This book was recommended by some enlightened human on Library Twitter. I tend to love almost any book that falls into the apocalyptic fiction category, so even though the audiobook was THIRTY-TWO hours long, I still downloaded it without hesitation. Let me just say, I was absolutely obsessed with this book. I could not stop reading it.

A lot of people are comparing this book to Stephen King’s, The Stand, and they are correct, the books both feature a plague and a trip to Las Vegas. However, I thought the more important King similarity was the powder keg politics of, Under the Dome. There was also a lot of scientific and technical problem solving that reminded me of Andy Weir’s, The Martian. I am not saying this book is unoriginal or plagiarized in any way! This book is its own fantastic horror show, with some familiar elements found in other exceptional works.

If you enjoyed any of the above titles or anything apocalyptic, you are likely to be as consumed by this book as I was. This is a strong contender for my book of the year. Check back in January to find out what my official selection is!

Check back on Tuesday for a No Spoiler Review of Before We Were Yours.

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This time of year, we often find ourselves obligated to attend multiple social events with family, friends, and coworkers. If you’re an introverted librarian, like me, the thought of crowded rooms full of noisy people and distractions is overwhelming. I have struggled with these parties for years and have finally collected enough “helpful tips” to actually enjoy myself. Here is what has worked for me.

I think that introverts need to prepare themselves for parties, like marathoners before a big race. Get plenty of sleep the night before, eat healthy and drink lots of water. When it comes time to start getting ready for the party, I usually have a coffee and an apple or banana. This combination seems to give me a boost of steady energy. When I get to the party, if it’s appropriate, I’ll have a glass of wine. This gives my hands something to do while the alcohol works its magic. Obviously, having a drink is entirely up to you.

Release Date February 11, 2020

Rhys Bowen is one of those prolific authors that pretty much has her own section at the library. While I tend to be wary of authors who publish frequently, I know that Bowen has a devoted following, so I always intended to read one of her books. I was not disappointed.

The main character is incredibly relatable for someone who was supposed to have lived over a hundred years ago. Bella is forced to become a servant after her noble family falls on hard times. As a working-class woman, she struggles with having a career, but also wanting a husband and family. She is faced with many of the same opportunities and limitations faced by women today.

This historical romance set in Queen Victoria’s royal kitchens is deliciously soothing. I don’t have much experience with Cozy Mysteries, but I can now understand the appeal. How does an author manage to maintain a warm comfortable glow in a story filled with accidents, intrigue and murder? That is a special talent. I am looking forward to reading more by Bowen, I know I have a lot to choose from.

Fans of Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs will adore this quick read. Readers of historical fiction and romance, as well as cozy mysteries will also enjoy this title. I am personally recommending this book to my English Aunt Mary. Your Aunt Mary will love it too!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers of this book for allowing me advance access in exchange for this honest review.

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Check back on Tuesday for An Introvert's Guide to Holiday Parties!

​Thanksgiving is a big holiday. Even if you are not hosting a Thanksgiving get together, you are still usually expected to bring a dish. These books are great for hosts that are looking for new recipes and guests that want to bring something unexpected. This list includes comforting traditional options and exotic alternatives.

Cookbooks with the Best Sides and Snacks

Dips Spreads Nosh by Kimberly Stevens – Easy charcuterie platters, interesting breads and delicious hummus recipes.

What Can I Bring by Elizabeth Heiskell – This gorgeous book includes snacks, sides, desserts and main courses. It is a great option for someone looking to bring something simple, but unique.

Best Cookbooks for Hosts

Barefoot Contessa Parties by Ina Garten – Celebratory meals and a “Not Thanksgiving” section which includes a roast turkey and traditional sides with a twist. Mashed sweet potatoes and plum tart are a couple of the alternative dishes.

Festive Holiday Recipes by Addie Gundry – This traditional holiday cookbook is organized by course including sides, main courses and desserts.

Neely’s Celebration Cookbook – This southern cookbook is organized by month. It includes recipes for a full Thanksgiving meal featuring a fried turkey in the November section.

Pioneer Woman Cooks A Year of Holidays – This book is organized by holiday and includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, dessert and more in the Thanksgiving section.

Cookbooks with the Best Desserts

Big Book of Pies and Tarts by Betty Crocker – Seasonal favorites like pumpkin, apple and pecan pie as well as unique options like Chocolate Cashew Cranberry Tart.

Martha Stewart’s New Pies and Tarts – A whole section of just holiday pies including all of the traditional options, plus daring recipes like Persimmon Tartlets with Caramel Cream.
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Perfect Pie by America’s Test Kitchen – Hundreds of recipes for every imaginable type of pie with beautiful color pictures and step by step instructions. Fig, Cherry and Walnut Tart, Anyone?

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Check back on Thursday for a No Spoiler Review of Above the Bay of Angels.
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The best juvenile chapter books for elementary children in first through fifth grade. This list focuses on books about the traditional Thanksgiving celebration and books on being thankful.

Amelia Bedelia Talks Turkey by Herman Parish – Hilarity and confusion ensue as Amelia Bedelia attempts to help with the Thanksgiving pageant.

Don’t Be Such Turkey (Katie Kazoo) by Nancy Krulik – Katie gets switched with a Pilgrim during a class Thanksgiving field trip.

It’s Thanksgiving by Jack Prelutsky – Thanksgiving Poems for new readers and their families.

Nate the Great Talks Turkey by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat – How will Nate solve the mystery of the giant turkey?

Thank You Sarah, The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson – A picture books for older kids about the power of persistence and the Thanksgiving Holiday. Great for families to share.

Thanksgiving on Thursday (Magic Treehouse) by Mary Pope Osborne – Jack and Annie must learn how to celebrate Thanksgiving the old-fashioned way.

Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble (Ready Freddy) by Abby Klein – Nobody wants to be the Turkey in the Thanksgiving play; how will Freddy handle the role?

Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (Junie B Jones, First Grader) by Barbara Park – Being Thankful does not come naturally to the precocious Junie B Jones.

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Check back on Tuesday for a Thanksgiving Cookbooks List.

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The best Thanksgiving picture books to share as a family. This list features books about the traditional Thanksgiving celebration, creating your own traditions, Thanksgiving history and books on being thankful.

Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet – The story behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson – Friends share a simple feast in this lyrical tale of sharing and thankfulness.

Duck for Turkey Day by Jacqueline Jules – Everyone celebrates Thanksgiving in their own way, embrace your traditions and your family.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson – Thanksgiving feast version of the classic rhyme.

Just a Special Thanksgiving (Little Critter) by Mercer Mayer – A busy Thanksgiving holiday for Little Critter, a play, parade and dinner for the whole town.

Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney – Thanksgiving is a time to eat and give thanks Llama Llama.

Pete the Cat First Thanksgiving by James Dean – Pete the Cat’s reenactment of the first thanksgiving, followed by a feast.

Ten Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston – A silly turkey-centric rendition of Ten Little Monkeys.

Thankful by Eileen Spinelli – All the big and small things we can be thankful for.

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Check back on Thursday for the best Thanksgiving Chapter Books.

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