Best Boy: A Novel
by Eli Gottlieb

“What happens when someone on the autism spectrum grows up, and they aren’t a cute little boy anymore? Gottlieb’s novel follows the story of Todd Aaron, a man in his fifties who has spent most of his life a resident of the Payton Living Center. Todd begins to wonder what lies beyond the gates of his institution. A funny and deeply affecting work.”

- Elizabeth Olesh, Baldwin Public Library, Baldwin, NY

The Nature of the Beast: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel
by Louise Penny

“Louise Penny set the bar high with her last two books, but she had no trouble clearing it with this one. All our old friends are back in Three Pines where a young boy with a compulsion to tell tall tales tells one true story with disastrous results. But which story is the truth and why is it so threatening? Exquisitely suspenseful, emotionally wrenching and thoroughly satisfying.”

- Beth Mills, New Rochelle Public Library, New Rochelle, NY

A Window Opens: A Novel
by Elisabeth Egan

“Alice Pearce has a pretty great life. She has a loving family and works part-time as an editor for a magazine. When her family’s financial situation takes a drastic turn, Alice finds that she needs to step up to the plate and contribute more, and she finds this comes at a cost. I think many women will see themselves in Alice’s character. I recommend this book to moms who need a little time to themselves; they might realize that maybe things aren’t so bad for them after all.”

- Rosanna Johnson, Chandler Public Library, Chandler, AZ

The Marriage of Opposites: A Novel
by Alice Hoffman

“Exquisite…Alice Hoffman’s finest work to date. The Marriage of Opposites is a beautiful love story of a man and woman and a mother and child intricately woven together to capture the author’s true message: Love more, not less.”

- Marianne Colton, Lockport Public Library, Lockport, NY

Everybody Rise: A Novel
by Stephanie Clifford

“Stephanie Clifford’s debut novel takes us into the world of NYC high society in 2006. Evelyn Beegan, who’s always been on the fringes of the smart set, meets It girl Camilla Rutherford, and her ambition and desire to belong get the best of her. Evelyn’s deceptive effort to keep pace with Camilla wreaks all kinds of havoc with her finances, her family, and her sense of self. With a sympathetic main character and a fascinating look into how the other half lives, this astute tale is irresistible.”

- Anbolyn Potter, Chandler Public Library, Chandler, AZ

The Fall of Princes: A Novel
by Robert Goolrick

“I loved this novel about the rise and fall of a man in NYC during the 80s, when money was easy to make and easy to spend. What happens when you can get anything you want, and what does it really end up costing you? The story of the people working in the financial industry during that time is interwoven with the reality of AIDS, cocaine and the changes going on in society. So many sentences were so well-written that I found myself stopping to take them in and relish them.”

Jennifer Cook, Cheshire Public Library, Cheshire, CT

In a Dark, Dark Wood: A Novel
by Ruth Ware

“Leonora Shaw is a crime writer who lives a solitary life in London until she receives an invitation to a hen party for a friend she hasn’t seen in nearly ten years. The party takes place in a remote location with spotty phone service. Are you nervous yet? We know from the opening pages that something horrible happens, but just what, and to whom, how, and why will keep readers guessing — and flipping the pages. Recommended for fans of The Girl on the Train.”

Vicki Nesting, St. Charles Parish Library, Destrehan, LA

Black Eyed Susans: A Novel
by Julia Heaberlin

“In 1995, Tessie went out for a run, and she went missing. She was found eventually, a surviving victim of the Black-Eyed Susan serial killer. The supposed killer is in prison, yet Tessie is still being plagued by mysterious Black Eyed Susan flowers blooming where they shouldn’t. The viewpoint shifts between Tessie in the present day and teenage Tessie in 1995, and was quite clever. I think this novel will appeal to fans of Gone Girl.”

- Shannon Fukumoto, Kapolei Public Library Kapolei, HI

Lord of the Wings:
A Meg Langslow Mystery
by Donna Andrews

“It’s Halloween in Caerphilly and the town has come up with another festival to bring in the tourists. Meg Langslow is heading up the “Goblin Patrol”, there’s trouble at the Haunted House, and body parts are being found at the zoo. Meg is once again called in to save the day and solve the crime. If you enjoy your mysteries packed with humor and fun, don’t miss this return to Caerphilly with Meg and her zany family and friends.”

