The Best Fiction Books Of 2023

The story centers on Kai and Isabella. Isabella is employed at the upscale club that Kai frequently attends and is actually a high-ranking member of it. In terms of the storyline, there isn't much action. The narrative primarily focuses on their journey as they enter into a romantic relationship and deal with the club's strict policy against employees and members getting romantically involved.

In the small town of Jewel, Minnesota, the summer begins with a shock when they find the body of Jimmy Quinn, a wealthy but unpopular resident, in the river. Sheriff Brody Dern, not too eager to solve the case, faces a community divided about the prime suspect, Noah Bluestone, a Native American fired by Quinn. Noah, who served in World War II, returns home to racism and prejudice, worsened by his Japanese wife.

While the murder investigation takes center stage, the novel delves into the characters' lives and the post-war era. The author, William Kent Krueger, paints a vivid picture of this world, especially the river that plays a significant role. He crafts the story with care and skill, revealing it naturally and at a perfect pace.

What truly shines in the book is the characters. They are all well-drawn, with their own motivations, emotions, biases, and stories. Krueger's prose is full of moments that make you pause and reflect, making "The River We Remember" a captivating and memorable read for all.

Evelyn, a witch with a penchant for risky choices, finds herself in a perfect storm of impulsive behavior, questionable taste in partners, a tendency for thievery, and an insatiable appetite for danger. After a daring act of stealing from her vampire ex goes awry, she tumbles through a mysterious portal into another realm, only to be rescued by a group of seafarers led by a telekinetic captain. Faced with an ultimatum, Evelyn must either join their crew or face dire consequences.

Bowen, part of the enigmatic Cwn Annwn, has no recollection of his life before joining this group. Bound by a vow, he and his pirate crew patrol through Threshold, the magical sea between realms, safeguarding portals to other worlds. Unexpectedly drawn to Evelyn, the audacious pickpocket he rescued, Bowen grapples with his growing attraction. The more time he spends with her, the more he wonders if she'll steal not just his heart but something more profound.

Yet, as tension simmers between Bowen and Evelyn, so does the danger. Evelyn has no intentions of abiding by the Cŵn Annwn's vows, and if she betrays the crew, both she and Bowen will face severe consequences. The stakes rise, and the fragile balance between trust and betrayal hangs in the magical sea that binds their fates.

"The Puzzle Master" revolves around Mike Brink, whose life takes a significant turn after a traumatic brain injury. This injury bestows upon him acquired savant syndrome, granting him a unique talent for solving puzzles that most people can't crack. Mike is approached to assist a psychiatrist with one of her patients, Jess Price.

This novel explores the intricate aspects of relationships, the struggle for redemption, and the profound impact of personal growth.

The Reaper is like this legendary figure, almost more of a myth than an actual person. He's supposed to be the one who saves worlds, leads the Rising, and breaks free from chains.

But guess what? The Reaper is also just Darrow, a regular guy born on the red soil of Mars. He's got a family, friends, the whole deal.

The world needed the Reaper. Now, though, they need Darrow. Because after all the tough times, there's a new era on the horizon: full of light, victory, and hope.

There's this artist named Painter and a bunch of others like him. Their gig is tracking nightmares and turning them into different forms to keep folks safe. Now, here's where it gets wild - Painter and this girl Yumi's lives get all tangled up spiritually. Painter ends up waking up in Yumi's body, living her life, while Yumi herself acts as a ghost guide, invisible to everyone else, giving him the lowdown.

This novel focuses on a father who has disappeared, and it's told through the eyes of his daughter, Mia. Mia has a twin brother named John, and a younger brother, Eugene. Unfortunately, Eugene can't talk because he has a genetic condition called Angelman syndrome.

The much-anticipated follow-up to "A Column of Fire," titled "The Armor of Light", brings us back to Kingsbridge, England. Here, progress clashes with tradition, class conflicts touch every aspect of society, and Europe is embroiled in a major war. It's the late 18th century, and the invention of the Spinning Jenny in 1770 ushers in a new era of manufacturing and industry, transforming lives in a single generation.

