It feels like we might be skipping over Autumn this year and going right into Winter. Luckily, we have a steady stream of excellent new books to keep us company as we huddle under our blankets and try to keep warm. In addition to our usual mix of mystery, romance, historical fiction, literary fiction, children’s stories, and memoir, this week’s best new books also feature a pair of cookbooks, since nothing makes a house feel like a home on a chilly night like the warmth of an oven and the smell of fresh cooked food.
FICTION
A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl by Jean Thompson
A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl is a poignant novel about three generations of the Wise family—Evelyn, Laura, and Grace—as they hunt for contentment amid chaos of their own making.
Evelyn set aside her career to marry, late, and motherhood never became her. Her daughter Laura felt this acutely and wants desperately to marry, but she soon discovers her husband Gabe to be a man who expects too much of everyone in his life, especially his musician son. Grace has moved out from Laura and Gabe’s house, but can’t seem to live up to her potential—whatever that might be.
In A Cloud in the Shape of a Girl we see these women and their trials, small and large: social slights and heartbreaks; marital disappointments and infidelities; familial dysfunction; mortality. Spanning from World War II to the present, Thompson reveals a matrilineal love story that is so perfectly grounded in our time—a story of three women regressing, stalling, and yes, evolving, over decades. One of the burning questions she asks is: by serving her family, is a woman destined to repeat the mistakes of previous generations, or can she transcend the expectations of a place, and a time? Can she truly be free?
Evelyn, Laura, and Grace are the glue that binds their family together. Tethered to their small Midwestern town—by choice or chance—Jean Thompson seamlessly weaves together the stories of the Wise women with humanity and elegance, through their heartbreaks, setbacks, triumphs, and tragedies.
Description from Goodreads.
“Thompson brilliantly explores familial struggles…[a] remarkable achievement.” – New York Journal of Books
“Jean Thompson’s new novel draws the reader in with character and plot…but what ultimately holds the reader enthralled is the chance to witness Thompson’s exceptional powers of observation when it comes to the smallest, most subtle reactions people have to each other and to the ebb and flow of life around them…The story’s drama, sweeping across generations, is mesmerizing, but page by page is where Thompson truly showcases her great skill: her ability to capture the nuance of individual moments, thoughts, and reactions. No one writing today is better at this…[an] extraordinary novel.” – Washington Independent Review of Books
“Exceptionally well-written, showing the ties and love binding three generations of women together and the need for all of us to avoid repeating the past by studying the history of those we love as well as our own, and making decisions about what to leave behind and what we need to go forward to achieve what we desire.” – Northwest Indiana Times
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MYSTERY & SUSPENSE
The Fox by Frederick Forsyth
Former chief of the British Secret Intelligence Service Adrian Weston is awoken in the middle of the night by a phone call from the Prime Minister. Her news is shocking: the Pentagon, the NSA, and the CIA have been hacked simultaneously, their seemingly impenetrable firewalls breached by an unknown enemy known only as “The Fox.” Even more surprisingly, the culprit is revealed to be a young British teenager, Luke Jennings. He has no agenda, no secrets, just a blisteringly brilliant mind. Extradition to the U.S. seems likely–until Weston has another idea: If Luke can do this to us, what can he do to our enemies?
After conferring with both the American President and the Prime Minister, Weston is determined to use “The Fox” and his talents to the advantage of the two nations. But doing so places the boy on a geopolitical minefield. Adrian must stay one step ahead of multiple invisible enemies, all while finding a way to utilize the most powerful–and most unpredictable–weapon of all.
With his trademark research and deep knowledge of the rules and practices of international intrigue, Forsyth takes on tomorrow’s threats in this race-against-the-clock thriller.
Description from Goodreads.
“Master of the hair-trigger thriller . . . What makes Forsyth such a great narrator of the espionage genre is his fluency in spy speak and acronyms and abbreviations that make a compelling read all the more authentic. Equally satisfying is the way the good guys are good at what they do and the baddies get their comeuppance. The five year wait for Forsyth’s latest sensation has been worth every second.” – Daily Express
“While John le Carre dominated headlines with last year’s A Legacy of Spies, 2018 is all about the return of Frederick Forsyth, another all-time great, and The Fox is just the kind of stunning, relevant, full-throttle story that thriller fans have been waiting for.” – CrimeReads
“A terrifically entertaining spy thriller in the classic tradition…Genre fans will be enthralled.” – Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
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The Three Beths by Jeff Abbott
My mom would never leave me.
