“A promise is a promise, yet, in the end, it is only that.” – Anthony Veasna So, Afterparties
Airplane Mode: An Irreverent History of Travel by Shahnaz Habib ★
nonfiction / memoir / history / travel.
The color of one’s skin and passport have long dictated the conditions of travel. For Shahnaz Habib, travel and travel writing have always been complicated pleasures. Habib threads the history of travel with her personal story as a child on family vacations in India, an adult curious about the world, and an immigrant for whom roundtrips are an annual fact of life. Tracing the power dynamics that underlie tourism, this insightful debut parses who gets to travel, and who gets to write about the experience.
Threaded through the book are inviting and playful analyses of obvious and not-so-obvious travel artifacts: passports, carousels, bougainvilleas, guidebooks, trains, the idea of wanderlust itself. Together, they tell a subversive history of travel as a Euro-American mode of consumerism—but as any traveler knows, travel is more than that. As an immigrant whose loved ones live across continents, Habib takes a deeply curious and joyful look at a troubled and beloved activity.
“Enlightening and entertaining.” – Kirkus Reviews
“A memorable and unique travelogue that explores what it means to explore the world through the lens of colonialism, capitalism, and climate change.” – Adam Vitcavage, Debutiful
“With a perceptive eye and in fluid, intimate prose, Habib nimbly demonstrates how ‘the more we dig into the history of modern tourism, the more the pickax hits the underground cable connection with colonialism.’ Jet-setters will be captivated and challenged.” – Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
“[Habib] asks deeply important questions about the assumptions many of us make about the modern world in her first book… A timely reframing of what it means to travel.” – Alan Moores, Booklist
All the Hidden Paths by Foz Meadows
fiction / fantasy / romance / mystery / suspense.
With the plot against them foiled and the city of Qi-Katai in safe hands, newlywed and tentative lovers Velasin and Caethari have just begun to test the waters of their relationship. But the wider political ramifications of their marriage are still playing out across two nations, and all too soon, they’re summoned north to Tithena’s capital city, Qi-Xihan, to present themselves to its monarch.
With Caethari newly invested as his grandmother’s heir and Velasin’s old ghosts gnawing at his heels, what little peace they’ve managed to find is swiftly put to the test. Cae’s recent losses have left him racked with grief and guilt, while Vel struggles with the disconnect between instincts that have kept him safe in secrecy and what an open life requires of him now. Pursued by unknown assailants and with Qi-Xihan’s court factions jockeying for power, Vel and Cae must use all the skills at their disposal to not only survive, but thrive.
Because there’s more than one way to end an alliance, and more than one person who wants to see them fail… and they will resort to murder if needed.
“…masterful… skillfully combines elements of fantasy, romance, and political thriller… Speaking thoughtfully to real-life questions of identity, and the vulnerability that goes along with visibility, this fantasy adventure wows.” – Publishers Weekly
“The follow-up to A Strange and Stubborn Endurance continues to grow the richly immersive landscape of these fantasy lands, and the character growth matches the pace.” – Kristi Chadwick, Library Journal
Dinner Tonight: 100 Simple, Healthy Recipes for Every Night of the Week by Alex Snodgrass
nonfiction / food / cooking.
Known for her “cleaned up” weeknight comfort food, Alex Snodgrass knows how important it is for healthy food to be accessible both in flavor and in preparation. When you get to the end of a long day in a long week, you just want to whip up a low-fuss, delicious meal that makes up for the stresses of the day. With Dinner Tonight, Alex provides dinners that make eating healthy a breeze, and not another hill to climb.
Alex’s recipes prove that you don’t have to be an expert or spend hours in the kitchen to eat and live well. With meals that are flexible for a variety of different diets—paleo, Whole30, and more, always clearly marked for ease—Alex’s food is perfect for people who are on the “food freedom” stage of their health journey. She provides all kinds of meals from soups and salads to pasta, seafood, poultry, and beef, along with desserts and convenient condiments, with recipes including:
- Seared Tuna with White Bean and Arugula Salad
- Chicken Pot Pie Chowder
- 2AM Kimchi Noodles
- One-Pan Coconut-Lime Chicken and Rice
- Chipotle Turkey-Stuffed Poblano Peppers
- Roasted Vegetable Pita with Herby Tahini
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares
- Strawberry Short-Crispies
Dinner Tonight means delicious food is within anyone’s grasp—no matter how busy they are.
“An excellent choice for home cooks looking for deliciously uncomplicated weeknight meals that can also be impressive enough for company.” – Erin Dagenais, Library Journal
“…deliver[s] robust and brightly hued meals that are jazzed-up versions of old favorites… This attractive offering will reinvigorate readers into putting nutritious and satisfying dinners on the table.” – Jessica S. Levy, Booklist
“The variety, simplicity, and flexibility of these recipes make this a handy guide for home cooks tackling the challenges of weeknight family dinners.” – Publishers Weekly
The Curse of Penryth Hall by Jess Armstrong
fiction / mystery / historical fiction / suspense.
After the Great War, American heiress Ruby Vaughn made a life for herself running a rare bookstore alongside her octogenarian employer and house mate in Exeter. She’s always avoided dwelling on the past, even before the war, but it always has a way of finding her. When Ruby is forced to deliver a box of books to a folk healer living deep in the Cornish countryside, she is brought back to the one place she swore she’d never return. A more sensible soul would have delivered the package and left without rehashing old wounds. But no one has ever accused Ruby of being sensible. Thus begins her visit to Penryth Hall.
A foreboding fortress, Penryth Hall is home to Ruby’s once dearest friend, Tamsyn, and her husband, Sir Edward Chenowyth. It’s an unsettling place, and after a more unsettling evening, Ruby is eager to depart. But her plans change when Penryth’s bells ring for the first time in thirty years. Edward is dead; he met a gruesome end in the orchard, and with his death brings whispers of a returned curse. It also brings Ruan Kivell, the person whose books brought her to Cornwall, the one the locals call a Pellar, the man they believe can break the curse. Ruby doesn’t believe in curses—or Pellars—but this is Cornwall and to these villagers the curse is anything but lore, and they believe it will soon claim its next victim: Tamsyn.
