Together At the Table

By Hilary Manton Lodge

Julliette D’Alesi is the third generation of a French-Italian restauranteur family in the Pacific Northwest. Following the discovery of an antique photo in her grandmother’s possessions that looks remarkably like her brother, but that is obviously not related to the grandfather she knew, Julliette continues her search for the truth behind her family secrets begun in previous books, A Table by the Window, and, Reservations for Two.

Ms. Lodge tantalized me with the tastes and imagery of the Pacific Northwest, as well as recipes and intrigue as her heroine searches for meaning in her own life, and finds the roots that link her to her past.

This is the most recent book in a trilogy set in the present day Pacific Northwest, and World War II France.


~ Sally

Happy People Read and Drink Coffee

By Agnes Martin-Lugand

Set in Paris and Ireland, this is the story of a woman facing tragic loss, and her journey back to life. Diane is part owner of a Paris Literary Shop by the name of ‘Happy People Read and Drink Coffee’. I admit that I picked this book up because of the title and the cover! Diane’s life takes a tragic turn that leads her to leave her charming life in Paris and find peace and solace in a tiny, isolated Irish village.

This is a beautiful story of hope and fulfillment that I read in one sitting. It was originally self-published and became a best seller in France. It is being made into a movie here in the U.S.


~ Sally

The Murder of Mary Russell

By Laurie R. King

King returns us to the world of Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. This time the focus is on Mrs. Hudson. You will enjoy this book even if you have not read the previous books in this series.

Mrs. Hudson's son appears from the unknown and triggers a traumatic series of events. King reveals the motherly housekeeper's background and how it contributed to the current situation. These revelations show a totally different side of this much loved character. A wonderful twist that was so unexpected!

~ Rochelle

The Queen of the Tearling

By Erika Johansen
Audiobook CD format
Read by Katherine Kellgren

Do you enjoy historical fiction set in medieval times? Or futuristic dystopian stories? You can experience both of these worlds within The Queen of the Tearling. This book was recommended to me by a patron and I really enjoyed the interaction between the characters and the imagery of the country-side during their quest. It intrigued me as certain clues were revealed about the history of The Crossing that divided the world.

This is the first book in the Trilogy by this first-time author. I have the second book on hold!

~ Paula