This has been Mariah Dunning’s motto. Her compass. Her belief. So when she glimpses her mother–who’s been missing and presumed dead for the past two years–on the other side of a crowded food court, Mariah’s conviction becomes stronger than ever. Or is she losing her mind?
Her mother disappeared without a trace and–even without a body or any physical evidence–suspicion for her murder immediately fell upon Mariah’s father, leaving both father and daughter ostracized from their close-knit community.
Until one day, Mariah stumbles upon the fact that two other women have also disappeared recently from Lakehaven. And all three women had the same name: Beth.
Is it merely an unlikely coincidence? Or is there a deeper, sinister connection between the three Beths?
Mariah would give anything to find out what happened to her mother. But the truth may be worse than she could have imagined…
Description from Goodreads.
“Readers will be riveted.” – Publisher’s Weekly
“Jeff Abbott has proven over the last two years that he’s able to write suspense just as well as action . . . maybe even better. While his last book, Blame, had a killer twist ending, Abbott tops himself with the final act in The Three Beths, which will leave even veteran readers stunned.” – CrimeReads
“Like a stage magician, Abbott often seems to be doing one thing when he’s actually doing something else, and when we realize what he’s been up to, we can’t help but shake our heads in admiration.” – Booklist
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HISTORICAL FICTION
Little by Edward Carey
The wry, macabre, unforgettable tale of an ambitious orphan in Revolutionary Paris, befriended by royalty and radicals, who transforms herself into the legendary Madame Tussaud.
In 1761, a tiny, odd-looking girl named Marie is born in a village in Switzerland. After the death of her parents, she is apprenticed to an eccentric wax sculptor and whisked off to the seamy streets of Paris, where they meet a domineering widow and her quiet, pale son. Together, they convert an abandoned monkey house into an exhibition hall for wax heads, and the spectacle becomes a sensation. As word of her artistic talent spreads, Marie is called to Versailles, where she tutors a princess and saves Marie Antoinette in childbirth. But outside the palace walls, Paris is roiling: The revolutionary mob is demanding heads, and . . . at the wax museum, heads are what they do.
In the tradition of Gregory Maguire’s Wicked and Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, Edward Carey’s Little is a darkly endearing cavalcade of a novel–a story of art, class, determination, and how we hold on to what we love.
Description from Goodreads.
“A delightfully strange portrait of a young orphan honing her eccentric craft amid the tumult of the French Revolution. Carey’s flair for macabre whimsy has drawn comparisons to Tim Burton (take a look at the illustrations and you can see why). While death haunts this story, between vibrant characters and riveting historical detail, Little is a novel that teems with life.” – Time
“One of the most original historical novels of the year. . . . Macabre, funny, touching and oddly life-affirming, Little is a remarkable achievement.” – The Times
“Dark and delightful, playful and peculiar, Little is Edward Carey’s absorbing, fictional re-creation of Madame Tussaud’s early life… Carey’s spirited style brings a lightness to Marie’s bleak days and a whimsy to her brighter ones. He blends dark humor with a puckish tone for a story that’s simply magnetic… Little is big in many ways: creativity, energy, concept and character. Leave plenty of room in your heart for this one; you’ll need it.” – Shelf Awareness
“This is a rare gem of a book, lacking absolutely nothing. Beautifully written, fully realized and truly engrossing, Little can be read again and again.” – BookBrowse
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House of Gold by Natasha Solomons
Such is the power and wealth of the Goldbaums that on dull days, it’s said, they hire the sun just for themselves.
The Goldbaums’ influence reaches across Europe. They are the confidants and bankers of governments and emperors. Little happens without their say-so and even less without their knowledge. But Greta Goldbaum has no say at all in who she’ll marry.