To protect her friend, Ruby must work alongside the Pellar to find out what really happened in the orchard that night.
“An intriguing and altogether enchanting mystery.” – Kirkus Reviews
“[An] engrossing debut… Ruby is a wonderful concoction, world-weary and reckless, and Armstrong outfits her with a moody, gripping mystery that keeps the pages turning… Fans of Gothic-flavored suspense will devour this.” – Publishers Weekly
“Winner of the Mystery Writers of America First Novel Crime Award, Armstrong’s entrancing historical debut delivers an elegantly crafted, supernatural-tinged plot that evokes the best of Barbara Michaels, with nods to Conan Doyle’s The Hound of Baskervilles. Superbly rendered characters include a plucky protagonist whom Maisie Dobbs would be proud to claim as a friend and an evocative sense of place reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier at her best… Readers who like their historical mysteries embellished with plenty of gothic ambience and enhanced with an abundance of dry wit will adore this splendid debut.” – John Charles, Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Dazzling by Chịkọdịlị Emelụmadụ
fiction / fantasy.
Treasure and her mother lost everything when Treasure’s father died. Haggling for scraps in the market, Treasure meets a man who promises to change their fortunes, but his feet are hovering just a few inches above the ground. He’s a spirit, and he promises to bring Treasure’s beloved father back to life if she’ll do one terrible thing for him first.
Ozoemena has an itch in the middle of her back. It’s an itch that speaks to her patrilineal destiny, an honor never before bestowed upon a girl, to defend the land and protect its people by becoming a Leopard. Her father impressed upon her what an honor this was before he vanished, but it’s one she couldn’t want less—she has enough to worry about as she tries to fit in at a new boarding school.
But as the two girls reckon with their burgeoning wildness and the legacy of their missing fathers, Ozoemena’s fellow students start to vanish. Treasure’s obligations to the spirit escalate, and Ozoemena’s duty of protection as a Leopard grows. Soon the girls’ destinies and choices alike set them on a dangerous collision course. Ultimately, they must ask themselves: in a world that always says no to women, what must two young girls sacrifice to get what is theirs?
“Dazzling powerfully draws upon Igbo mythology, spirituality, and storytelling tradition to tell the story of these girls and use it to illustrate so much about modern Nigeria society—a world of contrasts existing side by side.” – Wole Talabi, Literary Hub
“[An] entrancing tale… Emelumadu delivers the goods with her satisfying coming-of-age story.” – Publishers Weekly
“Evocative and a little mysterious, this literary fantasy is immersive and full of Nigerian mythology. Recommend this lustrous coming-of-age story to those who like to read across genres.” – Maria Martin, Library Journal
The End of the World is a Cul de Sac: Stories by Louise Kennedy
fiction.
In these visceral, stunningly crafted stories by the author of the much-acclaimed Trespasses, women’s lives are etched by poverty—material, emotional, sexual—but also splashed by beauty, sometimes even joy, as they search for the good in the cards they’ve been dealt.
A wife is abandoned by her new husband in a derelict housing estate, with blood on her hands. An expectant mother’s worst fears about her husband’s entanglement with a teenage girl are confirmed. A sister is tormented by visions of the man her brother murdered during the Troubles. A woman struggles to forgive herself after an abortion threatens to destroy her marriage. Plumbing the depths of intimacy, violence, and redemption, these stories are “dazzling, heartbreaking… keen to share the lessons of a lifetime” (The Guardian).
“Gritty, bitter, hard-won… Kennedy’s voice, and her unforgiving gaze, are electric.” – Andrew Holgate, The Times
“Irish in its lyricism and landscape, universal in its portrayal of the vagaries of the heart.” – Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“Each story reverberates with a sense of the far-reaching effect of choices made or imposed. It adds up to a remarkable and cohesive collection.” – Publishers Weekly
The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson
fiction / romance / fantasy / comedy.
Mackenzie Carter has had some very bad dates lately. Model train experts, mansplainers, guys weirdly obsessed with her tail—she hasn’t had a successful date in months. Only a year out of residency, her grandmother’s obsession with Mackenzie finding the perfect mate to settle down with threatens to drive Mackenzie barking mad. Out of options, it feels like a small thing to tell her grandmother that she’s met someone. That is, until she blurts out the name of the first man she sees and the last man she would ever date: Noah Taylor, the big bad wolf of Denver General.
Noah Taylor, interventional cardiologist and all around grump, has spent his entire life hiding what he is. With outdated stigmas surrounding unmated alphas that have people wondering if they still howl at the moon, Noah has been careful to keep his designation under wraps. It’s worked for years, until an anonymous tip has everything coming to light. Noah is left with two options: come clean to the board and risk his career—or find himself a mate. The chatty, overly friendly ER doctor asking him to be her fake boyfriend on the same day he’s called to meet the board has to be kismet, right?
Mackenzie will keep her grandmother off her back, and Noah will get a chance to prove he can continue to work without a real mate—a mutually beneficial business transaction, they both rationalize. But when the fake-mate act turns into a very real friends-with-benefits arrangement, lines start to blur, and they quickly realize love is a whole different kind of animal.
“[A] delightfully endearing study of two people overcoming expectations.” – Publishers Weekly
“This fun, steamy romance has interesting, well-drawn characters who happen to be shifters… Fans of fake relationships will appreciate Ferguson’s paranormal twist on the trope.” – Heather Miller Cover, Library Journal
“Charming. Funny. Primal. Ferguson’s paranormal romance manages to be sweet and spicy at the same time, with two likable leads who can’t ignore their wolfish urges… Readers will tear through this omegaverse novel.” – Patricia Smith, Booklist
Falling Rocket: James Whistler, John Ruskin, and the Battle for Modern Art by Paul Thomas Murphy
nonfiction / biography / history / art.
