The Parrot and the Igloo

 By: David Lipsky 

Location: NF 304.25 LIP

Genre: Climate and the Science of Denial

Featuring an indelible cast of heroes and villains, mavericks and swindlers, The Parrot and the Igloo delivers a real-life tragicomedy—one that captures the extraordinary dance of science, money, and the American character.

Climate change has become an unavoidable fact and ongoing catastrophe. The science was clear decades ago. How did so many Americans come to doubt evidence so widely accepted and compelling?The Parrot and the Igloo is the thrilling narrative of our grand lost the story of the inventors (Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse) who made our world; the scientists who bravely sounded the alarm; and then the hucksters, dreamers, zealots, and crackpots who lied about that science. David Lipsky masterfully shows how climate denial grew out of early efforts to build a network of untruth about products like aspirin and cigarettes, revealing the infrastructure that allowed denier ideas to take hold, the untrue to replace the true. With narrative brio, Lipsky delivers a real-life tragicomedy—one that captures the extraordinary dance of science, money, and the American character.

Review by Steve

Many have successfully tackled the history and science behind global warming, leaving zero doubt in my mind on that issue, but this is the first time I've seen the history of the denial movement exposed with such an unimpeachable, and mentally satisfying, linear presentation.

It has always been obvious the global warming skeptics were simply copying big tobaccos playbook from decades earlier, but I had no idea it is in fact many of the same non degree holding, self titled "scientists" who made the switch to global warming denial once the tobacco fight was lost and the funding dried up. Lipsky exhibits exceptional research in tracing this long history of both science and skeptism from the late 1800s to our modern day and unpacks many of the famous "studies" used to refute the fact that global warming is a real issue, and one that human beings continue to contribute to through our actions.

Lipsky's writing style made this a more pleasant read, for what can often be a really grim topic. He injects plenty of humor and pop culture references, creating a more stimulating and engaging experience with subject matter that, when handled by the actual scientists, would likely put even the most motivated readers to sleep.

I had been looking forward to this book for months and was, thankfully, offered even more than I was expecting.

Mere

 By: Danielle Giles 

Location: FIC GIL

Genre: Mythology

Mere is an accomplished atmospheric debut novel by Danielle Giles. With lyrical writing, she imbues a sense of creeping foreboding and entrapment transporting the reader to an isolated convent surrounded by marshlands and ice-cold water and less than 200 souls. The novel explores themes of faith, superstition, manipulation, sexuality and politics, narrated in lyrical prose, revealing a unique new voice in English literature. Giles has innate talent in blending historical fiction and folklore elements, creating a compelling narrative with superb imagery that makes you feel the dampness of the mere and looming presence of an ancient power. “I feel no evil in it. No good either. It is vast and old and slow.”- Carl

The mere has fingers.
Clever fingers to reach through the marsh and wrap around little ankles.
Strong arms to pull poor sinners downwards.
And a great gaping belly that can never be filled . . .

Mere by Danielle Giles is a strikingly beautiful historical novel about fear and survival, power and position, and a love that takes hold in the darkest of places.

Norfolk, 990 AD. Deep in the Fens, isolated by a vast and treacherous mere, an order of holy sisters make their home. Under the steely guidance of Abbess Sigeburg they follow God’s path, looking to their infirmarian, Hilda, to provide what comfort and cures she can.

But when the mere takes a young servant boy, Sigeburg’s grip falters and Hilda quickly realises this place holds secrets darker and more unholy than she can fathom.

Then proud Sister Wulfrun, a recent arrival to the convent, has a a curse is upon them and change must be brought. Is she saint or serpent? To Hilda, Wulfrun is a signal bolder and brighter than any fire set – one she cannot help but follow . . .

Megs review on Goodreads-An eerie and moving gothic that often highlights the hypocrisy of organised religion. I enjoyed the perspective of the protagonist, Hilda, who after being raised in a convent is both naive and jaded in turn. Her often witty commentary on the struggles of her sisters with sin and propriety was a joy to read, and the ending was very satisfying. There were some unexpectedly heartbreaking moments, I wasn’t expecting such a rollercoaster of emotions. Wonderful book!

