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The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys. Philomel, 2019. 512 pages. The Fountains of Silence tells a gripping story of love and danger during Franco’s Spain in the 1950s. Historical fiction for older teens. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 15-18 Recommended For: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Daniel is a budding photographer tagging along with his parents on a business trip to Spain in the 1950s. As a tourist, he sees a beautiful country full of beautiful people, beautiful scenery, and rich traditions. Until he meets Ana, a maid at the hotel. Gradually, as Ana lets down her guard, Daniel begins to know the Spain Ana knows: a Spain ruled by…
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The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham
Hope And Truth The Red Ribbon by Pepper Basham is a Christian historical murder suspense with its roots in reality. It is part of the True Colors series but can be read as a stand-alone. Pepper Basham has created a marvellous tale with a strong, feisty heroine at the core – very much a modern […]
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No Greater Love by Gina Holder
Uncovering The Past No Greater Love by Gina Holder is a marvellous contemporary Christian romantic suspense and the first book in the Shadows Over Whitman series. The novel is about a search for roots. Babies are a gift from God but man does not always treat them as such, sometimes seeing them as an embarrassment […]
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Cozy and Clever Books for Teens and Adults
During uncertain times, there’s something reassuring about a cozy book. But even better than a cozy book is a cozy, clever book with bits that’ll make you laugh out loud as you settle deeper into your armchair. Here are some favorite cozy clever reads across several genres, suitable for older teen to adult readers. Check your shelves or find these online through your library’s digital ebook collection or Amazon. Cozy fantasies: Take Patricia Wrede’s The Raven Ring or W. R. Gingell’s Masque. They’re cozy and clever. Each has an element of mystery, ironically. Masque is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with the mystery involving string of murders. In…
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The Refrain Within by Liz Tolsma
God Will Provide The Refrain Within by Liz Tolsma is a heart-wrenching Christian historical novel set in Hungary in 1944 at the height of the Nazi occupation. It is the third book in the Music Of Hope series but can be read as a stand-alone. We witness the bravery of those who do what they […]
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The Marriage Of Innis Wilkinson by Lauren H Brandenburg
The Truth Will Set You Free The Marriage Of Innis Wilkinson by Lauren H Brandenburg is an entertaining contemporary novel. It is the sequel to The Death Of Mungo Blackwell but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed catching up with familiar characters. The feud between the Blackwells and the Tofts continues with each […]
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On the Horizon by Lois Lowry
On the Horizon recalls two pivotal events of World War II through the eyes of witnesses, victims, and two children who would meet much later. On the Horizon: World War II Reflections by Lois Lowry, illustrated by Kenard Pak. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2020, 71 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Lois Lowry’s father was a Navy surgeon. Some her earliest memories are of the years he was stationed in Honolulu in the years just before the event known as Pearl Harbor. She remembers playing on the beach with her grandmother as her dad took home movies with an old Bell & Howell. Years later, when visiting…
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One More For Christmas by Sarah Morgan
Never Too Late One More For Christmas by Sarah Morgan is a most delightful contemporary festive offering that will have you longing for snow covered hills and log fires. The novel is about families. They come in all sorts of sizes and shapes – some are loving, others are fractured. We parent the best we […]
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The Illustrated Child by Polly Crosby
Mesmerising The Illustrated Child by Polly Crosby is a beautiful novel about love, exploration and discovering yourself. It is a very unique read and a fabulous debut novel. The action begins in October 1987 – A date I remember well due to the infamous weather forecast by the BBC’s Michael Fish. We follow a young […]
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When The Music Stops by Joe Heap
Of Memories And Love When The Music Stops by Joe Heap is a beautiful contemporary novel about life with its loves and losses. The story has a serene atmosphere as we see the life an octogenarian has lived. The novel alternates between present day and significant events in her past. The stories are linked by […]
