Good Reads & Views

The Gown by Jennifer Robson
Fiction

What it's about: In 1947, two young women, Ann and Miriam, are chosen to make the embroidery on Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown. It is samples of Ann’s embroidery that, in 2016, Ann’s granddaughter Heather inherits. Ann never spoke of her life before emigrating to Canada. Can these exquisite flowers and a few pictures of an elite London fashion house lead Heather to solve the mystery surrounding her Nan?

Reviewers say:  “Robson (Moonlight over Paris) delivers a satisfying multigenerational epic linked by the intricate embroidery used on Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown” (Publisher’s Weekly); “A fascinating glimpse into the world of design, the healing power of art, and the importance of women's friendships” (Kirkus Reviews).

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The Spies of Shilling Lane by Jennifer Ryan
Fiction

What it’s about: Mrs. Braithwaite was raised to believe herself superior to others and emotions are a sign of weakness. When she is divorced by her philandering husband and toppled from her position as head of the Women’s Voluntary Service, she heads to London to find her estranged daughter at the height of the Blitz. With her on the search is Mr. Norris, Betty’s timid landlord, and together they uncover black marketeers, Nazi sympathizers, double agents and – most importantly – truths about themselves.

Why you might like it: If you enjoy novels about World War II or ordinary people doing extraordinary things, this surprisingly cozy story of suspense is for you.

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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Fiction

What it’s about: The plot of this simple story is not the point of this beautiful book. The four title characters meet each other and talk about life and love. The simple illustrations add to the spare narration.

Why you might like it: The book is filled with insights told very simply: “’What is the bravest thing you ever said?’ asked the boy. ‘Help,’ said the horse.”  It is also very heartwarming: have tissues on hand.

Readalikes: Children’s books that have adult depth, such as The Little Prince and Winnie-the-Pooh.

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Poppy Redfern and the Midnight Murders by Tessa Arlen
Fiction

What it’s about: It’s 1942 and Poppy Redfern, a young woman from the English countryside, is serving as Air Raid Precautions warden for her village. When two other young women are found murdered, suspicion falls on the American pilots based just outside the village, but Poppy’s vivid imagination leads her to think otherwise. Her feelings for one of the pilots, Griff, couldn’t be the reason, could it?

Why you might like it: If you like mysteries set during World War II or plucky heroines, give this one a try.

Reviewers say: "History, suspense, and an appealing heroine combine in a series debut that should attract war buffs and many others" (Kirkus); "Vivid settings and high emotions keep the suspense at fever pitch, but it’s the characters that make Arlen’s series kickoff such a stunner" (Library Journal).

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These Honored Dead: A Lincoln and Speed Mystery by Jonathan F Putnam
Fiction

What it’s about: Abraham Lincoln and Joshua Speed were close friends in real life, and this book uses their brand-new friendship as the stepping off point for a murder mystery. Speed had been in an affair with widowed shopkeeper Rebecca Harriman, which she ended to protect her reputation. She has taken in her niece and nephew, but comes to regret it when her niece is found stabbed in her barn. Suspicion falls on Lincoln’s first client, Dr. Patterson, and the newly-minted lawyer must use his intellect and homespun manner to absolve the doctor and find the true culprit.

Why you might like it: Lincoln is plausibly drawn in this book, the first of a mystery series, and the issues of the time, like slavery, are well-drawn. People who like a hefty dose of history with their fiction should give this one a try.

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The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Author Larson tells the story of Winston Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister of Britain with suspense and attention to detail. Using journals and letters of those close to Churchill, he draws a picture of May 1940 - May 1941 when Germany was conducting regular bombing raids on Britain in preparation for an invasion. Larson shows equally Churchill’s leadership and quirky personality as he tells the story of “their finest hour.”

Reviewers say: "While the story of Churchill’s premiership and the Blitz have been told in greater historical depth, they’ve rarely been rendered so vividly. Readers will rejoice" (Publisher’s Weekly); "A captivating history of Churchill's heroic year, with more than the usual emphasis on his intimates" (Kirkus Reviews); "Larson's distinctive history of Britain's 'darkest hour' offers a new angle for those already familiar with this era, while attracting readers who wish to learn more about the notable leader" (Library Journal).

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Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein
Nonfiction 

What it’s about: Kondo and Sonenshein help employees get a grip on their workspaces – tangible and virtual – in this uplifting book. They start with visualizing your ideal work life and end with maintaining work-life balance. Kondo even addresses the problem of “rebound”—when your tidying work comes undone.

Why you should read it: Who hasn’t encountered frustration at work? From not being able to find important things when you need them to time-sucking meetings, Kondo and Sonenshein present actionable processes to improve things.

Reviewers say: “The authors contend that tidying one’s workspace is ‘an epic voyage of self-discovery’ and ‘the first and most effective step toward realizing your vision of a joyful career” (Publisher’s Weekly).

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A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future by David Attenborough
Nonfiction

What it’s about: David Attenborough, the naturalist, describes his career creating nature television over sixty years, against the backdrop of humanity’s increasingly harmful exploitation of biodiversity.

Why you should read it: Climate change is real and David Attenborough explains how we are destroying the biodiversity that all life depends on.  But he also presents his optimistic “vision for the future:” a way forward that will nurture nature rather than destroy it.

Reviewers say: “Recognizing that we are at a tipping point, Attenborough is refreshingly optimistic, noting that one thing humans do well is solve problems. Anyone concerned with the planet's ecological future will want to spend time with this excellent book” (Kirkus); “Longtime devotees as well as newcomers will find much to learn about the man and his mission” (Library Journal).

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You had me at Hola by Alexis Daria
Fiction

What it’s about: Soap opera actress Jasmine Lin has just come out of a messy public breakup. She decides to focus on her career, and staring in “Carmen In Charge” is the way to go. But acting opposite Ashton Suarez is testing her to her limit.

Why you might like it: If you like your romances steamy while still having characters with depth, give this a try. The characters are drawn sympathetically with a dash of humor. The Latinx cast, with just a touch of Spanish language, provide an authentic multicultural experience.

Reviewers say: “This romance by a RITA award-winning writer is a sizzling hot and fun ode to soap operas” (LibraryReads); “Sexy, compelling, and complex—a terrific romance from a rising star of the genre” (Kirkus Reviews).

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The Cabinets of Barnaby Mayne by Elsa Hart
Fiction

What it's about: Lovers of historical mysteries will enjoy this tale set in 1703 London. Cecily Kay has come to the home of Barnaby Mayne, pre-eminent collector of everything under the sun, to try to identify her collection of plants. While on a tour of the home with several guests, Mayne breaks off and goes to his study, where he is later found murdered. His curator seems implicated, but Cecily is unconvinced. With her childhood friend, illustrator Meacan Barlow, she resolves to uncover the truth, putting them on a path fraught with peril for them both.

Why you might like it: This is twisty, atmospheric classic mystery at its best.

Reviewers say: "Hart is bound to become a household name for readers who love clever and fair whodunits" (Publishers Weekly).  "[A] solid choice for historical mystery readers who want to see women with intelligence and agency navigate a time and place not meant for them, but where they thrive nonetheless while solving a delightfully twisty murder” (Library Journal).

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