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Check out our reviews and recommendations:
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Roseanne recommends: A Fine Imitation: A Novel by Amber Brock What the reviewers say: "An absorbing tale of art, deception, romance, and forbidden desire" (Publishers Weekly). About the author: Amber Brock teaches British literature at an all-girls’ school in Atlanta. She holds an MA from the University of Georgia and lives in Smyrna, GA. Her new novel Lady Be Good was published in 2018.
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Christine recommends: Geekerella by Ashley Poston What it’s about: In this retelling of Cinderella, Elle blogs about “Starfield,” her favorite science fiction show, and she’s not happy with the casting of a teen heartthrob as Prince Carmindor in the movie reboot. When a mystery guy starts texting her by mistake about an upcoming Starfield convention, they start chatting online and fall for one another…but what will happen when she finds out the mystery guy is the new Prince Carmindor himself? Why you might like it: This is a funny and breezy read. Although the story may seem familiar at times, it’s got enough twists to keep it entertaining, especially with Elle and her coworker, Sage, on the vegan fritter food truck, The Magic Pumpkin.
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Astrid recommends: Whispers of the Dead by Spencer Kope Starring: FBI agent Jimmy Donovan, who has a knack for profiling, and Magnus “Steps” Craig, Donovan’s partner, who has the special ability of seeing an individual’s “shine” – a unique color and texture signature specific to each person. Both work for the FBI’s Special Tracking Unit and first appeared in Collecting the Dead. What it’s about: Jimmy and Steps investigate after a styrofoam ice box containing a pair of severed feet is left at the house of a federal judge. The “ice box killer” leaves behind a trail of ice blue “shine” for Steps to follow when more severed feet show up. Reviewers say: “Thriller devotees will devour this unpredictable mystery, wanting more from Steps and Jimmy” (Library Journal). “With its deadpan banter and gritty narrative, Kope's second case has a Dirty Harry vibe and finds a sweet noir groove” (Kirkus).
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Stacey recommends: I'll Be Your Blue Sky by Marisa De los Santos What it’s about: In this warm, romantic women’s fiction book, a heart-rending story from the 1950s intersects with a young woman’s life today. When Clare calls off her wedding at the eleventh hour, she meets Edith, an older woman who provides wise and comforting counsel. Shortly thereafter Edith dies, leaving her beautiful seaside cottage to an astonished Clare. As Clare explores Edith’s remarkable and secret past, she finds that love is closer than she expected. Why you might like it: If you like reading about characters you’ll care about, and romantic stories that weave together two narratives from different timeframes, you’ll enjoy this novel. Series alert: While this novel can be read on its own, readers who prefer starting a series at the beginning will first want to read Love Walked In, followed by Belong to Me.
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Lee recommends: Fall of Angels by Barbara Cleverly What it’s about: In the male domain of Cambridge, 1923, Detective Inspector John Redfyre is surprised to find that the trumpet player at a Christmas concert is, shockingly, a woman. He’s even more surprised when she’s pushed down the stairs. Two more obvious murders follow as someone does his best to keep these encroaching women in their place, and Redfyre realizes that even his alarming Aunt Hetty is in danger. What it is: Traditional mystery, with humor. For fans of: Dorothy Sayers.
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Laura recommends: The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Memoir by Thi Bui What it is: Author and illustrator Thi Bui examines her family’s turbulent history in this charming and stunning graphic memoir. Prompted by the birth of her own son, and desperate to make better connections with both of her parents, the nonlinear storyline traces Bui’s family’s journey from Viet Nam to the United States. She focuses on small moments in the past that may help to explain her relationship with each parent. What sets it apart: The minimalist illustrations—a stroke of black ink and a swirl of rosy orange watercolor—complement the spare writing, creating a heartfelt memoir that is too openly honest to be sentimental. Bui answers the question “How does a created family arise from a born into family”? The graphic novel format may encourage you to speed through it, but the content will urge you to savor it slowly.
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Meagan recommends: I Hate Myselfie: A Collection of Essays by Shane Dawson What it’s about: From the A-list YouTuber, Shane Dawson, I Hate Myselfie is an honest dive into the adolescent years of the online sensation. Having now risen to nearly 17 million subscribers, this debut memoir forgets the celebrity and focuses on his life before Youtube. A genuinely presented collection of essays that discusses Dawson's experiences growing up in Californian poverty, his struggles with childhood obesity, and familial love. Highly recommended for the commute as an audiobook for the authenticity of the narrator: Shane Dawson, himself. Who should read it: Fans of Shane Dawson, lovers of memoir, and readers curious about what makes famous YouTubers stand out. You might also like: It Gets Worse by Shane Dawson, Buffering by Hannah Hart, Binge by Tyler Oakley, and In Real Life by Joey Graceffa.
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Misty recommends: Necessary Endings by Henry Cloud What it’s about: The concept of pruning branches as an analogy in order to produce more fruit is something we readily accept. But, when it comes to ending things in our personal or business lives that no longer bear fruit, we readily find reasons to tolerate rather than end something. Dr. Cloud gives undeniable arguments that encourage the reader to end such things as well as practical and beneficial insights to know when something can be restored to value. Key insight: This is a compelling book, well organized and simple to understand and apply. This book has changed the way I see endings. I wasn't aware, until reading this book, how much I have put off both professional and personal necessary endings in my life.
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