- Karen Emery, Johnson County Public Library, Franklin, IN

Kitchens of the Great Midwest: A Novel
by J. Ryan Stradal

“This novel is quirky and colorful. The story revolves around chef Eva Thorvald and the people who influence her life and her cooking. With well-drawn characters and mouthwatering descriptions of meals, Kitchens of the Great Midwest will appeal to readers who like vivid storytelling. Foodies will also enjoy this delicious tale.”

- Anbolyn Potter, Chandler Public Library, Chandler, AZ

Circling the Sun: A Novel
by Paula McLain

“I couldn’t stop reading this fascinating portrayal of Beryl Markham, a complex and strong-willed woman who fought to make her way in the world on her terms. McLain paints a captivating portrait of Africa in the 1920s and the life of expats making their home there. Highly, highly recommended.”

- Halle Eisenman, Beaufort County Library, Hilton Head, SC

Kiss Me: A Novel
by Susan Mallery

“As always, Ms. Mallery has given us a fantastic read. As soon as I pick up her titles, I can’t put them down until I have finished them. They are feel-good, heartwarming —
I need more synonyms. I love seeing all the previous characters, the friendships and families that have formed since Chasing Perfect came out five years ago. Thanks, Ms. Mallery, for another amazing read.”

- Jenelle Klavenga, Marshalltown Public Library, Marshalltown, IA

Second Chance Summer: A Novel
by Jill Shalvis

“I loved this book, a perfect start to the newest series by Jill Shalvis. It contains the same humor, heart and heat that we’ve come to expect from this author. It should be on every romance reader’s summer reading list.”

- Carole Tossman, Howard County Library System, Columbia, MD

Speaking in Bones: A Novel

by Kathy Reichs

“This book lives up to the expectations we have for Kathy Reichs. A compelling and dangerous mystery, lots of medical details, and good characterization make this a title that will be easy to recommend!”

- Leslie Johnson, Jefferson County Public Library, Lakewood, CO

Those Girls: A Novel
by Chevy Stevens

“Those Girls follows the lives of the Campbell sisters. After running away from their alcoholic father, they find themselves caught in a worse situation when they are kidnapped. As events spiral out of control, they manage to escape and create new lives. This is a tale that will captivate readers and show just how strong the bond between family members can be.”

- Annice Sevett, Willmar Public Library, Willmar, Minnesota

Maybe in Another Life: A Novel
by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“Hannah Martin has just moved back to LA after ending a relationship. Her best friend, Gabby, takes her out to a bar on her first night home. Enter Ethan, the One Who Got Away, and suddenly, Hannah has to decide if she’ll leave with Ethan or Gabby. We follow Hannah after choosing both options, alternating chapters to explore the consequences of each. A must for anyone who loves a hankie with their books!”

- Tracy Babiasz, Chapel Hill Public Library, Chapel Hill, NC

Crooked Heart: A Novel
by Lissa Evans

“Crooked Heart is a rewarding, addictive read. Orphaned ten-year-old bookworm Noel, sent away to rural St. Albans, finds himself under the reluctant guardianship of Vee, aka Mrs. Vera Sledge. Amidst a chaotic background of bombings and uncertain futures, Vee and Noel gradually form a powerful bond. I recommend this darkly humorous, honest, and complex story. It is book club heaven.”

- Janet Schneider, Oceanside Library, Oceanside, NY

Love Lies Beneath: A Novel
by Ellen Hopkins

“An intriguing tale of sex, romance and deception. Tara is a brilliant, sexy forty-something. She’s enjoying being single until Cavin, a handsome doctor, enters her exam room. They have a hot and steamy romance but there is much, much more to this story. Ellen Hopkins commands each word on the page from her prose to verse.”

- Laura Hartwig, Meriden Public Library, Meriden, CT