The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie R King

First in a series of Sherlock Holmes stories that take place after he retires to the Sussex countryside to become a beekeeper. He meets 16-year-old Mary Russell with a mind to match his own and they embark on a partnership that spans the globe.
Molly

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume

Judy Blume for adults! A story of a strong friendship between two different personalities with shared devotion to one another through good times and bad.
A tale of friendship, family relationships and all their complexities. Such a good read!
Marissa

The House Without Windows

“This is the story of Zeba, an Afghan wife, mother and daughter, who is accused of killing her husband. But it is really the story of the Afghan culture and particularly the place of women in that culture. Despite what we think we know, we can’t begin to understand what women in other cultures endure.”
Linda

Stuff by Mary Roach

“It’s a humorous yet respectful look at what happens jobs our bodies take on once we are dead – historically and present day. It was an expected recommendation from my mom years and years ago that once I started I couldn’t put down (like begged my husband to take an extra road trip driving shift so I could finish it!). My copy is well thumbed and has wine, tea, and coffee stains from many loans.”
Eva

The Book of Cold Cases

“Its the first book I’ve ever read (yes, its sad). I didn’t think I’d like fiction, but this is a great mystery thriller that kept me reading and turning the pages waiting to see what happens next. It was like a movie, I couldn’t stop to take breaks. Very captivating and does well to set tone, place, and character background.”
Molly

This Time Next Year By Sophie Cousens

“It’s like a little bit saucier Hallmark movie in a book. I really liked the audio book narration.”
Emma

The Man Who Died Twice

“This is the second in the Thursday Murder Club series and it was just as fun and delightful as the first in the series! The amateur sleuths are older, living in a retirement community and use their vast knowledge from their careers and long lives to solve a murder. The characters are a hoot and the author did a great job bringing them to life. I highly recommend this series. You can jump right into this second one but I think you will miss the enjoyment of getting to know the great characters. Start with the first one and then you will be thrilled to have the second one to jump right into!”
Kathleen

More Than You’ll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez

” “Truth is a malleable thing.”

Wow! I would give this beautiful debut novel by Katie Gutierrez 4.75 stars. More Than You’ll Ever Know is a story about Lore Rivera, a woman who marries 2 men, one of whom kills the other. But this is more than a murder mystery. It’s a story of family, motherhood, passion and truth. And it takes place in Texas, which I love as I could easily put myself in the books locations.

Ms. Gutierrez presents this story in a detailed way, yet with facts left undisclosed. I felt like I was solving this case as Cassie, the true-crime blogger, discovered evidence, interviewed Lore, and researched this case from 30 years ago.

Overall, this story was masterfully crafted with plot twist upon plot twist! Things that should have been easily seen were easily overlooked.

And the cover is beautiful!”
Lynette

American Nations by Colin Woodard

“I am listening to the audio version while I sew. I like the cultural aproach the author takes to presenting the history of North America. Really great if you’re into genealogy as well.”
Shannon

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

“This book is full of wonderful and flawed characters and reimagines fairytales and folk lore for grown ups. It’s a story about grief, loss, life, love, tragedy, joy, and everything in between.”
Katherine

Verity by Colleen Hoover

“This book has it all – love story, romance, heartbreak, suspense, twists and turns. I’m still not sure I know ‘the truth’ now that I’ve finished the book!!!”
Sharon

The Paris Library

“Currently reading it so can’t comment on the outcome, but it immediately drew me in!”
Lisa

BOMB SHELTER by Mary Laura Philpott

“I just finished this heartfelt, hilarious memoir last week. I would recommend it to parents of tweens or teens. The audiobook is read by the author and is packed with wit, whim and love. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!”
Kristen

Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead

“I’m still reading this book, but have enjoyed it a lot. Colson Whitehead is an incredible talent in general, if you haven’t read his works.

This book is funny, but also plays on the struggle between doing the right thing, helping family, and following in your crooked father’s footsteps. How far across the line can Ray Carney step while still maintaining that upstanding businessman reputation?

Taken from the cover: “It’s a family saga masquerading as a crime novel, a hilarious morality play, a social novel about race and power, and, ultimately, a love letter to Harlem. But mostly, it’s a joy to read…” ”
Amy

Chevy in the Hole by Kelsey Ronan

“This multi-generational story is a love letter to the tenacious people of Flint, Michigan.”
Sarah

Daughter of the forest

“My all time favourite book! Based on an old Irish fairytale it is magically written and so captivating. Hope you all love it!”
Katelyn

In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson

“It is about the ambassador and family to Germany in 1933 as Hitler gains absolute power. It’s mind boggling how Germans just allowed the maltreatment of Jews. The radical nationalism seen in our politics now is disconcerting. It is in many ways a warning of the rhetoric we are hearing about LGBTQ”
Theresa

Where the Crawdads Sing

“Great book with a twist at the end.”
Crystal

Lessons in Chemistry

“This is a fun summer read! The plot: A brilliant female chemist in the 60s takes a job hosting a cooking show. It’s enjoyable and it tackles some interesting issues! Highly recommend!!! ”
Amelia