In November 1878, America’s greatest painter sued England’s greatest critic for a bad review. The painter won—but ruined himself in the process. The painter: James Abbot MacNeill Whistler, whose combination of incredible talent, unflagging energy, and relentless self-promotion had by that time brought him to the very edge of artistic preeminence. The critic: John Ruskin, Slade Professor of Art at Oxford University, whose four-decades’ worth of prolific and highly respected literary output on aesthetics had made him England’s unchallenged and seemingly unchallengeable arbiter of art.
Though Whistler and Ruskin both lived in London and moved in the same artistic world, they had, until June, 1877, managed to remain entirely clear of one another. This was unusual because Whistler had a mercurial temperament, a belligerent personality, and seemed to thrive on opposition: he once challenged a man to a duel because the man accused the painter of sleeping with his wife. (Whistler had, in fact, slept with the man’s wife.)
That November, John Ruskin walked into the Grosvenor Gallery’s new exhibition of art and gazed with horror upon Whistler’s Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket. The painting was Whistler’s interpretation of a fireworks display at a local pleasure garden. But to Ruskin it was nothing more than a chaotic, incomprehensible mess of bright spots upon dark masses: not art but its antithesis—a disturbing and disgusting assault upon everything he had ever written or taught on the subject. He quickly channeled that anger into a seething review.
The internationally-reported, widely discussed, and hugely-entertaining trial that followed was a titanic battle between the opposing ideas and ideals of two larger-than-life personalities. For these two protagonists, Whistler v Ruskin was the battle of a lifetime—or more accurately, a battle of their two lifetimes. Paul Thomas Murphy’s Falling Rocket also recounts James Whistler’s turbulent but triumphant development from artistic oblivion in the 1880s to artistic deification in the 1890s, and also Ruskin’s isolated, befogged, silent final years after his public humiliation.
The story of Whistler v Ruskin has a dramatic arc of its own, but this riveting new book also vividly evokes an artistic world in energetic motion, culturally and socially, in the last decades of the nineteenth century.
“Victoriana scholar Murphy hits another bull’s-eye with this remarkable new title… Absorbing and informative, this title is cultural history at its best.” – James Woods Marshall, Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“A lively, entertaining tale of art and criticism.” – Kirkus Reviews
Five Bad Deeds by Caz Frear
fiction / suspense / mystery.
Ellen Walsh has done something very, very bad. If only she knew what it was…
Teacher, mother, wife, and all-around good citizen Ellen is juggling nonstop commitments, from raising a teen and two toddlers to job-hunting to finally renovating her dream home, the Meadowhouse. Amidst the chaos, an ominous note arrives in the mail, declaring:
People have to learn there are consequences, Ellen.
And I’m going to teach you that lesson.
Right under your nose.
Why would someone send her this? Ellen has no clue. She’s no angel—a white lie here, an occasional sharp tongue there—but nothing to incur the wrath of an anonymous enemy. She’d never intentionally hurt anyone.
But intention doesn’t matter to someone. Someone blames this supposed “good person” for all the bad they’ve experienced. And maybe they have reason to? Because few of us get through life without leaving a black mark on someone else’s. Could the five bad deeds that come to haunt Ellen explain why things have gone so horribly wrong?
As she races to discover who’s set on destroying her reputation and her future, Ellen continues to receive increasingly threatening messages… each one hitting closer to everything she cherishes.
“…deliciously wicked…” – Molly Odintz, CrimeReads
“I confess to not guessing the identity of Ellen’s tormentor, but belatedly realizing the clues were there all along, lurking in the quiet spaces among all that coruscating prose. Well played, Ms. Frear.” – Lisa Henricksson, Air Mail
“[A] devastating suspense novel… Frear keeps readers on their toes from the start, but what elevates this above standard genre fare is the freshness and acuity of her language… This is a must-read for fans of Tana French and Gillian Flynn.” – Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
The Folly by Gemma Amor
fiction / horror / mystery.
Morgan always knew her father, Owen, never murdered her mother, and has spent the last six years campaigning for his release from prison. Finally he is set free, but they can no longer live in the house that was last decorated by her mother’s blood. Salvation comes in the form of a tall, dark and notorious decorative granite tower on the Cornish coastline known only as “The Folly”. The owner makes them an offer: take care of the Folly, and you can live there. It’s an offer too good to refuse.
At first the Folly is idyllic, but soon a stranger arrives who acts like Morgan’s mother, talks like her mother, and wears her dead mother’s clothes. Is this stranger hell-bent on vengeance, in touch with her restless mother’s spirit itself, or simply just deranged? And, most importantly, what exactly happened the night Morgan’s mother died?
An atmospheric nod to The Lighthouse, with hints of Du Maurier’s Rebecca, played out on a lonely, Cornish backdrop, The Folly is visceral mystery and family drama, a dark examination of love, loyalty, guilt and possession that draws on the very real horror of betrayal by those closest to us, by those we love the best.
“[A] twisted little novel.” – Molly Odintz, CrimeReads
“One of horror’s most thrilling up-and-coming voices, Gemma Amor’s Bram Stoker-nominated prose is always worth reading… The Folly feels like the perfect read for a dark December night, particularly if there’s a body of water nearby.” – Matthew Jackson, Paste
“Amor elicits maximum chills in this Cornwall-set gothic thriller… Amor’s slow-burn buildup to a feast of satisfying reveals will keep readers turning pages long into the night. This moody ghost story enchants.” – Publishers Weekly
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon ★
fiction / historical fiction / mystery / suspense.
Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.
Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.
Clever, layered, and subversive, Ariel Lawhon’s newest offering introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story about a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy yet remains nearly forgotten to this day.
