New Jojo Moyes Releases Tomorrow!

From the beloved author of Me Before You and The Girl You Left Behind, comes One Plus One, an endearing love story about two opposites - Jess, a single mom trying to juggle her bullied son and her mathlete daughter and Ed Nicholls, a geeky techology millionaire, whose happens to be one of Jess' cleaning clients. When Jess' daughter enrolls in a math competition with the hope of winning, so she can use the prize money to enroll in a prestigious school, cash-strapped Jess must accept Ed's offer to drive them to the Math Olympiad in his car. 

"Moyes (The Girl You Left Behind) has a remarkable gift for creating balanced, deep characters who struggle to find their own way. With humor, and insight, and an amazing ability to see how personal hitting rock bottom can become, she has written an emotional, rich, and satisfying novel. Highly recommended." (Library Journal Reviews)

Click here to place your hold today!

New Horror Tale: Bellweather Rhapsody by Kate Racculia

In Bellweather Rhapsody, the 1997 Statewide Music Festival (being held at the Bellweather Hotel in New York's Catskill Mountains) goes awry when Jill, a star flutist, goes missing from a hotel room that was the site of a murder-suicide that took place 15 years earlier. Jill's disappearance causes a bridesmaid, Minnie Graves, who witnessed the first crime and happens to be at the hotel on the murder-suicide's 15th anniversary, to relive her trauma while a snowstorm traps everyone on the hotel grounds.

"Part ghost story, part mystery, part coming-of-age tale, and part love sonnet to music, Racculia's second novel (after This Must Be the Place) is dark and delightful, with memorable characters inspired by both literature and pop culture. It will grab readers and keep them with multilayered plotting and writing that ranges from humorous to poetic." (Library Journal Reviews)

If You Like 'The Matchmaker', You May Also Like...

Elin Hilderbrand's latest novel, The Matchmaker, landed on the New York Times Bestseller List this week. Although Hilderbrand's characters change from book to book, she always sets her novels in the same place - the historic island of Nantucket, making her collection of works the perfect summer reads.

In The Matchmaker, main character, Dabney Kimball, who is a known matchmaker and island resident, has her life turned upside down when her love from the past returns to Nantucket.

Already read The Matchmaker and are looking for read-alike titles? Check out these suggestions from NoveList, our reader's advisory database:
Summer Breeze by Nancy Thayer
Natalie is house sitting in the Berkshires when she becomes friendly with a shopkeeper who is caring for an aging parent and a stay-at-home mom with whom she commiserates over romantic complications.

Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan

Three generations of women come together at a family beach house and gradually reveal secrets that include a pregnancy, a terrible crush, and a deeply-held resentment for past misdeeds.

50 Harbor Street by Debbie Macomber

Corrie McAfee and her husband, a private investigator, try to solve a mystery from their past, while their daughter, Linette, moves back home to Cedar Cove, Washington to open a new medical clinic and finds unexpected romance.

New Dystopian Thriller Novel

The Handmaid’s Tale meets The Hunger Games in The Bees, a brilliantly imagined debut novel by Laline Paull, set in an ancient culture where only the queen bee may breed and deformity means death.

"Flora 717 is a sanitation worker, a member of the lowest caste in her orchard hive where work and sacrifice are the highest virtues and worship of the beloved Queen the only religion. But Flora is not like other bees. With circumstances threatening the hive’s survival, her curiosity is regarded as a dangerous flaw but her courage and strength are an asset. She is allowed to feed the newborns in the royal nursery and then to become a forager, flying alone and free to collect pollen. She also finds her way into the Queen’s inner sanctum, where she discovers mysteries about the hive that are both profound and ominous." (Publisher's Summary)

Book Review: Euphoria by Lily King

From New England Book Award winner, Lily King, comes Euphoria, a breathtaking novel set in New Guinea in the 1930's. Frustrated by his research efforts and depressed over the death of his brothers, Andre Banson runs into two married, fellow anthropologists, and begins a tumultuous relationship with them. The book is inspired by the controversial love lives of anthropologists Margaret Mead, Reo Fortune and Gregory Bateson. 

