Laurie's Picks
Laurie has worked here since 2014 and is currently our main daytime bookseller. Although an avid reader of mystery and suspense, historical fiction is her favorite. If you're looking for a recommendation, she's likely to have a fresh title in mind for any of these genres.
SEPTEMBER 2022
Sarah Shoemaker does it again! Read our very own local author’s historical fiction about the conflict between the Turks and the Greeks taking place in early 1900s Smyrna on the Mediterranean Sea. Your heart will truly expand to embrace the plight of the main character, liana, and her family. Her hopes, dreams, difficulties, sorrows and love are expressed with each written word.
The plot is based on well-researched facts of the previous Ottoman empire’s civil unrest, it’s causes, and it’s aftermath. The importance of family and relationships are so key to the story; the dreams fade, but survival must always overcome!
AUGUST 2022
Read this tale of a young girl trying to help an aged aunt with the renovation of a decrepit mansion on the cliffs of Cornwall before it is taken off her hands. As she returns the home to its former glory, secrets from the 1940s come to light. Danger and two strong heroines complete this page turning story of love, regret, and hope.If you like Kate Morton and Daphne DuMaurier, two of my favorite authors, do not miss this mesmerizing read!!
JULY 2022
Love Charleston, South Carolina? Ghosts? Old houses? This is the debut of the Tradd Street series. A Charleston real estate agent gets more than she bargains for when she starts to renovate a home that has been bequeathed to her. This tale is full of great Charlestonian history, mystery, and imagination, along with a little romantic tension. A great summer read! Trust me, you won't just stop with the first book!
MAY 2022
A tiny owl dreams of being a knight and is asked to patrol during the darkest hours, testing his bravery.
Low and behold, he comes across a very large scary dragon and tests his knightly skills.
Ultimately, this one-of-a-kind book is about kindness and building friendships.
What a great way to build character in a child!
APRIL 2022
This brilliant saga supports the fact that Stephanie Dray is fast approaching the role as my favorite female author.Based on an extraordinary castle in France -- the Marquis de Lafayette's birthplace and home throughout much of his life -- and three strong amazing women bound together by it's legacy, this book sings with years of important history. One woman is a founding mother, wife of a hero of both our American Revolution and France's French Revolution. Another is a visionary who sought to save the castle during World War I times. A third is a French resister who transforms the castle during World War II into a life saving entity. All come together to keep Lafayette's strength and memory alive through duty, hope, love, and courage. Powerful characters who truly make a difference!
MARCH 2022
From the author who gave us the well loved mystery series Rosato & Associates, beginning with "Everywhere That Mary Went", comes her historical fiction debut!In this tale of loyalty and loss, family and food, and love and war, Rome is poignantly portrayed as a beautiful city while at the same time displaying the utter heartbreak of the Italian Holocaust. Very heart wrenching in its dealing with antisemitism, Eternal follows three main characters during Mussolini's terror and beyond for decades. Overall, an amazing story of heroism and survival that is simply unforgettable!
FEBRUARY 2022
Who was this Mrs. Astor? where did she come from and how did she meet John Jacob Astor? What is their story - both its beginning and tragic ending?As you step back in time to the Gilded Age and the lives of the rich and famous, you'll glimpse emotions, hope and heartbreak. Learn of the scandal that their relations caused both before and after the tragic sinking of the Titanic and how life changed for Madeline Astor in more ways than just losing her love. So much more than just a retelling of that ill fated voyage, this book reflects love, tolerance (or lack of), equality, and humanity!
JANUARY 2022
Read this heart-pounding adventure of a sought after woman tormentingly being chased across the western wilderness in the early 1900s. Her survival is pitted against starvation, exhaustion, and occasional worries of madness. The back story of her history drives the plot and lyrical visions of beautiful nature are woven throughout this stunning novel. You won't be able to put this one down.
December 2021
At this most wonderful time of the year, who doesn't just want to walk through that wardrobe into the world of Narnia and experience all the wonder!A young boy who is seriously ill is questioning where this wonderful story came from. He asks his older college age sister, who attends Oxford University where the author teaches, to talk to Mr C.S. Lewis and to find out "how he created Narnia."In heart wrenching snippets, she meets with Mr. Lewis and conveys a gradual picture to her little brother: one of C.S. Lewis' past and how his own history led to led to the present story that we all know and love! Once again, Patti Callahan's beautiful heartfelt writing wins our respect! A love letter to the magic of stories.