“[A] compelling story… a most uncozy mystery that addresses the unbalanced power dynamics of men and women, rich and poor.” – Melissa Gray, NPR
“Fans of Outlander’s Claire Fraser will enjoy Lawhon’s Martha, who is brave and outspoken when it comes to protecting the innocent… impressive…” – Becky Meloan, Washington Post
“…outstanding… Martha is an extraordinary character… [her] narrative will capture historical mystery fans’ attention with its dramatic courtroom scenes and emphasis on justice… details about the lives of the townspeople make the post-American Revolutionary atmosphere feel fully lived-in. Lawhon’s first-rate tale should entrance readers passionate about early America and women’s history.” – Sarah Johnson, Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
“[A] thoroughly engaging, rich story with a murder mystery; secrets, gossip, and hypocrisy; a corrupt judge; a tightly knit community of villagers; women at the mercy of a patriarchal society; and the early stages of a developing justice system following the Revolutionary War… Turn the last page, and you will want more of this world she has created.” – Janice Ottersberg, Historical Novel Society
A History of Fake Things on the Internet by Walter Scheirer
nonfiction / technology / history.
As all aspects of our social and informational lives increasingly migrate online, the line between what is “real” and what is digitally fabricated grows ever thinner—and that fake content has undeniable real-world consequences. A History of Fake Things on the Internet takes the long view of how advances in technology brought us to the point where faked texts, images, and video content are nearly indistinguishable from what is authentic or true.
Computer scientist Walter J. Scheirer takes a deep dive into the origins of fake news, conspiracy theories, reports of the paranormal, and other deviations from reality that have become part of mainstream culture, from image manipulation in the nineteenth-century darkroom to the literary stylings of large language models like ChatGPT. Scheirer investigates the origins of Internet fakes, from early hoaxes that traversed the globe via Bulletin Board Systems (BBSs), USENET, and a new messaging technology called email, to today’s hyperrealistic, AI-generated Deepfakes. An expert in machine learning and recognition, Scheirer breaks down the technical advances that made new developments in digital deception possible, and shares behind-the-screens details of early Internet-era pranks that have become touchstones of hacker lore. His story introduces us to the visionaries and mischief-makers who first deployed digital fakery and continue to influence how digital manipulation works—and doesn’t—today: computer hackers, digital artists, media forensics specialists, and AI researchers. Ultimately, Scheirer argues that problems associated with fake content are not intrinsic properties of the content itself, but rather stem from human behavior, demonstrating our capacity for both creativity and destruction.
“[The] intriguing case studies in Scheirer’s bold book demonstrate that the vast majority of ‘fake things on the internet’ are clever and harmless pranks — and that a handful are full-fledged triumphs of the imagination… not only a history of (some) fake things on the internet but also a history of early internet culture, a history of early photography and much more. All of the stories and theories that feature in the book are entertaining… a compelling lesson that emerges from almost every chapter is that the success of a manipulation hinges less on its believability than on its cultural import.” – Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post
How Not to Age: The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older by Michael Greger
nonfiction / health / science / food.
When Dr. Michael Greger, dove into the top peer-reviewed anti-aging medical research, he realized that diet could regulate every one of the most promising strategies for combating the effects of aging. We don’t need Big Pharma to keep us feeling young—we already have the tools. In How Not to Age, the internationally renowned physician and nutritionist breaks down the science of aging and chronic illness and explains how to help avoid the diseases most commonly encountered in our journeys through life.
Physicians have long treated aging as a malady, but getting older does not have to mean getting sicker. There are eleven pathways for aging in our bodies’ cells and we can disrupt each of them. Processes like autophagy, the upcycling of unusable junk, can be boosted with spermidine, a compound found in tempeh, mushrooms, and wheat germ. Senescent “zombie” cells that spew inflammation and are linked to many age-related diseases may be cleared in part with quercetin-rich foods like onions, apples, and kale. And we can combat effects of aging without breaking the bank. Why spend a small fortune on vitamin C and nicotinamide facial serums when you can make your own for up to 2,000 times cheaper?
Inspired by the dietary and lifestyle patterns of centenarians and residents of “blue zone” regions where people live the longest, Dr. Greger presents simple, accessible, and evidence-based methods to preserve the body functions that keep you feeling youthful, both physically and mentally. Brimming with expertise and actionable takeaways, How Not to Age lays out practical strategies for achieving ultimate longevity.
“The author’s avalanche of information is genuinely educational… A physician tells you everything you ever wanted to know about life extension with less nonsense than usual.” – Kirkus Reviews
“While what’s in How Not to Age will not fit on a refrigerator magnet, as some might have hoped, Dr. Greger does justice to his complex and fascinating subject matter and roots his advice in evidence so that we have the best possible chance of living vigorously into decades we may never have imagined seeing for ourselves.” – Linda Tyler, Gracious Vegan
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta
nonfiction / politics / religion / history / current events.
Evangelical Christians are perhaps the most polarizing—and least understood—people living in America today. In his seminal new book, The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, journalist Tim Alberta, himself a practicing Christian and the son of an evangelical pastor, paints an expansive and profoundly troubling portrait of the American evangelical movement. Through the eyes of televangelists and small-town preachers, celebrity revivalists and everyday churchgoers, Alberta tells the story of a faith cheapened by ephemeral fear, a promise corrupted by partisan subterfuge, and a reputation stained by perpetual scandal.
For millions of conservative Christians, America is their kingdom—a land set apart, a nation uniquely blessed, a people in special covenant with God. This love of country, however, has given way to right-wing nationalist fervor, a reckless blood-and-soil idolatry that trivializes the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Alberta retraces the arc of the modern evangelical movement, placing political and cultural inflection points in the context of church teachings and traditions, explaining how Donald Trump’s presidency and the COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated historical trends that long pointed toward disaster. Reporting from half-empty sanctuaries and standing-room-only convention halls across the country, the author documents a growing fracture inside American Christianity and journeys with readers through this strange new environment in which loving your enemies is “woke” and owning the libs is the answer to WWJD.
Accessing the highest echelons of the American evangelical movement, Alberta investigates the ways in which conservative Christians have pursued, exercised, and often abused power in the name of securing this earthly kingdom. He highlights the battles evangelicals are fighting—and the weapons of their warfare—to demonstrate the disconnect from scripture: Contra the dictates of the New Testament, today’s believers are struggling mightily against flesh and blood, eyes fixed on the here and now, desperate for a power that is frivolous and fleeting. Lingering at the intersection of real cultural displacement and perceived religious persecution, Alberta portrays a rapidly secularizing America that has come to distrust the evangelical church, and weaves together present-day narratives of individual pastors and their churches as they confront the twin challenges of lost status and diminished standing.