While power lies in wealth, strength lies in family. Greta’s union with cousin Albert will strengthen the bond between the Austrian and the English branches of the dynasty. It is sensible and strategic. Greta is neither.
Defiant and unhappy, she is desperate to find a place that belongs to her, free from duty and responsibility. But just as she begins to taste an unexpected happiness, the Great War is looming and even the Goldbaums can’t alter its course. For the first time in two hundred years, the family will find themselves on opposing sides. The House of Goldbaum, along with Europe herself, is about to break apart.
Description from Goodreads.
“Sweeping….Filled with rich period detail, vivid characterization, and heartfelt emotion, this meticulously researched novel is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.” – Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“Sweeping and intimate….A poignant, beautifully written story of love and duty.” – Booklist
“An achingly detailed yet sweeping narrative….A rewarding look into the fragility of power and the complexities of Jewish identity in the early 20th century. An absorbing saga.” – Kirkus Reviews
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ROMANCE
Duchess by Design by Maya Rodale
In Gilded Age Manhattan, anything can happen…
Seeking a wealthy American bride who can save his family’s estate, Brandon Fiennes, the duke of Kingston, is a rogue determined to do the right thing. But his search for an heiress goes deliciously awry when an enchanting seamstress tumbles into his arms instead.
…and true love is always in fashion
Miss Adeline Black aspires to be a fashionable dressmaker—not a duchess—and not even an impossibly seductive duke will distract her. But Kingston makes an offer she can’t refuse: join him at society events to display her gowns and advise him on which heiresses are duchess material. It’s the perfect plan—as long as they resist temptation, avoid a scandal, and above all do not lose their hearts.
Description from Goodreads.
“With an almost Wodehousian flair for words, perfectly placed wit, endlessly amusing characters, and a vividly evoked 1890s New York City setting, Rodale launches her new Gilded Age Girls Club series on a spectacularly high note.” – Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
“Rodale’s Gilded Age-set series launch is a smart, bright love story that perfectly balances messages of female empowerment and social potential with romantic tensions created by class and gender dichotomies ripe for revolution.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Rodale charms with this captivating historical… Sparkling characters, able plotting, and joie de vivre make the first in Rodale’s Gilded Age Girls Club an utterly enjoyable standout.” – Publishers Weekly
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NONFICTION
Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: And Other Lessons in Life by Michael Caine
With over 100 movies and two Academy Awards to his credit over six decades, Hollywood legend Michael Caine shares the wisdom, stories, insight, and skills that life has taught him in his remarkable career–and now his 85th year.
One of our best-loved actors Michael Caine has starred in a huge range of films from the classic movies Alfie, Zulu, and The Italian Job (the inspiration for the book title) to the Hollywood blockbusting Dark Knight trilogy, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Hannah and Her Sisters, and Cider House Rules. Caine has excelled in every kind of role–with a skill that’s made it look easy.
He knows what success takes–he’s made it to the pinnacle of his profession from humble origins. But as he says, “Small parts can lead to big things. And if you keep doing things right, the stars will align when you least expect it.” Now in his 85th year–and more beloved than ever–he wants to share everything he’s learned.
With brilliant new insight into his life and work and showcasing his wonderful gift for storytelling, Blowing the Bloody Doors Off is Caine at his wise and entertaining best.
Description from Goodreads.
“Funny, warm, down-to-earth–will captivate fans and casual readers alike.” – Publishers Weekly
“Charming, advice-filled look at his extraordinary career.” – People
“Caine reflects on an exceptional life on and off stage and shares pertinent advice and poignant observations in a dishy and anecdotal rumination. Caine’s pithy but passionate counsel can be applied to nearly any situation. Gracious, generous, and humble, this consummate professional is a generous advocate for creating a fulfilling and contented life.” – Booklist
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Cook Like a Pro: Recipes and Tips for Home Cooks by Ina Garten
In her new cookbook, Cook Like a Pro, Ina Garten shares a brand-new collection of recipes, tips, and techniques, so readers can cook with confidence no matter how much experience they have in the kitchen.