NOVEMBER 2021
A new heroine has emerged in my reading life. The Lost Queen is a spellbinding tale of a medieval queen in British history. Signe Pike places you right in the center of this forgotten queen's world: among the pagan enchantments of the Old Way, her kingdom, and the followers of Christianity, who choose to change all that she holds dear. Mystical forests, star crossed lovers, political intrigue, and family loyalty combine with fate and destiny to place the reader directly into history. Simply put, Languoreth emerges from the mists of sixth-century Scotland, reaches into the Pendragon/Arthur legends, and doesn't let you go! Read the dramatic first of a trilogy that's heart and soul leaves you wanting to continue on... to The forgotten Kingdom!
SEPTEMBER 2021
An unresolved disappearance of a close family member while traversing a beautiful hiking trail in the lush mountainous region outside of Dublin sets the stage for this adventure. Maggie D'arcy, a successful homicide detective, leaves Long Island, New York to go to the Dublin area years later to finally find out what had happened to her cousin. Lots of flashbacks to the cousins' childhoods combine with present day feelings and sightings bring this mystery to a stunning end! I can't wait for the next Maggie D'arcy mystery!
AUGUST 2021
As I have spent quite a bit of time recently in my flower gardens, The Forgotten Garden has been on my mind. It's nostalgic quality of time and mystery on the Cornish coast of England suits the dreamer girl in me. The histories of three women are charmingly woven together through the eyes of themselves as innocent children, and also as more enlightened adults. Like the cover of this book, a fairy tale feel enfolds you as the mystery of this long untended garden begins to share it's past of love, longing, hurt, and mystique. You will not forget this book! Most likely, Kate Morton intended it to leap into our hearts and to stay there from the very beginning! :)
JULY 2021
Have a good long enjoyable read with the mystery of all mysteries! A second wife deals with the phantoms of the first in a mansion that can be both creepy at times and nostalgic: Manderly. The lure of nature on the Cornish coast soon can become a nightmare of shattering secrets. The more you read about Manderley, the more you want to be there. But why would you? Whatever really happened to Rebecca?
JUNE 2021
You simply must read this emotionally rich book that truly teaches us to appreciate every minute and experience that life brings us! Two patients in a hospital total their years in age together and discover that they add up to 100. As their friendship blooms, they hatch a plan to create 100 paintings of stories of their lives. you will be deeply affected by their strength, sense of humor, and memories. The tender relationship tugs at your heartstrings as terminally ill takes on new meanings: love, laughter, grief, death, what is most important about life, and the beauty of true friendship. A lesson to us all on how people of such different ages and histories can bring joy to each other! And wisdom to us all!
MAY 2021
A young woman’s secrets of her family’s past become connected to 15th-century Vlad the Impaler when she finds an ancient book in her father’s
library. This epic tale takes you through old crumbling monasteries and dusty libraries, great and small, and to many countries as well, from
America to Romania and Bulgaria.
Thrilling drama , history, romance, and familial love abound in the quest to find the elusive and cruel Dracula. If you like vampire lore or even if you love delving into beautiful scenery and mystery, this book is not like one you’ve read before!
FYI: Did you know that Vlad III Tepes, a.k.a.
Dracula, loved books?
APRIL 2021
Ariel Lawhon has quickly become one of my favorite
authors, but with this book, she has outdone herself.
Based on the real-life story of Nancy Wake, one of the most decorated women in World War II, this story
recounts her unfaltering resolve and remarkable sacrifices. Nancy Wake was truly a spy and this book interweaves her 4 different code names associated with her inspiring missions throughout Britain, France, and specifically, Marseille.
“Bravery” should certainly be her nickname!
She literally cycles a 500 mi round trip through dangerous territory to get the Resistance message known and also lives in a bus in the woods commanding hundreds of French Resistance fighters, intermingled with a love story as well.
A strong woman that stood courageously for her beliefs and put her life on the line for her country!
MARCH 2021
A very touching story about following your heart that begins with an abandoned newborn baby being found in a secluded part of an English estate in bitter snowy weather. The baby is rescued by a spirited young girl and is then raised in her aristocratic family’s mansion as a servant, all the while being extremely close with her rescuer. Tragedy occurs after several years and Amy Snow is sent on a heart-wrenching treasure hunt that ultimately guides her to a secret AND her true identity! Great historical fiction taking place during the
British Victorian era!
