7 books we’re loving now
Nonfiction
The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi by Kathie Lee Gifford, with Rabbi Jason Sobel “When April showers left me longing for the spring sun, I turned to Kathie Lee Gifford’s new book on faith to see if I could find some inner sunshine,” says Alexandra Pollock, FIRST senior editor. “It brightened my spirit and my day!” In a quest to learn more about God and gain a deeper understanding of His word, Kathie Lee takes readers on a journey through the biblical landmarks of Israel, following in Jesus’ footsteps, while Messianic Rabbi Jason Sobel illuminates God’s word through his translation of the original Hebrew text. “As God’s word came to life with each new insight, I could see and feel the depth of His love in every word choice and tender description,” gushes Alex. “I left off feeling so full of light, and now every time I open my Bible, I feel closer to Him than ever before!” (Thomas Nelson, 2018; Hardcover $25, Kindle $10, Nook $10)
Romance
The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo “My favorite way to pass the time on a quiet Sunday is by getting lost in a love story,” sighs Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST senior editor. “From Gone With the Wind to The Notebook, I’m a total sucker for romance. So when a friend mentioned this novel left her starry-eyed, I swiped it up!” Lucy and Gabe meet as seniors at Columbia University on a day that changes their lives forever. When they both decide they want their careers to make a true difference in the world, their initial connection deepens and they fall in love amid the glittering chaos of their favorite city: New York. But as soon as free-spirited Gabe is granted his dream job as a photojournalist in the Middle East, everything Lucy knows—about life and love—changes. “Once I read a few pages, I was enthralled,” says Melissa. “I was rooting for Lucy and Gabe, whose passionate, romantic tale proves that love does conquer all.” (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2018; Paperback $16, Kindle $12, Nook $12)
Psychological thriller
Liar by K.L. Slater “I was procrastinating heavily on some much-needed spring cleaning in my closet,” admits Tara Hans, FIRST senior copy chief. “So I sat down with this book in the hopes that it would invigorate me to get moving—and it definitely did!” Single dad Ben is raising his children with the help of his devoted mother, Judi, when a new love interest enters stage left. Amber seems like a perfect match for Ben, but when dubious Judi delves into Amber’s personal life for more information, she quickly uncovers some shocking secrets that, if shared, could lead to disastrous consequences. “From the very first chapter to the explosive, never-saw-it-coming ending, I could not put this book down,” raves Tara. “I had so much adrenaline pumping when I turned the last page that I felt like I could tackle the rest of my tasks in no time.” (Bookouture, 2017; Paperback $11, Kindle $4, Nook $4)