April 2021 list by Bonnie Bradford
|
|
|
Broken (in the best possible way)
by Jenny Lawson
"Lawson is a hot mess of depression and anxiety. She is also funny as hell. In this book she lays herself open. She celebrates all those awkward and difficult parts of herself and invites you to celebrate your own. She will make you laugh until you cry, and then she wraps up the episode with some profound truth that catches you unaware. For readers who like David Sedaris and Ali Wong." Beth Morrill, Canton Public Library, Canton, CT
|
|
|
The Drowning Kind
by Jennifer McMahon
“The waters of Bradenburg Springs are said to have miraculous curative properties, but rumor has it that the healing always comes with a price. When Jax's sister drowns in a pool filled with the spring’s water, she must discover the truth behind the legends. This is a great, creepy supernatural thriller.” Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, Champaign, IL
|
|
|
The Good Sister
by Sally Hepworth
“Rose and Fern have a strong sisterly bond, but their dark secrets may bind them more strongly than they think. How far would you go to project your sister? Dark and compelling, this psychological suspense story has a taut pace and plenty of twists to keep readers guessing.” Jen Ohzourk, St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis, MO
|
|
|
The Intimacy Experiment
by Rosie Danan
“Having built the Shameless platform to teach people how to find their own pleasure, Naomi wants to take that sex positivity to a lecture circuit, but no one will hire her. Enter Ethan, a young, handsome rabbi with a struggling synagogue. A seminar series on modern intimacy seems like a good way to build a sense of community and attract a younger congregation. What happens is their own lesson in intimacy, as two people passionate about their work and trying to make the world a better place sizzle with chemistry. Give to fans of The Roommate, The Kiss Quotient, and Meet Cute.” Hebah Amin-Headley, Johnson County Public Library, Overland Park, KS
|
|
|
Life's Too Short
by Abby Jimenez
"Jimenez hits it out of the park again. She combines real-world issues with the get-the-girl, lose-the-girl dynamics of a romance. In this case, Adrian has a good chance of losing Vanessa to ALS. They both have multiple family issues including a hoarding father, an abandoning parent, a sister with addiction issues, and a baby niece that needs attention. Give to fans of Mia Sosa and Josie Silver.” Maggie Holmes, Richards Memorial Library, North Attleboro, MA
|
|
|
Malice
by Heather Walter
“Alyce is the sole Dark Grace in Briar, a kingdom whose people love their Graces (the magical ladies who give them special elixirs). But Briar has a problem with their princesses: they die at 21 unless they kiss their one true love. Princess Aurora doesn't seem to be interested in any of the princes. This LGBTQ re-telling of Sleeping Beauty is creative and fun, with a perfect ending. For fans of Spinning Silver and Gods of Jade and Shadow.” Carrie Minthorne, Cedar Mill Library, Portland, OR
|
|
|
Mother May I
by Joshilyn Jackson
“Bree is a suburban mom with a lot on her plate. Her life changes when her baby is kidnapped and she has to complete a series of tasks to get her child back. This is the perfect kind of psychological thriller, a scorching page-turner featuring a rocking plot and intense character development.” Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, Twinsburg, OH
|
|
|
The Night Always Comes
by Willy Vlautin
"Lynette is trying to buy the family home from her landlord as housing prices rise around her. At the last moment, her mother says she will not cosign for the loan and Lynette does not qualify on her own. In a last-ditch effort, Lynette sets off on an odyssey of collecting old debts and a miniature crime spree. For readers who like Raymond Chandler, John Banville, and Elmore Leonard." Mary Robinson, Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire, IL
|
|
|
Second First Impressions
by Sally Thorne
"Ruthie Midona, twentysomething, works in a retirement community and feels like she fits in more with the residents than with her peers. Enter an attractive tattooed man assistant hired by the eccentric 90-year-old Parloni Sisters. This romance is filled with heart and laughter. For readers of Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory." Melissa Stumpe, Johnson County Public Library, Franklin, IN
|
|
|
To Love and to Loathe
by Martha Waters
"This enemies-to-lovers Regency romance takes Diana, Lady Templeton, and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham, from engaging in a no-stringsattached affair to their happily ever after. For readers who love Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Jennifer Crusie (contemporary, but witty dialogue and hilarious hijinks.)" Kathleen Fais, New York Public Library, New York, NY
|
|
|
When the Stars Go Dark
by Paula McLain
"In 1993, troubled detective Anna returns to her hometown, where a girl has gone missing. As Anna helps search for the girl, both their pasts are revealed. A beautifully written, haunting thriller offering a fascinating look at how missing cases were handled pre-Internet." Alissa Williams, Morton Public Library, Morton, IL
|
|
|
You Love Me
by Caroline Kepnes
"In this, the third installment in the "You" series, Joe Goldberg moves to the cozy island of Bainbridge in the outskirts of Seattle and sets his sights on the town librarian, who becomes his new obsession. For fans of Behind Her Eyes and The Silent Patient." Joann Im, Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles, CA
|
|
|
|
|