The Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox Gurdon, recommended by Megan C.
Take off on a magical explanation of the benefits of reading out loud! With fun examples and book suggestions from her own life, Meghan persuades readers to advocate for reading, but specifically for reading aloud. After picking up this book I felt compelled to read out loud even to myself (and my corgi) and I also felt more compassionate and patient when it comes to reading to/with others. The scientific and psychological data helped me understand that reading a loud (especially in our digital age of distraction) really does make a quantitative impact in lives, young and old. Read this review and the book out loud to feel warm and fuzzy!
Acts of Violet by Margarita Montimore, recommended by Leah
I listened to this audio book. I can’t say enough good things about it. The audio was so fun to listen to. Read by 10 different people it’s intriguing and exciting! It’s really more of an audio drama. The storyline keeps you guessing and baffled. 10/10 would recommend. I’m not sure I got all the answers I wanted, but genuinely enjoyed every moment!!
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty, recommended by Tracie
Joy and Stan sell their family business and are not as thrilled with retirement as they thought they would be. The knock on the door brings a twisty web of deceit and delight into their lives revealing that what they think and see, are not always reality. Then Joy disappears. Did Stan kill Joy?
The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray, recommended by Karen
The Knightleys host a summer house party, where several of their distant relations and friends are in attendance. Who is not invited is the odious Mr. Wickham, who shows up unannounced and definitely not with good intentions. While hosts and guests alike would rather he leave, none expected him to end up murdered! Who did the deed? Is it one of them? Can Juliet Tilney and Jonathan Darcy solve the mystery in time, before an innocent person is sentenced for the murder?
An intriguing whodunit mystery involving many familiar characters from Jane Austen’s novels. Read via CloudLibrary. Print copies available upon request.
Black Cake: A Novel by Charmaine Wilkerson, recommended by Dennis
This is a multigenerational story of a family with a hidden history at its roots. The author, step by step, unveils the family’s history, revealing major events that define who each family member becomes. At the heart of the story is a recipe for Black Cake that becomes the glue that holds the family’s identity together.
Your Thoughts: A patron said, “Loved the ending and how it all tied together!”
Shutter by Ramona Emerson, recommended by Megan S.
Rita Todacheene, a forensic photographer, works for the Albuquerque police department photographing crime scenes. She’s haunted both figuratively and literally: by tragedy in her own life and by the ghosts that visit her. In alternating chapters, we follow Rita as she investigates several mysterious deaths, while we also learn more about her upbringing on the Navajo reservation. The New Mexico setting feels authentic, and I enjoyed the way we slowly learn more about Rita’s childhood. I’m really looking forward to reading more of this author. Note: this book contains graphic depictions of crime scenes.
Your Thoughts: In response to what their favorite part was, a patron responded, “Life on the reservation.”
Magnolia Table Volume 2 by Joanna Gaines, recommended by Megan C. & Leah
Joanna Gaines does it again in Volume 2 of her cookbook, Magnolia Table! At over 300 pages, this collection of recipes covers every course. From scratch made basics, to bread, an herb guide, conversion chart, and meals, there’s not much Magnolia Table has forgotten to include. We made the Maple Walnut Scones during our library cooking show Biblio Bites, and decided they were the coziest confection to welcome the Fall season! The introductory quote, “The reward is in what gets created along the way,” embodies the book’s theme. So, grab your apron and your loved ones, and start creating with Magnolia.