As America’s most trusted and beloved cookbook author, Ina Garten–the Barefoot Contessa–has taught millions of people how to cook. A home cook at heart, Ina knows that cooking and entertaining can be difficult, so to make her recipes simple and streamlined, she tests and retests each recipe until it’s as straightforward and delicious as possible. Although Ina is completely self-taught and doesn’t consider herself to be a “professional” cook, she has spent decades working with chefs and learning the techniques that take their cooking to the next level. In Cook Like a Pro, Ina shares some of her most irresistible recipes and very best “pro tips,” from the secret to making her custardy, slow-cooked Truffled Scrambled Eggs to the key to the crispiest and juiciest Fried Chicken Sandwiches. Ina will even show you how to make an easy yet showstopping pattern for her Chocolate Chevron Cake–your friends won’t believe you decorated it yourself!
For Ina, cooking like a pro also means hosting like a pro, and along with know-how like how to tell when a filet of beef is perfectly cooked, you’ll find dozens of other great ideas to boost your cooking and entertaining skills such as how to set up an elegant home bar and how to make an impressive Raspberry Baked Alaska that can be completely prepared ahead of time so all you need to do is finish it for your guests before serving. Beginner and advanced cooks alike will love Ina’s delectable recipes, and if you have questions along the way, don’t worry–Ina’s practical cooking advice talks you through every detail, as though she were right there by your side.
With beautiful photos and a treasury of pro tips that span prepping, making, and serving, as Ina says, “You don’t have to be a pro to cook like one!”
Description from Goodreads.
“Garten has kicked things up a level, this time encouraging readers to try more ambitious recipes that are still signature Ina: warm, comforting, homey.” – Chicago Tribune
“As with everything else Ina has ever produced, this flawless book (her 11th!) is filled with trustworthy recipes that taste delicious and don’t require a culinary degree to make (just a few of her pro tips).” – The Kitchn
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All About Cake by Christina Tosi
Welcome to the sugar-fueled, manically creative cake universe of Christina Tosi.
It’s a universe of ooey-gooey banana-chocolate-peanut butter cakes you make in a crockpot, of layer cakes that taste like Key lime pie, and the most baller birthday cake ever.
From her home kitchen to the creations of her beloved Milk Bar, All About Cake covers everything: two-minute microwave mug cakes, buttery Bundts and pounds, her famous cake truffles and, of course, her signature naked layer cakes filled with pops of flavors and textures.
But more than just a collection of Christina’s greatest-hits recipes (c’mon, like that’s not enough?) this book will be your guide for how to dream up and make cakes of any flavor you can think of, whether you’re a kitchen rookie or a full-fledged baking hardbody.
Description from Goodreads.
“Tosi, chef and owner of Milk Bar bakeries, showcases her bubbly personality and an enjoyable collection of cake recipes in her lovely third cookbook. … Tosi writes for beginners looking to make simple bundts and experienced bakers who could take on wedding cakes alike. Anyone who bakes regularly and is eager to try something new will want to take a look.” – Publishers Weekly
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CHILDREN’S
I Am Not a Fox by Karina Wolf; illustrated by Chuck Groenink
When Luca first arrives at the dog park, the other dogs turn him away. “You’re not a dog,” they say, “You’re a fox.” But . . . Luca likes to chase cats. He likes to yip at mailmen. And he likes to sniff other dogs you-know-where. Still, Luca has to admit, he doesn’t look like the other dogs. So . . . he must be a fox, right? But when Luca finds a trio of foxes in the forest and asks to join them, they don’t think that Luca is a fox at all. After all, Luca acts just like a dog. Luca can’t seem to find anyone quite like him, but then he meets a caring little girl and finds something even better–a friend. In this heartwarming tale, Karina Wolf and Chuck Groenick remind us that you don’t need a label to find just where you belong.
Description from Goodreads.
“Wolf and Groenink take on the big issue of identity within the context of a gentle urban world, and readers will sense that the thoughtful, earnest protagonist’s question—’Who am I?’—will lead to a wonderful answer: someone who is loved.” – Publishers Weekly
“Readers’ hearts can’t help but go out to this round-faced little fox, or is he a dog?” – Booklist
“A warmhearted and warm-spirited story of love and acceptance.” – Kirkus Reviews