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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Tapping into Your Power

The following two books celebrate powerful characters who overcome their fears to manifest their greatness for the benefit of themselves, their loved ones and communities. So satisfying. [2 books from left to right: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna, Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff] A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna contemporary speculative romance Berkeley, July 2025 Sera's story of navigating otherness was worth the wait. The advantages, responsibilities, and consequences of being powerful are explored with nuanced observations, humor, and compassion. Themes on distinctions between family by blood, choice, and intention weave throughout this poignant tale about paying attention and recognizing personal details as fundamental to the evolution of one's perspective on who and what are valuable. One of my favorite passages from the end of chapter nineteen: Like this was a thing that had, somehow, become...

Beach Reads That Sizzle (in Many Ways)

It's a miracle that so many actual and imagined human young survive into adulthood, and then on to old age. The following books offer entertaining and provocative tales of challenges, misadventures, and triumphs. [a collage of 4 images: upper left - It Had to Be You hardcover Thorndike Press large print edition set on the edge of a small table between 2 chairs; upper right - a "BEACH" tote bag in a striped beach chair along with a paperback ARC of Up in Smoke; lower left - a paperback copy of An Evening at the Hotel on a wood table next to a beach umbrella; lower right - a paperback copy of All Super-Heroes Need PR] All Super-Heroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens contemporary speculative romance Amazon Publishing, May 2025 Vanessa's story delivers a riveting aliens-among-us origin story, a fake romance with unexpected twists, and nuanced workplace interpersonal dynamics that offer drama, humor, razor sharp social commentary, and visceral memories of past chi...

TWWBF Grand Finale Gratitude & More Books

The 6th and grand finale The Write Women Book Fest 2025 event last weekend was phenomenal! It exceeded our most ambitious hopes during these very challenging times. Many, many heartfelt thanks to the each of the featured authors, tabling authors & their assistants, TWWBF Poet Laureate Aressa V. Williams, performing poets, storytime readers in the children's area, narrators, author and publishing services professionals... Special thanks to the 2/3 of the TBR Trio who attended, a dynamic IG influencer, and each and every attendee who engaged with participants and bought books and merch. And to the volunteers, Bowie Comfort Inn staff, the team at South Bowie Branch Library, and as always, our conscientious, tireless team of dedicated TWWBF voluntolders, expressions of gratitude beyond words! [a "The Write Women Book Fest" journal, a tote bag with "Maria Secoy Romantic Suspense" and a smaller "Thank you" tote bag] [a collage of 3 images: left - pla...

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