Arcana Academy

 By: Elise Kova 

Location: FIC KOV

Genre: Romantasy

This novel is magic! I absolutely loved it! - connie

 What does Nilufer say: By the time I reached the final pages, I was desperate for more. Arcana Academy delivers everything I crave in a fantasy novel—high-stakes magic, a dangerous yet alluring academy setting, characters who are flawed but oh-so-easy to love, and a romance that burns. If you love dark academia, cunning heroines, and books that leave you breathless, DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS ONE.

A woman who wields magical tarot cards lands herself in a false engagement with the headmaster of a mysterious academy in this first installment of an enthralling fantasy romance series from the bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King.

Clara Graysword has survived the underworld of Eclipse City through thievery, luck, and a whole lot of illegal magic. After a job gone awry, Clara is sentenced to a lifetime in prison for inking tarot cards-a rare power reserved for practitioners at the elite Arcana Academy.

Just when it seems her luck has run dry, the academy's enigmatic headmaster, Prince Kaelis, offers her an escape-for a price. Kaelis believes that Clara is the perfect tool to help him steal a tarot card from the king and use it to re-create an all-powerful card long lost to time.

In order to conceal her identity and keep her close, Kaelis brings Clara to Arcana Academy, introducing her as the newest first-year student and his bride-to-be.

Thrust into a world of arcane magic and royal intrigue, where one misstep will send her back to prison or worse, Clara finds that the prince she swore to hate may not be what he seems. But can she risk giving him power over the world-and her heart? Or will she take it for herself?

Esta says this: Arcana Academy catapulted me into a dark academia world stitched together with an elaborate card magic system, a socio-political structure loaded with real-world parallels and a classist academy built to favour nepo babies while grinding the poor into powder (so almost non-fiction. lol/sob.). It’s intricate and impressive, that’s for sure.

Gangsters Paradise

 By: Jared savage 

Location: NF  364.0 SAV

Genre: NZ Gangs

"An interesting insight to the NZ underground. The story is told by telling a different story in each chapter. Savage does a great job of tying these stories together to show the picture of what he is writing about." Cam Yaxley

The much anticipated follow-up to the bestseller that exposed the escalation of organised crime in New Zealand.Gangster's Paradise is about drugs, guns, gangs and money. Lots of money. A gang which took over a small rural town. A police officer shot and killed in a routine traffic stop. A port-worker who helped a gang whisk a shipping container off a wharf in the middle of the night. A crew of corrupt baggage handlers smuggling meth into the country during Covid lockdowns. A shooting inside a 5-star hotel in broad daylight. Turf wars, retaliation, and new gangs like the Mongols and Comancheros have brought with them better connections with international syndicates, challenging the established gangs like the Head Hunters - so dominant for many years - who have had to up their game in response. Jared Savage's bestselling book Gangland was about the evolution of gangs in New Zealand. Gangster's Paradise is about the deadly escalation .

The Order of the Seven Stars

 By: Luanne G Smith 

Location: FIC SMI

Genre: Fantasy- Historical Fiction

We have a blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal all mixed into one. Set during World War 1, the war is being fought by humans, but added into the mix are undead creatures such as zombies and vampires. Witches have also been thrown into the mix and are causing chaos and death on both sides with no end in sight.- Michelle

As World War I rages, there are evils―both living and dead―that only a witch can see in a spellbinding novel by the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of The Raven Spell . With her husband off fighting at World War I’s eastern front, Petra Kurková embraces her fleeting freedom, roaming the city at night with her camera. A born witch, she’s discovered that she can capture the souls of the dead on film. Her supernatural skills don’t go unnoticed by the enigmatic Josef Svoboda. He’s recruiting a team of sorcerers to infiltrate the front lines, where the bloodshed of combat has resurrected foul creatures. Petra’s unique abilities will be needed against the most dangerous enemies of all―those ever present, undead, and unseen. Deep in the cursed Carpathian Mountains, the ragtag team meets with an emissary of an ancient organization founded to maintain balance between worlds. Photographing the escalating horrors is beyond anything Petra imagined. So are the secrets among her fellow witches. But Petra can’t turn back. Not before she discovers her husband’s fate and the myriad ways her magic is manifesting. To defeat an occult foe, Petra must release the power she’s been concealing for so long, or risk damning a war-torn world to ashes.

