Catherine Coles
Coles’ Notes
The staff of the County of L&A Libraries are avid readers and always eager to share their favourite books. Here we bring you a list of some of the reads we’ve enjoyed this month. You’ll find a heartrending novel, a “larger than life” juvenile non-fiction book about dinosaurs, and a couple of bibliophilia-fueled romcoms perfect for summer. Hopefully you’ll discover something that piques your interest!
Patricia suggests Book Lovers by Emily Henry
“Nora is a hardcore literary agent. She is a hero to her clients and her sister, but the rest of the world…not so much. Charlie is a fierce editor with a talent for making books bestsellers. Nora has avoided Charlie since their first disastrous meeting but now her number one client is without her usual editor, the deadline has come and gone and the release date is set. Imagine their surprise when they meet in Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. A town that screams Hallmark movie, not big city. Can Nora and Charlie move on from first impressions and their past to work together and create a smash hit? Their banter, chemistry, and willingness to help their families had this reader wanting Charlie and Nora to have it all. Fans of Colleen Hoover, Christina Lauren and Katherine Center are likely to enjoy Book Lovers – it might just be this summer’s Beach Read.”
Kristin suggests The Dinosaur Book by Anne Rooney
“Can’t wait to see dinosaurs in action on the big screen one more time in the epic finale of the Jurassic Park/World franchise? While you are waiting to see the movie, I encourage you to check out a gigantic new book that is perfect for dinosaur lovers of all ages! The Dinosaur Book by Anne Rooney is a massive, beautiful book that is suitably sized for the Jurassic sized photos and information it contains! Within these pages, you’ll have the chance to travel back in time and across the globe to meet the incredible creatures that once called our planet home including flying and marine reptiles as well as classic dinosaurs.”
Karen suggests By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
“Looking for a nice, light read for by the pool or at the beach this summer? Check out By the Book by Jasmine Guillory. Izzy works in publishing, but has been stuck in her assistant job for far too long. She jumps at the chance to contact reclusive California “bad boy” author Beau to try to get him going on his long overdue book. Izzy ends up staying with Beau in his California mansion and working with him every day to get the book written. What could be more fun than a book about books, writers, and the writing process … in sunny California and with a slow brewing romance to boot? The book is actually a reimagining of Beauty and the Beast. The publishing company Izzy works for is called Tale as Old as Time, or TAOAT, and every time it was mentioned I found myself humming the tune, and the housekeeper’s nickname is Kettle…oh, and every once in a while Izzy catches herself speaking to inanimate objects!”
Marg suggests A Hand to Hold in Deep Water by Shawn Nocher
“Lacey Cherrymill returns home to the farm where she was raised by her stepfather Willy after she was abandoned by her mother May as a young child. Although Lacey and Willy love each other their relationship has not been overly close in recent years. Together they join forces to care for Lacey’s critically ill daughter Tasha. Through many trials and tribulations, the bond they share strengthens.
Along with an extremely heartrendering storyline there is also an element of mystery and intrigue as Lacey, for medical reasons, sets out to discover out why her mother disappeared all those years ago. She is not fully prepared for what she learns but having the question of the circumstances surrounding her abandonment answered helps her to move forward. Although the subject matter is intense, the writing was achingly beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed this emotionally charged story full of sorrow, love, hope and determination. It’s perfect for fans of Where the Crawdads sing by Delia Owens, The Girls in the Stilt House by Kelly Mustian, or Before You Were Born by Lisa Wingate.
Coleen suggests Real Easy by Marie Rutkoski
“A mystery, resembling a spinning top of colour and character, Marie Rutkoski’s adult debut is at times flinch-worthy, and yet, propels you forward to figure out “whodunit.” Set in the Lucky Lady, a strip club in a small city in Illinois, we meet Samantha/Ruby, a popular dancer and a woman who faces her own demons inside and outside of the club. Each chapter flows from one character to the next, revealing their identities and unveiling the plot. From the police detectives to the dancers, Rutkoski shows the similarities of each lifestyle – shiftwork, protocols, addictions, and “aliases,” humanizing the dancers and their profession, rather than condemning them as lewd or mere objects.”
You can reserve any of the titles mentioned here at your branch of the County of Lennox & Addington Libraries or online at CountyLibrary.ca.