7 books we’re loving now

Magical realism

Harry’s Trees by Jon Cohen

“When a friend said this novel was like a ‘fairy tale for adults,’ I knew it was what I needed to quell the loneliness I’d been feeling,” shares Kristina Mastrocola, FIRST senior editor. Reeling from the loss of his wife, forestry worker Harry Crane throws himself into his job in Pennsylvania’s aptly named Endless Forest. There, he meets Oriana, a 9-year-old girl grappling with her own loss. After Harry finds a fairy-tale book that belongs to her, she believes it’s a sign that they’re meant to go on a magical adventure together. Forming a bond, Harry, Oriana and her mother, Amanda, do just that in ways that take them all by surprise. “The best fairy tales are tethered to reality— rather than ignore grief, they help us through it,” says Kristina. “This story of hope and resilience reminded me of the magic we’re all capable of when we come together.” (MIRA, 2019; Paperback $17, Kindle $10, Nook $10)

Historical fiction

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

“Looking to bring some excitement to my life during a long weekend with no plans, I turned to this spy novel—and it drew me right in!” says Rachel Cosma, FIRST senior health editor. Based on a real-life female spy network in France during World War I, this story splits its time between 1915 and the aftermath of the war in 1947. Fearless Eve trains as a spy to gather intel under the Germans’ noses—until everything falls apart. Three decades later, Eve encounters Charlie, a headstrong young woman desperate to find the cousin she lost contact with during World War II. The unlikely pair join forces on an adventure that exposes the heartache and sacrifices of unsung wartime heroes. “As I read, it was like I was watching a riveting spy movie,” says Rachel. “And it was all the more incredible to learn that real brave women inspired this tale!” (William Morrow, 2017; Paperback $17, Kindle $12, Nook $12)