The world is in turmoil as different forces seek control over this changing landscape. A mother loses her husband in a work accident caused by negligence, a young woman fights to support her school for underprivileged children, a well-meaning young man unexpectedly inherits a struggling business, and one man fiercely guards his wealth at any cost. Meanwhile, war looms on the horizon, with Napoleon aiming to become the ruler of the world through violence.

As established institutions face unprecedented challenges, our characters must confront a world they need to rebuild from the ruins of war. It's been over three decades since Ken Follett's acclaimed novel, "The Pillars of the Earth", and now, with this captivating addition to the Kingsbridge series, we're immersed in a battle between compassion and greed, love and hatred, progress and tradition. Through each character's perspective, we gain new insights into the profound changes that rocked 19th-century Europe.

Imagine being 26, worn out from fetching coffees for TV producers, enduring disastrous dates, and stuck in a damp flat share with neglectful flatmates. Quitting the job might promise a better life, but Lucy Young isn't quite ready to give up on her dreams. One stormy night, after another terrible date leaves her stranded with no bus fare, Lucy seeks refuge in a tiny shop and stumbles upon a peculiar wishing machine.

With her last coin, Lucy closes her eyes and wishes fervently: "Please, let me skip to the good part of my life". The next morning, she wakes up to a handsome man, a ring on her finger, a high-powered job, and two picture-perfect kids. It's the life she's always wanted, except for one detail, she's now in her forties when she should be in her twenties. Has Lucy truly skipped ahead to her dream future, or is there a significant chunk of her life missing? As she navigates this new reality and builds relationships, Lucy must confront the question: Can she go back, and if so, does she even want to?

Spensa managed to escape the Nowhere, but the sights she witnessed in the vast space between stars have left an indelible mark on her. Confronting the Delvers provided answers to the mysteries surrounding her peculiar Cytonic abilities.

Despite Spensa's absence, the Superiority hasn't halted its quest for galactic dominance. Skyward Flight, Spensa's team, successfully resisted Winzik and garnered allies, but the looming threat continues to hang over humanity and the entire galaxy.

To triumph over the Superiority, Spensa must utilize the knowledge acquired in the Nowhere. However, navigating the complexities of being Cytonic proves more challenging than she anticipated. Now, she faces a crucial question: how much is she willing to sacrifice for victory, even if it means losing herself and those closest to her?

The concluding chapter of the Skyward series holds the destiny of humanity. It's a battle for liberation or an irreversible fall, and Spensa must decide the extent of her commitment to securing victory.

Police Chief Nash Morgan is known for being a good guy and, well, having a flattering uniform. But when he gets shot, things get tough. There's a criminal on the loose, and the town is full of folks who don't always follow the rules.The last thing he needs is his new neighbor, Lina Solavita. She's tall and quick with her words, and she stirs up feelings he'd rather not deal with. Lina has her own agenda. She plans to get what she wants and leave town. But Knockemout, the town, has other plans for her. Before she knows it, she's getting involved in the town's life – dog-sitting, agreeing to be a bridesmaid, and even overhearing the police chief in the shower. But when Nash finds out Lina's secret, their friendship takes a sharp turn, and they become angry with each other. Although the sparks between them can't tell the difference between love and hate.

From a young age, Tan Yunxian knew she was expected to be a traditional woman in Confucian society, obedient to her father, husband, and son. However, her life took a different turn when she moved in with her grandparents. Her grandmother introduced her to traditional medicine, especially for women's health. Yunxian also made a friend, Meiling, who was training to be a midwife. Meiling opened Yunxian's eyes to a world beyond her privilege.

Even though Yunxian wanted to learn medicine, societal norms restricted her. After marriage, her mother-in-law controlled her, preventing her from helping other women in the family and seeing Meiling.

Lisa See's captivating historical novel, inspired by the real-life Tan Yunxian, vividly portrays 15th-century China with rich details, characters, and descriptive language. The book highlights the gender disparity and how women, regardless of their social class, were often treated as possessions of the men around them. However, See also underscores the resilience and strength of women.

Yunxian is an instantly likable character, committed to overcoming challenges and caring for the women who depend on her. She observes and describes her world with a balanced and objective tone, akin to a physician's approach. Yunxian's wisdom, influenced by her grandmother's guidance, helps her find a delicate balance between conforming to societal roles and pursuing her own aspirations.