Lisa's review

As with any new fantasy series, I struggled at first to understand the complexity of the world-building. It's a tantalizing blend of World War I history and magic with a splash of The Walking Dead for good measure. I now look forward to the next book so I can read more of Petra's magical gifts and possibly a liaison with Josef, as long as Rasputin is held at bay. Yes, Rasputin!

Warrior, Princess, Assassin

 By: Brigid Kemmerer 

Location: FIC ROM

Genre: Romantasy

Fates collide and passions ignite in New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer’s steamy adult fantasy debut about three characters torn between chasing, betraying, and craving each other: a princess caught between duty and desire, the fearsome warrior king she’s promised to, and the assassin now tasked with hunting them down.

WARRIOR. King Maddox Kyronan’s fire magic has earned him a ruthless reputation on the battlefield, but now his land is slowly burning. Ky’s only chance to save his people is to enter a marriage alliance with the neighboring nation of Astranza, and hope that their royal family’s power to manipulate the weather will help his kingdom flourish once more. He just needs to ensure no one finds out how this blaze began.

PRINCESS. With enemies advancing on Astranza, Princess Jory’s home needs the protection of the fearsome warrior king, but she is hiding a dangerous secret: her family’s magic is fading. Tempting as it is to reject her duties and run away with her childhood friend, Asher, Jory knows that she is the kingdom’s last hope. When she meets her intended, Jory is surprised to discover that beneath Ky’s daunting exterior is a compassionate and sharp-witted man who sets her heart aflame. But what will he do when he realizes she’s deceiving him?

ASSASSIN. Asher’s done what he must to survive, even if that means getting his hands dirty. Once a young nobleman in Astranza’s palace, where he and Jory caused mischief together, now he’s part of the Hunter’s Guild, employing much darker skills. When a lucrative job comes his way, Asher can’t say no—until he discovers the targets. Someone wants Ky and Jory dead. With the Guild watching, Asher must decide what he’s willing to do to protect the woman he loves.

A tale of three complex characters torn between chasing, betraying, and craving each other, Warrior Princess Assassin marks the beginning of a thrilling new fantasy trilogy filled with enchantment, adventure, and passionate romance.

Review by Fernado

Warrior princess assassin was everything I could ever want, this is a true love triangle story and it has a throuple which is even better. 
It went by so quickly because of how much happened that I didn't even realize it was more than 400 pages. I like the magic system and I feel like it will be more explored in the next book, the plot is political intrigue gold. And the romance. I'm obsessed. 
The only downside is that I discovered this book pretty soon after the release so now I have to wait so long for the sequel.

Island of Influencers

 By: Monique Turner

Location: FIC TUR

Genre: Teenage Life

“It’s like nothing they do or say can ever match up to the image I created of them inside my own head.
I wonder what image the audience has of me, and whether it matches up to who I really am.”

Funny, dramatic, sometimes dark and bang on trend, this thrilling YA novel is perfect for those who love a Black Mirror twist.

Harper wants to be an influencer. Badly. She’ll do anything to be like her famous cousin, Belle.

When Belle is the latest 'victim' in a string of influencer kidnappings, and is put on an island for a new reality show, Harper wants in too.

It's her chance to join the greatest talents and finally make a name for herself.

But with demeaning tasks and the constant pressure of a live audience judging their every move, it's not long before cracks begin to appear in the influencers' shiny veneers . . .

A Far Better Thing

 By: H G Parry  

Location: FIC PAR

Location: Fantasy

“I had no idea I was so susceptible to kings.”

― H.G. Parry, A Far Better Thing

Review by Leanna

This was A Tale of Two Cities with fae magic—and I loved every dark, emotional, beautifully written moment of it. H.G. Parry blends historical fiction and fantasy so seamlessly, it feels like this version was meant to exist all along.

