Top ten books published this month
December 2022
The Circus Train
by Amita Parikh

"Lena is a polio survivor whose father is an illusionist with a traveling circus. One day she rescues Jewish stowaway Alexandre. Growing to be more than friends with WWII looming, the two are torn apart when disaster strikes. A beautiful story mirroring the horrors of war with the innocence of young love, this is for fans of historical fiction and circus tales like Water for Elephants."

Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX
NoveList read-alike: The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff


 
A Dash of Salt and Pepper
by Kosoko Jackson

"Moving back to his parent's house after getting fired and dumped feels like failure to MBA graduate Xavier. He believes it is just a matter of time until he rebounds and gets his old life back. Then he meets Logan; chef, musician, father, utterly irresistible, and finds himself having to choose between love and his career dreams. You won't be able to put down this charming small town romance."

Alicia Ahlvers, Henrico County Public Library, Henrico, VA
NoveList read-alike: Chef's Kiss by T.J. Alexander

 
The Ingenue: A Novel
by Rachel Kapelke-Dale

"Former piano prodigy Saskia returns home after her mother's death to find her family home has been bequeathed to someone else. Saskia is a believable and tragic figure as she searches for answers to questions that have been years in the making. What makes an ingénue and what destroys her? For fans of My Dark Vanessa."

Courtenay Reece, Millville Public Library, Millville, NJ
NoveList read-alike: The Turnout by Megan Abbott
The Light Pirate
by Lily Brooks-Dalton

"As the effects of climate change begin to overwhelm America, we meet Wanda, a girl born during and named after a devastating hurricane. With civilization faltering in the face of mounting challenges, she must learn to live differently. The depiction of climate change and its effects here are bone-chilling, but Wanda's resilience is inspiring. For fans of Station Eleven."

James Ludy, New Canaan Library, New Canaan, CT
NoveList read-alike: Above the Ether by Eric Barnes

 
Ms. Demeanor: A Novel
by Elinor Lipman

"After a neighbor's complaint, Jane finds herself with her law license suspended and wearing an ankle monitor for six months. Her sister persuades her to try food blogging and soon Jane's cooking for another house-arrested tenant while trying to discover the identity of her accuser. This is a breezy fun read with a dash of romance and mystery for fans of Tom Perrotta and Jennifer Weiner."

Sharon Hutchinson, Keytesville Library, Keytesville, MO
NoveList read-alike: The Candid Life of Meena Dave by Namrata Patel
Queen of Myth and Monsters
by Scarlett St. Clair

"Vampire King Adrian and his beloved Queen Isolde return in this searing erotic romance in which peril hides at every turn. St. Clair takes the reader on another high-stakes thrill ride as the couple works to establish their reign in a dark fantasy realm of mortals and immortals. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Guild Hunters."

Donna Rasmussen, Librarian-at-Large, Northern NJ Libraries
NoveList read-alike: Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost

 
Someone Had to Do It: A Novel
by Amber and Danielle Brown

"An ambitious intern and a conniving rich girl clash in this riveting dual POV thriller set in the world of big New York fashion houses. A fun, fast-paced read with a villain who's a ton of fun to root against! For fans of All Her Little Secrets."

Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, Champaign, Il
NoveList read-alike: The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
The Sunshine Girls: A Novel
by Molly Fader

"Clara and Abbie are mourning the loss of their mother, BettyKay, when a stranger named Kitty shows up. They attended nursing school, and through diaries and flashbacks, the reader learns about their loves, friendships, and secrets. Well developed characters made this an enjoyable story!"

Debbie Lease, Hillsdale Public Library, Hillsdale, NJ
NoveList read-alike: The Girls in the Picture by Melanie Benjamin

 
The Widowmaker: A Black Harbor Novel
by Hannah Morrissey

"As the case of Clive Reynolds's disappearance 20 years ago unfolds, Detective Ryan Hudson discovers a link to his partner's murder. Skillfully woven together, the characters draw readers into a web of lies and deceitful actions that will keep them guessing who is the threat until the end."

Janet Makoujy, New City Library, New City, NY
NoveList read-alike: When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McClain

 
Witcha Gonna Do?
by Avery Flynn

"This is a very light magical romance. When a witch with no powers curses her witch family, she must work with her hot nemesis to save her family -- and the world from domination."

Lou Ann Shoultz, Mattoon Public Library, Mattoon, IL
NoveList read-alike: Go Hex Yourself by Jessica Clare

 
Find more great reading recommendations in NoveList!
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