There was only one person who could help me, but I'd do anything before asking Sloane Walton for anything. Lucian Rollins is a determined, successful businessperson seeking revenge. He's working hard to undo the damage his father did to the family name. The more money and power he accumulates, the safer he feels from threats. However, there's one person who keeps him awake at night – a spirited small-town librarian. Sloane Walton is determined to carry on her father's quest for justice. She's trying to figure out what the man she dislikes did to her family. They share an old, dark secret from the past, and they currently can't stand each other. Sloane doesn't trust Lucian at all. After their arguments turn into something more, they find themselves not regretting their passionate one-night stand. Once their feelings ignite, it's hard to put them out. However, they face a challenge because Sloane wants to start a family, and Lucian doesn't want marriage and kids. Lucian believes that broken men can harm women, and he's not willing to put Sloane in danger. He'd rather be alone than risk her safety. But he learns that leaving her also leaves her vulnerable to other threats. This isn't the first time he's pushed her away. She won't give him a third chance. He'll have to find a way to make amends on his own.

 The story follows Elsie Hannaway, a theoretical physicist who's always eager to make people happy. In the book, you'll see how she deals with the challenges of being a woman in the world of academics and how she ends up falling for a rival physicist who almost ruined her work.

This novel uses many of the common elements you find in modern romance stories to explore important things like the need for love and acceptance, as well as the idea of feeling good about yourself, getting back at someone who's wronged you, and pretending to be someone you're not.

Lee Gulliver never expected to end up living on the streets, but when her restaurant failed, and she got deep into debt, she had to leave her old life behind with just her clothes and her Toyota Corolla. She found a quiet place by the beach in Seattle to hide and figure out her next steps.

One morning, she witnessed a woman named Hazel in distress, trying to drown herself. Lee saved her, but Hazel was angry instead of thankful. Hazel confided that she wanted to escape an abusive marriage, but Lee had thwarted her plan.

Hazel returned the next day, and despite their different situations, they formed an unexpected friendship. Then, Hazel made a surprising request: she wanted Lee to help her vanish. Hazel assured her it would be easy, but Lee soon realized things were more complicated, and Hazel might not be the friend she appeared to be.

Their strong bond, formed during their college years, has seen them support each other through various life experiences.

The story follows Belle, a woman obsessed with her skin and skincare videos. When her estranged mother, Noelle, dies in a mysterious way, Belle returns to Southern California to deal with her mother's debts and unanswered questions about her death. Things take a bizarre turn when a mysterious woman in red appears at the funeral, offering hints about her mother's death and a strange video about a transformative spa experience.

Belle is drawn into the enigmatic world of La Maison de Méduse, a luxurious and cult-like spa her mother was devoted to. There, she uncovers the unsettling secret behind her and her mother's fascination with mirrors and the unsettling forces lurking on the other side.

This surreal tale is like a blend of Snow White and Eyes Wide Shut, taking us on a journey into the darker aspects of beauty, envy, and the intricate relationships between mothers and daughters. With a mix of dark humor and alluring horror, "Rouge" exposes the obsession with beauty and the consequences of internalizing society's unrelenting beauty standards. Set against the backdrop of California sunshine and vivid rose petals, it holds up a twisted mirror to our preoccupation with appearances, inviting us to explore the profound desires that might be hidden beneath the surface.

"Secretly Yours" is a story about Hallie Welch, who developed strong feelings for Julian Vos when they were both fourteen. They had a close moment in the vineyards of Julian's family winery. Now, Julian has come back to Napa Valley, and Hallie gets a job to improve the gardens on the Vos estate. She's hoping that this might be her chance to share a kiss with Julian.

There's this big-shot ruling crew called the Catenan Republic, the Hierarchy, running the show worldwide. But here's the dea - they don't have all the deets.

I go by the name Vis Telimus. I spin them a tale about being an orphan since a tragic accident three years back, and by some stroke of luck, I'm now in their top-notch school. I feed them this line about joining the rest of civilized society after I graduate, letting them siphon off my strength, drive, and focus, aka Will, to boost the big shots above me - like millions already do. It's the way things go, or so they say.

I play the part, make them think I belong, and they buy it.

