May 2021 list by Bonnie Bradford
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Arsenic and Adobo
by Mia P. Manansala
“This fast-paced, cozy mystery with a diverse and colorful cast will make you laugh, cringe, and salivate. Lila has returned home to help with the family's failing Filipino restaurant, which is repeatedly panned by her food blogger ex. When he comes to lunch and ends up face down in his dessert, Lila becomes the prime murder suspect. For readers who enjoyed Dial A for Aunties and Mimi Lee Gets a Clue.” Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, Milford, OH
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The Bookshop of Second Chances
by Jackie Fraser
“Nothing like turning a page in an upended life to find a surprising plot twist leading to a satisfying ending. That’s what readers will find in this charming novel. The power of books to soothe will attract bibliophiles, but stay for the lively banter of the romantic leads, the quirky local residents, and the brisk Scottish countryside. Perfect for fans of Evvie Drake Starts Over and The Bookish Life of Nina Hill.” Kaite Stover, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO
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The Guncle
by Steven Rowley
"Gay Uncle Patrick," a reclusive TV star, takes in his niece and nephew for the summer after the death of their mother, his dear friend. As the three navigate their grief together, Patrick finds he needs the kids as much as they need him. By turns funny and poignant, this heartwarming story is great for fans of actor (and Instagram fave) Leslie Jordan and for readers who like Fredrik Backman." Heather Bistyga, Anderson County Library, Anderson, SC
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Hour of the Witch
by Chris Bohjalian
“In Puritan New England, Mary Deerfield is trapped in a marriage with a violent man. She has the audacity to file for divorce in a time where women were accused of witchcraft for any perceived slight or behavior. This book is filled with strong women and speaks to the witch hunts of today.” Lisa Casper, Douglas County Libraries, Highlands Ranch, CO
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The Invisible Husband of Frick Island
by Colleen Oakley
“Anders, a journalist, is sent to Frick Island to cover a Cake Walk, where he meets Piper, a widow who behaves as if her husband had never died. The strangest thing is, the entire island goes along with this delusion, and Anders, who is smitten with Piper, is determined to find out why. For fans of The Story of Arthur Truluv and The Garden of Small Beginnings.” Aubrey Parker, Montgomery County Memorial Library, Conroe, TX
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Local Woman Missing
by Mary Kubica
“A kidnapped child, two dead women, affairs, secrets, and a malpractice suit seem like a lot to pack into one book, but Kubica skillfully weaves the plot to create a perfect level of intrigue in this twisty suspense tale." Sandra Woodbury, Burlington Public Library, Burlington MA
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Mary Jane
by Jessica Anya Blau
"It’s 1975 and Mary Jane takes a job babysitting while all her friends are away at summer camp. The job comes with exposure to a celebrity and her addicted rock star husband and Mary Jane experiences a world very different than her own. For readers who enjoyed Be Frank with Me, Nothing to See Here, and This Tender Land." Jan Fisher, Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield, CT
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The Newcomer
by Mary Kay Andrews
"Letty is on the run with her four-year-old niece, afraid she will be accused of her sister’s murder. She ends up at a beach front motel in Florida full of interesting and entertaining characters. Murder, fugitives, romance, and a great cast of characters. A perfect beach read. For readers who enjoy books by Elin Hildenbrand and Janet Evanovich." Sandy Ruhmann, Allen Park Public Library, Allen Park, MI
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People We Meet on Vacation
by Emily Henry
“An aching slow-burn romance focused on chaotic sprite Poppy and buttoned up Alex and their twelve years of summer vacations. Set in present day Palm Springs and interspersed with flashbacks from the previous vacations, this story is full of yearning, friendship, and discussions of what it means to find a home. For fans of This Time Next Year, One Day in December, and Waiting for Tom Hanks.” Elizabeth Gabriel, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, WI
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Project Hail Mary
by Andy Weir
“Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship with amnesia. Gradually he remembers being on a oneway journey to save Earth from a dying sun. Then he encounters Rocky, an engineer on a similar mission. Hard to put down and impossible to forget, this is ingenious science fiction to celebrate and share." Brenda O’Brien, Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge, IL
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The Soulmate Equation
by Christina Lauren
“A statistician and geneticist are an unlikely match in a DNA-based dating app in this latest breezy romance from Lauren. What follows is sure to pull on readers’ heartstrings and even get them interested in the science of genetics.” Melissa Stumpe, Johnson County Public Library, Franklin, IN
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Talk Bookish to Me
by Kate Bromley
"A must-read romance novel, this enemies to lovers contemporary romance has enough tension and sizzle to satisfy any romance reader. Bonus, the lead character is a romance writer and readers get a romance novel within a romance novel. For readers who loved Much Ado About You and The Invitation." Hannah Spratt, New York Public Library, New York, NY
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While Justice Sleeps
by Stacey Abrams
"Avery's boss is a Supreme Court Justice and he is currently in a coma after naming Avery (instead of his wife) as his guardian. This situation is further complicated by the fact that the judge is a swing vote in a very important decision before the court. How well Avery knows her boss will determine the fate of both of them. For readers of John Grisham and Robert Dugoni." Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Public Library, Austin, TX
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The Woman With the Blue Star
by Pam Jenoff
"Based on the true stories of Jewish families who utilized the sewers to escape persecution during WWII. Sadie struggles to come to terms with loss. Ella struggles to figure out where she fits in amidst the chaos. Their friendship brings them hope and purpose. For readers who enjoyed The Rose Code, Our Darkest Night." Kate Eminhizer, Pamunkey Regional Library, Hanover, VA
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