Books You Want to Share Staff Picks (5/28/24)

This month, we’re sharing the books that make us want to hand them to a loved one immediately after we finish them!

AMANDA’S PICK: THE SPELLSHOP BY SARAH BETH DURST

I would hand this book to a loved one because reading it felt like the biggest hug. This is the perfect book for any TJ Klune fans looking for their next found family cozy fantasy read. A country is going through political upheaval, and a librarian from the Great Library flees the city during a coup, taking some of the books with her. She returns to her childhood island home to hide out, and can’t resist helping the island and townspeople with some of the forbidden magic in the books. It is just so cozy as she forms relationships with townspeople and her handsome neighbor and discovers the joy of magic and connection. You can start this book knowing that nothing really bad happens and really lean into its warm hug. Katherine Arden calls it “a warm, peaceful delight of a novel” and I couldn’t agree more.

Available for download on Edelweiss and NetGalley. LibraryReads votes due by June 1st.

EMILY’S PICK: THE RULES OF ROYALTY BY CALE DIETRICH

I don’t think I know anyone in my life who doesn’t love The Princess Diaries, so what could be better than a queer retelling of a beloved classic movie? When Jamie Johnson finds out he’s the heir to the throne of a southern European country, his world is flipped upside down. He has no idea how to be a prince. Enter: Erik Von Rosenborg, the spare prince in a northern European country. Erik is offered the chance to tutor the new American prince in the ways of royalty. As the two work through the intricacies of royal etiquette, politics, and history, a connection sparks between them that puts both of their futures at risk. Now they must decide whether to honor their hearts or their countries. In addition to my friends who love The Princess Diaries, this delightful royal love story will also appeal to fans of Heartstopper, I KISSED SHARA WHEELER, and TOKYO EVER AFTER.

Available for download on Edelweiss.

MICHELLE’S PICK: THE GARDENER’S PLOT BY DEBORAH J. BENOIT

I always love recommending a cozy to my friends and family because there’s pretty much no chance they won’t love it! This adorable debut mystery absolutely fits the bill with its idyllic setting, gardening references, amateur female sleuth, and budding (pun intended) romance with a detective. This delightful tale takes readers to the heart of the Berkshires and introduces Maggie Walker, who signs up to help Violet Bloom set up a community garden. But when opening day arrives, Violet is nowhere to be found. Things go from bad to worse when Maggie finds a body buried in one of the gardening plots. Suddenly, the police are looking for a killer and they keep asking questions about Violet. But Maggie doesn’t believe her friend could do this and she’s going to dig up the dirt needed to prove it. If you loved UNDER LOCK & SKELETON KEY, THE CURSE OF PENRYTH HALL, and ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD, don’t miss this one!

Available for download on Edelweiss and NetGalley. LibraryReads votes due by October 1st.

ELLIE’S PICK: MY THREE DOGS BY W. BRUCE CAMERON

When choosing a book to recommend to family and friends, we must remember those with four legs. Bruce Cameron’s MY THREE DOGS reminds us that for dog lovers anywhere, our pets are family. From the internationally bestselling author of A DOG’S PURPOSE, this charming new novel about humankind’s best, most loyal friend, is a wonderful adventure of love and finding home. As a result of a tragic accident, three dogs are torn from their family and placed for adoption. A family no more. But Riggs, an Australian Shepherd with a heart of gold, refuses to see his family torn apart. After Archie, the exuberant and fun-loving doodle,  and Luna, quick-witted Jack Russell, are taken to new homes, Riggs’ powerful herding instincts send him on a journey to bring his pack back together again. Will the dogs reunite? How will this family become whole again? This novel truly pulls on the heartstrings–but is ultimately healing. Readers who cried during Marley & Me will be drawn to this tale of hope, companionship, and love. This whirlwind adventure will remind you why dogs truly are man’s best friend.

Available for download on Edelweiss and NetGalley. LibraryReads votes due by September 1st.