Article By: Cher Collins
Contributing Writer

At this time of year, finding books to recommend without a cozy, holiday plotline is a challenge.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing and I do have a few titles to get you in the holiday spirit later
this month. And for those that like to spend time in the kitchen, cookbooks are super popular as
December gets closer. But first let’s take a look at a few titles that are already queuing up in
libraries and pre-order sales.
Big author November releases to be aware of include David Baldacci, Janet Evanovich and
Nora Roberts. To Die For is Baldacci’s third in the 6:20 Man series. Former Army Ranger, Travis
Devine assists the U.S. Office of Special Projects as an escort to a 12-year-old orphan girl
whose uncle is believed to be a criminal. Fans have come to expect twists and turns from
Baldacci and this one continues the series with the perfect amount of mystery and danger.
Evanovich’s beloved character, Stephanie Plum is featured in Now or Never, the 31st in the
long-running series. Bounty hunter Plum returns and she’s engaged to two men! Readers have
been hanging on the cliff long enough! Book two in Roberts Lost Bride Trilogy, Mirror hits
shelves just in time for Thanksgiving. A haunted mansion, vivid dreams and an enchanted
mirror with connections to a past mystery to be solved make for an engaging story. Robert’s
recent foray into the paranormal has been exciting to follow. This reader enjoys the touch of
magic.
Japanese author Haruki Murakami has been at the writing game for quite a while and November
19th marks the release date of his first novel in 6 years. It’s difficult to say what genre The City
and Its Walls might be-part fantasy, part noir mystery, part science-fiction-all blended into a
coming of age story of two teens who share a parallel world through storytelling. The young
couple remains nameless throughout the story. Shortly after they fall in love, the girl disappears.
But was she ever really real to begin with? The boy then grows into middle age, becomes a
librarian in a city that can’t be found on any map. The city also boasts changing borders and
clocks without hands. The man blurs the lines between real and imagined and age and youth
through fascinating imagery and dialogue. Readers must have the ability to suspend reality and
have an appreciation for metaphorical writing. Although the fantastical world often escapes this
reader, Murakami’s unique writing deserves to be read.
Romantic comedies in book form sometimes end up on the big (or small!) screen.
Uncomplicated plotlines, likable characters and easy, breezy humor are enjoyable to most
readers and they make for quick reads. Sophie Cousens latest Is She Really Going Out with
Him? hits all of those qualities, and so much more. Imagine being set up on seven dates-by
your very own children? Anna is a columnist for a British magazine and a newly divorced mom.
The last thing she wants to do is date. But when the new, young editor asks for more emotion in
her column, Anna pitches the crazy idea of dating seven men that her pre-teen children have
selected for her. Chaos ensues, but she soon starts to rediscover who she is and that she is
worthy of happiness. Quick-witted dialog and funny, realistic characters bring this book to life.
This is a pleasure to read.

In Citizen: My Life after the White House, former President Bill Clinton shares his experiences
with advocacy work and public service since 2001 when he left office. Readers will appreciate a
peek into his personal life as well, especially in his supporting role in his wife Hillary’s
unsuccessful bid for President. Many readers are anxiously awaiting the next book from
Indigenous scientist and author, Robin Wall Kimmerer. She follows up her bestselling Braiding
Sweetgrass with Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World. Kimmerer
further develops her vision of living with gratitude and in harmony with community and the
natural world. Cookbook fans, take note! Half-Baked Harvest Quick and Cozy by Tieghan
Gerard will be an in-demand title going into Thanksgiving.
If you’re looking to get in the holiday spirit a little early, here is a sneak peak at a few books that
feel like Hallmark movies and a few holiday-themed mysteries too! Love You a Latke by
Amanda Elliot and A Christmas Eve Love Story by Ginny Baird are cute, easy to read
rom-coms. Richard Paul Evans releases a Christmas book every year and this year’s is
Christmas in Bethel. For fun holiday mysteries, try The Christmas Jigsaw Murders by Alexandra
Benedict, The Knife Before Christmas by Kate Carlisle or Blue Christmas Bones by Carolyn
Haines.
Wherever your reading journey takes you this month, enjoy every page! Happy Thanksgiving to
all.