7 books we’re loving now

Romance

How to Bake the Perfect Pecan Pie by Gina Calanni “Between traveling and cooking, Thanksgiving can be stressful,” says Lauren Gatcombe, FIRST senior associate editor. “So when I found this novel that put a positive twist on holiday chaos, I dove in!” Lauren Hauser is home for the holidays, and she’s been given one seemingly impossible task: preparing her grandmother’s famous pecan pie. Not known for being the best baker in the family, Lauren takes off on Thanksgiving Eve in pursuit of her grandmother’s favorite pecans. What follows is a series of mishaps that leads her to a pecan farm in an ice storm and into the company of a handsome stranger named Jack. “This sweet read—complete with the star pecan pie recipe—was just what I needed,” says Lauren. “It put a smile on my face and reminded me what the holidays are about: family, love…and homemade pie!” (Carina/ HarperCollins, 2014; Kindle $2, Nook $2, Audiobook Free)

Fiction

When You Were Older by Catherine Ryan Hyde “Sometimes after a long workweek, I feel drained and in need of some inspiration,” admits Tara Hans, FIRST managing editor. “And this book about loss and love was the little dose of hope I needed.” While rushing to work on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001, Russell Ammiano gets a call that his mother has passed away, leaving his mentally disabled older brother, Ben, alone. Having narrowly avoided a certain death in the 9/11 attacks, Russell reluctantly returns home to his small town to care for Ben. When Russell meets Anat, a beautiful EgyptianAmerican, things start to look up, until one night threatens to ruin everything. “This story had sad parts and hopeful parts, and it was a good reminder to cherish family above all else,” says Tara. “I finished the last chapter feeling renewed gratitude for my own loved ones.” (CreateSpace, 2012; Paperback $14, Kindle $6)