FEBRUARY 2021
It's cold, it's snowy, it's Northern Michigan! Just imagine yourself in the mid-1850s when an all-women expedition is sent to the Arctic to find and recover, either dead or alive, the famous Franklin and his party that traveled on the Terror and the Erebus in 1948.Virginia Reeves, the chosen female leader of this mission is accused of the murder of a member of her party that did not return with the others. Court room proceedings and survivors thoughts alternate chapters with the actual "adventure" as it takes place in the characters' lives."In a land that seemed to actively the death of anyone who dared to cross it's surface, one more day spent living seemed a minor miracle. We hoped to string enough minor miracles together to meet our goal of finding Franklin and then make it back to civilization" - the unspoken wishes of Virginia.
JANUARY 2021
My first encounter with Ms. Gregory was years ago when I read ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ and I was instantly hooked on all things Henry VIII and his royal world.
This new family saga is located on a tiny island in the south of England during the English civil war—1645-1649. It celebrates the common people and conveys the poverty of the times
instead of the opulence of the court. Alinor, the passionate woman trying to hope for a better life against all odds represents women who were forced to survive in a world ruled by men.
The story takes place during a very superstitious time and
Alinor in her difference is accused of witchcraft, though she had only been involved in some healing and midwifery. Immerse yourself in her worlds’ 17th century living conditions, customs, politics, religions, and speech and live alongside Alinor in her plight and new beginnings. You will be anxious for the next part of the Fairmile series, newly released– ‘Dark Tides.’
(DECEMBER 2020)
Walk the streets of London alongside Charles Dickens as his muse guides him to re-discover Christmas. This charming holiday story meets Dickens as he is struggling in his writing, his family relationship relationships, his general financial situation, and his lost feelings for mankind. Be assured, you will keep Christmas well and truly enjoy this Holiday season in a new light after you read this very charming book!
NOVEMBER 2020
Back in time we go to 1911, the setting is Brooklyn, New York City. The plight of a motherless young girl who believes herself to be somewhat of a “monster” due to a deformity grows up in the midst of grotesque oddities in a sideshow, who are kind and loving to her.
A young Jewish man walks away from his heritage but eventually finds photography and nature to help him chart his life course after being involved in the criminal world.
Mix in great descriptions of the Triangle Shirt Waist Factory fire and the Dreamland Amusement Park disaster and their causes and this book’s sense of place truly reflects the atmosphere of the times.
The two main characters meet through unusual circumstances during this disastrous time, fall in love from afar, and form a mystical bond that ultimately allows for an unusual ending in the midst of horrendous circumstances.
Amazing storytelling! It will stay with you for quite a while!
OCTOBER 2020
A master of Icelandic crime fiction shares with us her version of a ghost story. A disappearance 60 years ago combines with another one in present day Reykjavik, Iceland. You don't want to miss this!
SEPTEMBER 2020
World War II - Borders were closing throughout Europe as Hitler overtook country by country. This book is a tribute to a remarkably courageous woman, to the ones she saved, and to those she could not! Tante Truss, as the children called her, was a real life heroine. With the Kindertransport system, she risked her life over and over to save thousands of children from Nazi-occupied Europe. This harrowing novel is full of facts, from learning about how the system worked to the evils of Adolf Eichmann, Hitler's man in charge of the extinguishing of the Jewish population. An amazing look at the good that one person can achieve in this world during harrowing times!
What was Millie trying to be free from? Set in Depression-era Mississippi, come on this journey with a strong young girl as she learns about herself, her doubts, her opportunities, and her god. Her life's difficulties can hold her back or she can choose to change her destiny by trusting others and allowing them into her heart. Strength and endurance are always the key!
Start a new mystery today! This thriller mixes the Amish culture in Ohio with shocking murders and bizarre crime scenes. The Chief of Police main character, Kate Burkholder, is intriguing, and leaves you wanting to instantly read of more of her crime-solving procedurals. Warning: Very graphic details and not for the squeamish!!
JUNE 2020
I originally picked this book simply because it was the first novel written by Anthony Doerr, wonderful writer of ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE. And all I can say is WOW!Ordinary people with intricately woven connections who go through some extremely unordinary situations become vital to your life as you cannot see how this book will turn out! It speaks of science, nature, love, loss, forgiveness, and the ties that bind them all together in such a beautiful way that this book could end up on your all-time favorite top 20!
MARCH 2020
Well, what can be said about this book except it's thrills and chills (yes, it takes place in deep snow) just do not stop. Imagine an emergency trip through the Colorado mountains. You need to stop at a rest stop for various reasons, among them to get away from the blinding snow! What happens next is a story you will not easily forget! Now try to remember that this is only a story!
