Good Reads & Views

Things you save in a fire by Katherine Center
Fiction

About the author:  She’s the New York Times bestselling author of over half a dozen books, including How to Walk Away and What You Wish For. The movie adaptation of Katherine’s novel The Lost Husband hit #1 on Netflix, and her novel Happiness for Beginners is in production now as a Netflix original.  Katherine lives in her hometown of Houston, Texas, with her husband, two kids, and their fluffy-but-fierce dog.

Reviewers say: "A story about survival that is heartbreakingly honest and wryly funny, perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes and Elizabeth Berg" (Kirkus).

You might also like:  First Comes Love by Emily Giffin or Evvie Drake Starts Over by by Linda Holmes  

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Marked Man by Archer Mayor
Fiction

What happens: A medical student working on a body that was donated to science discovers that the assumed “natural” death attributed to the cadaver might have actually been murder. Turns out the dead local philanthropist and millionaire wasn’t actually who he pretended to be and Joe Gunther and his team at the Vermont Bureau of Investigation look into the murder and others that follow.

Reviewers say: “it's been clear for quite awhile that Mayor's series--a perfect mix of character, setting, and story--is one of the best American police procedurals going” (Booklist Review); “Mayor matches vivid characters with clever plot twists. This is a perfect jumping-on point for newcomers” (Publishers Weekly).

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The Duchess Deal: Girl Meets Duke by Tessa Dare
Fiction 

Why this book: If you like historical romance and haven’t read a Tessa Dare book, do yourself a favor and read this. Tessa Dare is not only a fabulous writer, but she makes her characters jump off the page. Even though this book takes place in 18^th century England, I found myself relating to the main character Emma a lot. The Duke of Ashbury was scarred during a war and has shut himself off from love and happiness. Realizing he needs an heir, he decides to set up rules to protect himself from getting hurt. Little does he know that the woman he has landed on, Emma, has rules of her own.  

Good to know: This book is amazing on audio. It is read by two narrators, each covering one of the two main characters. This really helps to get into the man and woman’s point of view. Plus, being read to by a British man is always great…that accent! 

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When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger
Fiction

Series alert: This is the third book in the Devil Wears Prada series. Read The Devil Wears Prada and Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns.

Reviewers say: “With rich people behaving scandalously on every page, this lemon is juicy and delicious… Having a kick-ass girl posse is not only great fun, but essential for survival in this town filled with moms obsessed with SoulCycle, trophy kids, and plastic surgery” (Kirkus Reviews).

You might also like: The Stylist by Rosie Nixon or According to a Source by Abby Stern.

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Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton & James Patterson
Fiction

What it’s about: Annie Lee is young, driven, and talented. She goes to Nashville to chase her dreams and make it big as a singer songwriter. I’m a big fan of Dolly Parton. Once I learned that Dolly was a part of the narrating cast, I was sold on listening to the audiobook. She didn’t disappoint. I was immediately absorbed into the book.

Is it for you? It is a very inspirational story about strength and perseverance through some pretty rough hardships and the ability to overcome some of the worst things you can imagine. The characters are relatable and have a genuine feel.

You might also like: What are the Chances by Kenny Rogers.

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The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
Fiction

What’s it about: Nantucket sweetheart Lizbet Keaton is named the new general manager of the newly reopened Hotel Nantucket, trying to overcome its bad reputation, which it gained after a fire in 1922 that killed a chambermaid, Grace Hadley. While the hotel seems to be doing well, there is a lot of drama with both staff and guests including Grace, the ghost, gleefully haunting the halls.    

Reviewers say: "In her 25th novel, Hilderbrand gets everything right and leaves her ardent fans hungry for No. 26. Hilderbrand sets the gold standard in escapist fiction" (Kirkus Reviews).

You might also like:  Hotel Portofino by J. P. O’Connell or The Summer House by Jenny Hale.  

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The Betrayal of Trust by Susan Hill
Fiction

What’s it about: DCI Serrailler has two murder cases to solve when torrential rainstorms unearth two bodies dating back 16 years. One was a missing girl, but who was the other and are their deaths connected? Quality-of-life issues also feature prominently in this sixth outing of the series.

Reviewers say: “Fully realized characters and efficient prose” (Publishers Weekly); "Fans and newcomers to Hill's series … will appreciate the characters' deep humanity” (Kirkus).

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The Return by Nicholas Sparks
Fiction

What it's about: Trevor Benson returns to his hometown of New Bern, NC to claim the dilapidated cabin that he inherited from his grandfather who recently passed away. While taking care of his grandfather's beloved beehives, he meets and falls for deputy sheriff Natalie Masterson and encounters the mysterious teenage girl, Callie. These two women have secrets that will change the course of his life. 

Reviewers say: "As much a family drama as it is a love story...If you, like Trevor, are looking to slow down and focus on what's really important, The Return is the heartwarming read you've been waiting for" (BookPage).

You might also like: One Summer by David Baldacci or The Favorite Daughter by Patti Callahan Henry   

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The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
Fiction

What it’s about: It's about a young woman who is hired as a personal assistant to a commanding fashion magazine editor, a job that becomes frightening as she struggles to keep up with her boss's strenuous schedule and belittling demands.

Why you might like it: If you like fashion and learning about what happens in the fashion world, and what some people will go through for the sake of fashion, then you need to read this book.

You might also like: The Assistants by Camille Perri

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The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty
Fiction

Reviewers say: “A witty modern love story in the age of cohabitation, blended families, and second chances, this is a compassionate, absorbing tale. Moriarty has crafted an incredibly likable heroine in Ellen, the hypnotherapist who can solve her clients’ problems but can’t seem to keep her own life from spiraling into soap opera. Readers who enjoy Jennifer Close and Marian Keyes will adore Moriarty’s wit and warmth” (Booklist).

You might also like: The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks or The Girl Before by J. P. Delaney

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