"While the love triangle sections do turn pages (Innuendo! Jealousy! Betrayal!), King's immersive prose takes center stage. The fascinating descriptions of tribal customs and rituals, paired with snippets of Nell's journals—as well as the characters' insatiable appetites for scientific discovery—all contribute to a thrilling read that, at its end, does indeed feel like "the briefest, purest euphoria."" (Publisher Weekly Reviews)

Book Review: The Fever by Megan Abbott

A small, isolated northeastern town comes unraveled after Lise, a young teen, has a frightening, unexplained seizure in her high school class. Before long, another girl suffers the same symptoms and rumors of a hazardous illness quickly move through the school and the community, spreading hysteria and destroying friendships and families.

The Fever received a starred review from Booklist: "once again, Abbott makes an unforgettable inquiry into the emotional lives of young people, this time balanced with parents' own fears and failings. It's also a powerful portrait of community, with interesting echoes of The Crucible: it's the twenty-first century, and, in many ways, we're still frightened villagers, terrified of the unknown. Abbott may be on her way to becoming a major writer."

Book Review: The Three by Sarah Lotz

In this enthralling and creepy novel by South African author, Sarah Lotz, four passenger airplanes go down on the same day, almost at the same time, on different continents. Three children (who were all flying on separate planes) survive, as well as a woman who only lives long enough to record a message on her phone that warns its listeners to "watch the dead people." The three surviving children are coined The Three by the media and it become apparent that although they survived, they are not the same people that they used to be. Theories about The Three run rampant, including that they may be a sign that the apocalypse is imminent. 

"Lotz has honed her writing skills as a screenwriter and YA author, and here she spins a tail of disaster and fanaticism that is both entertaining and scarily realistic. The Three is the real deal: gripping, unpredictable and utterly satisfying." (Book Page Reviews)

Brutally Honest Memoir: Drunk Mom by Jowita Bydlowska

A bestseller in its native Canada, Drunk Mom is a gripping, brutally honest memoir of motherhood in the shadow of alcoholism. (Publisher's Summary)

Jowita Bydlowska thought she had her drinking under control, but one drink after three years of sobriety sent her spiraling downward into full blown alcoholism. Drunk Mom is Jowita's personal account of how her addiction to alcohol took control of her life, from drinking binges and their subsequent blackouts to the extreme measures she took to hide her drinking to her ultimate fight towards recovery, which included a stint in rehab that did not work because as Bydlowska's writes, "she was not desperate enough to want sobriety." With the help of Alcoholics Anonymous she was able to stop drinking, but fully admits, that addiction is forever.

  

Book Review: Shirley by Susan Scarf Merrell

Literary figure, Shirley Jackson, best known for her short story, The Lottery, and her husband, Stanley Edgar Hyman, a literary critic and professor at Bennington College, take in a fictional young couple, Fred and Rose Nemser, for a year in 1964 in Shirley, a psychological thriller novel with Shirley Jackson, one of America's greatest horror writers at its center. While Fred, who is is Stanley's teaching assistant, becomes engrossed in his teaching schedule, as well as adoring co-eds, pregnant Rose forms an unlikely friendship with Shirley and soon becomes aware of the many secrets that her host harbors.

"Merrell (Creative Writing and Literature/Stony Brook; A Member of the Family, 2000, etc.) is no thriller writer, but this unsolved mystery stokes an atmosphere of quiet menace. Her decision to blend fact and fiction adds to a lingering sense of uncertainty, with set pieces—including a cameo for Bernard Malamud—providing comic relief. A sidelong portrait of a category-defying writer dovetails surprisingly snugly with the drama of one young woman's coming-of-age." (Kirkus Reviews)

July Book Discussion

Interested in how the CIA and Hollywood pulled off the most audacious rescue in history? 

