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This book can be found on Bookshare at the following link:   https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/6904003?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPXdoZW4lMkJ0aGUlMkJzdGFycyUyQmdvJTJCZGFyaw   The annotation from BARD is below:   When the stars go dark DB102900 Author: McLain, Paula Reading Time: 11 hours, 31 minutes Read by: Marin Ireland Subjects: Mystery and Detective Stories, Suspense Fiction   When tragedy strikes seasoned missing persons detective Anna Hart’s personal life, she flees to the northern California village of Mendocino to grieve. But when she arrives, it’s to find out a local teenager is missing and the circumstances are reminiscent of a murder in Anna’s childhood. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2021.   New York : Random House Audio, 2021.   Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected]  

This book can be found on Bookshare at the following link:   https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/5068256?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPUxldCUyQml0JTJCc25vdw   The annotation from BARD is below:   Let it snow: a novel DB121508 Author: Thayer, Nancy Reading Time: 6 hours, 3 minutes Read by: Allison, Kristin Subjects: Family, Holidays, Romance   “Christina Antonioni is preparing for the holidays at her Nantucket toy shop, unpacking last-minute shipments and decorating for her loyal Christmas shoppers. But when her Scrooge of a landlord, Oscar Bittlesman, raises her rent, it seems nearly impossible for Christina to continue business on the wharf. Even so, Christina hopes there is a warm heart underneath Oscar’s steely exterior. When she bonds with Wink, his sweet, young granddaughter who frequents the shop, it becomes clear that perhaps he isn’t so cold after all. And with the help of Wink’s uncle, who happens to be a charming and very handsome bachelor, this may be the best Christmas any of them could have ever imagined. Nancy Thayer’s enchanting Nantucket setting provides the perfect backdrop for this holiday love story.”– OCLC. Some strong language.   New York : Ballantine Books, [2019]   Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected]  

This book can be found on Bookshare at the following link:   https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/6414224?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPUxhc3QlMkJUd2lsaWdodCUyQmluJTJCUGFyaXMlMkI   The annotation from BARD is below:   Last twilight in Paris DB127477 Author: Jenoff, Pam Reading Time: 10 hours, 35 minutes Read by: Maarleveld, Saskia, Plummer, Thérèse Subjects: Historical Fiction, General Fiction   “London, 1953. Louise is still adjusting to her postwar role as a housewife when she discovers a necklace in a box at a secondhand shop. The box is marked with the name of a department store in Paris, and she is certain she has seen the necklace before, when she worked with the Red Cross in Nazi-occupied Europe–and that it holds the key to the mysterious death of her friend Franny during the war. Following the trail of clues to Paris, Louise seeks help from her former boss Ian, with whom she shares a romantic history. The necklace leads them to discover the dark history of Lévitan–a once-glamorous department store that served as a Nazi prison, and Helaine, a woman who was imprisoned there, torn apart from her husband when the Germans invaded France. Louise races to find the connection between the necklace, the department store and Franny’s death. But nothing is as it seems, and there are forces determined to keep the truth buried forever. Inspired by the true story of Lévitan, Last Twilight in Paris is both a gripping mystery and an unforgettable story about sacrifice, resistance and the power of love to transcend in even the darkest hours.”– From publisher. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.   New York : Harlequin Audio, 2025.   Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected]  

This book can be found on Bookshare at the following link: https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/6569392?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPXdoZXJlJTJCdGhlJTJCcmVkJTJCZmVybiUyQmdyb3dz   The annotation from BARD is below:   Where the red fern grows: the story of two dogs and a boy DB32449 Author: Rawls, Wilson Reading Time: 7 hours, 11 minutes Read by: David Palmer Subject: Animals and Wildlife   Ten-year-old Billy, a country boy in the Ozarks, wants a pair of coonhounds so badly that he works hard for two years to pay for them. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 1961.   Santa Barbara, Calif. : ABC-CLIO, 1987, c1961.   Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected]  

