Who would murder an elderly man in the City of Light? Armand Gamache knows that the hit and run of his friend was no accident, and his family and colleagues must work together to unravel a nefarious plot. This well-written and surprising mystery seamlessly blends the past with the present, truth and lies, family and enemies. While part of a beloved series, each of Penny’s books can be read as a stand-alone.
Disastrous first impression? Check. Focusing on your career and neglecting your love life? Double check. Falling head over heels for your super hot costar? Triple check! I loved this fresh workplace romance with a full cast of diverse characters, timely subject matter, and plenty of hot romancing. Ashton and Jasmine’s relationship is realistic, engaging, and keeps the pages turning through this quick read.
Sumiko, a new lawyer, finds her day shattered by a formulaic phone call that sets her down a twisted path to learn the truth of her mother’s death. This breathtaking novel is many things at once: a love story, a murder mystery, an exacting look into the Japanese legal system, and a generational family drama. Scott finds a fantastic balance between beautiful and haunting, hope and despair, anger and love.
Lovingly created by interviewing Cubans in both Cuba and Miami, this cookbook is a breath of fresh air. Never voyeuristic, it is instead an ode to an island whose cuisine celebrates its history and the breadth of cultures and people who call Cuba home. Take care to read the stories behind the recipes and make sure to try the panquecitos, vaca frita, and (my personal favorite), the ropa vieja!
Friends to enemies to fake friends again? Daphne (a true delight from start to finish) isn’t sure what to make of Drue’s reappearance, but who can say no to a wedding on Cape Cod? Big Summer is funny, endlessly entertaining, and full of heart. I fell hard for this book and could not put it down! This might just be the most perfect ‘summer beach read’ ever.
A simple blackmail case? What could go wrong! Well, when the Sternwood daughters are involved, anything and everything will go wrong. Iconic PI Philip Marlowe is the perfect noir detective: sharp, witty, and always three steps ahead. While his books are very much a product of their time, there’s a reason that Raymond Chandler mysteries set the bar so high. The Big Sleep is the perfect summertime mystery.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a reader in possession of a great Austen retelling, must fall head over heels. This wonderful novel breathes new life into the beloved story with a diverse cast, gender swapped Elizabeth and Darcy, and a contemporary storyline. Full of heart, clever plot details, and incredibly lush and sensuous food descriptions, Austen fans will adore this new series.
What happens when a by the book caseworker meets a group of misfits? Absolute gold. I loved this whimsical tale of an orphanage on an island that homes magical youth. I highly recommend this book even if fantasy isn’t your go-to genre. This very British novel has so much heart, wisdom, and a happy ending that proves you can always find your family.
What does it take to pass? Twins Stella and Desiree lead parallel lives, until Stella one day disappears without a trace. While a tad slow to start, this novel swept through me as it swept through the years, with both women living with the ramifications of their choices. Brit Bennett’s writing keeps getting better and better, making her one to watch. Highly recommended for fans of Little Fires Everywhere.
Haunted by choices made during WWI, Ian Rutledge finds himself back as a Scotland Yard inspector maybe a little too soon. As he investigates the brutal murder of a retired Colonel, Rutledge must sort through the suspects’ lies for the truths, doubting his own judgements all the way. For how can he know what’s a sane choice, and what’s the will of his shell shock turned inner voice, Hamish MacLeod?
Cici is determined to bring her Taiwanese grandmother to America and bravely enters a cooking competition to raise enough money. But Cici’s cooking partner only wants to cook American food, and, having recently emigrated from Taiwan, Cici isn’t familiar with American food. With a little courage and gumption from the great Julia Child, Cici learns to embrace her past and her future while cooking some *delicious* meals!
Only Erik Larson could encapsulate Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister. This detailed, well-written tome provides incredible context for Churchill’s defiance, his loyalty, and his love of England. There are new details and stories here for both casual and regular readers of WWII fiction and nonfiction. This is a story of not just Churchill, but of England coming together and standing strong against unspeakable evil.
How do you solve a murder when you don’t know the victim? This dark detective story explores the ups and downs of a murder investigation. With not one wasted word or sentence, Roseanna moves quickly. It’s a refreshing change of pace from needless lengthy novels and allows the reader to enjoy this book in one weekend. This is the police procedural done at its finest.
Inspired by an unsolved question of Hitler’s movements when Paris fell to the Nazis, author Cara Black spins a story that is deeply compelling and fast-paced. No one knows Paris like Black, and her attention to detail shows. As someone who reads a lot about WWII, I found this book to be a refreshing look at that time period. This story is a fantastic blend of thriller and historical fiction. I couldn’t put it down!
How could Roya know she would meet the love of her life in a stationary shop, only for him to disappear with no explanation on the eve of their wedding? Or that sixty years later, they would reunite, with each lover wondering why the other never appeared in the square that day? Full of lush prose, sensual descriptions, and a strong sense of place, this powerful love story should be on your bookshelf.
From WWI to the 1960s, three women’s lives intertwine in surprising ways. Whether resisting invading Germans or falling in love with the wrong person, the heroines on these pages are formidable. This historical novel feels fresh, standing out amidst a sea of novels set in this time and place. You’ll be swept up from page one and finish this story with a tear in your eye. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale.
Is there any hope of a modern Cinderella story? With fun plays on familiar tropes, this romance novel hits all the right spots. Thabiso and Naledi have fantastic chemistry that keeps this story sexy and fun with just a few steamy scenes. Alyssa Cole isn’t afraid to address some tough topics like the US foster care system and sexism, but her skilled writing keeps this Cinderella story current and perfect for the modern reader.
One letter, delivered 50 years too late, shocks Edie's mother into slowly revealing her past spent at Milderhurst Castle with the eccentric spinster Blythe sisters during WWII. Edie is determined to learn the truth about what happened one dark and stormy night in 1941. But the truth lies hidden in secrets kept in 'the distant hours' for decades. Equal parts romantic and gothic, this historical fiction enthralled me from page one!
This well-written memoir offers a fascinating look at Samantha Power’s unconventional life. From an immigrant, to a war correspondent, to working for both Senator and President Obama, Power shares her wisdom, insights, and regrets in this fascinating book. She is proof that one person can make a difference. This is a perfect gift for anyone who loves history or memoirs.
Alison Roman’s low-maintenance but delicious approach to entertaining is welcoming. Her recipes and tips get to the heart of what entertaining is really about: good food and connections. Roman is a pro at recipes that taste great but don’t require losing a finger. Her Very Good Lasagna is not to be missed! This is the perfect gift for any 20-something who enjoys to cook!