STAFF BOOK REVIEWS Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall Unless a book is clearly a “thriller” or “suspense” (sometimes I like to throw in a sappy romance into the mix), I typically would not pick up a book such as Broken Country. If I’m being honest, I always judge a book based on its cover and this one didn’t look like my usual read but I am so glad I gave it a try. This book had the perfect amount of romance, mystery, and even suspense. Hall did a fantastic job writing the characters in a way that made you feel empathy for all of them and kept you guessing until the end. This book is written through a dual timeline going back to Beth and Gabriel in 1955, and the rekindling of their relationship in 1968 when Beth is married to her husband Frank. While a love triangle evolves, a court case unravels. MURDER! Someone is murdered! Who did it? What happens with the love triangle? Can Beth and Frank move on after a tragic accident took the life of their son? I’m pretty sure I cried at one point while listening to this audiobook and I was satisfied with the ending. Plus, who doesn’t love a good love triangle where you find yourself rooting for both men while simultaneously feeling bad for them? Broken Country was my favorite read this year and I will be looking for more by Clare Leslie Hall. Bailey, Tech Services Assistant, Reviews: A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher Review: Warning: If you don't like bugs, read with caution! A House with Good Bones has a relaxed narrative style, so if you need something that jumps out at you instantly, this may not be for you! As for us patient readers who enjoy a slow-paced book, keep reading! T. Kingfisher uses her relaxed narrative style to build up character development, and prevents you from speed reading to better enhance your enjoyment for this book and to learn to love the characters. In this book, the main character Sam visits her mom, after getting a weird call from her brother, telling her that their mother is acting rather mysterious. In this book, you'll get a deep dive into Sam’s character development, and watch her unravel the mystery of why her mother is acting so mysterious. Perhaps some secrets are better left unburied. Snuggle up during this cozy season and get a hint of this supernatural experience, and see how it conflicts with a science-based main character who doesn't believe in paranormal liveliness. Shayna, Children’s Librarian Assistant, Reviews: Dispatches from Parts Unknown by Bryan Bliss When you're dealing with a lot in life the last thing you need is for your inner monologue to keep demanding Orange Julius's (frothy, smoothie like orange flavored drinks), but that's exactly how Julie's life is going. It's been three years since her dad suddenly passed away and she's still trying to cope with the loss. On top of her grief, Julie is trying to adjust to her mom starting to date and the sudden appearance of a wild skater boy, who she may or may not like. Through it all, the Masked Man, her dad's favorite professional wrestler, is commentating on her life inner monologue style. It may seem like a weird combination, grief and professional wrestling, but it all works together, the silly balancing out the sad. The author, Bryan Bliss, tackles the subject of grief, through compassion and humor, never making light of the situation, but showing that we all deal with grief in different ways. It is a book about grief, but it's also a book about kindness, friendship and believing in yourself. I listened to the audiobook, on the Libby app, and it was worth it! The narrator, Joy Nash, does a fantastic job voicing the different characters, especially the Masked Man. She made it all feel very authentic. So, don't be a jabroni, give it a listen! You don't even have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy the book. Alison, Children’s Manager, Reviews: WINTER 2025/26 EDITION - DECEMBER, JANUARY, & FEBRUARY
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