincidence? Is it her fault? This nuanced suspense kept my nose buried in its pages long after I should have gone to sleep. A riveting debut! I can't wait to see what Stacy Wellingham comes up with next!
A rhythmic dance of words meshes seamlessly with powerful illustrations to impart a timely reflection on endurance and hope.
Enjoyable interpretation of Sleeping Beauty with a modern-day twist and sensibility. A worthwhile escape for fans of fantasy and fairy tales!
Richly-textured novel revealing how all the seemingly small moments, interactions, and experiences in our lives inform the people we become and the values by which we live. Phenomenal storytelling!
Gorgeously-written novel about the challenges of parenting a child with social-emotional challenges, the struggle of moving forward in the face of loss, and the urgency of protecting and respecting the resources and ecosystems of our planet. Equally beautiful and gut-wrenching, BEWILDERMENT challenges the reader to consider the depths of human impact not only on each other but also on the world--and universe--around us. Highly recommend.
Part ghost story, part family drama, this coming-of-age MG novel focuses on Essie O'Neill, a girl who keeps a detailed list of all her fears. When her widowed mother marries a doctor who works on an island for severely ill quarantined patients, Essie has even more to fear, especially when her nightmares involving a red door become increasingly real with each night. Her mistrust of her new stepfather and her fear of the lsland leads her on a quest to convince her mother to get them off the island before it's too late. Eerily timely with regards to the recent pandemic, this story reveals that even the most deeply-rooted fears can be eased with a bit of listening, awareness, and trust. Recommend for readers who enjoy darker stories with spooky elements.
A brilliant, richly-layered novel about family, racial and social dynamics, and the weight of one's choices. There are many moving pieces in Ray Carney's story, and Whitehead brings them together flawlessly. Highly recommend!
The daily grind of this ensemble cast of characters intersects and intertwines in intriguing ways, informing the navigation of their lives in ways they never expected. Check out this backlist title for a fun, witty read!
The Thursday Murder Club of the Coopers Chase Retirement Community enjoys speculating on theories to cold murder cases, until a current murder, and then a second, fall right into their laps. And they're off and running, inserting themselves and their unconventional methods into the investigation by aligning themselves with a novice police officer and her reluctant boss. Funny, clever & twisty, this quick-paced, delightful read comes with endearing characters and a reminder that the elderly still have plenty of spark and the right to a good bit of adventure.
I enjoyed the island hotel setting and light paranormal aspect of this novel. A fun summer read!
At times Maiklem's finds are enchanting; at other times revolting. But in all cases, this book provides a fascinating peek into London's history as revealed through the treasures discovered along the Thames RIver's muddy shores.
Bittersweet story tenderly delivered and with nuanced characters. The seven multiple points of view were distinctive, in-depth, and engaging. The setting, Atlantic City in the summer of 1934, sizzled with energy--I could practically hear the waves crashing and smell the salt air! The darkness encroching on those of the Jewish faith during this time period is delicately and honestly depicted. The story opens with tragedy but ends with a stong sense of hope and the enduring devotion of family. Beautifully written! A stunning debut by Rachel Beanland!
Ghosts and libraries? Sign me up! Teenaged Ropa can speak with the dead, and she relays their messages back to the living for a fee. Ropa doesn't have the time or financial security for charity. But when one ghost begs her to find her young son who has disappeared, Ropa reluctantly agrees and finds herself plunged into an even darker world than the post-catastrophic one in which she lives. This atmospheric urban fantasy roams through Edinburgh and other dimensions, taking the reader on an edgy paranormal ride.
Unavailable at this time
A good unreliable narrator -- I mean photographer -- is hard to find, right? In this novel, you'll find both. The pacing and execution of this psychological suspense novel are spot on. A deftly-written debut of jealosy, fixation, and reinvention that will kep you wondering long after you've read the final chapter.
Unavailable at this time
When his dear sister-in-law dies and his brother checks himself into rehab, Patrick is charged with caring for his niece and nephew for the summer. Patrick--nicknamed GUP (for Gay Uncle Patrick)--reluctantly takes on the responsibility, but doing so forces him to confront several elephants in the room, including his unexplained departure from a successful acting career and his inability to move on in any relationships even years after the loss of his love, Joe. Delightful and sweet, this novel reminds us that when helping others deal with heartbreaking loss, we often are forced to confront--and finally deal with--our own pain. Equal parts funny and touching, THE GUNCLE is well worth the read.
Funny and irreverent, this mystery kept me turning the page and chuckling all the way to the end.
This compelling read pulled me in at page one and held me captive to the end. A well-paced, intriguing mystery with characters you'll care about. Definitely recommend.
Fun satisfying rom-com with engaging characters and lively dialog. An enjoyable read!
It's the summer of 1962, and Heddy, a poor girl from Brooklyn, has just found out she lost her scholarship for her senior year at Wellesley. While working as a summer nanny for a wealthy family on Martha's Vineyard, she hopes to find a solution that will allow her to finish school. Along the way she learns having money doesn't ensure happiness and appearances don't always match up with reality (no surprise on either point, but Heddy has much to learn about such things). Definitely a page turner in that I cared about Heddy and was curious to see how she'd work out her situation. An interesting cast of characters, a growing friendship, a love triangle, social class conflicts, and a financial shell game add to the appeal and intrigue. This engaging story had a main character I genuinely cared about, plot twists that upped the tension, and a summer island setting that becomes an appealing character in the story.
A suspensful YA with vivid imagery and a perfect depiction of determined spirit in the main character, Hwani, who travels to the island of Jeju, her birthplace, to solve the disappearance of her father. This descriptive historical fiction set in 1426 Korea caught me up in the delicate and raw relationship between Hwani and her sister. Hwani discovers as much about herself as she does about her father's disappearance, which adds to the rich complexity of the story. Beautifully written.
I enjoyed ALL ADULTS HERE especially for it's unique premise: Astrid, a widowed older parent of three grown children, closely examines how she actually did as a parent (and wants to fix what she may have done wrong). After witnessing the horrific death of an acquaintance, Astrid begins an emotional journey of self-examination and comes to the realization that life is short and she's tired of hiding who she really is. (She also learns to let loose a little!) I found it an interesting perspective to see a mature woman taking control of her own life, following her heart in a way that may surprise her children (she's in love with a woman) and discovering who she really is in her heart. An interesting novel about the impact our words and actions have on others and on being true to yourself.
Fun, engaging read with a dynamic, relatable main character and an unexpected mystery. Delves into the complexities of friendships, the struggles of self-perception vs. public opinion, and the consequences--positive and negative-- of social media. An enjoyable novel!
Adult contemporary fiction about marriage, friendship, betrayal, rebuilding trust, and the importance of understanding what went wrong. Compelling and thought-provoking novel that probes the pros and cons of dredging up the past.
Twin sisters. A controlling mother. A suspicious death. It seems clear who the responsible sister is & who needs looking after. But sometimes when the circumstances and stakes shift, the truth seeps out in unexpected ways. Told from two perspectives in alternating chapters, this suspense novel also has an unexpected touch of light humor that adds to its complexity and allure. This one kept me questioning and turning the page. Definitely recommend!
Middle grade novel in verse about a young girl struggling to be accepted for who she is and the bullying she faces because of her weight. An honest examination of the damage done when people refuse to looking past physical appearance to embrace the unique, beautiful person within.