But here's the real deal: I'm at the Academy on a secret mission. I'm on the hunt for answers, solving a murder, searching for an ancient weapon, and unearthing secrets that could shake up the whole Republic.

And there's no way I'm handing over my Will to the empire that wiped out my family.

Survival, though, means climbing the ranks at the Academy. I've got to smile, make friends, act like I'm one of them, and win. Because if I can't, those who want to control me, who know my true identity, won't have any use for me anymore.

And if the Hierarchy figures out who I really am, they're gonna off me, no questions asked.

The Cosmere story revolves around this mysterious character named Adonalsium, hanging out on a world called Yolen. Things take a turn when Adonalsium gets offed by a group of at least eighteen plotters. And when that happens, its power splits into sixteen Shards, each packing a ton of serious power.

Meet Sciona, an orphan since she was four. She's always felt like she has more to prove than her classmates. For two decades, she's poured everything into studying magic, driven by this crazy ambition to do the impossible: be the first woman to crack into the High Magistry. But when she finally claws her way up there, the challenges keep coming. Her new colleagues are dead set on letting her know she's not welcome, starting with sticking her with a janitor instead of a qualified lab assistant.

What Sciona and her peers don't realize is that her quiet assistant used to be more than just a janitor. Before he was cleaning up after mages, Thomil was a nomadic hunter from beyond Tiran's magical barrier. Ten years ago, he survived a dangerous journey that wiped out his family. Now, working for a highmage, he sees a chance to figure out the forces that destroyed his tribe, kicked him out of his homeland, and keep the Tiranish folks in power.

As they navigate their rocky relationship, this mage and outsider uncover an ancient secret that could shake up the world of magic - unless it gets them killed first. Sciona has always been about chasing the truth, but how much is one truth worth when the fate of civilization is hanging in the balance?

Get ready for the wrestling adventure of a lifetime, brought to you by the creator of MURDER-FALCON and WONDER WOMAN: DEAD EARTH! Meet Lona Steelrose, who's got big dreams of becoming a pro-wrestler, but she's living in the shadow of her legendary mom. Everything takes a wild turn when a wrestling-crazy necromancer invites her to join the biggest pro-wrestling tournament ever—also the riskiest! Think of it like THE WRESTLER meets DRAGONBALL Z, where the competitors sign up for more than they bargained for!

This graphic novel really captures the wild scene of making grindhouse movies in 1970s Los Angeles. It tells the story of a young guy aiming to build a family and make a mark as a filmmaker in that crazy world.

When Violet Sorrengail joined Basgiath War College, pretty much everyone thought she wouldn't last her first year, and she kinda thought the same. Threshing, their first crazy-hard test, was just to kick out those who weren't tough or lucky enough to stick around.

But that was just the start. Now Violet's facing training that's even more intense and mean, and it's pushing everyone to their limits. Plus, there's this new vice commandant guy who's really out to show Violet how weak she is, unless she turns her back on her boyfriend.

Sure, Violet might not be as physically strong as the others, but she's smart and super stubborn. Plus, she's learned one big thing: as dragon riders, they kind of make their own rules.

But just being tough and wanting to make it isn't going to cut it this year.

Violet's stumbled upon a huge, ancient secret at the college, and it's something so big that not even dragon fire might be able to handle it.

Six powerful Goddesses are fed up with women not getting justice, so they decide to do something about it. They create the Amazons, badass warriors rocking unique armor and deadly weapons. These Amazons dive into the ancient world, saving enslaved women left and right. Along the way, they run into Hippolyta, just a midwife's assistant caught up in the action.

For centuries, the Cinder Spires have shielded humanity, soaring high above the perilous surface world. Within their grand halls, noble houses govern, crafting scientific wonders and constructing fleets of airships for both defense and commerce.

Now, on the verge of open conflict, the Spires teeter on the brink of war.

The impending clash is no secret. The formidable airship fleets, masters of the skies between the last bastions of humanity, are preparing for a confrontation. Spire Albion stands resolute, facing the overwhelming power of Spire Aurora's Armada and its formidable new weapon—capable of decimating entire Spires' populations.

A crucial trading summit at Spire Olympia becomes a pivotal moment for the Spirearch, Lord Albion, to secure alliances that will determine the course of the war. In pursuit of this goal, he dispatches the privateer Captain Francis Madison Grimm and the crew of the AMS Predator to support the Spirearch's diplomatic efforts.