July's book discussion at the Community Library will feature the book Argo, a dramatic account of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis and how six of the intended American hostages escaped from Iranian militants and were rescued by CIA operative, Antonio Mendez, and his team during a high-risk mission in Tehran conducted in the guise of a movie scouting expedition.

Register for the book discussion being held on July 15th, from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM, by clicking here! 

Perfect Beach Reads

Check out Redbook magazine's picks for the best beach reads this season! From "sexy escapes" to "tearjerkers" and "compelling sagas," they have covered every interest! Click here to view the online article.

Summaries (from left to right)

1. Mercury in Retrograde by Paula Froelich: "when fate conspires to have three very different women move into the same SoHo apartment building, they soon discover that having their carefully planned lives fall to pieces might be the best thing that could happen to them." (Publisher's Summary)

2. Bought by Anna David: "working on press lines while dreaming for a more substantial job and a well-connected boyfriend who will facilitate her entry into the Hollywood social scene, aspiring journalist Emma Swanson endeavors to launch her career by writing a story about a cavalier beauty who shamelessly prostitutes herself in exchange for gifts and celebrity." (Publisher's Summary)

3. The Late, Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow: "her enviable life having ended, Molly Marx now finds herself led by an unorthodox guide in the afterlife, where she can observe the friends and family she left behind and, as she watches them try to investigate her mysterious end, Molly relives her past and learns the fates of those she cherished most (and least)." (Publisher's Summary)

4. Pretty in plaid : a Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or the Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smart-Ass Phase by Jen Lancaster: "the author offers a humorous look at her life and wardrobe, recounting her less-than-virtuous stint as a Girl Scout, colorful family gatherings, her fashion faux pas at a sorority rush, her climb up and down the corporate ladder, and her success as a writer." (Publishers Summary)

5. Perfection: a memoir of Betrayal and Renewal by Julie Metz: "a young widow profiles the seemingly idyllic family life she shared with her husband and young daughter in New York City, her devastation over the pulmonary embolism that abruptly ended her husband's life, and her shocked discovery that he had been unfaithful to her throughout their marriage." (Publisher's Summary)

6. Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman: "a family drama and coming of age story follows the lives of three sisters who create a magical world on their street to escape a tragedy that has changed them forever." (Publisher's Summary)

7. Commencement by J. Courtney Sullivan: "a sparkling debut novel: a tender story of friendship, a witty take on liberal arts colleges, and a fascinating portrait of the first generation of women who have all the opportunities in the world, but no clear idea about what to choose." (Publisher's Summary)

8. The Wish Maker by Ali Sethi: "Zaki Shirazi, a young Pakistani in a household dominated by his mother and grandmother, is close to his female cousin, Samar Api, but while Samar's reckless teenage behavior brings consequences for her, Zaki is free to explore the world, only later reflecting on the true meaning of happiness." (Publisher's Summary)

Debut Novel by Courtney Maum

Courtney Maum's debut novel, I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You, tracks the aftermath of two momentous decisions that Richard Haddon, a British artist living in Paris, has made; the first was his decision to betray his "avant-garde" ideals by painting a series of sentimental oil paintings (that end up being a big hit with customers) and the second was to betray his wife of seven years by having an affair. Once Richard's wife, Anne-Laure de Bourigeaud, finds out about his affair, she sends him packing and is determined not to let him know how crushed she truly is, even though he wants to rebuild what they once had.

"Equally funny and touching, the novel strikes deep, presenting a sincere exploration of love and monogamy. These characters are complex, and their story reflects their confusion and desire. As her story bounces through time and across continents (Richard and Anne met while students in the U.S.), Maum rarely loses focus. An impressive, smart novel." (Publishers Weekly Reviews)

China Dolls by Lisa See

"It’s 1938 in San Francisco: a world’s fair is preparing to open on Treasure Island, a war is brewing overseas, and the city is alive with possibilities. Grace, Helen, and Ruby, three young women from very different backgrounds, meet by chance at the exclusive and glamorous Forbidden City nightclub. Grace Lee, an American-born Chinese girl, has fled the Midwest with nothing but heartache, talent, and a pair of dancing shoes. Helen Fong lives with her extended family in Chinatown, where her traditional parents insist that she guard her reputation like a piece of jade. The stunning Ruby Tom challenges the boundaries of convention at every turn with her defiant attitude and no-holds-barred ambition.

