Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews

Publishers Weekly called the latest novel, ROAD TRIP, by Mary Kay Andrews “perfect for the beach bag” and it is a light read, with a combination of historical fiction, mystery, and romance. Two adult (thirty-something) sisters, practical professor Maeve and carefree struggling actress Therese, are brought together by their mother’s recent death and her squandering of funds on a televangelist. She wanted them to repair their relationship with a trip to Ireland and they travel, hoping to establish provenance for a family painting and thereby secure an inheritance. At first, the sisters are not very likeable characters, but the trip gradually transform them. Plus, Andrews weaves in the story of Kathleen Connor, who emigrated to America in 1926 and of an IRA heist in the mid-1970s with the present-day quest. At the end, the sisters learn to admire and emulate “all the gutsy, ballsy women in our family who’ve picked up the pieces and kept going.”

The Chase by Felix Francis

THE CHASE by Felix Francis continues in the tradition of the excellent horse racing mysteries by Dick Francis. In this case, his son, Felix, shares a tale about almost fifty-year-old Fabian Tulley who runs an art gallery. The paintings and sculptures he buys and sells are generally related to the racing world and horses; plus, Tulley’s father is a trainer with horses in major races, so he is definitely involved in that world. Easing into retirement does not look likely for Tulley when an unpleasant client very publicly accuses him of knowingly selling a forged painting. Troubles compound when more paintings are vandalized and Tulley is physically attacked. To me, THE CHASE is stronger (and closer in style to an original Dick Francis novel) than Francis’ previous offerings largely because of the way he shares Tulley’s musings and suppositions with the reader. THE CHASE received a starred review from Booklist (“It’s fascinating to follow his [Francis’] hero into art galleries and auctions as well as the stable and racetrack.”) and is scheduled to be published on September 8.

The Book of Birds by Macfarlane and Morris

I requested a preview of THE BOOK OF BIRDS by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris for several reasons: it was the notable nonfiction LibraryReads selection in June 2026; Macfarlane also wrote Is a River Alive? (New York Times bestseller and on my TBR list due to being highly recommended by a voracious reader friend); and the general interest in birds by our book group members. However, this “Field Guide to Wonder and Loss” was actually somewhat disappointing to me because it did not include sections on common birds like robins and cardinals. I think this is because the authors chose to focus on endangered species and, understandably, seem to have included birds more likely to be found in the UK. They crafted 49 amazing essays along with colorful illustrations of species such as kestrel, puffin, and woodcocks. The clever essays are sometimes written in first person and the illustrations are gorgeous. Saying, “bird lovers will be delighted,” Publishers Weekly gave THE BOOK OF BIRDS a starred review (“The ordinary becomes extraordinary in this ode to the wonders of the natural world”) and Booklist described it as a “radiant, exhilarating, and invaluable creation.”   

I found myself being especially grateful for this introduction to the beautiful artwork of Jackie Morris (how did I miss his voluminous work for young children?) and the previous Macfarlane-Morris collaborations, The Lost Words (voted the most beautiful book of 2016 by UK booksellers) and The Lost Spells, both of which seem truly magical. I want to spend more time with them and their accompanying resources, like the Spring Edition Explorer’s Guide. 

Here, to offer a sense of their talent, is a short video on The Red Fox:

Inside the Box by David Epstein

INSIDE THE BOX by David Epstein (Range) presents his arguments on “How Constraints Make Us Better.” Epstein uses multiple stories and anecdotes to illustrate his point that too much choice can actually impede creativity. He discusses the benefits of ruthlessly prioritizing, “stop starting and start finishing,” and one page press releases (based on advice from Tony Fadell). In a recent New York Times piece, Epstein references Nobel Laureate Herbert Simon and contrasts Maximizers with Satisficers, claiming “that the path to the best outcome runs directly through the willingness to stop searching long before you’ve exhausted the options” (think about trying to choose a streaming service and video to watch). INSIDE THE BOX received a starred review from Publishers Weekly (“Through captivating case studies, Epstein reveals the transformative power of obstacles. It’s a game changer.”) and positive “blurbs” from Angela Duckworth, Seth Godin, Adam Grant, and Daniel Pink. Notes and references comprise roughly twenty-five percent of the text. A favorite story for me was referenced in The Wall Street Journal review: “Mr. Epstein used to make long lists that compelled multitasking and induced anxiety. Now, he writes, ‘at the top of each list is one single thing that, if accomplished, will mean it was a good day.’ This forced prioritizing means that he chooses something worth doing, does it and moves forward.” 