This book can be found on Bookshare at the following link: https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/6577346?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPW91ciUyQmxpdHRsZSUyQnNlY3JldA   The annotation from BARD is below:   Our little secret DB126128 Author: Jackson, Lisa Reading Time: 15 hours, 4 minutes Read by: Cavallero, Gabriella Subjects: Suspense Fiction, Psychological Fiction   “Brooke Harmon is ready to end her brief affair. Gideon Ross is charming and sexy, but he’s not worth throwing away everything she holds dear. So she breaks it off, hoping Gideon will understand. He doesn’t. Gideon insists that he and Brooke are meant to be together. Finally, he backs off, but not before issuing a promise: he’ll never let her go. Little more than a year later, Brooke wants to believe it’s all behind her. Her family has survived intact. Gideon has vanished. But the fear hasn’t disappeared. Brooke can’t tell how much of it is paranoia, and how much is justified, but she’s worried. And maybe she’s right to be. Because Gideon is a man who keeps his promises…” — Amazon.com Violence, strong language and some descriptions of sex.   New York, NY : Kensington Books, 2024.   Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected]

This book is not available on Bookshare.   The annotation from BARD is below:   When the day comes DB125107 Series: Timeless Order in Series: 01 Author: Meyer, Gabrielle Reading Time: 12 hours, 29 minutes Read by: Rachel Botchan Subjects: Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Human Relations   “Libby has been given a powerful gift: to live one life in 1774 colonial Williamsburg and the other in 1914 Gilded Age New York City. When she falls asleep in one life, she wakes up in the other without any time passing. She has one conscious mind but two very different lives and bodies. In colonial Williamsburg, Libby is a public printer for the House of Burgesses and the Royal Governor, trying to provide for her family and support the Patriot cause. The man she loves, Henry Montgomery, has his own secrets. As the revolution draws near, both their lives – and any hope of love – are put in jeopardy. Libby’s life in 1914 New York is filled with wealth, drawing room conversations, and bachelors. But the only work she cares about – women’s suffrage – is discouraged, and her mother is intent on marrying her off to an undesirable English marquess. The growing talk of war in Europe further complicates matters and forces her to make sacrifices she never imagined. On her twenty-first birthday, Libby must choose one path and forfeit the other forever – but how can she possibly choose when she has so much to lose in each life?”– From publisher. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.   [United States] : Recorded Books, Inc., 2022.   Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected]   We hope you’ll join us to discuss this great book.

Novel Ideas with Hostess Randi Shelton. The Last Year of the War by Susan Meisner DB94293.

This book is available on Bookshare at the following link: https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/6186195?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPWNvdW50aW5nJTJCbWlyYWNsZXM The synopsis from BARD is below: Counting miracles: a novel DB124452 Author: Sparks, Nicholas Reading Time: 10 hours, 49 minutes Read by: Holter Graham, Nicholas Sparks Subjects: Human Relations, Romance “From the acclaimed author of The Longest Ride and The Notebook comes an emotional, powerful novel about wondering if we can change-or even make our peace with–the path we’ve taken. Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather’s military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. His whole life has been spent abroad, and he is the proverbial rolling stone: happiest when off on his next adventure, zero desire to settle down. But when his grandmother passes away, her last words to him are find where you belong. She also drops a bombshell, telling him the name of the father he never knew-and where to find him. Tanner is due at his next posting soon, but his curiosity is piqued, and he sets out for Asheboro, North Carolina, to ask around. He’s been in town less than twenty-four hours when he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom. They both feel an immediate connection; Tanner knows Kaitlyn has a story to tell, and he wants to hear it. To Kaitlyn, Tanner is mysterious, exciting–and possibly leaving in just a few weeks. Meanwhile, nearby, eighty-three-year-old Jasper lives alone in a cabin bordering a national forest. With only his old dog, Arlo, for company, he lives quietly, haunted by a tragic accident that took place decades before. When he hears rumors that a white deer has been spotted in the forest-a creature of legend that inspired his father and grandfather-he becomes obsessed with protecting the deer from poachers. As these characters’ fates orbit closer together, none of them is expecting a miracle … but that may be exactly what is about to alter their futures forever”– Provided by publisher. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. New York : Penguin Random House, 2024. Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected] We hope you’ll join us to discuss this great book.  

