High Anxiety & Hopefulness

In real life the harsh truths of war compete with the majestic images and inspiring words of the successful Artemis II mission. The following fiction reads examine the complicated nature of humans on Earth.

[3 books from left to right: The Charmed Library, Hearts on the Fly, Husband of the Year]

The Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman wasn't available for renewal due to being requested by a whole lot of other patrons (yay for this author!) so I'll try again. The speculative supernatural premise is very intriguing.

Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh

Christian contemporary romance

Bethany House Publishers, February 2026

Val and Jabari struggle with unexpected circumstances that challenge them to reconsider the purpose of their lives. Personal and professional connections make things messy.

Husband of the Year (Teachers in Love #4) by M.A. Wardell

contemporary romance

Forever, 2025

Olan and Marvin each believe they've found their forever love. Now they're forced to work out healthy ways to protect and grow their love despite internal and external pressures, and planning a destination wedding. Variations on choosing to love and accept people while setting boundaries anchors this charming romp that addresses serious themes.

[The Harvey Girl atop Still Into You, both atop a trade paperback book showing only its bottom edges; all three books stacked atop a folded polka-dotted gift bag and a decorative gift box]

The Harvey Girl by Dana Stabenow

19th c. historical mystery

Head of Zeus, March 2026

Intrepid Pinkerton agents, bold outlaw robbers, and clever placement of cameos of actual historical figures make this investigative saga about operative Clare Wright a page turner.

Still Into You by Erin Connor

contemporary romance

Forever, February 2026

Sloane and Dax have history. Like so many first loves, the end was painful. Three years later working together could relaunch both of their professional paths to greatness if they're willing to risk working together. Super angsty drama with the early 2000s grunge rock scene as backdrop unfolds along with sharp commentary about the gendered, racial, and socioeconomic factors that influence media coverage and spin.

Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, safety, joy & some pleasure every day

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Everyday Magic & Genre Mashups

Three outstanding reads by authors who've crafted irresistible tales that defy the confines of the narrow expectations of a single genre. [three books arranged face up, from left to right: Chocolate Chip City, He's To Die For, The Baby Dragon Cafe] Chocolate Chip City by Be Steadwell contemporary speculative fiction with romance Bywater Books, June 2025 In this lyrical, lush composition three sisters, Jasmine, Ella and Layla, embody riffs on power: of the individual, family, community, culture; attraction, repulsion, collaboration. It's anchored in harsh realities while using magical realism and sharp humor to explore the often awkward and discouraging search for purpose, acceptance, and love in the context of life and the socio-economic pyramid scheme of capitalism. Its recurring variations on themes of erasure and reclaiming legacies echo a present-day continuum of The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope and an emotional texture reminiscent of Like ...

Heartthrobs, Zombie Mobs & Hollywood Divas

Laughs, gore and drama galore! [3 trade paperback books from left to right: One Death at a Time, He Falls First, Zom RomCom] One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman contemporary mystery Berkley, April 2025 Sobriety challenges, meetings, an uneasy alliance, a road trip, an assortment of unusual and unlikely allies, betrayals, lots of laugh and profound sentiment make Julia and Natasha's journey an enjoyable ride even as it addresses ageism sexism with organic candor. He Falls First by Jill Shalvis contemporary romance Sourcebooks Casablanca, August 2025 This love story focuses on the joy of support offered by biological and found family even as it references the evolution of recovery from past experiences of domestic violence. Zom RomCom by Olivia Dade contemporary speculative adventure romance Berkley Romance, August 2025 A laugh-aloud spoof of manmade horrors with its own unique quirkiness that delivers so ...

Deja Vu, Recalibrating, Pyramid Schemes & Narcissists

More satisfying romances from an array of talented authors who love love to help offset the real-life ethical and moral horrors shared in a riveting memoir. [3 trade paperback books arranged face-up atop a closed piano, from left to right: Pugs & Kisses, When Javi Dumped Mari, All's Fair in Love and Pickleball] Pugs & Kisses by Farrah Rochon contemporary adult romance Hachette Book Group, July 2025 Evie's juggling a lot personally and professionally. Can the man who ghosted her years ago earn her forgiveness and regain her trust enough to work with her to achieve her personal and professional goals? Revealing those answers offers readers a charming tale of wooing. When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa contemporary adult romance G.P. Putnam's Sons, June 2025 In the decade since they became college besties, Mari and Javi have decisions to make. WIll they jeopardize the shaky stability of the status quo or risk their hearts and the futur...

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