7 books we’re loving now

Thriller

Everything We Didn’t Say by Nicole Baart

“With icy winter bearing down and the holidays over, I was longing for a shake-up from the all-work-and-no-play cadence of my life,” shares Alexandra Pollock, FIRST Senior Editor. “I decided on this thriller—and boy, did it spark some excitement!” When Juniper Baker returns to her hometown of Jericho, Iowa, her excuse is that she’s helping an ill friend manage the local library. But her real motivation is to repair her relationship with her teenage daughter, who she left behind to be raised by her parents after an infamous double murder case that caused Juniper to flee 15 years before. With the answers to the mystery finally in her sights and her daughter’s life hanging in the balance, will Juniper get the new start she longs for? Or lose everything that she holds dear for good? “This riveting book was gripping from start to finish,” says Alex. “It definitely spiced up my blah mood!” (Atria, 2021)

Women’s fiction

The Secret of Snow by Viola Shipman

“This time of year always makes me nostalgic for snow days back when I was a kid and time seemed to stand still,” shares Kristina Mastrocola, FIRST Senior Editor. “But with only clear skies in the forecast, I picked up this novel to escape into that cozy, blanket-fort spirit.” Sonny Dunes is a 50-yearold meteorologist who feels invisible at her California news station. So when she is set to be replaced by a “younger” computerized weather person, she can’t take it anymore and loses it…on air. All but unhirable in the big media markets, she’s forced to swallow her pride and return to her hometown in cold, snowy Michigan. Soon Sonny is coming face-to-face with the ghosts of her past, as well as her potential future in the form of a handsome widower. Raves Kristina, “I loved this emotional story of second chances that proves rebirth isn’t reserved for springtime—winter can be the perfect spark for hope and renewal.” (Graydon House, 2021)

Romance

The Fastest Way to Fall

by Denise Williams “As 2021 ended and a new one kicked off, I started feeling a sense of pressure to do all the tasks I said I would finish last year,” admits Maggie Dillard, FIRST Assistant Editor. “To distract myself from all my worries, I jumped into a fun, feelgood saga—and this one turned my fears into bliss!” When Britta Colby is tasked to write about a new body-positive fitness app for work, she is paired with handsome personal trainer Wes Lawson. Britta is the app’s first client, and the duo seem to click right away. Then when they move the virtual workouts to in-person, they find it impossible to maintain a professional distance. “Between the smart dialogue and flirty moments, I couldn’t help but smile as I read,” says Maggie. “It eased the burden I was feeling and reminded me that life is more than crossing things off of a to-do list!” (Berkley, 2021)

Historical fiction

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn “I’ve never been a history buff, but visiting my cousin, who is a history major, piqued my curiosity,” says Rachel Cosma, FIRST Health Director. “Combining my love of mysteries with my new interest in historical events, this novel pulled me into 1940s England at the start of WWII.” Three women prove themselves when they answer the call to decipher enemy codes—a cryptanalyst job held by more than 10,000 women during the war. Says Rachel, “I was so inspired at how these strong women banded together—and then reunited years later!” (William Morrow, 2021)

Cozy mystery

A Villa in Sicily: Olive Oil and Murder by Fiona Grace “Lately I find myself daydreaming about traveling,” shares Lauren Blum, FIRST Associate Editor. “One of my life goals is to visit Italy, so when I saw this book was set in Sicily, I grabbed it!” Veterinarian Audrey Smart is ready for a change. When she sees a Sicilian villa is up for sale for one dollar, she purchases it. But as she turns over her new slate, she is somehow intertwined in a shocking murder investigation. Says Lauren, “Filled with beautiful Italian scenery and a good mystery, this read allowed me to set sail for Italy—from the comfort of my couch!” (Fiona Grace, 2020)

Fantasy

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

“Sometimes when the world gets too stressful, I like to escape to another

‘world’ with a magical story,” says

Melissa D’Agnese,

FIRST Senior Editor. “And this book, the first in a trilogy, delivered!” Jude was 7 years old when she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite being human. But the fey don’t like humans…especially Prince Cardan, the wicked son of the High King. Will Jude find a place in the court? Raves Melissa, “A fantastical ride from page one, I couldn’t put this down!” (Little Brown, 2018)

Self-help

A Year of Self-Care by Dr. Zoe Shaw

“Between renovating our new home and working long days, my husband and I haven’t had self-care at the top of our list,” shares Victoria Conn, FIRST Fashion Editor. “I was looking for a gentle way to boost our routine, and my friend recommended this guide penned by Dr. Zoe Shaw.” Made up of 365 (one for each day) bite-size exercises, tips and quotes designed to help you live a healthier, happier life, this makes self-care easier. Says Victoria, “With simple tweaks like drinking more water, boundaries and ‘media-less’ mornings, I already find myself feeling better!” (Rockridge, 2021)