7 books we’re loving now

Romance

Sugar Pine Trail by RaeAnne Thayne

“After a really stressful day, I love unwinding with a glass of red wine and a romantic read,” says Lauren Gatcombe, FIRST associate editor. “And this sweet story, set in a quaint snow-covered town, was just what I was looking for.” With the holiday season around the corner, librarian Julia Winston feels like she’s stuck in a rut and decides to make a bucket list. Love isn’t her top priority, and when she rents out a room in her home to known heartbreaker Jamie Cane, she tries to deny her attraction to him. Soon after, she takes in two abandoned brothers and sees a different side of Jamie. This brings them closer and their spark continues to grow—but could it really be love? “I adored watching this unlikely romance unfold,” says Lauren. “And now I can’t wait to see what surprises are waiting around the corner for me in my own life!” (HQN, 2017; Paperback $8, Kindle $6, Nook $6)

Self-help

The Power of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed With Happiness by Emily Esfahani Smith “Recently I was feeling down and looking for a way to find greater satisfaction in my life and routine,” says Nicole Aber, FIRST assistant editor. “Turns out, this book was just the boost I needed!” Emily Esfahani Smith writes about four things that lead to a meaningful life: our relationships with others, our purpose, how we tell stories about our place in the world and our ability to seek out mystery. Rather than telling readers how to construct these pillars of meaning, Esfahani Smith shows them by sharing the stories of different groups of people for whom they have proven effective. “These profiles, interwoven with research and literature, were just what I needed to appreciate more aspects of my own life,” says Nicole. “I now feel more content and hopeful as my focus gently shifts toward what is truly important!” (Broadway, 2017; Paperback $16, Kindle $12, Nook $12)

Chick lit

The Little French Bistro by Nina George “As the weather takes a turn for the cold and blustery, I start dreaming of an escape,” says Alyssa Rosenthal, FIRST associate editor. “So as soon as I saw this book’s cute Parisian cover, I knew it would satisfy my wanderlust!” Forty-one years into an unhappy marriage, Marianne Lanz decides to start over. Inspired by an image she sees in Paris, she takes off to the coast of Brittany. While there, she meets an array of characters, all of whom teach her about hope, passion and love. Raves Alyssa, “Marianne’s emotional journey was so moving that in the end, I felt like I had taken the trip by her side!” (Crown, 2017; Hardcover $26, Kindle $13, Nook $13)

Thriller

All the Little Children by Jo Furniss “I’m not a fan of flying,” admits Alexandra Pollock, FIRST editorial assistant. “So on my last trip, I grabbed this engrossing read to distract me from in-flight jitters.” When Marlene Greene takes her children camping, she expects some quality family time. But when an apocalyptic event sends waves of village children to their campsite, Marlene is faced with the choice between protecting her own kids or trying to save them all. Says Alex, “The pulse-pounding plot made my f light, well…f ly by!” (Lake Union, 2017; Paperback $15, Kindle $5)

Mystery

A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas “When I feel overwhelmed by my to-do’s, a ‘girl power’ read—like this reimagining of Sherlock Holmes as a woman—is a great antidote,” says FIRST deputy editor-in-chief Maggie Jaqua. After being shunned by society, Charlotte Holmes moves to London under the name Sherlock, using her intellect to solve a triple homicide. “Charlotte had faith in her skills and refused to be held down,” says Maggie.

“Her drive—and the jolt I got from puzzling through the mystery— energized me!”(Berkley, 2016; Paperback $15, Kindle $10, Nook $10)

Memoir

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore “This time of year, I go through moments where I feel downright sorry for myself,” admits Carey Ostergard, FIRST deputy editor. “To steer myself back to gratitude, I pick up an inspirational true story like this one.” Told from the perspectives of both Ron, a wealthy art dealer, and Denver, a homeless man, this memoir shares how a soul-deep friendship develops between two unlikely men. “Their relationship is so full of faith and compassion,” says Carey. “It left me feeling so joyous that I can’t wait to see the movie!” (Thomas Nelson, 2017; Paperback $17, Kindle $10, Nook $10)