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Great Reads From Your Library Staff Spring 2025 |
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The Banned Books Club by Brenda NovakDespite their strained relationship, when Gia Rossi’s sister, Margot, begs her to come home to Wakefield, Iowa, to help with their ailing mother, Gia knows she has no choice. As expected, Gia’s homecoming is far from welcome when she comes face-to-face with Mr. Hart, the teacher who was fired after she reported him for sexual misconduct, which had divided the town. By standing up for the truth, she finds love and a future in the town she thought had rejected her. A light read about a timely topic. ** Recommended by Julie M. in Havre de Grace** Available in: Print/ LP/ CD/ eBook |
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Black woods, blue sky : a novel by Eowyn IveyA struggling single mother in Alaska, Birdie, finds solace and love in the reclusive Arthur and his remote wilderness life, but as she embraces this idyllic escape, she uncovers his dark secret and the unforgiving nature of the wild. ** Recommended by Lisa B. in Riverside** Available in: Print/ LP/ eBook/ eAudio |
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Blob : a love story by Maggie SuAfter getting dumped, lonely college dropout Vi Liu discovers a strange blob in an ally outside a bar and takes it home where she works with the increasingly sentient creature and molds it into her ideal partner. A very unique story about a woman who finds a sentient blob in an alley, and decides to take it home to mold it into her perfect partner. ** Recommended by Stevie K. in Aberdeen** Available in: Print/ eBook/ eAudio |
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The curious kitten at the Chibineko Kitchen : a novel by Yuta TakahashiIn a remote seaside town near Tokyo, Kotoko discovers the Chibineko Kitchen, where kagezen meals promise reunions with departed loved ones, and where she meets the young chef Kai and embarks on a magical journey of eating and remembrance. This book is a fast read. But it is a cup of hot chocolate. It warms you through. ** Recommended by William S. in Bel Air** Available in: Print/ LP |
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The Dallergut Dream Department Store : a novel by Miye LeeWorking at Dallergut, Penny uncovers the workings of a whimsical department store that sells dreams. She bonds with a colorful cast of characters, including the flamboyant and wise owner, a famous dream designer, a nightmare producer and the many customers who dream to heal, grow and flourish. Embark on a magical adventure with a new employee at a store where dreams are sold. ** Recommended by Emily H. in Bel Air** ON ORDER: Book 2: The Dallergut Dream-Making District Available in: Print/ LP/ CD/ eBook/ eAudio |
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Food for thought : essays & ruminations by Alton BrownA collection of personal essays blends humorous and insightful anecdotes from the renowned culinary figure's diverse career, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, reflections on food culture and memorable experiences from his work on television and in the kitchen. Fans of Good Eats will enjoy these food related stories of Brown's life. ** Recommended by Jennifer J. in Aberdeen** Available in: Print/ LP/ CD/ eBook/ eAudio |
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After more than a year of laying low, Billie, Helen, Mary Alice, and Natalie are called back into action. They have enjoyed their time off, but the lack of excitement is starting to chafe: a professional killer can only take so many watercolor classes and yoga sessions without itching to strangle someone...literally.
When they receive a summons from the head of the elite assassin organization known as the Museum, they are ready tackle the greatest challenge of their careers. Together the foursome embark on a wild ride across the globe on the double mission of rooting out the Museum’s mole and hunting down the gangster who seems to know their next move before they make it. ** Recommended by Julie B.D. in Abingdon** Available in: Print/ LP/ eBook/ eAudio |
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The lion women of Tehran : a novel by Marjan KamaliWhen Homa, a girl from her childhood, reappears in her privileged world, Ellie, amidst Iran's political turmoil, joins her in pursuing their goals for meaningful futures until one earth-shattering betrayal has far-reaching consequences, altering the course of both their lives. ** Recommended by Linda B. in Havre de Grace** Available in: Print/ LP/ CD/ eBook/ eAudio |
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Mother of Rome by Lauren J. A. BearIn a reimagining of the earliest Roman legend, after her father loses his kingdom in a coup and she becomes pregnant and ostracized, Rhea Silvia forges a dangerous deal with the divine to save her sons, Romulus and Remus, and reclaim their birthright. ** Recommended by Julie B.D. in Abingdon** Available in: Print/ eBook/ eAudio |
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Murder in Highbury by Vanessa KellyWhen the corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar's wife, is found discarded on the altar steps, a chilling murder mystery blooms and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury. Mrs. Elton is murdered and Emma of course has to be at the center of the investigation. All the original Austen characters make an appearance along with a few new ones. ** Recommended by Jennifer J. in Aberdeen** Available in: Print/ LP |
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The name of the wind by Patrick RothfussA hero named Kvothe, now living under an assumed name as the humble proprietor of an inn, recounts his transformation from a magically gifted young man into the most notorious wizard, musician, thief, and assassin in his world. This beautifully written novel has everything a fantasy lover wants: a clever magic system, bold and likable characters, amazing world building, and a magical university! Though it is the first book in an unfinished series, the two books are definitely still worth a read! ** Recommended by Hannah O. in Havre de Grace** Available in: Print/ eBook |
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Mariel, a newly blooded and perpetually grumpy captain of the Merry Men, is desperate to live up to the legacy of her grandfather, the legendary Robin Hood. Clem, a too-perky backwoods healer known for her new-fangled cures, just wants to help people.
