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At thirty-five, Sunni Taylor’s social life and writing career are in shambles, so she packs up and heads to the small town of Firefly Junction to join her sisters Lana and Emily. Her ambitious plan: transform the rundown Cider Ridge Inn—a two-hundred-year-old house with a seriously dark past—into a charming bed and breakfast. Until then, she’s stuck writing boring human interest stories for the Junction Times. 🏚️
When Sunni decides to bend the rules on her very first newspaper assignment, she lands herself right in the center of a murder investigation—exactly where she loves to be. Now she just needs to steer clear of Brady “Jax” Jackson, the local detective who’s cocky, irritating, and way too appealing for comfort. Avoiding Jax should be easy enough. 🔍
But staying clear of the equally cocky, irritating, and far too appealing two-hundred-year-old ghost haunting the halls of Cider Ridge Inn? That’s a completely different challenge. Between renovating a decrepit mansion, solving murders, and dealing with supernatural roommates, Sunni’s small-town fresh start is anything but quiet. 👻
What makes this irresistible: A gutsy journalist, a grumpy detective with undeniable chemistry, a flirtatious ghost, and a murder mystery that launches a whip-smart cozy series set in charming Firefly Junction.
She follows the rules. He makes his own. When they meet, sparks fly and bullets follow. Inspector Rebecca Mayfield is San Francisco’s smartest, toughest, most by-the-book homicide detective. Then she meets Richie Amalfi, and suddenly the rules don’t seem to matter quite so much. The chase is officially on. 🚨
From high-end nightclubs to back-alley stakeouts, they’re dodging bullets, cracking cases, and trying really hard not to fall for each other. He’s got charm, connections to San Francisco’s most powerful players, and trouble on speed dial. She’s got a badge, a gun, and absolutely no time for his nonsense. 💋
Together? The sparks are undeniable. The bullets keep coming. And San Francisco will never be the same. As they navigate dangerous investigations and even more dangerous attraction, Rebecca discovers that breaking her own rules might be the smartest thing she’s ever done—if it doesn’t get them both killed first. 🔫
What makes this addictive: Mysteries packed with humor, heart, and high-speed romance as a rule-following detective and a charming rule-breaker prove that opposites don’t just attract—they ignite. Start with One O’Clock Hustle and watch the hours disappear.
Join the Witch of Mintwood and her friends as they solve mysteries in this delightful three-book collection. Lemmi’s life is already complicated: her house is falling down, she’s pet sitting for annoying clients, and her ability to speak to ghosts means she has to listen to what they say back. Add her hot high school crush being all successful while she protests his building projects, and you’ve got one chaotic week. Oh, and someone just got murdered. 🏚️
In book one, Lemmi navigates crumbling farmhouse living, ghostly interruptions, and the uncomfortable reality of seeing her first love again—right before a murder investigation lands in her lap. Her magical abilities and stubborn determination make her the perfect amateur sleuth, even if she’d rather be fixing her house. 🔮
Book two throws a town ribbon-cutting competition into the mix, bringing fame and glory within reach. But when a murdered ghost literally cuts across Lemmi’s path and nearly causes an accident, and Jasper’s grandfather inexplicably hates her with a passion, Lemmi realizes her problems are multiplying faster than her falling-down farmhouse can handle. Between ghosts, competitions, mysteries, and romantic tension, the Witch of Mintwood has her hands full. ✨
Why readers devour this series: Three books of magical mayhem featuring a snarky witch, talking ghosts, murder mysteries, home renovation disasters, second-chance romance, and small-town chaos—all for one great price.
Seizing the day is great—but accidentally seizing the infuriatingly charming newcomer? That’s complicated. All she wanted was to finally say hi to her longtime crush. Instead, she slipped on a puddle of coffee and landed in the arms of Finn Reynolds, the new guy in town with devastating charm and questionable timing. When she tried approaching her crush again, she got utterly tongue-tied. Now she’s blushing, flustered, and somehow caught up in Finn’s ridiculous proposition. ☕
With plans to become the library’s next director, Finn has one major hurdle: winning over the standoffish locals who view him with suspicion. If she agrees to shift popular opinion in his favor, he’ll become her personal dating coach. She’s more fluent in fictional dukes than real-life flirting, but she’s also ready to step out of her shell and take some chances. 📚
As they navigate trial dates along the seaside and late-night pep talks that feel increasingly intimate, she starts to feel more confident and more herself. The way Finn looks at her makes it impossible to ignore the sparks between them—or how sizzling those practice kisses are becoming. But Finn’s hiding a big secret, one that doesn’t stay buried for long. The truth turns out to be a plot twist she definitely didn’t see coming. 💋
What makes this swoon-worthy: A book-loving introvert, a charming newcomer with secrets, fake dating that becomes dangerously real, and seaside romance perfect for anyone who’s ever wanted a practice kiss to turn into something more.
