Library staff finished up our own summer reading challenge in August, logging almost 200 books! Take a look at some top-rated reads and click the titles to place a hold in LINKcat.
A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
Sera Swan used to be one of the most powerful witches in Britain. Then she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine from the (very recently) dead, lost most of her magic, befriended a semi-villainous talking fox, and was exiled from her Guild. Now she (slightly reluctantly and just a bit grumpily) helps her aunt run an enchanted inn in Lancashire, where she deals with her quirky guests' shenanigans, tries to keep said talking fox in check, and longs for the future that seems lost to her. But then she finds out about an old spell that could hold the key to restoring her power…
"One of my favorite books of the year! Warm and Cozy story about love and friendship." -Jody
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it’s like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a twenty-six-year-old teacher’s aide, she is able to share her love of reading with bright, young students, especially seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, who was left orphaned after the tragic death of his parents. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability.
But be careful what you wish for. . . .
"Simply delightful!" - Jayne
Land of Milk and Honey by C Pam Zhang
The award-winning author of How Much of These Hills Is Gold returns with a rapturous and revelatory novel about a young chef whose discovery of pleasure alters her life and, indirectly, the world.
"Found the idea of cuisine really interesting in a realm of dystopian desert." - Stef
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders. Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
"This book had everything . . . danger, romance, mystery, DRAGONS. I loved it!" - Pat
For second in series, Iron Flame: "I know not everyone likes it as much but I appreciated the author's ability to delve into relationships more and introduce more complex characters now that the world building is established." -Stef
Grass Isn't Greener: The Everyday Conservationist's Guide to Bringing Nature to Your Yard by Danae Wolfe
Built around easy-to-digest tips for improving sustainability, this fun, action-oriented guide will help everyone turn their home garden into an earth-friendly habitat.
"It's a good Naturalizing Your Yard 101 type book!" - Beth
The Will of the Many by James Islington
At the elite Catenan Academy, a young fugitive uncovers layered mysteries and world-changing secrets in this “brilliant and gut-churning masterpiece” (Library Journal, starred review) by the internationally bestselling author of The Licanius Trilogy, James Islington.
"Really absorbing combo of dystopia and dark academia. It's familiar territory for avid readers of sci-fi/fantasy, but no less enjoyable for that. Recommended for fans of the Red Rising series." - Emily
Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism
An explosive memoir charting one woman’s career at the heart of one of the most influential companies on the planet, Careless People gives you a front-row seat to Facebook, the decisions that have shaped world events in recent decades, and the people who made them.
"A fascinating look at the inner workings of Facebook and their murky descent into the political realm. Wynn-Williams' writing (and audio narration if you listen!) is engaging and candid." -Amy
Blood Moon by Sandra Brown
#1 New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown returns with a sexy thriller where an unruly detective and an ambitious tv show producer work against the clock to prevent another young woman from disappearing before the next blood moon—while trying to resist the attraction between them.
"Good plot and characters, with a twist that I didn't see coming!"
We Met Like This by Kasie West
Beloved author Kasie West's sparkling, seductive adult rom-com debut about a hopeless romantic falling for the one man she never expected.
"I always thought I wanted to be a book editor, so I really loved reading about that, and knowing I made the right decision career-wise. The romance was cute too!" -Brittany