The girls become fast friends, relying on one another through unexpected challenges and shifting fortunes. When their dark secrets are exposed and the invisible thread of fate binds them even tighter, they find the strength and resilience to reach for their dreams. But after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, paranoia and suspicion threaten to destroy their lives, and a shocking act of betrayal changes everything." (Publisher's Summary)

International Bestselling Thriller

"This best-selling, award-winning, French literary thriller from a 28-year-old Swiss author has arrived in the U.S. with fanfare not heard since The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." (Booklist Reviews)

In The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair, young novelist, Marcus Goldman is under pressure to produce a second novel following his sensational debut. Suffering from writers block, he decides to visit his mentor and well respected novelist, Harry Quebert, who resides in New Hampshire. During their reunion, the remains of a fifteen year old girl who went missing thirty-three years earlier are discovered on Quebert's property and he is arrested for the murder of Nola Kellergan. Goldman decides to begin his own investigation to prove Quebert's innocence and in the process, delivers his long awaited second novel.

Beach Read

From the author of Laura Lamont's Life in Pictures (2012), comes The Vacationers, an irresistible novel that captures the secrets, joys and jealousies that arise during a family vacation to the Spanish Island of Mallorca.

Traveling to Spain with family and friends to celebrate their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary and their daughter's high school graduation sounds like a grand idea to Franny and Jim Post, however, all doesn't go according to plan, especially as the vacationers arrive on the island bearing secrets that cannot possibly be contained.

The Vacationers received a starred review from Booklist: "Straub masters a constantly changing flow of perspectives as readers wonder who will forgive and be forgiven in this sun-soaked, remote paradise. Spongy and dear, sharply observed and funny, Straub's domestic-drama-goes-abroad is a delightful study of the complexities of family and love, and the many distractions from both." 

Thrilling Debut Novel

Lauren Owen's strong debut novel, The Quick, takes place in late 19th century London. James Norby, fresh out of Oxford, moves to the City to try to fulfill his dream of becoming a poet. Norby ends up rooming with a young aristocrat who introduces him to high society. Totally immersed in his new culture and surroundings, it isn't long before Norby falls in love...and then abruptly disappears. Norby's loyal sister, Charlotte, sets out from their county estate in Yorkshire to hunt down her brother.  Her search leads her to a secret club, whose members are among the richest and most ambitious men in England.

"A book that seems to begin as a children's story ends in blood-soaked mayhem; the journey from one genre to another is satisfying and surprisingly fresh considering that it's set in a familiar version of gothic London among equally familiar monsters." (Kirkus Reviews)

The One and Only by Emily Giffin

Emily Giffin, dubbed a “modern day Jane Austen” (Vanity Fair) and a “dependably down-to-earth storyteller” (New York Times),  is the author of seven novels. Her latest is titled The One and Only and is an an exemplary story of love and loyalty.    

Shea Rigsby has more hometown pride than most. At age thirty-three, she has spent her entire life in Walker, Texas, and unabashedly shares the small college town's enthusiasm for their home football team (Shea's best friend's father, Clive Carr, is the legendary head coach). But when a tragedy strikes the tight-knit community, Shea's world is turned upside down and she begins to wonder if she's shortchanged herself by settling in Walker.                                                                                        

Listed below are Emily Giffin's first six novels:

Something Borrowed (2004)

Something Blue (2005)

Baby Proof (2006)

Love the One.. (2008)

Heart of the.. (2010)

Where We Belong (2012)

Book Review: Next Life Might by Kinder by Howard Norman

It's been over a year since Sam Lattimore's beloved wife, Elizabeth, was murdered by a bellman that worked at the hotel in Halifax where they lived. Delirious and broke, Sam sold the rights to his and Elizabeth's story to a filmmaker who is notorious for how he portrays violence in his movies. He now, of course, regrets his actions, especially as it hasn't brought the closure that he was looking for. To make matters even more complicated, Sam begins to have visions of Elizabeth on a beach, and claims that he even has nightly conversations with his late wife.

