Bookshelf: New & Notable

This time of year sees tons of new releases. Here's a peek at some new titles in the shop:

 The Accident & The Expats: Fast paced modern spy novels

 Night at Shanghai: Latest by Nicole Mones (Lost in Translation & Cup of Light)

Storied Life of A.J. Fikry: Indie Booksellers darling of late, now in paperback

Girl You Left Behind: Brit Lit phenom's latest (JoJo Moyes of Me Without You fame)

Dominion: (see description below....)

Signature of All Things: Elizabeth Gilbert's first foray into historical fiction

Revolutionary: Based on story of female soldier of Revolution

Baker Street Letters: Brother in modern-day London move into 221B Baker St. (aka  Sherlock Holmes' fictional address) & inundated with letters asking for Sherlock's services. Result: 1) they become sleuths as they try to help, and 2) we get a new mystery series to read! 

The Founding: Morland Family Chronicles: A past favorite historical series of mine. Chronicles the Morland family from Tudor era to 21st century. Author currently publishing #35 in the series (yes....there's now 35 books in the series. I've read these first 3 and enjoyed them)


Here's what I'm currently reading:

A novel that reads like a memoir. A wacky sounding plot: young Vietnamese English Lit PhD candidate embarks upon researching a family legend connected to Rose Wilder Lane (aka Laura Ingalls Wilder's fearless, intrepid journalist-daughter). Seemingly implausible but at same time illuminating. A reflection upon two vastly different immigrant stories a century apart. I'm enjoying because: 1) I love anything about the Little House saga, especially about the often difficult, complex and codependent true story of Rose & Laura. 2) It's a fast read, engaging and frankly....I love anything with a mystery at the focal point.

(Not to be confused with the other Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Biography, newly released and so so hot it's out of stock with publisher....but I do have a few copies on back order so we'll get later in April!)

Next on the Stack & the March Book Club Pick: 

A "What If Britain Lost WW2?" historical fiction title. Written by author of the popular Mathew Shardlake historical mystery series set in Tudor England. I've just the first chapter and already can't wait to get home tonight to read more. Perfect timing too: I've just finished binge watching newest Foyle's War and ready to stay in post-War England. This is my most anticipated new paperback release this year so far. Thrilled book group picked it!!

Few more notables:

Pioneer Girl: (see description above...)

Longbourn: Not brand new but on my to-read list. Behind the scenes story of the Bennett Family servants (aka Downstairs to the Upstairs story of Austen's Pride and Prejudice). And frankly....I'm missing all things-Jane lately and could do with a good dose of Austenland inspired fiction. 

White Gardenia: newest release by highly successful Belinda Alexander (Tuscan Rose). 

Birds of a Lesser Paradise: Short stories by Megan Bergman with theme of "birds". Brought it in to read before jumping into her latest: Almost Famous Women (theme of women behind famous women). And yes....this great looking cover did influence my decision somewhat!