December Staff Recommendations

Now or Never by Janet Evanovich

Well, Stephanie Plum does makeup her mind...on the very last page. After spending the entire book being engaged to both Joe & Ranger! This book isn't full of Stephanie's usual drama with apartments catching on fire or cars being destroyed. In fact, only nice things seemed to be happening to her. It changed the vibe of the book for me a little, so it wasn't my favorite. While I was happy to see Stephanie finally make a decisions, I give number thirty-one in the series a 3 out of five stars. This new book is available at the library and on Libby. ~ Leslie W.

The Instruments of Darkness by John Connolly

Another Charlie Parker novel filled with mystery & a little supernatural story for good measure. This book takes you from the abduction of a little boy,  to a mother accused, through political ambitions, a medium, and a crooked house in the Maine woods that should never have been built. Connolly never disappoints. This new book in the series is available at the library and on Libby. ~ Bonnie

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

At times heartbreaking and ultimately beautiful, this novella set in 1985 Ireland follows an ordinary man living a quiet life with her wife and five daughters during the Christmas season. Nothing extraordinary is going on as Bill Furlong makes his lumber and coal deliveries and works with his wife to plan gifts for their children until Bill makes a disturbing discovery at the local convent. Claire Keegan has written a gorgeous reminder of the importance of courage, hope, empathy, grace, mercy & heroism. This book is available at the library and on Libby. ~ Leslie M.

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

The Lost Apothecary is the story of two women, separated by hundreds of years but connected by a single lost artifact. Modern day Caroline Parcewell, an aspiring historian, discovers a lost artifact on a solo trip to London. A small glass vial that belonged to old world Nella, a woman who ran her late mother's apothecary with deadly secrets. The story weaves back and forth between the two women's lives until all the secrets are uncovered and no one is the same. This book is available at the library and on Libby. ~ Alesia

The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley

Riley Sanders learns that her Mother broke her leg and needs help running her Inn in Cape Cod during the upcoming holidays. Her family (Mom & sister) are unaware that she has also lost her job. Riley realizes just how much she has missed being away from her family & friends, especially after she runs into her old boyfriend. While reconnecting with him, she learns that he's a single dad. Will establishing a bond again with him and his son be enough to convince her to stay? This book is available at the library. ~ Erin