The story is moody, atmospheric, and full of complicated characters, slow-burn tension, and big emotional payoffs. If you’re into dark retellings, magical realism, or just love a good cry over morally messy characters, this one definitely deserves a spot on your TBR. I recently obtained the audiobook from Macmillan audio of this and don’t miss out on it it was an excellent listen the narrator was top knotch.

H. G. Parry’s A Far Better Thing is a standalone, portal fantasy where Jonathan Strange & Mr. NorrelI meets A Tale of Two Cities in a heart-rending fantasy of faery revenge set during the French Revolution.
I feared this was the best of times; I hoped it could not get any worse.

The fairies stole Sydney Carton as a child, and made him a mortal servant of the Faerie Realm. Now, he has a rare opportunity for revenge against the fae and Charles Darnay, the changeling left in his stead.

It will take magic and cunning—cold iron and Realm silver—to hide his intentions from humans and fae and bring his plans to fruition.

Shuttling between London and Paris during the Reign of Terror, generations of violence-begetting-violence lead him to a heartbreaking choice in the shadow of the guillotine.

A Far Better Thing is my surprise gem of 2025. It was an outstanding reimagining of a favorite old classic that made it all feel new and original. It was thrilling and suspenseful, and truly did justice by its central hero, my boyhood favorite, Sydney Carton. This was the first of H.G. Parry’s books that I have read, but it will not be the last. Should any other of her books approach the quality of A Far Better Thing, I may just have discovered a new favorite author.

Theo

The Do-Over

 By: Lynn Painter   

Location: FIC PAI

Genre:  Romance

Nilufer- My favorite time loop movie concept Groundhog Day meets my favorite playing hooky YA movie concept Ferris Bueller’s Day off! This book was talking to my Gen X soul ! It’s easy to devour, enjoyable pop corn read I highly recommend!

In this “unequivocally hilarious and delightful” ( Kirkus Reviews ) young adult romp for fans of Recommended for You and A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow , a teen girl has the worst Valentine’s Day ever—only to relive it over and over again.

After living through a dumpster fire of a Valentine’s Day, Emilie Hornby escapes to her grandmother’s house for some comfort and a consolation pint of Ben & Jerry’s. She passes out on the couch, but when she wakes up, she’s back home in her own bed—and it’s Valentine’s Day all over again. And the next day? Another horrendous V-Day.

Emilie is stuck in some sort of time loop nightmare that she can’t wake up from as she re-watches her boyfriend, Josh, cheat on her day after day. In addition to Josh’s recurring infidelity, Emilie can’t get away from the enigmatic Nick, who she keeps running into—sometimes literally—in unfortunate ways.

How many times can one girl passively watch her life go up in flames? And when something good starts to come out of these terrible days, what happens when the universe stops doling out do-overs?

The Bravest Word

By: Kate Foster 

Location: FIC FOS

Genre: Animals

The Bravest Word is well written for a child's level of understanding. It is a story that will help a child suffering from depression to open up and will also build empathy in other children as they come to understand the condition.

A rescue story of love and trust between a boy and a dog from the talented author of PAWS.

"Do you hear that? You’re Cliff now, and your life is going to get better, I promise."

When eleven-year-old Matt finds Cliff, a hurt, neglected dog abandoned in the bush, he knows the brave little pup needs saving. He wants to help. But can he?

Lately, Matt has had way more bad days than good days. The pieces of his life just don’t seem to fit together any more and he doesn’t understand why. He's finding it impossible to concentrate at school and has lost interest in the activities he used to love. Plus, he’s tired all the time.

Matt's too afraid to share what's really going on in his own head with anyone. His friends and family will never understand . . . maybe it's not only Cliff who needs saving.

Songlight

 By: Moira Buffini  

Location: FIC BUF

Genre: Dystopia with some romance

Series: The Torch  Trilogy#!

review by emma

Absolutely brilliant! I loved this dystopian story where those with songlight are ‘unhuman’ and dehumanised in the worst possible way, once caught. Where propaganda maintains a war, the people unaware of the State’s true agenda. Many of the tropes you’d expect to find are here, so in that sense, nothing original, but it’s done really well, which makes all the difference. I enjoyed all the characters, evil ones too!

