Abby's Staff Picks
"This book is historical fiction at its finest. Once again, Martha Hall Kelly taps into the power and emotional fortitude of unsung women heroes. As teenagers in the late years of WWII, Arlette and Josie fight the Resistance in France. Later, they continue with dangerous and international efforts to capture escaped Nazi criminals the world over. Love and loyalty remain the key in their lives, helping to heal, however possible, from the horrors they endured."
"The annual Alton Road Memorial Day block party is, once again, here!! Set in an exclusive, affluent community, author Jamie Day uses multiple timelines and POVs to reveal the mystery’s layers little by little. This fast-paced, engrossing story tells the tale of what has happened between last year’s block party and this year’s. I was instantly pulled in, complicit in the neighbors' secret-keeping. New residents serve to add an extra layer of secrecy to the street. Do we ever know our neighbors? There is a secret behind every door and face. But, don’t waste your time trying to figure out who did what! I promise, you won’t know until Jamie Day wants you to know. A mystery-lover’s gem!!"
"Late in 1926, Agatha Christie went missing for 11 days following her husband’s announcement to end their marriage. After being found, 'AC' told the world she had suffered amnesia, which is the extent of known information about her disappearance. Nina de Gramont re-imagines this unsolved saga in “The Christie Affair,” which is the story of Nan O’Dea, who contributed to the demise of Agatha’s marriage, and who would go on to become the next Mrs. Christie. Nan shares her own story, one of love and betrayal, emotional torture, and ultimately revenge and murder. I was repeatedly stunned by the many twists and turns, reminiscent of classic Christie novels. This novel was gripping and suspenseful, and I found myself allowing for some 'willing-suspension-of-disbelief.'"
"If the word Gothel, or the name Haelewise, ring any bells, you will truly enjoy this book. It tells the gothic tale of the witch who held Rapunzel captive in the title’s infamous prison. Haelewise reveals herself, including all her flaws, throughout her unusual upbringing. As I devoured this well-written, fast read, I was left feeling ambivalent toward her, as one often does with most antiheros. This book is her story, bringing a brand new insight into the dark world of the early 12th century, and the “grim” tales which it evoked."