When Mariel's ramshackle band of bandits kidnap Clem as retribution for her guardian helping the Sheriff of Nottingham, all seems to be going (sort of) to plan … until Jack Hartley, Mariel’s father and Commander of the Merry Men, is captured in a deadly ambush. Determined to prove herself, Mariel sets out to get him back – with her annoyingly cheerful kidnappee in tow.
If you enjoy Arthurian literature, this is a fresh take on Robin Hood. It's funny and has a lot of representation. ** Recommended by Julie C. in Joppa** Available in: Print/eBook/ eAudio |
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Oh no, not The Home : observations and confessions of a grandmother in transition by Peggy RoweEighty-three-year-old Peggy decides the time has finally come to move into a senior living facility with her husband, John, who follows his beloved bride...grudgingly. Once ensconced in "The Home," however, John quickly finds a long list of eclectic friends and hobbies. Meanwhile, Peggy finds humor in places a normal person would never think to look--and laughter around every corner. Missing dentures? A mouse in the house? Nude sunbathing with an unexpected audience? Gluttony in the dining hall? A chair volleyball game that turns into geriatric target practice? It's all here. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and before long, you'll start to think that Peggy and John and their many new friends are just the kind of people you wish you had for neighbors. Another humorous book. It’s setting is in Baltimore County! ** Recommended by Karen P. in Darlington** Available in: Print/ eBook |
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Pick-up : a novel by Nora DahliaSasha Rubinstein is not on her game. Parenting with an absent (and objectively douchey) ex has never been easy, but, lately, the judgmental side-eye from people at school pick-up feels extra. It doesn't help that some entitled dad--with his perfect t-shirts and perfectly punchable (yet adorable) face--keeps stealing the last after-school spots and school hoodies out from under her. Ethan Jones is not trying to trip Sasha up... at school or otherwise. In fact, ever since they met (which she promptly forgot), he's been hoping for the exact opposite... or at least to stop thinking about her. When a game-changing job lands them trapped together on an exclusive private island, they resolve to stop sniping at each other and keep things professional. But with tension building between them and the permeating intoxication of island time, temptation blows in on every tropical breeze. A romance where the male and female protagonists are both divorcees with elementary aged children and a very interesting plot twist?! Sign me up! ** Recommended by Kate B. in Aberdeen** Available in: Print/ CD/ eBook/ eAudio |
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The river has roots by Amal El-MohtarIn Thistleford, two sisters, heirs to a mystical stewardship, are torn apart when one falls in love with a denizen of the land of Faerie, leading to an enchanting story of separation, loss, and an enduring love that transcends death. This novella packs a lot of story into few pages - a modern fairy tale about love and the bonds we have with others. ** Recommended by Laura B. in Riverside** Available in: Print/ eBook/ eAudio |
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Sakamoto days. 1 by Yuto SuzukiTime has passed peacefully for Sakamoto since he left the underworld. He's running a neighborhood store with his lovely wife and child and has gotten a bit...out of shape. But one day a figure from his past pays him a visit with an offer he can't refuse: return to the assassin world or die! Fun graphic novel with excellent art, wacky fights, and heartwarming moments. Vol. 1 of 17. ** Recommended by Ricky N. in Aberdeen** Available in: Print |
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The time keepers by Alyson RichmanTwo women from different worlds, joined by the love of a child displaced by war, discover friendship and healing as their lives intersect with a mysterious wounded Vietnam vet named Jack, who works at the Golden Hours-a watch store that mends timepieces...and maybe even damaged souls. Author does a great job at weaving together the characters’ lives. ** Recommended by Karen P. in Darlington** Available in: Print |
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The wedding people : a novel by Alison EspachMistaken for a wedding guest while staying at the grand Cornwall Inn, Phoebe Stone, at rock bottom, is determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself, and unexpectedly becomes the bride's confidant and through her, meets a cast of surprising characters who help her start anew. One woman's chance encounter with a soon-to-be bride during a lavish wedding weekend alters the course of both lives forever. This book was humorous despite some heavy themes, and left me wanting a sequel to follow the characters into their next chapters. ** Recommended by Sarah P. in Abingdon** Available in: Print/ LP/ Playaway/ eBook/ eAudio |
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You are here : a novel by David NichollsWhen a persistent mutual friend and some very unpredictable weather bring Michael and Marnie, complete opposites except for the fact they're both recovering from heartbreak, together on a ten-day hike, neither of them can think of anything worse until they find exactly what they've been looking for...each other. ** Recommended by Anna S. in Whiteford** Available in: Print/ CD/ eBook/ eAudio |
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Harford County Public Library
1221-A Brass Mill Rd Belcamp, Maryland 21017 410-273-5600
hcplonline.org
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