Set in a post-apocalyptic future, Songlight is an extraordinary debut from a renowned screenwriter. A cinematic masterpiece in storytelling, the explosive first book in the Torch trilogy is the hottest release of the decade!

They are hunting those who shine . . .

Don't be deceived by Northaven’s prettiness, by its white-wash houses and its sea views. In truth, many of its townsfolk are ruthless hunters. They revile those who have developed songlight, the ability to connect telepathically with others. Anyone found with this sixth sense is caught, persecuted and denounced.

Welcome to the future.

Lark has lived in grave danger ever since her own songlight emerged. Then she encounters a young woman in peril, from a city far away. An extraordinary bond is forged. But who can they trust?

The world is at war. Those with songlight are pawns in a dangerous game of politics. Friends, neighbours, family are quick to turn on each other . . .

When power is everything, how will they survive?

An extraordinary debut – the first in a trilogy – from an award-winning, internationally acclaimed screenwriter, Songlight promises to set the world alight!

The Longest Walk Home: The epic 2,000 mile escape of a WWII POW, in his own words

 By: Ray Bailey

Location: NF 920 BAI

Genre: WWII

n 1940, Private Raymond Bailey, a 21-year-old Vauxhall motors apprentice, was captured in northern France, becoming a Nazi prisoner of war. But he wouldn't remain one for long...

The Longest Walk Home is the incredible account of his daring 2,000 mile escape across Europe and over the Pyrenees, to the safety of British Gibraltar, and home in time for Christmas. Along the way Ray has nerve-shredding encounters with German soldiers and the Spanish Civil Guard. Often he is exhausted and starving. All that keeps him going is his youthful energy, unfailing optimism, and the kindness of strangers who risk their own safety to help him.

Ray's escape is remarkable, but so too is his memoir. It was written within a year or two of the events it describes, when Ray was just 22, and despite Ray's obvious writing talent it was lost for decades until it was discovered at auction in an unmarked box of WWII memorabilia by David Wilkins. Ray's is a true unheard voice, and one of the last from this time.

Death at the White Hart

 By: Chris Chibnall 

Location: FIC CHI

Genre: Mystery

From the internationally award-winning creator of Broadchurch comes a brilliant new detective story following one man’s death and the secrets that unravel in a coastal English village.

Nothing keeps a village together like secrets.

The villagers of Fleetcombe like to think of it as one of the most picturesque spots on England’s seaside.

But now, it’s a crime scene.

A man is found dead, tied to a chair in the middle of the road, with a stag’s antler’s on his head. The gruesome scene stuns the town, especially when they learn that it is Jim Tiernan, owner of the White Hart pub, who has been found murdered.

Is it a personal vendetta, or something more macabre? Tierney’s pub is at the center of village life and he knew everyone’s secrets.

Detective Nicola Bridge grew up in Fleetcombe, and has been craving a juicy case ever since she moved back from the big city. DC Harry Ward is ten years younger, and their partnership is somehow stronger, and more satisfying even than her marriage. Together, they are determined to crack the storybook façade to find out just what the people of Fleetcombe have to hide.

And now, in the town she thought she knew so well, Detective Nicola Bridge is asking questions. Is she ready for what she’s about to find?

Review by Gigi

If you’re a fan of the TV series Broadchurch, then this book is a must-read! The creator of that show is the genius behind this book, and it’s just as gripping. The story kicks off with a bang when a publican is found dead in the middle of the road, tied to a chair with deer antlers glued to his head. Yep, you read that right!

In this small village, the suspect list is nice and short, but the drama is huge. Enter our detective duo: Nicola Bridge, back in her sleepy hometown after leaving Liverpool, and her eager but inexperienced partner, DC Harry Ward. They’re on the case, sifting through a tight-knit community full of secrets and surprises.

The writing is super engaging and the pacing is just right, like a well-edited TV drama, packed with stunning visuals, and not to mention the creepy image of the body with antlers.

It’s suspenseful, thrilling, and totally binge-worthy. You’ll race to the end just to see how it all unravels. If you love a good mystery with great characters and plenty of twists, this one’s for you.