The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead

THE FUTURE SAINTS by Ashley Winstead was a LibraryReads Hall of Fame selection for January and deservedly so. This is a novel which deals with strong emotions shared through the actions of appealing characters. Hannah Cortland is the lead singer whose band is on its way down, due in part to the death a few months ago of their manager and in part to Hannah’s alcohol use and self-destructive behavior. In steps a new manager, Theo Ford, and the dynamics change rapidly as the band’s new and darker songs, along with some spectacular antics, build awareness and interest through social media. United in devastating grief, Hannah and the other band members (handsome bassist "Ripper" Ravishankar and gentle drummer Kenny Lovins) gradually accept Theo into their “found family.” Together, they push back against the pressures of sudden fame and corporate balance sheets, but not without some ruptures along the way. THE FUTURE SAINTS received starred reviews from Booklist (“emotional, unflinching story of grief and fame”) and Publishers Weekly (“readers will fly through the pages to find out whether Hannah will manage to tame her demons in time”). Highly recommended. 

Crochet a Quiet Book by Ariana Wimsett

CROCHET A QUIET BOOK by Ariana Wimsett is designed to “Create a Soft Book Full of Playful Pages.” Wimsett is a crochet designer and blogger who runs the Crafting Happiness website and YouTube channel. What a variety of cute projects! I especially like the 3 in 1 baby blankets on her site – my great-grandmother crocheted a baby blanket for me decades ago! Wimsett’s recent book is just 48 pages, but it is filled with pictures, charts, and helpful instructions to crochet a book/toy for a favorite baby. In addition to turning pages to look at the animals, the baby will have some wonderful tactile experiences – feeling a horse’s mane, moving a duck up and down, or flying some “busy” bees. The creation does not appear to be too difficult, and the colorful book could make a memorable family keepsake, too.

The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani

THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO by Adriana Trigiani is a coming-of-age story from a favorite author about Italian American families, culture, and expectations. Trigiani introduces readers to Giuseppina Capodimonte Baratta (called Jess), a recently divorced thirty-something who has moved back in with her parents in Lake Como, New Jersey and handles household chores (e.g., the big Sunday dinner) somewhat resentfully. Jess was not able to go away to college and has worked for her childless Uncle Louie as a designer at his marble and stone importing company. She is finally allowing herself to dream a bit, especially about the trip to Italy that Louie has promised. A premature death thwarts those plans, but Jess perseveres and challenges herself to find independence and forgiveness. Amongst the advice for her: “When adapting to a new environment, be kind to yourself. Making friends and acclimating is a process. Seek comfort and familiarity but set a goal to talk to someone you don't know every day. You will be empowered to form bonds and make friends.” Romance, family history, and a visit to the original Lake Como await. THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO received starred reviews from Booklist (“this may be her best yet”) and Library Journal (“a captivating and memorable read”). Be sure to also look for Trigiani’s debut novel Big Stone Gap (published 25 years ago), Big Cherry Holler, Milk Glass Moon or one of over a dozen other titles she has written.

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

MY FRIENDS by Fredrik Backman (A Man Called Ove and many more) will have readers laughing out loud, but it will also make them incredibly sad. There is so much clever wordplay (read the first paragraph!) that I almost gave up highlighting. Yet, there is also a great deal of death and reflection upon carrying on without our friends: “when the love of our life falls asleep for the last time, because when the soul leaves the body, evidently the last thing it does is tie our shoelaces together. In the weeks following the death we trip over thin air. It's the soul's fault.” With grief as a companion, Backman builds a friendship between Louisa, a creative young woman aging out of the care system, and Ted, a former high school teacher trying to find renewed purpose. They are an unlikely pair who meet because of a painting (a source of solace for Louisa) and the artist (a dear friend of Ted’s) who painted it. Eventually riding together on a cross-country train journey, Ted reaches back twenty-five years to tell Louisa the story of his friendship with the artist, Joar, and Ali, all fourteen-year-old characters in the famous painting. There is quite a bit of physical pain and mental anguish in that story due primarily to the abusive violence exhibited by some of the teens’ relatives. Louisa shares some of her own painful stories of life in foster homes and a lost friend, called Fish. Throughout, Backman places a great deal of emphasis on youthful friendships and the healing power of creativity. He writes, “the ultimate expression of love is nagging, we don't nag anyone the way we nag the people we love. All parents know that, and so do all best friends.” Ted and Louisa banter, bond, get on each other’s nerves, and care for each other as their own friendship develops and the story continues, certain to surprise readers. MY FRIENDS is a LibraryReads Hall of Fame selection for May 2025 and received a starred review from Booklist (“Irrepressible humor, boundless grief, and eternal loyalty coalesce.”) As Ted remarks, “what I hate most isn't that people die. What I hate most is that they're dead. That I'm alive, without them.”  

