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This week, we feature a heartwarming contemporary romance and 12 inspiring Christmas stories that span from O. Henry to George MacDonald and beyond.
Fiction
By Nicholas Sparks
Raised by his grandparents, Army Ranger Tanner Hughes learns the identity of his father and sets off to North Carolina to learn about his roots. He soon finds himself entangled with physician and single mom Kaitlyn Cooper and the solitary 83-year-old, Jasper, who is determined to protect a rare white deer. Here Sparks once again reveals his talent for bringing strangers together in his fiction. Through their interactions, he explores themes of love, hope, hardship, and grief. Highly recommended.
Random House, 2024, 368 pages
Movies
‘As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride’
By Cary Elwes and Joe Layden
Although it opened to a disappointing box office, the movie “The Princess Bride” became a bestseller after home release and is now considered a classic. Elwes, who played Wesley, wrote this book about its making. He takes readers behind the scenes in a magical look at the production. He tells what it was like to be there, offers views of the cast and what it was like working with them, and reveals set secrets and backstage stories. A book highly recommended for any fan of the movie.
Atria Books, 2016, 272 pages
Science Fiction
By Holly Chism
In a near-future America, the U.S. government monopolizes electricity and education. It sells “sustainable” wind and solar power at exorbitant prices. Student loans can only be paid off by working as indentured servants for the federal government. But one day, retiree Dane Crockford realizes his homeschooled grandson’s science experiment has created fusion energy. In a delightful tale, he and the other elderly men and women of his small rural town use it to free themselves from government overreach.
Independently Published, 2024, 141 pages
Mystery
By Anthony Horowitz
Alan Conway has written another of his great crime novels and handed the manuscript to his editor, Susan Ryeland. Ryeland has worked for Conway for years, and although she doesn’t like him, she loves his work. It’s this working relationship that allows her to unravel not the mystery in the book but the mystery hiding within the book. “Magpie Murders” is the first of the three-part Reyland series. It’s a throwback to the British mysteries of Agatha Christie and sure to delight readers.
Harper, 2017, 496 pages
Classics
‘12 Classic Christmas Stories: A Feast of Yuletide Tales’
Edited by Timothy Larsen
With Christmas just around the corner, this Wheaton College professor’s “feast of Yuletide tales” is sure to spark your holiday spirit. Louisa May Alcott’s “Tilly’s Christmas,” George MacDonald’s “The Gifts of the Child Christ,” and Kate Wiggin’s “The Romance of a Christmas Card” are but a sample of these old but excellent stories of joy, gratitude, and reconciliation. Each tale in this “Christmas variety pack” comes with a brief introduction. Great for reading aloud and suitable for all ages.
Moody Publishers, 2024, 336 pages
For Kids
By Donald Hall and Michael McCurdy
Inspired by his own childhood, renowned author Donald Hall transports readers to New England in 1909. Here Lucy is preparing for Christmas as she makes presents for her family. When the day arrives, she and her family head to town for the Christmas pageant at church. A simple and lovely celebration of tradition and a delightful holiday read.
David R. Godine, 2007, 40 pages
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