7 books we’re loving now

Fiction

Rise & Shine, Benedict Stone by Phaedra Patrick “On cold winter mornings, I dread getting out of bed,” admits Alyssa Rosenthal, FIRST contributing writer. “So when I saw the title of this book, I thought it may help me get out of my low-energy funk—and it did!” Benedict Stone is trying to save his crumbling marriage and jump-start business at his jewelry shop, when a surprise arrives at his door: his teenage niece, Gemma, the daughter of his estranged brother whom he hasn’t seen in nearly 20 years. Benedict lets Gemma insert herself into his routine, and the two form an unlikely bond that helps both come to terms with the problems they are so desperately trying to ignore. “The way the characters encouraged each other to fight for what’s important was inspiring,” says Alyssa.

“The morning after I finished it, I jumped out of bed, ready for the day!” (Park Row, 2017; Hardcover $25; Kindle $12; Nook $12)

Romance

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton “Lately it feels like life is going by in a fast blur of work, chores and responsibilities,” says Alex Pollock, FIRST associate editor. “From the second I saw this beautiful book cover, I knew this read would be just the thing to slow me down.” When her beloved grandmother passes away, Marisol Ferrera decides to honor her grandmother’s final wish by returning her ashes to the homeland she’d been exiled from: Havana, Cuba. As Marisol tours the lush and secretive landscapes of her family’s past with a handsome family friend and tour guide, Luis, a sudden attraction makes her question who she is and how far she is willing to go for true love. “This book was a spellbinding reminder to pause and cherish the most important things in life, like family, love and hope,” gushes Alex. “And when I flipped the last page closed, I was so relaxed that it felt like time had stood still.” (Berkley, 2018; Paperback $15, Kindle $10, Nook $10)

Memoir

Inventing Joy: Dare to Build a Brave and Creative Life by Joy Mangano “Some recent personal setbacks have left me feeling down on myself,” shares Lauren Blum, FIRST editorial assistant. “So I thought, what better way to kick my bad mood to the curb than by reading a book with ‘joy’ in the title?” Joy Mangano has always had a knack for dreaming up unique inventions. But when she developed an idea for a mop with self-wringing technology, the lauded Miracle Mop, her life changed forever. A tale of her journey from a single mother of three to a self-made millionaire and entrepreneur, Joy shares her joys and heartbreaks in her rags-to-riches story. “No matter what life threw at her, Joy had the fire to keep pushing forward,” marvels Lauren. “Her lessons inspired me to pick myself up, dust myself off and try all over again!” (Simon & Schuster, 2017; Hardcover $26, Kindle $14, Nook $14)

Contemporary fiction

Not Perfect by Elizabeth LaBan “Sometimes trying to make everything perfect can leave me feeling stretched thin,” admits editorial assistant Nicole Riley. “So when a friend suggested this book, I thought it must have been written just for me!” Tabitha is a stay-athome mom who seems to have it all: the perfect husband, family and group of friends. But when her husband disappears, leaving only a vague note, Tabitha must face her world turning upside down. “As Tabitha navigated her new life with strength, I felt the pressure melt off ,” smiles Nicole. “In the end, I realized that being happy doesn’t mean being perfect!” (Lake Union, 2018; Hardcover $25, Kindle $5)

Thriller

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena “By the end of February, I start feeling stir-crazy,” says Tara Hans, FIRST senior copy chief. “So I picked up this thriller for a suspenseful escape—and it delivered!” Anne and Marco Conti are married and have just welcomed a new baby. But one night while at a dinner party, a terrible crime is committed. Suspicion lands on Anne and Marco, but the truth is much more complicated. “I haven’t read a plot with this many twists in… probably ever!” buzzes Tara. “This was just what I needed to get me through the rest of the winter.” (Penguin, 2017; Paperback $16, Kindle $12, Nook $12)

Historical fiction

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles “Instead of bingewatching TV to unwind, I like to binge-read,” says assistant editor Mary Kate Hoban. “This book captured my full attention!” On New Year’s Eve in 1937, Katey Kontent has a chance encounter with handsome banker, Tinker Grey, who propels her on a yearlong journey into the upper echelons of New York City society. “I couldn’t get enough of Katey’s wit, strength and acute self-awareness,” says Mary Kate. “I read almost the whole book in one sitting!” (Penguin, 2012; Paperback $17, Kindle $13, Nook $13)

Nonfiction/self-help

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis “This time of year I can get trapped in a prison of procrastination,” admits Carey Ostergard, FIRST deputy editor. “But this book helped me break free of excuses and dread.” By starting each chapter with a lie she’s told herself like, “I’m not good enough,” well-loved blogger Rachel Hollis helps women identify and conquer their own destructive thoughts and habits. “With humor and vulnerability, Rachel inspired me to take a closer look at how I was standing in my own way of finding joy and success.” (Thomas Nelson, 2018; Hardcover $23, Kindle $12, Nook $12)