Success will demand audacity, expertise, and a touch of theatrical flair to rally the world to stand beside Spire Albion, assuming it's not already too late.

Maggie Bird, a former spy seeking solace in the tranquil seaside village of Purity, Maine, aimed to leave the tumultuous past behind after a mission gone awry. Now, she spends her days on a chicken farm, keeping a low profile to avoid any repercussions from her early retirement.

However, tranquility shatters when a body appears in Maggie's driveway, a stark message from past adversaries who refuse to forget her. In her quest for truth and survival, Maggie turns to her local circle of friends, retired CIA operatives humorously known as the "Martini Club". Although officially retired, these former spies still possess skills that can be handy, eager to inject excitement into their relatively calm lives.

Adding complexity to the situation is Purity's acting police chief, Jo Thibodeau. More accustomed to dealing with tourists than solving homicides, Jo is perplexed by Maggie's reluctance to share information and her unconventional group of friends, always a step ahead.

As Jo's investigation intertwines with the Martini Club's maneuvers, Maggie's pursuit of answers forces her to revisit a clandestine career that spanned the globe. From Bangkok to Istanbul, London to Malta, the ghosts of her past resurface. With the support of her friends, and the somewhat unwilling Jo Thibodeau, Maggie endeavors to protect the life she has carefully built.

Childhood sweethearts Nicole and Tom were just an ordinary, loving couple, until a massive lottery win transformed their lives in an instant.

Suddenly, they find themselves residing in a custom-built, state-of-the-art Glass Barn on the picturesque grounds of Lancaut Manor in Gloucestershire. Their days are filled with luxury cars, extravagant hobbies, and a lifestyle beyond their wildest dreams.

However, this idyllic world takes a dark turn when Tom is discovered lifeless in the swimming pool.

Nicole is shattered. Tom was her anchor. The beautiful barn, with its supposedly smart features that never seem to cooperate, becomes a lonely place. Yet, she's not entirely alone in the countryside. There's a friendly young couple in the Manor, their middle-aged housekeeper in the Coach House, and an old school friend of Tom's who has arrived to offer support.

But substantial wealth can bring significant challenges and looming threats. Was Tom's demise a tragic accident, or is there something more sinister at play? Could Nicole's own life be in jeopardy?

Nicole can't shake the feeling that she's become a small fish in a vast glass fishbowl.

Mallory Greenleaf has left the world of chess behind. With her family shattered by the game's consequences, she's focused on her mom, sisters, and a job that barely keeps things afloat. However, she reluctantly agrees to play in a charity tournament and unexpectedly triumphs over the renowned "Kingkiller" Nolan Sawyer, the current chess world champion and notorious bad boy.

Nolan's unexpected defeat puzzles everyone, but what's even more surprising is his eagerness for a rematch. Mallory is torn; the logical move would be to walk away, to end the game. But her victory opens doors to much-needed cash prizes, and against her better judgment, she finds herself drawn to the mysterious strategist.

As Mallory climbs the chess ranks, she grapples with keeping her family insulated from the game that once tore them apart. As her love for the sport she wanted to hate resurfaces, Mallory discovers that the challenges extend beyond the chessboard. The spotlight is brighter than she expected, and the competition is more intense than ever.

"Yours Truly" is like a happy episode from the TV show Grey's Anatomy. It's about Briana, a doctor who's been through a divorce, and Jacob, a doctor who deals with anxiety. At first, they don't get along, but their misunderstanding turns into a wonderful and heartwarming friendship, and eventually, they become more than just friends.

 Is a grand story about love, faith, and medicine, set in Kerala, South India. It follows three generations of a family trying to uncover a mysterious secret. The tale spans from 1900 to 1977 and is located on the Malabar Coast, where water is abundant. This family is part of a Christian community with ancient roots, but their world is changing rapidly. Big Ammachi, the family matriarch, witnesses profound changes in her extraordinary life.

In this book, you'll find impressive depictions of medical advances, moments of humor, a touching story, and lifelike characters. It's a vivid portrayal of a bygone India and the passage of time, celebrating progress in medicine and human understanding. It also pays tribute to the hardships endured by past generations for the sake of those living today. "The Covenant of Water" is considered one of the most outstanding literary novels in recent years.