FEBRUARY 2020
Treat yourself to book #1 of an amazing historical mystery that has been around for quite some time.Currently there are 15 in the series! Masie Dobbs, a female investigator, treats us to mystery, war story, and romance all rolled up into one great read. Maisie's past is clouded with the loss of a love, a somewhat difficult if not different childhood, and a nursing stint in World War I, among other things.This book opens as she is beginning her 1st post WWI PI job and setting up her practice. Included are memory flashbacks and great sleuth skills as she logically solves the crime. Many unpredictable turns come her way!Thank you to my beloved friend Marla, who pestered me for a few years to read this book. Yes, as she did with all of you, she knew how much I would love this book! If only I would have listened to her sooner!
JANUARY 2020
So often in our book-reading world, we anticipate the next sequel of a good series. Sarah McCoy takes us backwards in time with this enchanting prequel to the Anne of Green Gables stories. Learn the history of Marilla Cuthbert before she became Anne's caretaker. Imagine these both heartwarming and sad times of her life as you enter the early years of Avonlea that have yet to be told. And fall in love with Green Gables all over again!
Email or call for price
DECEMBER 2019
Have you ever wished a book had never ended because you didn't get a chance to experience the novel's locale enough? Novel destinations takes you to literary adventures in the areas made famous by your favorite classic authors. Experience New England with Robert Frost of go to F. Scott Fitzgerald's birthplace! Travel with Jane Austen or Bram Stoker! Not only will you read of author's personal houses and museums, but of the wondrous literary settings they can take you to. You can plan to visit restaurants, pubs, and inns. You can imagine the sights, sounds, and smells as if you were there. Let this book take you away, even if it's just in your mind!
NOVEMBER 2019
I just can’t say enough about the wonders of this
`cookbook!
Every page brings a delightful recipe to try that makes your mouth water and is inexpensive to make!
None of this having to find unusual ingredients to create
marvelous desserts and treats!
I love the ice creams and the Chocolate goodies!
Pick one of these cookbooks up for holiday get-togethers!
(Or 2 or 3 for gifts!?)
Email or call for price
OCTOBER 2019
Create some gruesome goodies for that next Halloween party or just because it's October. Check out Spidery Cupcakes, Cheddar Eyeballs, or Worm Pie!
Email or call for price
JULY 2019
What a tender story! A young boy who has cystic fibrosis with an abused mixed-up mutt at an animal shelter. The boys' determination to save this needy canine is related through chapters that go back and forth between his thoughts and actions and his mother's. Her protective nature of her son complicates his goal, along with the fact that she is the acting veterinarian at the shelter and this dog's time is running out. Combine a child with a congenital disease and a possible 4 legged companion and what do you get? An emotional winner! Don't miss this one! Beach read!
JUNE 2019
Italy, love, time-travel!
Whether you’re a man, woman, history buff, art lover, foodie, scientist, or nerd, this well-written book involving time-travel will “sweep” you away….to Medieval Italy!
The main character, a present day neuro-surgeon from New York, mysteriously time–travels to 1347 Siena– smack dab into the time of the Plague. The drama and mystery that ensue is enchanting, and the descriptions of that era’s culture are educational and enlightening. The Italian language and dialect both add real flavor to the story as well.
With people today searching for their roots via DNA and Ancestry.com, this story of a search for identity and belonging is very engaging.
Let yourself pretend you exist in medieval Tuscany. You may just plan to take a trip to Italy soon!
MAY 2019
The title says it all! Most likely, if you're reading this blurb, you would say the same! This book gives us great snippets of why we love this most glorious of past times, stories that make us know it's OK to want to read more that to do anything else! Check out Chapter 10 - "Bookworm Problems". They are delightful problems that each of us owns. You will definitely recognize yourself between the lines! Pick this book up for that person who most encouraged your undying reading habit!
From time to time I love to return to books I have read in the past. This always seems to lead me back to my favorite genre - historical fiction. I especially love to read about Scotland - oh to be there and feel the wind, see the old castles, and experience the beauty of it all first hand.The Winter Sea does just that! It takes you there - but back into history. To 1708 - when young King James was attempting to come back to Scotland and claim his crown. The life of Sophia, the heroine, is remembered through the thoughts of the main character, Carrie, who is an author writing her newest novel. She experiences an unusual passing down of history through what can only be described as 'mind time-travel'.so very good that you'll want to read it twice!"For if there was no winter, we could never hope for spring. The spring will come!"
