5 Stars

Diametrically opposed Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt vie for the same columnist position at the Gazette. Iris longs to put her penchant for words to good use through war coverage; Roman Kitt aims to make a name for himself, beyond being the son of a powerful, cruel man. Both young journalists have ulterior motives… and a magical connection tethering them to one another. In a gorgeous, heartbreaking tale of determination, violence and love lost and found, this novel is a triumph for lovers of fantasy, as well as romance novels.

-Hannah
Posted 11/15/2023

5 Stars

Agnes Sharp had a dream: to create a shared home for sick and ailing elderly to live out their days with dignity and in good company. That place is Sunset Hall. With housemates who are equal parts befuddling and beguiling, Agnes lives in relative peace… that is, until a series of murders befall the quiet seniors who neighbor Sunset Hall. Now, it is up to these senior-super-sleuths to crack the case instead of a hip. Whip-smart, candid and quirky, this novel is a must-read for those who enjoy their murder-mystery with a cup of English Breakfast tea.

-Hannah
Posted 11/15/2023

4 Stars

3 Stars

The world Amber Glass knew shattered the night of Prom after she allegedly killed the baby she had no idea she was pregnant with. When the story breaks, her date, Joe Simpson, comes out unscathed while Amber is left to wither away like her evening’s corsage. She seeks solace in the bustling city of New Orleans, only to be inexplicably drawn back to Baltimore to test out small-town life after scandal. Told in vignettes of the fateful night interspersed with present-day, this story is sure to be a night to remember.

-Hannah
Posted 10/21/2023

5 Stars

This leisurely-paced rom-com will have you laughing and swooning from start to finish. The fake dating trope starts the story for Luc, our main character, who has to get some positive press to counterbalance his negative paparazzi coverage before being fired. Luckily, his friend knows a perfectly respectable guy to set him up with, Oliver, who Luc is convinced will never settle for him. It turns out Oliver needs a date himself, so they make a deal, certain that these opposites will not attract. Skillful writing paired with enjoyable banter between believable and likable characters makes this a thoroughly engaging read.

-Caitlin
Posted 10/21/2023

5 Stars

Would you want to know when your life will end? Thought-provoking and unconventional, this story is about choices and discrimination and living life to the fullest. Will you live your life to the fullest, whether you have chosen to know when it will end or not? This story has a believable character for everyone; it’s a story of life, death, and choices. It’s a must-read.

-Michelle
Posted 10/2/2023

5 Stars

This fantasy novella is an unconventional mix of Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel in which our main character is not the princess who is locked away but her shapeshifting guard, Toadling. Tasked with ensuring the dangerous princess stays sleeping, she has spent centuries watching humans come and go around the hidden tower – until a knight finds his way right to their hiding spot. Toadling must grapple with her loneliness, trust, and duty. Despite the grim, fantastical aspects of the story, she and the knight share heartwarming and amusing dialogue. This,  paired with Kingfisher’s fascinating prose, makes an engaging page-turner of a read.

-Caitlin
Posted 9/21/2023

3 Stars

This intricately plotted, atmospheric novella is a genre blend of fantasy, historical fiction, noir, and romance. Helen, a detective, is approaching the pay-up part of the deal she made ten years ago to save her brother’s soul. She has kept this payment of her own soul a secret from her longtime girlfriend with whom she has planned a long, lovely life. Luckily, she can sweeten her prior deal to hopefully win her soul back by taking on a new case. This melancholic read focuses on different types of love, portraying a clear, pleasant message and leaves the reader thoughtful.

-Caitlin
Posted 9/21/2023

4 Stars

In the late 80s, Richard Chizmar returned to his hometown of Edgewater to prepare for his upcoming wedding, only to have plans waylaid following the murder of four local teenage girls. The young author decided to document the investigation in a book, reprinting it years later as new information came to light. Though the details of his career and relationships are real, the murders are not, and this novel seamlessly blends reality and fiction to read like a true-crime narrative. The addition of genuine-looking photos and interviews with key figures in the investigation adds to the story’s authenticity, creating a compelling and creepy read with a satisfying conclusion.

-Amity
Posted 9/20/2023

4 Stars

Offbeat, quirky, and funny, Lillian’s story of becoming an unlikely governess grabs the reader on the first page. Awkward but believable, Lillian does her best to help out a long-time “friend” by caring for her combustible children. The story that ensues is often humorous and touching. It’s a story of becoming a family, friendship, and hopefulness—a quick and enjoyable read.

-Michelle
Posted 8/30/2023