April 15, 2022
April 15, 2022
New Fiction
The Circus Train by Amita Parikh – Lena Papadopoulos has never quite found her place within the circus, even as the daughter of the extraordinary headlining illusionist, Theo. Brilliant and curious, Lena yearns for the real-world magic of science and medicine, despite her father’s overprotection and the limits her world places on her because she is disabled. Her unconventional life takes an exciting turn when she rescues Alexandre, an orphan with his own secrets and mysterious past. As their friendship flourishes over several years and Alexandre trains as the illusionist’s apprentice, World War II escalates around them. When Theo and Alexandre find themselves contracted to work and perform in a model town for Jews that was set up by the Nazis, Lena is separated from everything she knows. Forced to make her own way, Lena must confront her doubts and dare to believe in the impossible – herself.
Sister Stardust by Jane Green – From afar, Talitha Getty’s life seemed perfect. In her twenties, already a famous socialite and actress, she left London for an exotic palace in Marrakesh with her husband, Paul Getty, the famous oil heir. There she presided over a swirling expat scene filled with music, art, free love and a counterculture taking root across the world. When Claire arrives in London from her small town, she never expects to cross paths with a woman as magnetic as Talitha Getty. Yearning for adventure and independence, she’s swept off to Marrakesh, where the two become kindred spirits. But beneath Talitha’s glamorous façade lurks a darkness few can understand. As their friendship blossoms and the two grow closer, the realities of Talitha’s precarious existence set off a chain of dangerous events that will alter Claire’s life forever.
The Long Weekend by Gilly Macmillan – Dark Fell Barn is a perfectly isolated retreat, or so says its website when Jayne books a reservation to spend time with her friends. A quiet place, far removed from the rest of the world, is exactly what they need after the year they’ve had. And the women are eagerly awaiting their girls’ night alone before their men arrive the next day. There’s ex-army Jayne, hardened and serious, but also damaged by all that she’s seen. Ruth, the driven doctor and new mother who is battling demons of her own. And young Emily, just wed and insecure, the newest addition to this tight-knit band. Missing this year is newly widowed Edie, who was the glue holding them together, until her husband died suddenly. Everything looks so perfect! But what they hoped would be a relaxing break soon turns to horror. Upon arrival at Dark Fell Barn, the women find a devastating note claiming one of their husbands will be murdered. And there are no phones, no cell service, no way at all to check on their men. Friendships fracture as the situation spins wildly out of control. This group has kept one another’s secrets for far too long.
Summer on the Island by Brenda Novak – After the death of her US senator father, Marlow Madsen travels to the small island off the coast of Florida where she spent summers growing up to help her mother settle the family estate. For Marlow, the trip is a chance to escape to help her feel grounded again – one she’s happy to share with friends Aida and Claire, who are hoping to hit reset on their lives, too. A leisurely beachfront summer promises the trio of women the opportunity to take deep healing breaths and explore new paths. But when her father’s will reveals an earth-shattering secret that tarnishes his impeccable reputation and everything she thought she knew about her family, Marlow finds herself questioning her entire childhood – and aspects of her future. Fortunately, her friends, and the most unlikely love interest she could imagine, prove that happiness can be found no matter what – as long as the right people are by your side.