MARCH 2019
Based on the true story of the fires along Maine's coast in 1947, The Stars are Fire truly depicts the struggles of this horrific catastrophe's participants and survivors. This is a story of a mother's courage to save her children and herself starting even before the deadly blazes. Despite some almost insurmountable odds, the heroine's growth from a submissive wife to an independent woman is admirable. Simply put, you cannot forget her determination to be in control of her own destiny and to save those she loves! What a final novel Anne Shreve bestowed on us!
FEBRUARY 2019
This is the passionate love story of Eliza and Alexander Hamilton, who has most recently found notoriety in a Broadway musical. Our American Revolution is depicted with chapters alternating between the viewpoints of this inspiring but imperfect couple. They give us a glimpse of some of the real founding fathers: Hamilton, Jefferson, Monroe, Madison and Burr. We also learn about this couple's marriage and personal lives during the formation of our country. The sacrifices that American's made in the name of liberty, the political strife of the times, and the Hamiltons' devotion to each other until Alexander's life ending duel is all here. Check out this love "affair" during Valentine's month. Not a romance novel, but true insightful historical fiction!
JANUARY 2019
Tana French’s psychological crime novels are over the top and I do believe that The Likeness is her best one.
Taking place in Dublin, Ireland, Cassie Maddox returns and goes back undercover to solve an unrealistic murder. She comes face-to-face with her double– the dead body does in fact mirror her and an identity that she and her previous boss had created during her last undercover operation.
Seemingly farfetched, the characters become all too real as she and her fellow investigation partners search for justice for both the murdered girl and herself before she becomes the next victim. Saying anything else just may give some clues away.I love to read because of books like this one!! WOW!
Email or call for price
DECEMBER 2018
This poignant story (circa 1914) revolves around letters that were written back and forth from the war front in France to the home fronts in England. It recounts some of the love, hope, and tragedy between loved ones during the Great War. There is such strong characterization that it will make you feel as if the main characters are presently in your life.
Not only does this novel depict the turmoil of war and it’s emotional toll on all involved, but it also relates some important issues of those times– the vital importance of freedom of speech (and of the press), as well as the birth of the women’s rights movement.
You will definitely love the ending!
Historical fiction at it’s finest– during this most wonderful time of the year!
Email or call for price
NOVEMBER 2018
Nothing speaks to my winter-time stomach like a good yummy pot of soup. I have long been a huge fan of Taste of Home magazine. Presently in my cabinet at home, I probably have at leas 100 different issues collected through the years, including the premier issue. Taste of Home soups are full of comfort and goodness, sure to please every person in your family. Second helpings are guaranteed! Check out these 100 recipes: definitely soul satisfying!
Email or call for price
SEPTEMBER 2018
A fun doodle/drawing book just in time for fall! ENJOY!
Email or call for price
AUGUST 2018
It's that wonderful time of year: fresh fruit and vegetables are growing! All of these goodies in our garden can only last so long! Thus we need to preserve them and store up for winter.The key work in this book's title is EASY! You'll find some great recipes from jams to salsa! Now go hit the local farmer's markets!
Email or call for price
JUNE 2018
It's summer and it's always time for a good burger. This cookbook has some amazing ideas for America's chosen favorite food. Try them on the grill or in the oven. They are all super easy! Great Father's Day present!
MAY 2018
Set in the north of England on the wild moors and craggy hillsides of Yorkshire, it has always been touted as a romance, but can surely be seen as a story of passionate revenge. Catherine and Heathcliff have a relationship that is ever-suffering. Their dark pull toward each other is fierce and somewhat tormented. It depicts what in humans can not always be controlled.
This book is definitely my favorite classic of all time! I cherish it differently every time I read it.
AUGUST 2019
Susanna Kearsley, one of my favorite authors, has crafted another spell-binding novel! Her newest takes us back to revolutionary America days and shares a local legend that took place, of course, in an historic house that has changed greatly through the years. There is a tragic love story involved that is depicted in back and forth chapter style: colonial times to present day, with a museum curator discovering what really happened all those years ago. It is heartwarming to envision the characters in both ages learn to trust each other and discover that they just nay love each other. There is even a helpful "ghost" and a rescue beagle tucked within these pages. Enjoyable historical study about overcoming prejudice and intolerance!
October 2022
A supernatural haunting - Setting: 1920s New England.
The Clare barn is being haunted by the ghost of Maddy, a servant girl who had committed suicide long ago. The main character, Sarah, and two additional friend/ghost hunters have been hired to rid the farm of the malevolent ghost. They soon discover that Maddy is out for vengeance. She wants the truth to be told about those who have greatly wronged her.