The Hero of this Book: A Novel by Elizabeth McCracken, recommended by Vicki
In the aftermath of her mother’s death, the narrator travels to London to recapture one of their last adventures together. A writer, she is compelled to memorialize her mother while grappling with the guilt over breaking her promise to never write a memoir. In between reliving her loving — and often exasperating — memories, McCracken (and her character) muses about the creative process and crafts conversations with her mother. “But it’s my story too,” I might tell her, “even if you are the hero of it.” A quiet love story and writing treatise, and too heartfelt to be limited to one genre.
What Once was Mine: A Twisted Tale by Liz Brazwell, recommended by Stephanie
A delightfully, dark spin on the story of Rapunzel. Her mother drank a potion from the wrong flower! Rapunzel spent her first 19 years thinking she had done something terrible and deserved to be locked in a tower. She decides to venture out, on her own, to find the lanterns. You won’t want to put this book down!
Your Thoughts: A patron let us know, “The narration was very good.”
Desperation in Death by J.D. Robb, recommended by Amy
Eve Dallas investigates the murder of a 12-year-old girl and uncovers a trafficking ring. Even though the subject is dark, the relationships and strength of the characters keep the reader from being overwhelmed and, as always, the humor of her supporting characters does not disappoint.
For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing, recommended by Tracie
All the oppressive elements of high school are detailed by Teddy including the cool kids, entitled, overachievers and how the staff interacts emotionally with them all. Teddy teaches and instructs with the overall intent of doing what is best for the students, even creating alter egos on social media to check up on them, making certain teachers sick or accidentally killing them —for their own good. Teddy is a villain I hated, and I surprised myself by rooting for him!
I’ll Be You: A Novel by Janelle Brown, recommended by Diana
Sam and Elli were gorgeous identical twins. Always together. Seldom apart. They fell asleep at night holding hands, listening to the other breathe. Discovered by Hollywood they became child TV stars. As adults their lives began to change. No longer having the same desires, Elli chose to become the perfect homemaker. Married to a real estate lawyer. Living in a large home just blocks from the beach. While Sam found it difficult to find her center after her career plummeted leaving her addicted to pills and booze.
After 15 years of no contact Sam finds out that Elli’s life has fallen apart. She’s now divorced with a two-year-old adopted daughter and associating with a cult. Sam now feels the need to find her sister before her life continues to fracture beyond repair.
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center, recommended by Karen
A fun, lighthearted and easy read about Hannah, a female bodyguard, and her movie star client. In order to make the situation seem as normal as possible, Hannah is acting as Jack’s girlfriend. The lines between bodyguard/client/girlfriend/boyfriend eventually become blurred…or are they? Are Jack’s behavior and feelings toward Hannah real, or is it just really good acting?
Spiced: Unlock the Power of Spices to Transform your Cooking by America’s Test Kitchen, recommended by Leah & Megan C.
Feeling spicy? Then open this book and your pantry to discover a world of possibilities! “Spiced” is your guide to sugar, spice, and everything nice. With 47 DIY spice blends and condiments, you can take your cooking to the next level by mixing it up with everyday spices. We loved making our own Pumpkin Pie Spice and learning its diverse uses. We noticed a more potent pumpkin spice flavor in our Pumpkin Spice Muffins when we made our own blend during Biblio Bites. From flavored salts, to rubs, spiced sauces, oils and brines, “Spiced” will save you from bland bites forevermore.
The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson, recommended by Megan C.
From the bestselling author of “The Last Chance Library,” Sampson is back with a brand-new heartwarming tale about missed love connections, and the surprises in store when we expel our expectations. Libby returns to London to pick up the pieces of her life when she meets 82-year-old Frank on the bus. He tells her about an unforgettable meet-cute with a girl on the same bus 60 years ago, and how he’s searched for her ever since. Together with some unlikely friends, Libby goes on a quest to find Frank’s lost love and discovers so much more along the way.
The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin, recommended by Leah
This is such a moving story. I’m not someone who normally reads WW2 books, so I don’t have much to compare to, but this work of fiction was a great story! It has ups and downs, it is emotional, but inspiring. This book shows how small acts can make such a big impact in other people, save lives, and encourage others. I very much enjoyed this book. Also, fun to read about a librarian spy!
Your Thoughts: A patron who read this book shared, “The entire story was great!”
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree, recommended by Chris
Take a break, have some coffee and a cinnamon bun. This story is a cozy café in a world of epic adventure. Found family, following your dreams and leaving behind the grind you thought you had to do, to instead grind the coffee you want to share. This book holds some action but really at heart it’s about chasing your dreams, finding your place, and learning how to be who you wish you were instead of who you thought you had to be. Read via Libby.