Hollis Shaw's life seems perfect on the surface. She has a popular food blog, "Hungry with Hollis" and is married to Matthew, a heart surgeon. But their heated argument one snowy morning leads to Matthew's tragic death in a car accident, revealing the cracks in her seemingly ideal life, including her strained marriage and complicated relationship with her daughter, Caroline.

In search of healing and connection, Hollis decides to host a "Five-Star Weekend" on Nantucket, inspired by an idea she heard about. The idea is to gather a best friend from each phase of her life: her teenage years, twenties, thirties, and midlife. However, this weekend doesn't unfold like a cheerful movie.

Tatum, Hollis's childhood friend, arranges for Hollis's first love, Jack Finigan, to join them, stirring up old emotions. Tatum also has to tolerate Dru-Ann, Hollis's college friend, who is dealing with a career crisis. Brooke, Hollis's friend from their thirties, learns her husband is involved with a co-worker again. And there's Gigi, a stranger who reached out to Hollis through her blog and has many secrets. Each of these women brings their own baggage to the weekend.

It's about a woman named Natalie Vos who's down on her luck after losing her job and her fiancé. She's returned home to heal, and now she needs her trust fund to start a new business. The catch is, she has to get married first. Natalie decides to propose to a man she can't stand, August Cates, who owns a vineyard. He's struggling to keep the business afloat. Despite their mutual dislike for each other, they agree to a fake marriage to solve their problems. They plan to live together for a few weeks and then part ways. However, what they didn't expect is the strong, undeniable attraction that keeps pulling them together. Their quickie marriage becomes much more complicated as their feelings intensify.

A journalist covering crime stumbles upon a burial site, but the old trees guarding their secrets won't easily reveal them. In this forested area, we encounter a painter in search of love, a trickster, a prowling panther, and someone driven by desire. As each of them grapples with the enigmas of the northern woods, they begin to understand that the wild, vibrant, and mysterious history of the place is still very much a part of the present.

 It tells the story of Eden McCrorey, a high school student who experiences a traumatic event that profoundly impacts her life. The book follows Eden through her four years of high school, exploring the aftermath of the incident and how it shapes her relationships, self-perception, and overall journey.

The narrative delves into themes of trauma, healing, and the complex emotions that arise from such experiences. It provides a poignant portrayal of how trauma can affect a person's life and relationships over time.

The story is about a young servant girl who escapes from a colonial settlement and ventures into the wilderness. She prefers to brave the dangers of the unknown, including wild animals and hardships, rather than confront the possibility of encountering men who may pose a threat of violence.

In January 1978, a serial killer was causing fear in the Pacific Northwest, but the young women in a top sorority at Florida State University in Tallahassee had other things on their minds. They were looking forward to a night full of promise, excitement, and desire. However, their sorority president, Pamela Schumacher, made a decision that would unknowingly save her life – she chose to stay home.

Around 3 a.m., Pamela was awakened by a strange noise, prompting her to investigate. What she discovered behind the door was a scene of unimaginable violence – two of her sorority sisters were dead, and two others were seriously injured. This marked the beginning of a horrifying mystery that drew inspiration from a crime that had captured public attention for over four decades.

On the other side of the country, Tina Cannon had found peace in Seattle after enduring years of hardship. Her life took an unexpected turn when she met Ruth Wachowsky, a 25-year-old woman with her own painful secrets. They formed an instant connection. However, tragedy struck when Ruth went missing from Lake Sammamish State Park in broad daylight, in the midst of a crowded beach. Tina was determined to find out what happened to her.

Upon learning about the Tallahassee tragedy, Tina realized that the culprit was the man known as the All-American Sex Killer. She was resolute in making him answer for what he had done to Ruth. So, she traveled to Florida, where her path would cross with Pamela's, leading to another impending tragedy.

She yearned for a fresh start in a tranquil small town, hoping to shield her little girl from the unsettling shadows of their past. What she never expected was Roan Hartley, a rugged and stern man who entered her life. Together, they rescued an injured deer during a fierce snowstorm. Roan's perpetual scowls and somber demeanor contrasted with his occasional smiles and the gentle way he interacted with her daughter. As the ghosts of her past resurfaced and posed a threat, Roan made it his mission to protect them, even if it meant sleeping on her aged couch every night. With each passing day, his touch chipped away at her emotional walls. However, an ominous presence loomed, determined to sabotage her happiness and perhaps even extinguish her life.

