Now Read This!
AUGUST 2026
 
Our Now Read This! newsletters offer suggestions for your next favorite read, from hidden gems to the latest hot pick. In this issue, you will find a featured book of the month, a special event worth checking out, a curated selection of newly acquired and upcoming romance titles, and booklists for further reading. Whether you prefer unconventional love stories or traditional bodice-rippers, your friendly BPL Reader Services Librarians have recommendations for every reader.
 
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Book of the Month
Die for Me by Shirlene Obuobi
Die for Me
by Shirlene Obuobi

Sean's not in the market for love. The only female, let alone Black, interventional cardiologist at her hospital, she's watched too many of her male colleagues divorce their first wives to marry younger models—and then there's the abusive relationship she's spent the better part of her early 30s healing from. Her passions are reserved for her best friend, her goddaughter, and her job. Then she meets Julian—brooding, beautiful, and eleven years her junior. In short: A bad idea.
Event Spotlight
The Happily-Ever-After Book Club Reads... Small-Town Romances
Sunday, September 20, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
 
Do you love romance? Are you looking for a group of fellow readers to talk about it with? Join the Happily-Ever-After Book Club on the second Sunday of every month for a bring-your-own-book discussion centered around a popular romance trope. Note: Our September meeting will take place on the third Sunday instead.  
 
In September we will be chatting about our favorite small-town romances! Need a recommendation for a romance that's set in a small town? Check out our suggestions for more books like It Happened One Summer, The Secret Crush Book Club, and Darling Daffodils Farm, but don't feel pressured to read one! You can also ask for personalized recommendations from BPL librarians via Shelf Service.
 
 
New and Upcoming Titles
Return to Sender by Stephanie Parente
The MASH Up by Laura Marie Meyers
Vera Stein Is Fine by Julie Murphy
Return to Sender
Stephanie Parente
 
"Opposites attract in this heartwarming debut romance about grief, sisterhood, and finding love when—and where—you least expect it."
 
The MASH Up
Laura Marie Meyers
 
"When a surprising breakup on her 35th birthday ruins all her plans, Ruby makes a wish. Only to then wake up inside a game of M.A.S.H." 
 
Vera Stein Is Fine
Julie Murphy
 
"Vera, 40, languishes as the P.A. for her “boss with benefits”, Brody. When she discovers that he is planning to replace her, she quits and flees for Palm Springs."
 
Maggie and Arthur's Magic Moment by Leslie René
Not That Kind of Proposal by Victoria Lavine
Every Version of You by Natalie Messier
Maggie and Arthur's
Magic Moment
Leslie René
 
"Prof. Maggie Linden is forced to share her office with Arthur Taliesin. With his insufferable attitude and unfortunate good looks, he makes it impossible for her to concentrate."
 
Not That Kind of Proposal
Victoria Lavine
 
"Gracie rebuilds her life planning weddings at Larkwood. When her boss dies and leaves the estate to her grandson Jude, a romance‑averse divorce lawyer set on selling Larkwood, Gracie fights to save it."
 
Every Version of You
Natalie Messier
 
"The night couldn’t possibly get worse—and then she dies. Given a second chance at life, Joey returns to the year 2012. She’s eighteen again and determined to undo some of her biggest regrets...but old habits die hard."
 
Just for the Season by Rachel Griffiths
Just a Highland Fling by Naina Kumar
Fossil Feud by Maggie North
Just for the Season
Rachel Griffiths
 
"Lady Charlotte Louisa Aveton knows all of London’s rules, and better yet, knows how to break them. But when she takes it too far and stumbles into a serious scandal, she knows only one thing will save her—marriage, as soon as possible." 
Just a Highland Fling
Naina Kumar
 
"Neelu makes a last-minute decision to fly to Scotland for her estranged father's wedding. But when her tipsy tirade is the reason her father gets left at the altar, she agrees to help him track down his runaway bride."
 
Fossil Feud
Maggie North
 
"Renegade paleontologist Ripley Adams teams up with Oxford professor James Smithson to expose her ex-boyfriend's fossil fraud. As they work together to prove the truth, their rivalry unexpectedly turns into romance."
 
Find Your Next Great Read
Where Everybody Knows Your Name: 16 Small-Town Romances
 
Nosy neighbors, seasonal festivals, and small business rivalries abound in these romances set in small towns! Whether you're a city dweller or a country mouse, check one out for a happily-ever-after ending today.
 
 
 
   

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