The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay

THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE by Katherine Reay is described by the publisher as “perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Ariel Lawhon.” Given that I enjoy their work (and Fiona Davis praised it, too) I truly expected to be able to recommend Reay’s latest historical fiction/mystery. The cover is beautiful and eye-catching, but the story moves slowly and the alternating narrators, young Lily and her boss, Diana, who work at London’s Tate Gallery, are not very engaging. Lily, especially, has issues of confidence and is constantly apologizing. Diana, though bravely battling misogyny in the 1970’s curation and art world in Britain, also struggles for recognition, especially from her older husband. They put on a terrific exhibition, but Lily naively (and publicly) calls Picasso’s Woman Laughing a forgery. Is it? Can she prove it? Will their careers survive? Why did she say that? Booklist calls THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE “[a] fascinating look behind the scenes of art dealings and the workings of the museum;” hopefully readers interested in that aspect (like the Historical Novel Society which recommended this title) will have more patience than I did. The audiobook is narrated quite well by Fiona Hardingham and Saskia Maarleveld, but even listening at a higher speed does not really move the story along. 

I also just finished SOMEONE ALWAYS NEARBY by Susan Wittig Albert for a book group discussion. I was struck by the parallels since this, too, is historical fiction, about art, told by multiple narrators, and the younger main character apologizes profusely. Albert is writing about Georgia O’Keefe, and her “slave” (a term apparently used by O’Keefe), Maria Chabot. Chabot managed O’Keefe’s New Mexican properties for many years, apparently for little monetary reward. Once again, it is hard to understand the characters’ motivation. O’Keefe is described in third person and her thoughts about creativity and art are rarely shared. Instead, Maria relates a story (in first person) of exploitation for several decades beginning in the 1940’s. Albert clearly did a great deal of research; even though these women are not presented in a particularly flattering way, much of the book is based on the many letters between O’Keefe and Chabot. Albert also provides a list of recommended reading and her descriptions of the area rekindled my hope to visit New Mexico. 

The Maid's Secret by Nita Prose

THE MAID'S SECRET by Nita Prose (The Maid and The Mystery Guest) is a LibraryReads Hall of Fame selection for April and received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in this series offering. It was not centered on Molly, but instead told the story of Flora, her grandmother, who was involved in a youthful romance many years ago. Yes, there were ties to wealth, both in the past and involving a stressful theft in the present, but the mystery, while surprising, was not especially engaging. And most of the events (how many people own a Fabergé egg?) were hard to imagine as having any connection to reality. I missed Molly’s gentle goodness, her reliance on her grandmother’s wisdom, and the drama within the hotel walls. Looking forward to a return to form in the next in this series.

The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper

THE LIBRARY OF LOST DOLLHOUSES by Elise Hooper shares the stories of Tildy, a young librarian living in present day San Francisco, and Cora, a talented artist who lived in the early twentieth century. Their connection is the Belva Curtis LeFarge Library where Tildy discovers two long hidden dollhouses. As the alternating stories enfold, readers learn about Cora’s early life, travels in Europe, love affairs with both men and women, and her time during and after World War I when she began creating the miniatures. Although the story is sometimes a bit too slow-paced, Hooper certainly motivates her readers to reflect on the contributions of little recognized female artists (for a novel with a similar theme, see Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Vreeland). For me, the best part of Hooper’s book was the description of the intricate, detailed work on the dollhouses and their contents. Both the Thorne Rooms (on display in Chicago) and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House (near London) are mentioned in the book and Hooper explains that “there's actually a psychological rationale to explain our affinity for small things: dollhouses offer us a sense of control and imagination. They can provide a feeling of agency. Miniatures allow us to create the world as we'd like to see it.” The audiobook is narrated by Emily Rankin and Caroline Hewitt who provide a clear and entertaining account of Cora’s and Tildy’s adventures. THE LIBRARY OF LOST DOLLHOUSES is a bonus fiction pick for LibraryReads in April 2025. Booklist recommends it for fans of Kate Morton and Fiona Davis.