On her 45th birthday, Alix Summers, a popular podcaster, meets Josie Fair, another woman celebrating her 45th birthday at the local pub. They realize they share the same birthday and become friends.

A few days later, they run into each other again near Alix's children's school. Josie has been listening to Alix's podcasts and wants to feature her in her series. She hints at big changes in her life.

Josie's life seems complex and mysterious, making Alix uncomfortable, but she can't resist the idea of making a podcast about Josie. As they work together, Alix gradually uncovers dark secrets Josie has been hiding. Josie becomes a part of Alix's life and even moves into her home.

However, Josie suddenly disappears, leaving behind a chilling legacy that endangers Alix and her family. Alix realizes she has become the subject of her own true crime podcast, and her life is in grave danger.

William Waters had a tough upbringing in a family marked by tragedy. His parents couldn't even look at him, let alone show love. Luckily, his talent in basketball gets him a college scholarship, a ticket away from his troubled past. In college, he meets Julia Padavano, a spirited and ambitious woman who appreciates his steady nature. Julia comes with her three younger sisters: Sylvie, the dreamer; Cecelia, the family's artist; and Emeline, the caregiver.

The Padavano family warmly welcomes William into their home. But William's dark past resurfaces, putting Julia's plans and the sisters' strong bond in jeopardy. This leads to a family crisis that will affect their lives for generations. Can their deep loyalty bring them back together when it matters most?

"Hello Beautiful" is a touching story about choosing to love someone not despite their flaws, but because of them. It's a beautiful portrait of what's possible when love is unconditional.

Prepare for the winter season with a compilation of 50 captivating stories from various corners of the world.

Settle down by the warmth of the fire and embark on a journey through a diverse collection of wintertime folk tales, myths, and legends. This treasury features a wide array of stories, including those about Norse gods, hibernating bears, festive Christmas feasts, and mischievous witches, making it an inclusive assortment of winter-inspired tales suitable for everyone.

This anthology is the perfect choice for the holiday season, as well as for any occasion when you're eager to explore chilling stories from both nearby and faraway lands.

Award-winning author Angela McAllister has skillfully collected and retold these stories, while Olga Baumert's enchanting illustrations add an extra layer of magic to this book. It's a collection meant to be enjoyed as the weather gets colder and the nights grow longer, making it an ideal companion for wintertime reading.

Some of the captivating stories you'll discover in this treasury include "The Spider and the Christmas Tree" from Ukraine, "Mother Holle" from Germany, "Shingebiss" from Ojibwe in North America, and many more. The "World Full of…" series offers beautifully bound hardback story treasuries, making it an excellent addition to any child's bookshelf.

Age Range: 5-8

Molly Gray is truly one of a kind. Known for her exceptional cleaning skills and impeccable manners, she has climbed the ranks at the prestigious Regency Grand Hotel to become the esteemed Head Maid. Just when her life seems to have reached the peak of perfection, everything takes a dramatic turn. J.D. Grimthorpe, the world-renowned mystery author, unexpectedly drops dead, right on the hotel's tea room floor.

Detective Stark, a familiar adversary of Molly's, takes charge of the investigation into the author's suspicious demise. It's clear that this wasn't a natural death, and the question on everyone's mind is: who killed J.D. Grimthorpe? The list of suspects is long, ranging from Lily, the new Maid-in-Training, to Serena, the author's secretary. Even Mr. Preston, the beloved doorman, is not beyond suspicion. And what about Molly herself? Is she truly as innocent as she appears?

With the hotel's pristine reputation on the line, Molly realizes that she holds the key to uncovering the killer's identity. However, this key is buried deep in her past, connected to the time when she knew J.D. Grimthorpe. Molly delves into her memories, revisiting her childhood and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion where she and her late Gran once worked side by side. With the entire hotel under scrutiny, Molly must unravel the mystery quickly. One thing she's certain of, dirty secrets have a way of resurfacing sooner or later.