December 2020

The first book in Nora Roberts' Chesapeake Bay Saga about Cameron Quinn, a race car driver who returns home to care for his dying father and the troubled boy he's taken in. Small-town romance, family bonds, and redemption on the Maryland coast. Solid comfort reading with deeper themes than typical romance.

Jodi Picoult's powerful novel about Sage Singer, a baker who befriends a 90-year-old man who confesses to being an SS officer at Auschwitz and asks her to help him die. A profound exploration of forgiveness, justice, and whether some crimes are unforgivable, told through multiple perspectives and timelines.

Sharon Shinn's fantasy romance about Zoe Ardelay, who possesses powerful water magic and becomes the king's fifth wife to escape her abusive cousin. Set in a world where elemental affinities shape society, politics, and personal destiny. Interesting magic system hampered by pacing issues.

Joel C. Rosenberg's political thriller featuring journalist J.B. Collins, who lands an exclusive interview with ISIS leader Abu Kahlif only to witness ISIS kidnap the President of the United States. Fast-paced, ripped-from-headlines suspense with Middle East expertise and faith elements.

Liane Moriarty's addictive mystery about three women in an affluent Australian beach community whose seemingly perfect lives unravel over a school year, culminating in murder at the kindergarten trivia night. Smart, funny, and surprisingly dark exploration of marriage, motherhood, and secrets.

Julian Barnes' Man Booker Prize-winning novel about Tony Webster, who revisits his past when an unexpected bequest forces him to reconsider memories of his youth, first love, and a friend's suicide. A profound meditation on memory, time, and how we construct narratives about our lives.