Anna Maria's Blueprint Quilting by Anna Maria Parry

ANNA MARIA'S BLUEPRINT QUILTING is the fourth book by Anna Maria Parry, an artist, seamstress and fabric designer. The quilts are absolutely stunning and she offers 16 projects ranging from beginner through confident beginner to intermediate and advanced. The text is organized so as to “Explore Color, Pattern, and Technique” and separate sections deal with these, covering topics like composition, material choice, and necessary tools. Anna Maria offers four “blueprints:” Grand Central (square), Triptych; Kiss on the Lips (an “X” style) and Color Study (using gradations).  Each project (there are 4 for each blueprint) includes notes on color choice, fabric, and cutting as well as sewing and assembly. Both photographs and colorful diagrams of the quilts are included. This is a very comprehensive book, although the projects seem large (mostly full-size quilts) and complex for the most part. A true feast for the eyes (see images below). In its starred review, Publishers Weekly praised: “Parry’s sophisticated artistic sensibilities [which] set this apart from standard quilting manuals.” 

 
Just by chance I saw a show on PBS about The Violet Protest which involved a grassroots movement using handmade textile squares as a form of social action and to promote unity across political positions. The roughly 30 minute documentary is available online at this link and embedded below:

Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson

DEATH AT THE SIGN OF THE ROOK by Kate Atkinson is a novel featuring Jackson Brodie and was a LibraryReads Hall of Fame selection for September. Ever curious to meet new characters and knowing Atkinson’s strong reputation, I asked for a preview of this recently published book. I felt as though it meandered quite a bit and was not all that surprised to see a Booklist review which concluded: “A lack of background about Brodie could make this confusing for new readers, but it's a treat for fans of the series.” I hope to go back and start at the beginning of Atkinson’s series about Brodie as this is well-written. Interested readers will find more positive insight from professional reviewers at NPR, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post.

Identity Designed: The Process by David Airey

IDENTITY DESIGNED: THE PROCESS by David Airey builds on his earlier work which deals with visual branding. Airey, an independent graphic designer from Northern Ireland, includes a section in his new text for each of these steps Research, Strategy, Design, Implementation. If nothing else, it will convince readers that the experts in this profession certainly have unique talents. Airey’s previous works, Logo Design Love and Identity Designed, each have an accompanying website and are often referenced in design courses. These are well worth the look as readers can investigate the rationale for and evolution of trademarks for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, Guinness beer, and much more. Many of the projects also contain links to recommended printers, photographers, copywriters, web developers, and so on – quite an education in itself. This latest book is written primarily for designers and is somewhat text heavy, but filled with examples (Airey's acknowledgements recognizes almost two dozen studio contributors). The most poignant piece of advice? “If you think good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of bad design.”

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl

THE PARIS NOVEL by Ruth Reichl is an April 2024 Hall of Fame Title for Library Reads. Reichl has written a cookbook, another novel, and several memoirs (Garlic and Sapphires is a personal favorite). In her latest, she builds once again on her own love of food and experience as a restaurant critic to describe several delightful meals. All were prepared and presented in Paris or nearby, and many are attributed to real life chefs “who changed the shape of dining in France,” including Antoine Magnin, Marc Meneau, Jean Troisgros, and Alain Passard. Reichl’s main character is a “lost soul” named Stella, a thirty-three-year-old woman who suffered abuse as a child and has yet to find confidence in herself. Travelling to Paris after her neglectful mother’s death, Stella gradually develops a sense of purpose and begins to flourish. Even as an adult, Stella is incredibly naïve, fearful, and introverted, so it is not always easy to accept the decisions she makes, but her life is transformed through food, art, and books. Finding community and support allows her to feel safe and to open up to possibilities. A hopeful tale from a talented writer.  

The Lantern's Dance by Laurie R. King

THE LANTERN’S DANCE by Laurie R. King is the latest in the suspense series featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes and this is one of King’s best. She separates the protagonists (Russell has hurt her foot and stays behind) which cleverly allows each to narrate portions of this tale. Always curious, Russell discovers an old, coded journal and sets about deciphering its contents which, in turn, relay the life story of an adventuresome woman. Holmes, meanwhile, is off to try to protect the lives of his son (Damian Adler) and his family. There had been a break-in at Damian’s home and Holmes focuses on figuring out motive and assessing the potential danger. Readers will likely suspect an overlap in these two situations as they loop between past and present in an entertaining and surprising manner. Employing a clever puzzle and artful description, King skillfully provides additional backstory for her main characters. Can’t wait for the next one!

It's amazing to realize that 2024 marks the thirtieth anniversary of publication of The Beekeeper's Apprentice, first in this remarkable series.