The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park

 By: Michiko Aoyama

 Location: FIC AOY- with all our other Japanese Translated Books 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Im loving these translated Japanese novels- they take a slice of life  then wrap it around a constant- like a train station, or a library, or a restaurant.   They are written with inter connected short stories to make a whole .This one is about a  hippo in a playground.

The stories are quietly powerful, showing a window into each character's life, and focusing on community, friendship, and family.

Discover the enchanting new feelgood novel where five overlapping lives seek comfort from a magical hippo ride.

Nestling at the bottom of a five-storey apartment block in the community of Advance Hill is the children's playground, Hinode Park, where you will find a very special hippo ride. According to urban legend, if you touch it with the area of your body that needs comfort, you will see swift signs of recovery.

Meet a couple of the neighbours who use the hippo ride, from a highschool student to an eighty-year-old cleaning lady:
- Kanato lays his head on the hippo's back, hoping to recover the confidence he lost when he started at his scary new school;
- Saha, a new mother with no friends, strokes its mouth, in case she can bring back the words she spoke when she was an award-winning retail assistant.

Three more neighbours will come to the magical hippo for help, as they discover how to resolve emotional pain for themselves, if their heart is open and their minds are at peace, in this deeply moving celebration of kindness, community and understanding.

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody

 By: Patrick Ness

Location: FIC NES

Genre: Humour

The second book in the absurdly funny Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody series by multi-award-winning author Patrick Ness.
When Daniel arrives at the school bus stop sporting a salmon-coloured hat, Zeke is shocked. Don’t only birds wear hats? As if this isn’t strange enough, the school suddenly has a new student – a fish of all things – and a mysterious new Guidance Counsellor. Meanwhile, Zeke’s friends seem to have ditched him, and even his old nemesis won't give him the time of day. So when somebody melts his house with the Death Ray of Death – twice – Zeke has had enough. Just who is sabotaging his life – and why?

Review by marianne

Once again, Ness gives us all important things to consider, stuff that many school kids have to face daily: hurt feelings, confusion, powerlessness, loneliness, unwritten rules, and dubious advice from a school counsellor. Though trying to overcome primal urges, as Miel the hawk has to when he encounters Penny the flounder, probably isn’t something usually faced at school. Ness does it all with great humour: there are laughs on nearly every page.

The plot touches on prejudice and bigotry, even as it includes something as extreme as the Death Ray of Death which, when it melts his house, sees Zeke having a meltdown. He does get the wrong end of the stick more than once, but his mother has wise words: “Sometimes life isn’t fair. All we have control over is how we act. Other people do whatever they do, and as long as they don’t convince us we need to be different than who we are, then that’s our little victory.” A quirky cast and a crazy plot: let’s hope Ness has more of this up his literary sleeve.

Ever Blessed

 By: Olivia O'Flynn

 Location: FIC OFL

Genre: Romantasy

“She was made of magic and wrath.”

Love, mythology and magic collide in a delicious, action-packed new romantasy series from Australian author and award-winning podcaster Olivia O'Flynn, for all fans of Sarah A Parker, Rebecca Ross and Rebecca Yarros.
She was made of magic and wrath ...

In a world fractured by belief, the ruling gods lay claim to Ever - the ancient magic that sustains the lands. But the Ever is failing, and the gods have turned their wrath on the Ever Blessed, the mortals gifted with access to its deteriorating power. Wars rage, the land withers under an unyielding blight, and the witches cower behind weakening shields ... all while the gods revel in chaos from their isle of luxury.

Captain Elva, warrior princess of Vettona, appears to be the kingdom's last hope for peace. Promised in marriage to the handsome yet infuriating Fynton, heir to the throne of rival Clochain, she must navigate a fragile alliance and her increasing feelings for the one man she cannot trust. But can the two stop fighting long enough to see eye to eye?

Meanwhile, Innes, a witch desperate to conceal her bond with Ever, embarks on a perilous quest to cure the blight. But her path collides with a deadly Vettonian warrior, forcing her to choose between a dangerous love and the salvation of her people.