Novel Ideas meets 3/21/25 at 8pm Eastern and will be discussing the book The Kennedy Debutante DB108271by Kerri Maher. Due to confusion locating this book by title on the BARD website, we incorrectly identified the March book to be discussed as Kathleen Kennedy, her life and times DB20590 at the 2/21/25 meeting. We will be discussing The Kennedy Debutante instead which is Randi’s first choice. This book is available on Bookshare at the following link: https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/2745687?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPVRoZSUyQktlbm5lZHklMkJEZWJ1dGFudGU The synopsis from BARD is below: The Kennedy debutante DB108271 Author: Maher, Kerri Reading Time: 12 hours, 24 minutes Read by: Julia Whelan Subject: Historical Fiction London, 1938. Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy is the effervescent It girl of London society since her father was named the ambassador. Eager to escape the watchful eye of her family, Kick is ready to strike out on her own and is soon swept off her feet by Billy Hartington, the future Duke of Devonshire. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2018. [New York, NY] : Penguin Audio, 2018. Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected]   We hope you’ll join us to discuss this great book.  

This book is available on Bookshare at the following link: https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/619162?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPUJlZm9yZSUyQnRoZSUyQnN0b3Jt The synopsis from BARD is below: Before the storm DB120402 Author: Chamberlain, Diane Reading Time: 11 hours, 37 minutes Read by: Kris Koscheski, Abby Craden Subjects: Women, Human Relations, Family “Laural Lockwood’s 15-year-old son Andy is “special”. She lost him once through neglect, but is determined to make up for her mistakes. When she allows Andy to attend a local church social she is terrified when the church is consumed by fire. Andy survives and saves other children as well. Initially Andy basks in the role of unlikely hero but when the suspicion of arson is cast upon Andy, Laurel must ask herself how well she really knows her son, and how far she’ll go to keep her promise to protect him forever.”– OCLC. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Don Mills, Ont. : Tantor Media, Inc., 2014. Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected]  

Novel Ideas will be discussing the book Truths I never told you DB102014 by Kelly Rimmer. This book is available on Bookshare at the following link: https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/5242675?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPVRydXRocyUyQkklMkJuZXZlciUyQnRvbGQlMkJ5b3U   The synopsis from BARD is below:   Truths I never told you DB102014 Author: Rimmer, Kelly Reading Time: 11 hours, 44 minutes Read by: Jean Ann Douglass Subject: Historical Fiction   Beth is cleaning her father’s home after settling him in a care facility and discovers loose pieces of a journal in her mother’s handwriting from the 1950s. Beth grew up believing her mother died in a car accident, but the journal hints at a darker truth. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.   [United States] : Harlequin Audio/Recorded Books, 2020.   Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected]  

This book is available on Bookshare at the following link: https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/6194073?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPXRoZSUyQmNocmlzdG1hcyUyQmlubg   The synopsis from BARD is below:   The Christmas inn: a novel DB124450 Author: Kelley, Pamela M. Reading Time: 8 hours, 45 minutes Read by: Stephanie Németh-Parker Subjects: Holidays, Romance, Family   Explore delightfully cozy and joyful novel of second chances at the most wonderful time of the year, from USA Today bestselling author Pamela Kelley. A feel-good as delightful and comforting as a cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night, The Christmas Inn is bestselling author pamela Kelley’s most heart warming magical book yet.   Riley Sanders didn’t plan on losing her job as a content marketing manager right before Christmas. When she calls her sister Amy to vent, she learns that their mother has broken her leg and could really use some help at the inn. Riley decides to head home to the inn, nestled along the shores of Cape Cod, in time for the Christmas rush. She is happy to help and needs something to distract her as mistletoe is hung and snowflakes begin to fall. When she gets there, she not only finds delicious cookies and a crackling fire to lift her spirits, but also the sense of family she’s been missing all along. There’s franny, a woman who has just lost her sister and has four unopened letters from her that she plans to use to open her up to new experiences on the cape. and there’s aidan, her high school sweetheart, now a widower, who is staying at the inn with his nine-year-old son, luke. What begins as quick stay over the holidays to help her mom turns into something that means much more-a second chance at romance, a deeper sense of found family, and all the joy and wonder that comes with Christmastime on Cape Cod.   Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected]  