She was jilted on her wedding day. He’s the best friend who’s been waiting in the wings for years. Lexie Gallagher is starting to think she’s better off alone—her family fell apart, her relationships all end in disaster. Is she the common denominator causing everyone to leave? Everyone except Gabe, her steadfast best friend, who whisks her away from the scene of her latest romantic catastrophe. 💔
As the human resources VP for North Brothers Sports, Gabe North understands people and exactly how to meet their needs. What Lexie’s always needed is a true-blue friend, doubly so when she’s left at the altar in front of everyone she knows. Of course he’ll be her shoulder to cry on—even though he’s wanted to be more than friends for years. He’s been patient, supportive, and silently in love. 🏈
As Lexie heals from her public rejection, Gabe becomes everything she needs—comfort, laughter, understanding. And then he becomes even more. But when life gets complicated and her old fears resurface, can Lexie believe that true blue is forever? Or will she find herself eternally alone, having pushed away the one person who’s never left? The question becomes whether Lexie can trust that some people—one person in particular—won’t abandon her. 💙
Why this hits differently: A heartbreaking altar abandonment, a patient best friend who’s loved her all along, second-chance-at-love feels, and the journey from broken to believing in happily ever after with the right person.
U. S. Grant: The Civil War Years: Grant Moves South and Grant Takes Command
Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Bruce Catton’s acclaimed two-book biography chronicles the Civil War transformation of Ulysses S. Grant from overlooked colonel to unstoppable Union commander. While succession of generals were losing battles due to ego and incompetence in the war’s early years, an unassuming Federal army officer was excelling in the Western theater, proving himself an unstoppable force despite being disregarded by his peers. 🎖️
Grant won victory after victory at Belmont, Fort Henry, and Fort Donelson, sagaciously avoiding near-catastrophe while ultimately triumphing at Shiloh. His decisive victory at Vicksburg cost the Confederacy its invaluable lifeline: the Mississippi River. Catton follows Grant’s relentless dedication to achieving the North’s victory, detailing the bold tactics and strategic brilliance that set him apart from his contemporaries. 🌊
These comprehensive and engaging volumes reveal how Grant, unskilled in military power politics, rose through sheer competence and determination to become the commander who would ultimately win the bloodiest conflict in American history. From western campaigns to final command, Catton captures the evolution of a complex and controversial figure who changed the course of the nation. ⚔️
What makes this essential: Pulitzer Prize–winning history, comprehensive two-volume biography of Grant’s wartime years, detailed tactical analysis of pivotal Civil War battles, and insight into the general who saved the Union.
A chance to escape her abusive husband. A haunting surprise in her refuge. Dragged into murder by the spooky victim himself—can a reluctant sleuth solve the case and build a fresh start? Clara Kelly only wants to be free from the nightmare her marriage became. Fleeing to her husband’s empty historic Salem, Massachusetts house, the thirty-two-year-old fugitive is shocked to find it already occupied by the ghosts of a sad-eyed Union soldier and a cat. She’s barely processing that the supernatural is real when a deadly car accident brings the phantom of the recently deceased to her door, claiming he’s been murdered. 👻
Afraid every moment she lingers will bring more trouble from the abuser she’s escaped, Clara tries to ignore the desperate spirit’s pleas for justice. But when he agrees to help rescue a puppy in peril in exchange for her assistance, Clara reluctantly agrees to play sleuth—all while looking over her shoulder for the man who made her marriage a living hell. 🐕
As Clara delves into the suspicious death, she discovers unexpected purpose in parting the veil between worlds. With her ghostly roommates offering otherworldly assistance and a mystery demanding answers, she must decide whether Salem will be just another hiding place or the home where she finally finds herself—if she can survive long enough to crack the case. 🔍
What makes this compelling: A woman fleeing domestic abuse finds unexpected allies in Salem ghosts, combines cozy mystery with supernatural elements, features a puppy rescue subplot, and launches a series about starting over with spectral help.
Learn how to grow, harvest, prepare, and use the 33 most common and versatile healing plants in this bestselling guide from the godmother of modern herbalism. Legendary herbalist Rosemary Gladstar makes it surprisingly easy to create your own natural remedies for life’s common ailments, stocking your medicine cabinet with all-natural, low-cost herbal solutions instead of expensive pharmaceuticals. 🌿
Gladstar profiles 33 common medicinal plants—including peppermint, chamomile, basil, and ginger—with practical advice on growing, harvesting, preparing, and using herbs in tinctures, oils, creams, teas, and more. Craft a soothing aloe lotion after an encounter with poison ivy. De-stress with a calming chamomile bath. Brew a cup of basil tea for stubborn headaches. Ease coughs and colds with thyme syrup. Make a dandelion-burdock tincture to fix sluggish digestion. 🍵
This classic bestseller is filled with gorgeous full-color photography and serves as a trusted introduction to the wonderful world of homeopathic medicine. Whether you’re growing herbs in your garden or foraging in the wild, Gladstar’s beginner-friendly approach demystifies herbal healing and empowers you to take control of your family’s wellness naturally. 🌺
What makes this invaluable: From the godmother of modern herbalism, 33 versatile healing plants with growing and preparation instructions, practical remedies for common ailments, stunning full-color photography, and a bestselling introduction to natural medicine.
