7 books we’re loving now

Thriller

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell “With a ho-hum weekend on the horizon, I was looking for a book that could get my adrenaline going,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST deputy editor. “So I dove right into this one—and it was riveting!” Ten years ago, Laurel Mack’s teenage daughter, Ellie, disappeared, never to be seen again.

That tragedy derails Laurel’s life, ending her marriage and nearly destroying her relationship with her other two children. Eventually, Laurel forces herself to move on and begins dating a kind man, whose 9-year-old daughter, Poppy, is the spitting image of Ellie. As Laurel tries to figure out if this child could be linked to her lost daughter, she finds out that nothing is as it seems. “I had to know the link between Poppy and Ellie,” says Patty. “The excitement kept me flipping pages and livened up my whole weekend!” (Atria, 2018; Hardcover $26, Kindle $14, Nook $14)

Romance

Untamed Cowboy by Maisey Yates “While my sweetie was away on another business trip, I found myself feeling a little lonely,” says Lauren Gatcombe, FIRST senior associate editor. “So in an attempt to lift my spirits, I reached for this lighthearted romance.” Bennett Dodge and Kaylee Capshaw have known each other for years and are business partners at a veterinary clinic. Their relationship is strictly platonic—even though Kaylee has suppressed a secret crush on Bennett since their high-school days. So when a troubled 15-year-old boy enters the picture and Bennett discovers that the teen is his son, whom he had no prior knowledge of, everyday life around the clinic is shaken up. Suddenly, Bennett finds himself leaning on Kaylee more than ever—will this bring them closer together or break their bond? “The chemistry between this pair was so steamy!” raves Lauren. “I was left heartened and starry-eyed for days.” (HQN, 2018; Paperback $8, Kindle $6, Nook $6)

Fiction

Startup by Doree Shafrir “I was feeling sorry for myself after my best girlfriend moved away,” says Melissa Sorrells, FIRST senior editor. “So we decided to read this book to help us feel connected across the miles!” The plotline follows journalist Katya, marketing maven Isabel and working mother Sabrina through the male-dominated world of tech start-ups. As Katya works to get the scoop on a scandal brewing with Isabel’s boss and Sabrina is promoted above Isabel, job pressures conspire to turn the women into enemies. “An undercurrent of suspense about how the scandal would play out kept me swiftly turning the pages,” says Melissa. “But ultimately, Startup reminded me that—even when life seems overwhelming—there’s nothing stronger than the bonds of female friendship.” (Back Bay, 2018; Paperback $16, Kindle $14, Nook $14)

Biography

Harry: Life, Loss, and Love by Katie Nicholl “When my life gets stuck in a rut, I love reading about the lives of the British royal family and dreaming of what it would be like if I were one of them,” says Maggie Dillard, FIRST editorial assistant. “So when I saw this new biography on Prince Harry, I swiped it up!” Britain’s royal expert, Katie Nicholl, traces the history of the prince’s childhood, rebel years and details his modern romance with Meghan Markle. “It was like getting juicy details from a family insider,” says Maggie. “There were so many dreamy fairy-tale moments, but it also helped me appreciate my quiet, normal life!” (Hachette, 2018; Hardcover $27, Kindle $14, Nook $14)

Chick lit

The Forever Summer by Jamie Brenner “I enjoy getting my family together for our yearly beach trip, but I’m always sad when it’s over,” shares Lauren Blum, FIRST editorial assistant. “But this family-focused read was like a comforting balm when I began to miss them.” When a DNA test unveils family that she never knew she had, Marin Bishop decides to spend the summer with her halfsister and grandmother on Cape Cod, where secrets unfold. Cheers Lauren, “This sweet beach read made me treasure the time with my family even more!” (Back Bay, 2018; Paperback $16, Kindle $10, Nook $10)

Science fiction

Dune by Frank Herbert “Lately our world has been so heavy, so I escape to a new world,” says Carey Ostergard, FIRST deputy editor. “Nothing transports me like a classic sci-fi novel!” After Duke Leto Atreides moves his family to the planet Arrakis (aka Dune) to oversee the mining of a spice that prolongs life, he’s quickly betrayed by his enemies. His wife and son, Paul, are forced to run for their lives, braving the harsh desert landscape with giant worms and wild natives. Says Carey, “It was just the escape I needed!” (Ace, 2005; Paperback $18, Kindle $10, Nook $10)

Mystery

The Color of Bee Larkham’s Murder by Sarah J. Harris “Between weekly errands and work deadlines, I’m fried by the time Friday arrives,” says Alexandra Pollock, FIRST senior editor. “But this engrossing read allowed me to kick back and revive.” Thirteen-year-old Jasper sees the world differently as a synesthete, or a person who sees colors when he hears sounds. So when his new neighbor goes missing, the hue of his world is upended as he tries to uncover what happened… and whether he’s somehow responsible. Raves Alex, “This book recharged my batteries!” (Touchstone, 2018; Hardcover $26; Kindle $10; Nook $10)