| We Own the Sky by Luke AllnuttWhat it's about: A child's cancer diagnosis tests the relationship between his loving parents, who cope with his devastating illness in starkly different ways.
Why you might like it: Emotional and heart-rending, this debut is narrated by five-year old Jack's father, Rob, who in anguish turns first to vodka and then to his camera.
About the author: Luke Allnutt began writing this book while facing his own cancer diagnosis and treatment. |
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Birthright
by Fiona Lowe
The Storyline: Australian author Fiona Lowe returns with a juicy family saga, set against the backdrop of Victoria's high country, about unforgettable characters tangled together by a wealthy inheritance, secrets and betrayal. As their mother’s health deteriorates, will long-held secrets and childhood rivalries smash this family into pieces?
Why you might like it: An addictive and page-turning story of the relationships between siblings and of deceit, betrayal and revenge.
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| Not That I Could Tell by Jessica StrawserWhat it's about: A friendly night around a neighborhood fire pit ends in mystery when one guest and her children go missing. Her soon-to-be ex-husband is quickly under police scrutiny, while her neighbors struggle to understand what clues they missed.
Is it for you? Leisurely paced and with relatable characters, this novel is about the relationships among those left behind and how they deal with personal issues. If you're looking for a domestic suspense novel á la Gone Girl, try the recently published The French Girl, by Lexie Elliott. |
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| The People We Hate at the Wedding by Grant GinderStarring: cynical Paul and snarky Alice, siblings who have reluctantly agreed to attend their half-sister's over-the-top wedding in England.
What it's about: That neither of them is in a successful relationship (Paul's boyfriend feels unfairly restricted by monogamy, while Alice is having an affair with her married boss) fuels their long-standing resentment of Eloise's privilege and their anger towards their mother, Donna.
Why you might like it: Narrated by multiple members of this dysfunctional family, this sardonic tale has bite -- and plenty of drama. |
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| Beautiful Day by Elin HilderbrandWhat it's about: The wedding of a happy young couple is threatened by family dysfunction, tangled relationships, a family wedding manual referred to as "the notebook," and a severe food allergy.
Why you might like it: Multiple narrators -- including asides from the wedding guests and excerpts from "the notebook" -- provide a varied perspective on the not-so-blissful event. The author's sense of humor makes this Nantucket-set novel a great beach read. |
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| The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues by Edward Kelsey MooreThe opening scene: A famous blues man returns home to Plainview, Indiana, to play the wedding of the local strip-club owner to the town's most fundamentalist Baptist. And that guitarist turns out to be the father who abandoned Odette Henry's husband when he was just a boy.
Series alert: Odette and her two best friends, Clarice and Barbara Jean, first appeared in The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat; their return here is sure to please fans of optimistic, insightful novels centered on small-town friendships. |
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The Recipe Box: a Novel
by Viola Shipman
What it's about: Life as an overworked, undervalued sous chef at a reality star's New York bakery is not what Sam dreamed. When the chef embarrasses Sam, she quits and returns home.
The Appeal: One beloved, flour-flecked, ink-smeared recipe at a time, Sam begins to learn about and understand the women in her life, her family's history, and her passion for food through their treasured recipe box. As Sam discovers what matters most she opens her heart to a man she left behind, but who now might be the key to her happiness.
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The Toymakers
by Rober Dinsdale
What it's about: It is 1917, and London has spent years in the shadow of the First World War. In the heart of Mayfair, though, there is a place of hope. A place where children's dreams can come true, where the impossible becomes possible - that place is Papa Jack's Toy Emporium. For years Papa Jack has created and sold his famous magical toys. Into this world comes Cathy Wray, homeless and vulnerable. The Emporium takes her in, makes her one of its own. But Cathy is about to discover that while all toy shops are places of wonder, only one is truly magical.
Reviewers Say: "A dark enchanting, spectacularly imaginative novel perfect for fans of The Miniaturist."-Ebury
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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