Sifting through the wreckage—pastors broken, congregations battered, believers losing their religion because of sex scandals and political schemes—Alberta asks: If the American evangelical movement has ceased to glorify God, what is its purpose?
“…well researched and comprehensive.” – Kirkus Reviews
“[A] deeply personal, rigorously reported portrait of American Christianity in self-inflicted decline.” – Mike Allen, Axios
The Lost Tomb: And Other Real-Life Stories of Bones, Burials, and Murder by Douglas Preston
nonfiction / history / true crime.
What’s it like to be the first to enter an Egyptian burial chamber that’s been sealed for thousands of years? Where might a blocked doorway or newly excavated corridor lead? And what might this stupendous tomb reveal about the most powerful pharaoh in Egyptian history?
From the jungles of Honduras to macabre archaeological sites in the American Southwest, Douglas Preston’s journalistic explorations have taken him across the globe. He broke the story of an extraordinary mass grave of animals killed by the asteroid impact that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, he explored what lay hidden in the booby-trapped Money Pit on Oak Island, and he roamed the haunted hills of Italy in search of the Monster of Florence. When he hasn’t been co-authoring bestselling thrillers featuring FBI Agent Pendergast, Preston has been writing about some of the world’s strangest and most dramatic mysteries.
The Lost Tomb brings together an astonishing and compelling collection of true stories about buried treasure, enigmatic murders, lost tombs, bizarre crimes, and other fascinating tales of the past and present.
“[A] gripping compendium of his journalistic work… Preston tackles his subjects with the obsessive enthusiasm of an amateur detective and the skills of a seasoned novelist… This is unbeatable reading for armchair sleuths.” – Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
“Buffs of buried-treasure and long-ago true-crime tales will enjoy Preston’s expertly woven tales.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Though these are all republished from earlier work, the pieces are so good and the reporting so thorough that The Lost Tomb is a worthy addition to library collections.” – Anthony Aycock, Booklist
Meet the Benedettos by Katie Cotugno
fiction / romance.
Every family is complicated, and the Benedettos are no exception. A few years after a reality TV show skyrocketed them to pop-culture fame, the five twentysomething sisters are living together in their parents’ crumbling McMansion, nearly broke and teetering towards rock-bottom. Lilly, the sensible second-eldest sister, is all too aware that her family is viewed as a spectacle, but she’s focused on holding herself and her family together, and unlike her siblings she tends not to care what the world thinks.
The Benedettos’ fortunes finally appear to be brightening when Charlie Bingley, the dashing star of Captain Fantastic, moves into their Los Angeles neighborhood with his friend Will Darcy in tow. It isn’t long before Charlie falls for the warm and lovely eldest sister, June. Lilly has no such luck: the arrogant and judgmental Will Darcy, a man plagued by his own private demons, seems ready to clash with her at every turn–yet the two can’t seem to stay away from each other. And while the Benedettos’ matriarch sets to work encouraging a potential match between Charlie and June, there are plenty of others in the community who are determined to steer these eligible young men away from a ridiculous family of reality show has-beens…
Katie Cotugno brings a big, boisterous cast of characters to life in this deliciously sprawling LA story—a thoroughly fresh and modern tale about a family that’s “famous for being famous,” the ways that preconceived notions make fools of us all, and how unexpected romance can bloom despite the odds.
“Austen fans will enjoy this new spin on what has become a franchise…” – Stacy Alesi, Library Journal
“In this cute romp, Cotugno pulls off an unlikely mash-up of Pride and Prejudice and Keeping Up with the Kardashians… Cotugno’s bold take on the Bennet family works surprisingly well. Charming leads and roguish supporting characters alike leap off the page… Janeites and reality TV fans alike will devour this lively retelling.” – Publishers Weekly
“Simply scrumptious. Meet the Benedettos has the same captivating, fast-paced nature as everything Cotugno’s written. The characters were great, and the romantic chemistry palpable. I was intoxicated by this novel; I loved it so, so much.” – Mallory Melton, Indie Next
Njuta (Enjoy, Delight In): The Swedish Art of Savoring the Moment by Niki Brantmark
nonfiction / psychology / self-help.
Do you aspire to live a more peaceful, intentional life of mindfulness, positivity, and gratitude?
Njuta (pronounced “nyutah”), which means “enjoy” or “delight in,” is the Swedish art of savoring the moment. Focused on finding happiness in even the smallest things, njuta can be applied to every area of life:
- Daily rituals
- Creating a comfortable home
- Nature and friluftsliv (open-air life)
- Meal times and fika (coffee breaks)
- Adapting to the seasons
- Celebrations with family and friends
From relishing a quiet moment of comfort to enjoying the beauty of nature or even just reveling in the deliciousness of a favorite snack, you too can do like the Swedes and open your eyes to all of life’s pleasures, no matter how simple.
Niki Brantmark, founder of the popular blog My Scandinavian Home, offers easy-to-follow how-to’s, practical lists of tips and tricks, and unique insights into the most fascinating aspects of Swedish culture, from morning dips to Christmas crafting. Njuta is the ultimate guide to rejoicing in the moment, anytime and anywhere.
“This is ideal for stressed-out readers seeking new ways to slow down.” – Publishers Weekly
Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning by Liz Cheney
nonfiction / memoir / politics.
A gripping first-hand account of the January 6th, 2021 insurrection from inside the halls of Congress, from origins to aftermath, as Donald Trump and his enablers betrayed the American people and the Constitution—by the House Republican leader who dared to stand up to it.
In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump and many around him, including certain other elected Republican officials, intentionally breached their oath to the Constitution: they ignored the rulings of dozens of courts, plotted to overturn a lawful election, and provoked a violent attack on our Capitol. Liz Cheney, one of the few Republican officials to take a stand against these efforts, witnessed the attack first-hand, and then helped lead the Congressional Select Committee investigation into how it happened. In Oath and Honor, she tells the story of this perilous moment in our history, those who helped Trump spread the stolen election lie, those whose actions preserved our constitutional framework, and the risks we still face.
