7 books we’re loving now

Cozy mystery

Haunted House Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollos and Barbara Ross “Leading up to Halloween, I had some unexpected free time and was looking for a book to get myself in the spooky spirit,” says Melissa Sorrells, FIRST senior editor. “And this fun whodunit kept me entertained during the weekend lull!” Soon after Ty and Heather Moon move into a home in Tinker Cove, a coastal town in Maine, they notice strange noises and spooky flashing lights coming from the house. Then, when a local boy goes missing, it’s up to super sleuth Lucy Stone to figure out what’s really going on—and find the boy before it’s too late. “This was a read that kept me guessing until the end,” says Melissa. “The best part: Lucy’s bone-chilling case isn’t the only story in the book! This festive anthology includes two additional mini mysteries, so I’ll be busy for days!” (Kensington, 2019; Hardcover $26, Kindle $13, Nook $13)

Chick lit

A Curve in the Road by Julianne MacLean “Every year when the holidays start creeping up, I tend to question my choice not to have a family of my own,” reveals Tara Hans, FIRST managing editor. “I am so grateful for the family and friends I do have, but at times, I wonder what might’ve been. I picked up this read simply because it had a similar title to another book I loved, but little did I know, it was just the medicine I needed!” Abbie MacIntyre is living the dream life as a surgeon, married to a cardiologist, with a model teenage son and a loyal golden retriever. But then one night, when a drunk driver hits Abbie’s car, everything changes, and unimaginable secrets are brought to the surface.

“This reminded me that no matter your circumstances, nobody’s life is perfect,” says Tara. “By the end, I was proud of the path I’ve chosen to walk and grateful for all of the blessings that have come my way.” (Lake Union, 2018; Paperback $15, Kindle $5)

Self-help

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert “The continuous weekly grind of working, cooking and cleaning often leaves me drained—and I end up feeling blah,” says Larell Scardelli, FIRST assistant nutrition editor. “But this book by the beloved author of Eat, Pray, Love, was the perfect boost of motivation!” In it, Elizabeth Gilbert digs into her creative process and offers up easy-to-follow tips for finding magic and joy every day by uncovering the “strange jewels,” or hidden gifts, that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work or embark on a dream long deferred, her simple strategies infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion. “Her incredible outlook has already started stirring sparks of change in my life,” exclaims Larell. “Now I feel motivated and inspired to be the best version of me!” (Riverhead, 2016; Paperback $16, Kindle $14, Nook $13)

Contemporary fiction

The Other’s Gold by Elizabeth Ames “A weekend with my girlfriends had me feeling lonely once the festivities ended,” admits Leann Garofolo, FIRST assistant editor. “So I reached for this bighearted coming-of-age story about friendship as a lift.” Alice, Ji Sun, Margaret and Lainey met in college and became inseparable. As they navigate from their on-campus days to marriage, parenthood and beyond, each woman experiences her own life-altering “mistake.” Ultimately, it forces the clan to examine their bonds with one another and themselves. Says Leann, “This bittersweet story reminded me that true friends are always with you.” (Viking, 2019; Kindle $14, Hardcover $27, Nook $14)

Thriller

The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth “Some days, I’m on tech overload and I need to unplug,” shares Danielle Saliman, FIRST beauty director. “And this thriller was the perfect pause!” Lucy has the classic contentious relationship with her husband’s mother, Diana. With both Lucy and Diana as dual narrators, readers learn the details behind their dynamic, as well as the secrets that spur it on. So when Diana is found dead from suicide, but evidence points to murder, Lucy could be a suspect. Raves Danielle, “I couldn’t put this down!” (St. Martin’s, 2019; Hardcover $28, Kindle $15, Nook $15)

Romance

Don’t You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane “For me, ‘self-care’ means a face mask or a fun read,” laughs Lauren Gatcombe, FIRST senior editor. “And this rom-com was a true escape!” Georgina’s had a rough week—she was fired from her job and found her boyfriend with another woman. She soon scoops up a position at a newly opened pub, only to realize the owner is her first love, Lucas. Says Lauren, “Between all the witty banter and romance, I was both laughing and swooning—I loved this story!” (William Morrow, 2019; Paperback $16, Kindle $11, Nook $11)

Historical fiction

Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin “After a stressful day, I love escaping back in time with a good book,” says Rebecca Haynes, FIRST senior editor. “And this tale was my ticket!” Claude runs Paris’ famed Hotel Ritz with the help of his American wife, Blanche. Their marriage is troubled, but the glamour of the hotel sustains them. In 1940, with the war in full swing, the Germans set up a headquarters in the Ritz and the couple must play host to their Nazi “guests.” “When Blanche joined the French Resistance, the couple’s bond was put to an enthralling test,” says Rebecca. “History, suspense, lies, love…this rich saga had it all!” (Delacorte, 2019; Hardcover $28, Kindle $14, Nook $14)