For Rylan Greene and me, love only got us so far before reality tore us apart. I’ve known him since we were six, long before he became the professional soccer star he is now. We’ve weaved in and out of each other’s lives as rivals, teammates, friends, and lovers—until three years ago, when my life took a devastating hit and I ran back to my small Alaskan town of Lake Starlight, away from anything or anyone who could hurt me again. ⚽
He’s never far from my mind, a constant pining ache in my heart, but I’ve convinced myself I’m better off without the complications he brings. Then my best friend announces her engagement, which means Rylan will return home to stand as best man to her fiancé. He’ll be back in my orbit for three whole weeks, but I can easily keep my distance. Sure, we’ll walk arm in arm down the aisle, he’ll hold me close during the bridal party dance, and we’ll pose for pictures side by side. Nothing I can’t handle. 💔
I’m so naïve, though, because he’s not in town for more than twenty-four hours before he knocks on my door. I should know by now that the two of us will never be finished business. Between wedding preparations, small-town encounters, and the undeniable pull we’ve always felt, I’m forced to confront the truth: some loves are too powerful to outrun, and some second chances might be worth the risk—if we can finally figure out how to make it work. 🏔️
What makes this achingly romantic: Childhood sweethearts reunited after years apart, small-town Alaska setting, forced proximity at a wedding, professional athlete hero, and the question of whether love can overcome the obstacles that drove them apart the first time.
From Academy Award–nominated actress and 2023 SeeHer award recipient America Ferrera comes a vibrant collection of first-person accounts exploring the experience of growing up between cultures. Ferrera has always felt wholly American, yet her identity remains inextricably linked to her parents’ Honduran homeland. Speaking Spanish at home, having Saturday-morning-salsa-dance-parties in the kitchen, and eating tamales alongside apple pie at Christmas never seemed at odds with her American identity—yet she yearned to see that dual identity reflected in the larger American narrative. 🇺🇸
Now, in American Like Me, Ferrera invites thirty-one of her friends, peers, and heroes to share their stories about life between cultures. We know them as actors, comedians, athletes, politicians, artists, and writers—but they are also immigrants, children or grandchildren of immigrants, indigenous people, or individuals who grew up with deep personal connections to more than one culture. Each struggled to establish a sense of self, find belonging, and feel seen. They call themselves American enthusiastically, reluctantly, or not at all. 🌎
These powerful narratives reveal the complexity of American identity in the twenty-first century, capturing voices that too often go unheard. From navigating two languages to straddling conflicting cultural expectations, these stories illuminate what it means to forge an identity when you exist in the space between worlds. The result is a deeply moving exploration of belonging, identity, and what it truly means to be American. ✨
What makes this vital: Academy Award–nominated America Ferrera curates thirty-one powerful stories, diverse voices on growing up between cultures, honest reflections on identity and belonging, and an essential exploration of modern American identity.
Eoin screwed up. Again. When he heard Aline’s life-changing secret, he ran like a coward instead of staying to face what it meant. Now he can’t think about anything except how much he misses her, but he doesn’t know if he deserves the happiness she would bring to his damaged life. The fierce soldier with a broken heart must decide whether to fight for love or let his past define his future. 💔
Aline Mercier walks out of her parents’ house the day after Thanksgiving with no plan, only the certainty that her life has changed forever. She’s determined to chart her own course, struggling to decide her future without interference. Everyone thinks of her as a delicate flower needing protection, but she’s an independent woman who needs no rescue—not from her sister, and certainly not from the handsome, fierce soldier who broke her heart. 🍂
As Aline navigates her new reality, a twist of fate changes everything again, forcing both her and Eoin to confront what they really want. Something tells her that life isn’t done turning her world upside-down, and the universe seems intent on pushing these two stubborn souls back together. Between family expectations, personal revelations, and the undeniable connection they share, Aline and Eoin must decide whether love is worth the danger—or if some hearts are too broken to be mended. 🏴
What makes this emotionally gripping: A fierce Scottish soldier running from commitment, an independent woman refusing to be rescued, life-changing secrets that test everything, and the question of whether two damaged people can heal together.
… See the rest of today ‘s Book Picks here on page 2Page 2