“[A] no-holds-barred accounting from inside the Republican party…” – Rachel Treisman, NPR
“…scathing… an unflinching account… [draws] from real time text messages, emails, calls and meetings, as well as personal conversations…” – Jamie Gangel, Jeremy Herb, & Elizabeth Stuart, CNN
Orbital by Samantha Harvey ★
fiction / science fiction.
A slender novel of epic power, Orbital deftly snapshots one day in the lives of six women and men hurtling through space—not towards the moon or the vast unknown, but around our planet. Selected for one of the last space station missions of its kind before the program is dismantled, these astronauts and cosmonauts—from America, Russia, Italy, Britain, and Japan—have left their lives behind to travel at a speed of over seventeen thousand miles an hour as the earth reels below. We glimpse moments of their earthly lives through brief communications with family, their photos and talismans; we watch them whip up dehydrated meals, float in gravity-free sleep, and exercise in regimented routines to prevent atrophying muscles; we witness them form bonds that will stand between them and utter solitude. Most of all, we are with them as they behold and record their silent blue planet. Their experiences of sixteen sunrises and sunsets and the bright, blinking constellations of the galaxy are at once breathtakingly awesome and surprisingly intimate. So are the marks of civilization far below, encrusted on the planet on which we live.
Profound, contemplative and gorgeous, Orbital is an eloquent meditation on space and a moving elegy to our humanity, environment, and planet.
“…ravishingly beautiful… Always passionate and often moving… The novel’s refreshing view of Earth restores some of life’s original magic, calling to mind… any one of last year’s Webb telescope photographs, which trounce despair by returning the stargazer to innocent spectacle.” – Joshua Ferris, New York Times
“[This] novel is so much more than the sum of its parts. Luminous and profound, Orbital is hard to put down and even harder to forget.” – Stephanie Turza, Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
“Coming from five different countries, the space travelers represent a microcosm of humanity. This is a beautifully written, deeply thoughtful meditation on planet Earth and our place in it.” – Barbara Love, Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“…beautiful… Harvey suggests that her characters all share various abstract ideas about the planet, which she conveys with lovely lyrical prose (‘Its beauty echoes —its beauty is its echoing, its ringing singing lightness. It’s not peripheral and it’s not the centre; it’s not everything and it’s not nothing, but it seems much more than something’). This gorgeous meditation leaves readers feeling as if they’re floating in the same ‘dark unswimmable sea.’” – Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner
fiction / suspense / mystery.
When a young nanny is found dead in mysterious circumstances, new mom Tash is intrigued. She has been searching for a story to launch her career as a freelance journalist. But she has also been searching for something else—new friends to help her navigate motherhood.
She sees them at her son’s new playgroup. The other mothers. A group of sleek, sophisticated women who live in a neighborhood of tree-lined avenues and stunning houses. The sort of mothers Tash herself would like to be. When the mothers welcome her into their circle, Tash discovers the kind of life she has always dreamt of—their elegant London townhouses a far cry from her cramped basement flat and endless bills. She is quickly swept up into their wealthy world via coffees, cocktails, and playdates.
But when another young woman is found dead, it’s clear there’s much more to the community than meets the eye. The more Tash investigates, the more she’s led uncomfortably close to the other mothers. Are th
ese women really her friends? Or is there another, more dangerous reason why she has been so quickly accepted into their exclusive world? Who, exactly, is investigating who?”
“[The] twists will keep readers guessing to the last page.” – Kerri Copus, Library Journal
“Faulkner pulls out all the psychological-thriller stops—and then some.” – Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“[A] pulse-pounding domestic thriller… Plausible suspects, persuasive red herrings, and seismic reveals enliven the precisely crafted plot. This one grips from start to shocking finish.” – Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
Perfect Little Lives by Amber & Danielle Brown
fiction / suspense / mystery / romance.
Simone’s mother was murdered when she was thirteen. When her father was convicted, everything changed. Overnight, Simone went from living in a wealthy white neighborhood to scraping by.
Ten years later, Simone has given up on her dreams and lives a quiet life, writing book reviews and getting serious with her boyfriend. But with a true crime documentarian hounding her for a scoop and a surprise encounter with her childhood next-door neighbor, Hunter, the past seems set on haunting her. And after Hunter reveals that his father and her mother had a years-long affair, Simone is determined to find out who really killed her mother.
Simone is convinced that all evidence points to Hunter’s father, a renowned judge who had everything to lose if his affair—and his nascent love child—came to light. Playing the game from all sides, Simone enlists Hunter’s help in her investigation into his family—whether he realizes it or not. But is she so desperate for closure that she’ll risk imploding her carefully rebuilt life?
“…delicious, sexy, fun…” – Red Carpet Crash
“…addictive… This is bound to please fans of Shonda Rhimes.” – Publishers Weekly
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch ★
fiction.
On a dark, wet evening in Dublin, scientist and mother-of-four Eilish Stack answers her front door to find two officers from Ireland’s newly formed secret police on her step. They have arrived to interrogate her husband, a trade unionist.
Ireland is falling apart, caught in the grip of a government turning towards tyranny. As the life she knows and the ones she loves disappear before her eyes, Eilish must contend with the dystopian logic of her new, unraveling country. How far will she go to save her family? And what—or who—is she willing to leave behind?
The winner of the Booker Prize 2023, Prophet Song presents a terrifying and shocking vision of a country sliding into authoritarianism and a deeply human portrait of a mother’s fight to hold her family together.