Novel Ideas will be discussing the book The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman. DBC 02517. Guest host Carla Hayes will lead us in the discussion. This book is available on Bookshare at the following link: https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/1015328?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPXRoZSUyQmxvc3QlMkJ3aWZl The synopsis from BARD is below: During the last moments of prewar Prague, two young students fall in love and marry, only to be torn apart — their dreams shattered by the Nazi Invasion. decades later and thousands of miles away, an unexpected encounter in New York leads to an inescapable glance of recognition and and the realization that providence has given Lencha and Josef one more chance. Guest host: carla Hayes Email” [email protected] Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected] We hope you’ll join us to discuss this great book.

This book is available on Bookshare at the following link:   https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/6026156?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPW1pbmQlMkJnYW1lcw   The synopsis from BARD is below:   “As they do each June, the Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. Here, twelve-year-old Thea can run free and breathe in the smells of pine and fresh bread and Grammie’s handmade candles. But as her parents head back to suburban Virginia, they have no idea they’re about to cross paths with a ticking time bomb. Back in Kentucky, Thea and her grandmother Lucy both awaken from the same nightmare. And though the two have never discussed the special kind of sight they share, they know as soon as their tearful eyes meet that something terrible has happened. The kids will be staying with Grammie now in Redbud Hollow, and thanks to Thea’s vision, their parents’ killer will spend his life in supermax. Over time, Thea will make friends, build a career, find love. But that ability to see into minds and souls still lurks within her, and though Grammie calls it a gift, it feels more like a curse–because the inmate who shattered her childhood has the same ability. Thea can hear his twisted thoughts and witness his evil acts from miles away. He knows it, and hungers for vengeance. A long, silent battle will be waged between them–and eventually bring them face to face, and head to head”– Provided by publisher. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.   Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected] Date: Friday October 18 2024   Time: 5:00 PM Pacific, 6:00 PM Mountain, 7:00 PM Central, 8:00 PM Eastern and elsewhere in the world Saturday 00:00 GMT.   We hope you’ll join us to discuss this great book.  

As we’ve done the last few years, Novel Ideas will be taking the months of July and August off. Whether you’re going to the summer conferences, enjoying a vacation with family or friends, or just staying home, have a wonderful summer! When we meet in September, we will be discussing A Little Ray Of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins. DB 115175. This book is available on Bookshare at the following link: https://www.bookshare.org/browse/book/5982941?returnPath=L3NlYXJjaD9tb2R1bGVOYW1lPXB1YmxpYyZrZXl3b3JkPUElMkJMaXR0bGUlMkJSYXklMkJPZiUyQlN1bnNoaW5lJTJC The Synopsis from BARD is below: A kid walks into your bookstore and. Guess what? He’s your son. The one you put up for adoption eighteen years ago. The one you never told anyone about. Surprise! And a huge surprise it is. It’s a huge surprise for his adoptive mother, Monica, who thought she had a close relationship with Matthew, her nearly adult son. But apparently, he felt the need to secretly arrange a vacation to Cape Cod for the summer so he could meet his birth mother. Without a word to her or his dad. It’s also a surprise to say the least to Harlow, the woman who secretly placed her baby for adoption so many years ago. She’s spent the years since then building a quiet life. She runs a bookstore with her grandfather, hangs out with her four younger siblings and is more or less happily single, though she can’t help gravitating toward Grady Byrne, her old friend from high school. He’s moved back to town, three-year-old daughter in tow, no wife in the picture. But she’s always figured her life had to be child-free, so that complicates things. When Matthew walks into Harlow’s store, she faints. Monica panics. And all their assumptions about what being a parent really means explode. This summer will be full of more surprises as both their families are redefined. And as both women learn that for them, there’s no limit to a mother’s love. Host: Randi Shelton E-Mail: [email protected]