7 books we’re loving now

Romance

To Swoon and to Spar by Martha Waters “I have been impatiently waiting for the new season of Bridgerton on Netflix,” laughs Rebecca Haynes, FIRST Deputy Health Director. “So I was thrilled to get my fix through this Regency romance.” Viscount Peter Penvale has worked for years to buy back the ancestral home (Trethwick Abbey) he lost to his uncle when his parents died. So he is surprised when this uncle shows up in London to make a deal: He’ll sell Peter the estate if Peter marries his uncle’s ward, Jane. The reluctant couple strike a deal, but Jane hatches a scheme to chase Peter away by convincing him the home is haunted. Peter, however, doesn’t scare so easily, and the hilarious escapades end up sparking a connection that brings them closer. “This was a fun read that was such an escape,” says Rebecca. “It’s perfect for historical romance fans!” (Atria, 2023)

Christian self-help

Building a Resilient Life: How Adversity Awakens

Strength, Hope, and Meaning by Rebekah Lyons “On certain days, all the negative news stories start to bring me down and adversely affect my mood,” sighs Maggie Dillard, FIRST Associate Editor. “As soon as this happens, I like turning to inspirational reads to uplift my spirit. My friend recently recommended this book, and it turned out to be just what I needed!” Bestselling author and podcast host Rebekah Lyons helps readers live a resilient life with five practical rules to experiencing God’s unshakable peace. With biblical teachings and encouraging wisdom, each page serves as a beautiful guide for standing strong amid uncertainty. Shares Maggie, “Now, no matter what is happening in the world around me, I know I can cling to the truth of God’s grace and promises to see goodness in my life!” (Zondervan, 2023)

Women’s fiction

A Thousand Miles to Graceland by Kristen Mei Chase “My mom and I are big fans of Elvis Presley, and some of our favorite shared memories involve singing his classics in the car and seeing Elvis tribute artists perform at our local county fair each year,” shares Lauren Blum, FIRST Associate Editor. “So when I saw this charming story about a mother-daughter road trip to Graceland—Elvis’ iconic home—I knew I had to give it a read!” Feeling consumed by her job, rattled by her failed marriage and guilty for avoiding her mom, Grace Johnson is ready for a change. She decides to take her mom on her dream road trip to Graceland as a 70th birthday present. While learning about all things Elvis, they discover even more about each other, strengthening their bond along the way. Says Lauren, “This book had it all—laughs, love, heartache, hope and even Elvis anecdotes that I had to share with my mom.” (Forever, 2023)

Chick lit

Love & Other Scams by Philip Ellis “Lately, life has felt like all work and no play,” admits Alexandra Pollock, FIRST Deputy Editor. “So I picked up this book looking for an adventure—and it delivered!” Broke, single and watching all her friends get engaged, married and pregnant, Cat finds herself having to scrounge up money for her frenemy’s wedding. So she joins forces with cute bartender Jake to pose as a couple, and swap the bride’s engagement ring for a fake. Along the way, Cat is surprised to find Jake might be more than just a partner in crime…will love win out over the con? Raves Alexandra, “This book was un-put-downable!” (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2023)

Fantasy

Circe by Madeline Miller

“We recently discovered a major leak in our roof, and were dealt a huge, unexpected financial blow,” sighs

Carey Ostergard, FIRST Executive Editor. “To manage my stress and fear over the cost, I escaped into this beautiful retelling of the witch Goddess Circe from The Odyssey.” The story follows Circe’s life from the halls of her father, the Sun God Helios, to her exile on the island of Aiaia, as she learns the meanings of love, loss and redemption. Raves Carey, “I loved how Circe found her power through facing obstacles…and it reminded me that I can too!” (Little, Brown and Co., 2018)

Thriller

Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica

“Facing a long weekend with no plans, I grabbed this book about a missing husband, and it captivated me from the first page,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST Executive Editor. Jake, a prominent young surgeon, is missing, and his wife, Nina, is beside herself. The last person to see him? Nina’s friend Lily, but Lily has only told that to her husband, Christian, and she swore him to secrecy. “The story was told from the points of view of Nina and Christian, leaving me wondering how trustworthy Lily was,” says Patty. “It kept me guessing!” (Park Row, 2023)

Historical mystery

The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton

“Excited for an upcoming trip, I wanted to get in ‘travel mode’ with this novel,” says Rachel Cosma, FIRST Health Director. Set in 1934, the story follows an engaged heiress named Catherine who’s hiding her past as she boards the SS Moro Castle from New York to Cuba. Also aboard: Elena, a woman presumed dead who’s seeking revenge on the person who wronged her. Both of their secrets are in danger of being exposed when the ship encounters a storm. “The vivid details made me feel like I was in Cuba,” says Rachel. “I got so lost in the mystery!” (Berkley, 2023)