“A superb novel… one of the best I’ve read in years.” – Deadly Pleasures
“[A] prophetic masterpiece.” – Ron Charles, Washington Post
“If there was ever a crucial book for our current times, it’s Paul Lynch’s Prophet Song… A brilliant, haunting novel.” – Aimée Walsh, The Guardian
“An exceptionally gifted writer, Lynch brings a compelling lyricism to her fears and despair while he marshals the details marking the collapse of democracy and the norms of daily life… Captivating, frightening, and a singular achievement.” – Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“Irish writer Lynch conveys the creeping horror of a fascist catastrophe in a gorgeous and relentless stream of consciousness illuminating the terrible vulnerability of our loved ones, our daily lives, and social coherence… Lynch’s hypnotic and crushing novel tracks the malignant decimation of an open society, a bleak and tragic process we enact and suffer from over and over again.” – Donna Seaman, Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura
fiction / romance / adventure / comedy.
Archaeologist Dr. Socorro “Corrie” Mejía has a bone to pick. Literally.
It’s been Corrie’s life goal to lead an expedition deep into the Mexican jungle in search of the long-lost remains of her ancestor, Chimalli, an ancient warrior of the Aztec empire. But when she is invited to join an all-expenses-paid dig to do just that, Corrie is sure it’s too good to be true… and she’s right.
As the world-renowned expert on Chimalli, by rights Corrie should be leading the expedition, not sharing the glory with her disgustingly handsome nemesis. But Dr. Ford Matthews has been finding new ways to best her since they were in grad school. Ford certainly isn’t thrilled either—with his life in shambles, the last thing he needs is a reminder of their rocky past.
But as the dig begins, it becomes clear they’ll need to work together when they realize a thief is lurking around their campsite, forcing the pair to keep their discoveries—and lingering attraction—under wraps. With money-hungry artifact smugglers, the Mexican authorities, and the lies between them closing in, there’s only one way this all ends—explosively.
“Romancing the Stone meets Indiana Jones in this thrilling adventure romance.” – Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly
“…Segura’s rip-roaring debut is sure to put her on the map.” – Publishers Weekly
“With its well-crafted, interesting characters and intriguing storyline, this debut novel will fly off shelves.” – Heather Miller Cover, Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
fiction / young adult / fantasy / romance.
Two weeks have passed since Iris Winnow returned home bruised and heartbroken from the front, but the war is far from over. Roman is missing, and the city of Oath continues to dwell in a state of disbelief and ignorance. When Iris and Attie are given another chance to report on Dacre’s movements, they both take the opportunity and head westward once more despite the danger, knowing it’s only a matter of time before the conflict reaches a city that’s unprepared and fracturing beneath the chancellor’s reign.
Since waking below in Dacre’s realm, Roman cannot remember his past. But given the reassurance that his memories will return in time, Roman begins to write articles for Dacre, uncertain of his place in the greater scheme of the war. When a strange letter arrives by the wardrobe door, Roman is first suspicious, then intrigued. As he strikes up a correspondence with his mysterious pen pal, Roman will soon have to make a decision: to stand with Dacre or betray the god who healed him. And as the days grow darker, inevitably drawing Roman and Iris closer together… the two of them will risk their very hearts and futures to change the tides of the war.
“An unforgettable story of love and betrayal…” – Barnes & Noble
“[Y]ou’re definitely going to want to pick up Ruthless Vows when it finally drops!” – Tamara Fuentes, Cosmopolitan
Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander
fiction / romance.
Eli Ward hasn’t been back to his suffocating hometown of New Port Stephen, Florida, in ages. Post-transition and sober, he’s a completely different person from the one who left years ago. But when a scandal threatens his career as a TV writer and comedian, he has no choice but to return home for the holidays. He can only hope he’ll survive his boisterous, loving, but often misguided family and hide the fact that his dream of comedy success has become a nightmare.
Just when he thinks this trip couldn’t get any worse, Eli bumps into his high school ex, Nick Wu, who’s somehow hotter than ever. Divorced and in his forties, Nick’s world revolves around his father, his daughter, and his job. But even a busy life can’t keep him from being intrigued by the reappearance of Eli.
Against the backdrop of one weird Floridian Christmas, the two must decide whether to leave the past in the past… or move on together.
“[A] must-read… funny, steamy and tender…” – Leandra Beabout, Readers Digest
“[A] poignant novel about rebuilding your life for the better… Alexander’s thoughtful romp through small-town queer life with a side of Florida fun is well-written, engaging, and deeply heartfelt. Fans of Alexis Hall and Ashley Herring Blake will adore this book.” – Lindsey Allen, Booklist
“Alexander has written a super-steamy queer holiday romance that deals with serious topics, such as substance addiction, identity exploration, and family strife, while still managing to be uproariously funny and incredibly romantic.” – Migdalia Jimenez, Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Songs on Endless Repeat: Essays and Outtakes by Anthony Veasna So ★
nonfiction / memoir / fiction.
The late Anthony Veasna So’s debut story collection, Afterparties, was a landmark publication, hailed as a “bittersweet triumph for a fresh voice silenced too soon” (Fresh Air). And he was equally known for his comic, soulful essays, published in n+1, The New Yorker, and The Millions.
Songs on Endless Repeat gathers those essays together, along with previously unpublished fiction. Written with razor-sharp wit and an unflinching eye, the essays examine his youth in California, the lives of his refugee parents, his intimate friendships, loss, pop culture, and more. And in linked fiction following three Cambodian American cousins who stand to inherit their late aunt’s illegitimate loan-sharking business, So explores community, grief, and longing with inimitable humor and depth.
Following “one of the most exciting contributions to Asian American literature in recent years” (Vulture), Songs on Endless Repeat is an astonishing final expression by a writer of “extraordinary achievement and immense promise” (The New Yorker).
“Another posthumous publication from a writer who was only just discovering his brilliance.” – Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“Before his death in 2020 at 28, Cambodian American writer So was poised for greatness on a number of fronts: He was an irreverent writer about immigrant enclaves, queer life and the Bay Area’s nether reaches. [Songs on Endless Repeat]… demonstrate[s] he was also a stellar cultural critic in the making.” – Los Angeles Times
“…magnificent… So’s distinctive voice blends mordant cultural criticism with a striking combination of humor, compassion, and insight. This is a bittersweet testament to an astounding talent.” – Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
“In both his fiction and nonfiction, So’s generous writing spirit shines through, capturing a community of people in flux, all of whom are trying to make space for themselves — and each other — in a sometimes-claustrophobic world.” – Daneet Steffens, Boston Globe
Two Dead Wives by Adele Parks
fiction / suspense / mystery.
