Elsewhere has been haunting me since I read it, and it is still as gut-wrenching as I remember it being 10 years ago. They say to live every day like it is your last, and when I need a gratitude reminder, I always think of this amazing work by Gabrielle Zevin. The protagonists are experiencing their new normal in the afterlife, while grieving their time on earth as it slowly fades away from them. I recommend this book when you want a palate cleanser and a good, long, ugly crying session.
Wings of Starlight was a refreshing return to Never Land for this reader. I love some of the different adaptations and retellings of Peter Pan, but I also loved the mythos of the island itself, which is rarely explored. The faeries of Neverland play a large part in keeping the magic of the island alive, and the future Queen of the Faeries is in training when a threat like no one has ever encountered attacks the island. This book is perfect for light fantasy and romance, with a quest that is sure to keep you engaged as you try to unravel the mysteries of the monster, the Winter Woods, and the magic needed to keep Never Land standing.
The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare is by far my favorite in her body of work. Her Mortal Instruments series is very well known and spans six books that continue to affect the overall Shadowhunter World in multiple different series that follow other characters. Clockwork Angel is the first in this prequel series that is set in Victorian England and follows Tessa, who is completely unknown to this world of angels, demons, magic, and monsters. The characters are engaging and introduce readers to the world with ease. With paranormal threats, multiple romances, and a true love triangle to agonize about, there is much for a reader to enjoy from this trilogy!
The Seer and the Sword by Victoria Hanley is one of those rare finds that grow with you as a reader. The novel spans the lives of two protagonists whose destinies are intertwined after one kingdom invades the other and sets an epic story into motion. A favorite fantasy read of Librarian Chelsea, who would say it is similar to that of The Princess Bride without being able to spoil much else!
ArnieTex’s cookbook is a new addition to our nonfiction collection that Librarian Chelsea just can’t recommend enough. Whether you want to read about BBQ or explore TexMex cuisine, this cookbook contains over 100 Recipes for Mexican-American Cooking and Texas-style BBQ. The author also has a YouTube channel full of videos to follow along with for anyone wanting a visual to go alongside!
If you are a fan of the book or movie Practical Magic and ever wondered how the story began, the prequel novel Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman is highly recommended by our Librarian, Chelsea! She chose it for the Thursday Book Group meeting this September 18th at 5 pm. You won’t want to miss a fantastic novel exploring England, New England, and more as Maria Owens discovers her own magic and family in the 1600s.
