The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

Title: The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina
Author: Zoraida Córdova
Genre: Magical Realism, Contemporary Fiction

Orquídea has always been a mysterious type of person, someone whom even her children and grandchildren don't truly know much about in many ways. However, she has always demonstrated how important family is to her, and raised her children knowing that family is something that you prioritize and that you treasure. When she writes all of the far-flung members of her own family to tell them that her time of death is near, all are told to come and get their inheritance. They arrive to find that Orquídea's magic has barred all from entering her home, growing thorns and vines around to prevent those who arrive and knock. Finally, one of her granddaughters goes up and asks the door for entrance, and they are all able to see Orquídea, nearly rooted to the floor in the entranceway, visibly turning into a tree. This is just the start of what is quite a story, involving magic, a living fallen star, ghosts, and circuses!

- Katrina

Check out The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova @ the library!

All The Gold Stars by Rainesford Stauffer

Title: All the Gold Stars: Reimagining Ambition and the Ways We Strive
Author: Rainesford Stauffer
Genre: Non-fiction

An exploration of ambition and the role it plays in our lives, this book argues that there needs to be a broader and more inclusive understanding of ambition. It focuses a lot on moving from only an external, career based ambition to a more communal, relationship based ambition. This is explored through numerous examples and is a great book for anyone looking to reorient their lives and identities away from jobs and towards the other parts of their lives, whether that be friendship, family, spirituality, community, or even self-care.

- Meagan

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Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton

Title: Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard
Author: Tom Felton
Genre: Memoir

Who hasn't imagined growing up in a world as filled with magic as Hogwarts is? It turns out, the answer to that question is Tom Felton, who apparently barely knew anything about the Harry Potter books before winning the role of Draco in what turned out to be 8 movies! This memoir offers a fantastic insight into Tom's life, before, during, and after those movies. It hasn't all been as magical as waving a wand to get what he wants - but he has gotten to learn from some of the best in the business! 

- Katrina

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Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

 

Title: Remarkably Bright Creatures
Author: Shelby Van Pelt 
Genre: Fiction

A book about a Pacific octopus in captivity really doesn’t sound like it could amount to much. Let “Remarkably Bright Creatures” prove you wrong. An octopus named “Marcellus” and a cleaning lady at the aquarium named Tova develop a treasured bond that transcends them. It’s a story of hope and what is possible when you don’t give it up.

- Tiffany

Check out Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt @ the library!

The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

 

Title: The Girl You Left Behind
Author: Jojo Moyes
Genre: Historical Fiction

The title of this book is also the title of a painting which is at the center of this beautifully told novel. Sophie is the "girl" in the painting which her famed artist husband painted of her prior to his leaving to fight at the front. It is 1916 France and the Germans have taken occupation of their small village. Sophie does her best to survive and care for her family, but ultimately a harrowing decision was met by devastating consequences.

A shift in the story brings the reader to almost a century later London where Sophie's portrait is hanging in Liv Halston's home; a wedding gift from her deceased husband. What ensues is a heartbreaking story as the painting is found to be one of the many works of art stolen during the war and heirs have come forward to reclaim it as rightful ownership. An ugly legal battle threatens to bring additional heartbreak and financial ruin to Liv as she refuses to let go of the Girl You Left Behind. I loved the alternating historical story as it was woven throughout the more current story of today.

- Karen

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I Know You by Annabel Kantaria

 

Title: I Know You
Author: Annabel Kantaria
Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller

A psychological thriller about a pair of expecting first time mothers, a childless socialite, a divorcée, and lonely computer tech. “I Know You” follows what happens when social media becomes an extension of your real life. It will keep you questioning who the imposter could be. And there is most definitely an imposter.

- Tiffany

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The Year of Miracles by Ella Risbridger

Title: The Year of Miracles
Author: Ella Risbridger
Genre: Memoir, Cookbook, Cooking Memoir

While Ella Risbridger is still managing grief over her long-term boyfriend's death, the pandemic hits. And yet this book is filled with hope and love and recipes tied to moving stories and fond memories. Risbridger is a gifted wordsmith, and her writing is marked with vulnerability and charm. Read this book straight through, or take a break to make one of the recipes when the mood strikes. For memoir enthusiasts, foodies and fans of Molly Wizenberg.

- Sarah

Check out The Year of Miracles by Ella Risbridger @ the library!