I didn't think I could like Laurie Frankel's new book more than This Is How It Always Is, but Family Family is a new favorite. Meet India, a young woman who lovingly decides adoption is a win-win for her and the parents she chooses. And it is, but not without emotion - real and messy, yet clever and loving at the same time. India and her expanding family come together when social media threatens, and inspire with humor and heart. A fun and heartwarming read!

-Beth

Jackie's pick:

"Evie Porter has everything a nice, Southern girl could want: a perfect, doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence and a garden, a fancy group of friends. The only catch: Evie Porter doesn’t exist. This fast-paced read will keep you guessing!"

Widowed by forty, Catherine de’Medici becomes the power behind the French throne. Her daughter, Elisabeth de Valois, becomes Queen of Spain, while Mary Queen of Scots will become her daughter-in-law. Engrossing and intriguing, the book deals with a turbulent time in 16th century Europe, highlighting the cross currents of religion, family loyalty, and the political pressures that threaten each of their reigns. Fascinating.   

-Susan

Jackie's Pick:

"The Expectant Detectives is first in a delightful new mystery series following a group of pregnant women who meet at a prenatal class and team up to solve the murder of someone in their village. The Thursday Murder Club meets Midsomer Murders in this fresh, funny mystery."

This is the second novel from the author of Chouette-which was longlisted for the 2022 PEN/Faulkner Award for fiction. Central to the tale is a girl who is dealing with tragedy and guilt from a young age. Yet, there is humor and a quirkiness to this that keeps it from feeling too insurmountable. I'm unsure if one would call this a parable or a fable, but it kinda feels like both to me.

-Molly

Jackie's pick:

"A young woman tries to heal her heartbreak by casting a spell to erase her ex from her past, but she wakes up in an alternate reality where she's lost more than she wished for in this witty, whimsical friends-to-lovers debut."

Cherish this little nugget-of-a-book during the cozy winter months ahead. Delightful tips for savoring the moment in nature, your home and seeking out new hobbies and music. Experience well-being and njuta! Makes a perfect gift too!

-Diana