It’s a case that has gripped a nation: A woman with a shocking secret is missing, presumed dead. And her two husbands are suspects in her murder.
DCI Clements knows the dark side of human nature and that love can make people do treacherous things. You can’t presume anything when it comes to crimes of the heart. Until a body is found, this scandalous and sad case remains wide open.
Stacie Jones lives a quiet life in a small village, nursed by her father as she recovers from illness, and shielded from any news of the outside world. But their reclusive life is about to be shattered.
How are these families linked, and can any of them ever rebuild their lives in the wake of tragedy?
This explosive thriller from international bestseller Adele Parks examines what it is to be a family and the dangerous lengths that people will go to for those they love.
“[An] intriguing, multilayered suspense tale… fast and enjoyable reading.” – Publishers Weekly
The Vacation by John Marrs
fiction / suspense / mystery.
How far would you run to escape your past?
Venice Beach, Los Angeles. A paradise on earth. Tourists flock to the golden coast and the promise of Hollywood. But for eight strangers at a beach-front hostel, there is far more on their minds than an extended vacation. All of them are running from something. And they all have secrets they’d kill to keep…
“Marrs keeps readers off-balance, shedding new light on each character’s actions and motivations with every new bit of information… Intricate and captivating, this fractured crime saga will hook readers from start to finish.” – Publishers Weekly
“[A] great story… the writing is superb, the characters beautifully drawn, and the story subtle and constantly surprising.” – David Pitt, Booklist
“As the reader explores the distance between unlikable and likable, each character reveals that they are not who they seem to be. When they intersect at a run-down hostel, these travelers—whether killers or caretakers—drive this fast-paced narrative in which each viewpoint is well fleshed out.” – Beth Emmerling, Library Reads
Warhol After Warhol: Secrets, Lies, & Corruption in the Art World by Richard Dorment
nonfiction / art / true crime / memoir.
Late one afternoon in the winter of 2003, art critic Richard Dorment answered a telephone call from a stranger. The caller was Joe Simon, an American film producer and art collector. He was ringing at the suggestion of David Hockney, his neighbour in Malibu. A committee of experts called the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board had declared the two Warhols in his collection to be fake. He wanted to know why and thought Dorment could help.
This call would mark the beginning of an extraordinary story that would play out over the next ten years and would involve a cast of characters straight out of a novel. From rock icons and film stars; art dealers and art forgers; to a murdered Russian oligarch and a lawyer for the mob; from courtrooms to auction houses: all took part in a bitter struggle debating the authenticity of a series of paintings by the most famous American artist of the twentieth century.
Part detective story, part art history, part memoir, and part courtroom drama, Warhol After Warhol is a spellbinding account of the dark connection between money, power, and art.
“…fascinating… an entertaining eye-opener.” – Publishers Weekly
“The art world has a dark side that has nothing to do with charcoal or pigment… Dorment writes with purpose and passion backed by impeccable research. This fascinating story will interest art lovers and fans of courtroom dramas.” – Carolyn Mulac, Booklist
What Really Happens in Vegas: True Stories of the People Who Make Vegas, Vegas by James Patterson & Mark Seal
nonfiction / entertainment.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas—until now. James Patterson shows the real Vegas in a dazzling journey through “lively tales of those who labor and dream in Sin City” (Kirkus Reviews).
- Las Vegas is on Luxury Standard Time: every clock in the airport is a Rolex.
- No dream is too big, no wish is too small—the VIP hosts in Vegas fulfill guests’ every (legal) desire.
- Jackpots hit when least expected. The Nevada Gaming Control Board has days to find a man who unknowingly won over $200,000 at the slots.
- “I love love”: the inventor of the Elvis impersonator wedding and the drive-thru wedding has performed hundreds of marriages—and believes in them all.
- Glamorous yogis take a helicopter across the desert to the Valley of Fire, where they perform sun salutations to the glory of Las Vegas.
- A gambling VIP “whale” loses $1 million at the casinos, yet still leaves saying, “Had a great time. I’ll be back.”
In What Really Happens in Vegas, full of surprises for both newcomers and Las Vegas regulars, James Patterson and Vanity Fair contributing editor Mark Seal transport readers from the thrill of adrenaline-fueled vice to the glitter of A-list celebrity and entertainment.
“A dazzling, delightful read sure to appeal to Vegas regulars, newcomers, and hopefuls alike.” – Kristine Huntley, Booklist
“[A] splashy group portrait… Vegas fans are in for an entertaining ride.” – Publishers Weekly
“…the entertainment value is high. Lively tales of those who labor and dream in Sin City.” – Kirkus Reviews
When I Was Your Age: Life Lessons, Funny Stories & Questionable Parenting Advice from a Professional Clown by Kenan Thompson
nonfiction / memoir / comedy.
Kenan Thompson is Saturday Night Live’s longest-ever-serving cast member and a star of such pioneering sketches as “Black Jeopardy” and is hugely beloved thanks to a tidal wave of nostalgic fans who grew up on early 2000s classics All That, Good Burger, and Kenan & Kel on Nickelodeon.
He’s also a dad (to two girls) in his mid-40s living in suburbia, and whose universal, relatable, family-friendly humor has created unbelievable appeal and engagement from fans from middle America to coastal elites. Becoming a dad sucked the cool right out of him — and he’s OK with that!
When I Was Your Age is packed with hilarious yet poignant essays that are aimed to offer any reader valuable advice on parenting, focusing on positivity, and having fun in life. Kids, new parents, fellow fathers, budding comics, and aunties who want to pinch his cheeks, can all learn from his biggest mistakes and most triumphant victories. There’s something for everybody here!
“Decades after joyously bounding onto TV as a teen comedy star, Thompson shows he’s still All That and so much more.” – Kirkus Reviews
“[Thompson’s] first book will be catnip to his many fans.” – Heather Booth, Booklist
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