7 books we’re loving now

Mystery

Murder Makes Scents by Christin Brecher

“Whenever I’m feeling listless, I like to dive into books that add energy and excitement to a ho-hum evening,” says Shay Trotter, FIRST associate editor. “And this mystery was certainly a fun one!” Candlemaker Stella Wright is attending a perfume industry conference in Paris with her travelsavvy mom, Millie, when a man is fatally stabbed. After the horrifying event, the pair is happy to return back home to the quiet island of Nantucket. But soon, danger follows as Stella and Millie are blackmailed over an alleged smuggled perfume formula. Now, Stella takes it upon herself to uncover the truth. Says Shay, “All of the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat and really made me feel like I had spent my low-key night out on an adventure!” (Kensington, 2020; Paperback $8, Kindle $6, Nook $7)

Women’s fiction

The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms

“At the close of an especially long, eventful week, I was in need of something to help me relax and calm down,” says Lauren Gatcombe, FIRST senior editor. “Instead of reaching for the TV remote, I picked up this book that’s been sitting on my nightstand for months.” School librarian and single mother Amy Byler is still struggling after her husband left her and their two teenagers three years earlier. So when he reappears in time for summer vacation and offers to take care of the kids, she agrees and heads to New York City to spend her “break” rediscovering herself. While there, she feels like a new woman—and even decides to go on a few blind dates. Soon, she’s left to decide if she wants to continue this chapter or return back to her life. “I was rooting for Amy and loved her adventurous spirit,” says Lauren. “And by the end, I was left feeling stress-free and ready to take on the week ahead!” (Lake Union, 2019; Paperback $15, Kindle $2)

Paranormal suspense

The Vanishing by Jayne Ann Krentz “I had planned to spend the entire day hiking last weekend, but rain kept me housebound,” sighs Melissa Sorrells, FIRST health director. “Instead of letting the weather get me down, I jumped into this fantastical novel.” Catalina and Olivia are childhood friends who use their psychic gifts to help others as private investigators. When Olivia goes missing, Cat begins a search for her friend with help from Slater, an agent from an organization that investigates paranormal crimes. Though Cat doesn’t trust Slater (and Slater doesn’t quite trust himself), they decide to put their concerns aside to find Olivia—and get her home before it’s too late. “This book is so full of suspense, I couldn’t put it down,” says Melissa. “It helped me get through the rainy day, and working to piece together the puzzle refreshed my mind!” (Berkley, 2020; Hardcover $27, Kindle $14, Nook $14)

Romance

Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai “Following a vacation with my sweetie, I was feeling blue when he had to take off on a business trip the next week,” says Leann Garofolo, FIRST associate editor. “So I grabbed this romance as a fun distraction!” Katrina King lives in a happy bubble out of the spotlight of her former career as a model. But that privacy vanishes when a café encounter with a stranger goes viral, pushing her back into the limelight. Seeking solace, Katrina takes refuge in the secluded home of her handsome bodyguard, Jas Singh. Says Leann, “I love how Katrina and Jas fell for each other—it warmed my heart!” (Avon, 2020; Paperback $146, Kindle $11, Nook

Nonfiction

The Foundling by Paul Joseph Fronczak and Alex Tresniowski “I’m fascinated by websites that use DNA to help you delve deep into your family tree,” shares Danielle Saliman, FIRST beauty director. “So this true story drew me right in!” In 1964, a woman kidnaps newborn Paul Fronczak from a hospital. But with no evidence, the crime goes unsolved. Two years later, a boy is left outside of a store in New Jersey, and Dora Fronczak, the kidnapped infant’s mother, identifies the boy as her own. Once grown, Paul goes on a quest to see if he is really Dora’s son. Says Danielle, “This book captivates!” (Howard, 2018; Paperback $17, Kindle $13, Nook $13)

Historical fiction

The Dressmaker’s

Gift by Fiona Valpy

“After constant computer and phone use, I like to unplug with a good book,” shares

Kate Arcell, FIRST editorial assistant.

“And this was a real escape!” In Nazi-occupied Paris in 1940, three seamstresses—Claire, Mireille and Vivienne—try to live their lives as normally as they can, all while working with the German resistance. Two generations later, Claire’s granddaughter Harriet uncovers deep family secrets. Cheers Kate, “I was so captivated that by the end, my batteries were recharged.” (Lake Union, 2019; Paperback $15, Kindle $5)

Magical realism

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

“At times, I feel anxious about the future—even though I can’t control it,” says Rebecca Haynes, FIRST senior editor. “But this book helped me reframe my thoughts!” Dannie’s life is mapped out: She’s interviewing for a big job, and her boyfriend is about to propose. But one night, she falls asleep and dreams that she wakes up five years later—with a different man beside her. When she wakes up for real, she can’t shake it: Was it just a dream? “This magical tale was a reminder to stay open-hearted and things will work out!” says Rebecca. (Atria, 2020; Hardcover $27, Kindle $13, Nook $13)