As ancient powers awaken and allegiances crumble, Elva and Innes must decide where their loyalties lie - love or fidelity, freedom or fate - because the wrong choice means losing everything to the vengeance of the gods.

 Review by Milka

In a world on the brink of collapse, Ever Blessed weaves a tale of political intrigue, ancient magic, and the fragile balance between love and duty. The ruling Gods control the Ever, a powerful magic that sustains the lands, but as the magic begins to falter, the Gods turn their wrath on the Ever Blessed—mortals gifted with its diminishing power. With the world in chaos, Elva, the warrior princess of Vettona, is thrust into a fragile alliance with Fynton, the heir to the rival kingdom of Clochain. Though promised to him in marriage, Elva struggles with growing feelings for the man she can’t trust, leading to tension and emotional complexity.
Simultaneously, Innes, a Witch who hides her bond with the Ever, embarks on a dangerous quest to cure the blight that threatens her world. Her path unexpectedly crosses with Elva’s kingdom, forcing Innes to make a heart-wrenching decision between her love for a warrior and her duty to save her people.
With a vivid backdrop of a dying world, Ever Blessed is a gripping blend of political intrigue, shifting allegiances, and emotional stakes. Both Elva and Innes face personal and external battles, making choices that could reshape their fates. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, freedom, and the cost of making the wrong decision in a world where even the Gods are not above vengeance. It's a story that leaves you questioning: can love truly save the world, or will duty reign supreme?
One of the most powerful aspects of Ever Blessed is the LGBTQ+ representation. Elva's internal struggles, as she navigates her feelings and the expectations placed upon her, resonated deeply with me. The emotional depth of her journey made me tear up, and the way the book handled her story made me feel so seen and understood. It’s a beautiful, authentic portrayal that I will always cherish.
The slow burn of Elva and Fynton’s romance was worth every moment of anticipation. Their journey is one of emotional growth, trust, and tension, and when their connection finally ignites, it’s nothing short of powerful.
This was my first Olivia O'Flynn book, and I can without a doubt say that I will forever be reading any book she puts out. Her masterful world-building, complex characters, and emotionally charged storytelling have made me a devoted fan. Ever Blessed is a captivating read that ensures I’ll be eagerly anticipating her future works!
This book was an easy 5-star read for me, and I will forever be recommending it to anyone and everyone who will listen to me!

The Personal Librarian

 By: Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray   

Location: FIC MUR

Genre: Historical Fiction 

“The deeper we each read, the more we would understand about this world”

The remarkable, little-known story of Belle da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan's personal librarian - who became one of the most powerful women in New York despite the dangerous secret she kept in order to make her dreams come true, from 'New York Times' best-selling author Marie Benedict and acclaimed author Victoria Christopher Murray.

In her late 20s, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J.P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture on the New York society scene and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps build a world-class collection.

But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and well-known advocate for equality, Belle's complexion isn't dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white - her complexion is dark because she is African American.

'THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN' tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths to which she must go - for the protection of her family and her legacy - to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.

Review Goodreads: Marilyn

What an extraordinary historical fiction novel these two talented authors, Marks Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray have succeeded in writing together! The talents of these two brilliant authors meshed together flawlessly to write this incredible novel, The Personal Librarian. Before reading The Personal Librarian, I had never heard of Belle da Costa Greene. Her story was one of courage and inspiration during a time when it was not only difficult for women to succeed in a man’s world but posed even more so for an African American woman. I listened to the audio CD that was well narrated by Robin Miles. The Personal Librarian, both a fascinating and timely historical fiction book , was meticulously researched.

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray was about deceit and allegiance. It was both captivating and fascinating and depicted the life of such a courageous and brave woman that history had little to say about. Belle da Costa Greene was forced to live a guarded life, always afraid that her secret would be exposed. The Personal Librarian was a very timely novel. Although women have made strides in the workplace, men still remain dominant and in some instances still earn more than women. Racism and equality for all still remains a big problem that must be rectified. I really enjoyed listening to The Personal Librarian and recommend it very highly. I hope these two talented authors team up again to write another inspiring historical fiction novel.