Next Life Might be Kinder received a starred review from Booklist: "the inspiration for this dark, sexy, allusive, and diabolical tale is found in Norman's memoir, I Hate to Leave this Beautiful Place (2013), further complicating the novel's eerie investigation into the yin and yang of verisimilitude and aberration." 

The Hollow Girl by Reed Farrell Coleman (Moe Prager Series)

Check out Hollow Girl, the final book in Coleman's Moe Prager series!

Distraught over the tragic death of his girlfriend, Moe Prager is heading down a serious path of self destruction. However, he receives a timely visit from Nancy Lustig, an acquaintance from his first case, who begs Moe to help her locate her missing daughter, Sloane Cantor. As distracted as he is, Moe agrees to help and quickly discovers that nothing is ever as it seems to be, especially with respect to Sloane, who ironically, is known as the Lost Girl or Hollow Girl.

"Coleman gives Moe an absorbing send-off in this hard-boiled series finale. Although this title can stand alone, for maximum enjoyment the series' eight books should be read in order. As always, Moe is the everyman PI, waxing philosophical about life, love, and family. Fans of literary mysteries, private detectives, police procedurals, and nice guys will devour this book." (Library Journal Reviews)

New to the Moe Prager series? Listed below are the first eight books in the series!

1. Walking the Perfect Square (January 2001)
2. Redemption Street (March 2004)
3. The James Dean (January 2005)
4. Soul Patch (April 2007)
5. Empty Ever After (April 2008)
6. Innocent Monster (October 2010)
7. Hurt Machine (December 2011)
8. Onion Street (May 2013)

Cutting Teeth by Julia Fierro

An unlikely group of parents and children from New York City vacation together at a beach house on Long Island over Labor Day weekend in Cutting Teeth by Julia Fierro. Friendships crumble and alliances break as the characters try to keep their insecurities and oddities at bay. The book covers all of the complex dilemmas that modern day urban families face these days, from romance and friendship to parenting and class tension to wondering...is this as good as it gets?

"Fierro's first novel captures the complexity of forging new friendships and redefining lives as contemporary parents. Although largely unsympathetic, her characters are meticulously drawn, the situations emotionally charged. Readers, especially young parents, won't be able to look away from the train wreck of urban family dysfunction on display here." (Booklist Reviews)

Calling all Chick Lit Fans!

Allison is struggling with the demands of everyday life. Dealing with her stressful job, her distant husband, her spoiled daughter and her sick father are all starting to take their toll and she turns to painkillers to take the edge off. Before long Allison becomes addicted...and hits rock bottom.

All Fall Down received a starred review from Booklist: "Weiner, who is a master at creating realistic characters, is at her best here, handling a delicate situation with witty dialogue and true-to-life scenes. Readers will be nodding their heads in sympathy as Allison struggles to balance being a mother, a daughter, and a wife while desperately just wanting to be herself."

All Fall Down releases on June 17th, click here to place your hold today!

Author spotlight from Novelist, our Reader's Advisory database: "Jennifer Weiner's Chick Lit protagonists deal with much larger issues than which shoes to buy: motherhood and career; family rifts; childrearing and preschool politics. Snappy dialog and laugh out loud situations leaven compelling storylines containing serious undertones. Her readers especially enjoy the realistic, feisty, funny, and smart plus-size main characters who are not unduly preoccupied with their weight." 

Jennifer Weiner is the New York Times #1 Bestselling Author of ten books, check them out below!