7 books we’re loving now

Chick lit

Sweet Tomorrows by Debbie Macomber “The cold, slushy weather left me feeling a bit bored and blue this weekend,” admits Leann Garofolo, FIRST assistant editor. “So I decided to bundle up on the couch with this cozy romance to perk myself up!” Jo Marie is an innkeeper at the Rose Harbor Inn, a bed-and-breakfast she swears has secret powers to heal the hearts of its lovelorn guests. True to form, the inn is working its magic in the life of young Emily, a teacher who has come to stay. But as Jo Marie recovers from a heartbreak of her own, she doubts she’ll experience that same magic… until her world is turned upside down as her past and present collide and it seems the inn could be up to its old tricks after all! “As I finished the book, I felt heartened and hopeful for the inn’s guests—and myself.” (Ballantine, 2016; Paperback $8, Kindle $8, Nook $8)

Mystery

Dangerous Illusions by Irene Hannon “I was looking for a book that would take me out of my recent low-energy funk,” says Lauren Gatcombe, FIRST associate editor. “And this thrilling book did the trick!” Between her demanding work life, a recent tragic loss and her new role as caregiver to her mom, Trish Bailey is trapped in a whirlwind of stress that fogs her mind and causes her to make a few mistakes along the way. But when one mistake leads to a fatality, she feels like the world is collapsing in on her as law enforcement begins to take a closer look at her role in things. Enter detective Colin Flynn, who is in charge of the investigation and soon realizes that there is more to this case than meets the eye. “I was on the edge of my seat until I pieced it all together,” raves Lauren. “Afterward, my buzzing adrenaline left me energized and ready to tackle the new week.” (Revell, 2017; Paperback $16, Kindle $10, Nook $10)

Historical fiction

Stolen Beauty by Laurie Lico Albanese “After a long workweek, the last thing I want to do is stare at any more screens,” laughs FIRST associate editor Alyssa Rosenthal. “And this story was the time-travel escape from emails and technology that I so desperately needed!” In 1900s Vienna, the beautiful and adventurous Adele Bloch-Bauer meets the artist Gustav Klimt, and the two develop a deeply romantic and spiritual relationship that inspires Klimt’s famous painting, Woman in Gold. Fast-forward 40 years and Adele’s niece, Maria, is living in Vienna during the Nazi invasion. Soon, Maria must summon her aunt’s courage in order to save her family and recover what is rightfully theirs—including the iconic painting. “The bravery and strength of spirit these two women showed was exciting and inspiring all at once,” says Alyssa. “Plus, I was so captivated that by the end it, I felt like I had just returned from my own adventure!” (Washington Square, 2017; Paperback $16, Kindle $13, Nook $13)

Women’s fiction

The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman “I have lists for everything: upcoming events, shopping trips, daily to-do’s,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST deputy editor. “So when I saw this title, I was drawn to it.” Brett Bohlinger is 34 years old and grief-stricken after her mother passes away. And things get trickier as she learns about her mother’s will: Brett will only receive her inheritance if she completes ‘the life list’ she wrote as a teenager—in one year! “As Brett struggles to reach her goals—including traveling to Paris and falling in love—her life changes in amazing ways,” says Patty. “It inspired me to add a ‘life list’ to my collection!” (Bantam, 2013; Paperback $16, Kindle $6, Nook, $6)

Memoir

The Impossible by Joyce Smith & Ginger Kolbaba “Sometimes I get so overwhelmed by the demands of my daily life that I forget to take stock of my blessings,” admits Alex Pollock, FIRST editorial assistant. “This was what I needed to shift my perspective.” When Joyce Smith’s son, John, almost drowns in the icy waters of a Missouri lake, all she and her faithful community can do is pray that God restart his heart and bring him back to life. “This book was a powerful lesson to never take a single moment for granted,” says Alex. “And it was a reminder that I’m too blessed to stress!” (FaithWords, 2017; Hardcover $24, Kindle $13, Nook $13)

Fantasy

Free the Darkness by Kel Kade “I get a bit grouchy after being cooped up all winter, but this exhilarating novel freed me from my grump,” laughs Carey Ostergard, FIRST deputy editor. Raised and trained in seclusion at a secret fortress, a young warrior called Rezkin is unexpectedly thrust into the outer world with no understanding of his life’s purpose or social norms. Rezkin soon meets an unlikely troop of friends who join him on his journey to uncover his past…and save a kingdom. “Fantasy, mystery, thrills—this book has it all!” raves Carey. “I can’t wait to read the sequel.” (Dark Rover, 2015; Kindle $4)

Self-help

Good Morning Gorgeous: Discovering Your Gorgeousness From the Inside Out by Dale Smith Thomas “I’m more my own critic than my own best friend,” says Jennifer McCoy-Meshey, associate fashion editor. “And this book helped me stop my negative spiral!” This guide encourages readers to address misconceptions about themselves while offering fun tips and anecdotes about reaching one’s true potential. Says Jennifer, “It challenged me to start each day with positive thoughts—and now I feel more confident than ever!” (Franklin Green, 2017; Paperback $15, Kindle $9, Nook $9)