Book Buzz: Bookish Romance, Historical Fiction, Magician Secret Societies, Drawing, and Cricuts

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For April, we’re looking at a bookstore-centered romance, novels about the Civil Rights Movement and Renaissance Italy, a new-ish dark academic fantasy series, and some books that will help take your arts and crafts to the next level.

If you want contemporary romance:

Jayci Lee’s Booked on a Feeling (2022)*

After Lizzy’s budding law career implodes, she returns to her hometown to regroup. In the process, she reunites with her childhood friend Jack, who’s long harbored feelings for her, and decides to distract herself by revitalizing the local bookstore. Complications ensue.

*Ebook also available on Libby.

Recommended for those who enjoy the work of Rachel Lynn Solomon, Jasmine Guillory, and Abby Jimenez.

If you prefer historical fiction with a dash of romance:

Jamila Minnick’s Moonrise Over New Jessup (2023)**

In 1950s Alabama, Alice finds herself in a remote all-African American town, New Jessup. She quickly falls in love with Raymond, a local activist, but finds herself torn as the local debate over integration and the Civil Rights Movement comes to town.

**Ebook and audiobook also available on Libby.

Recommended for those who enjoy the work of Barbara Kingsolver, Oscar Hokeah, and Colson Whitehead.

If you enjoy literary historical fiction:

Maggie O’Farrell’s The Marriage Portrait (2022)***

Lucrezia de Medici is the daughter of a prominent Italian Renaissance family–yes, those de Medicis–but when her sister dies on the eve of her wedding to a prominent duke, Lucrezia is offered as a replacement spouse. Upon her marriage, she finds herself trapped in an uneasy existence at court, regarded with more suspicion and hostility than she’d expected and unsure of her husband’s attitude toward her.

***Ebook and audiobook also available on Libby.

Recommended for those who enjoy the work of Hilary Mantel, Lauren Groff, and Alison Weir.

If you love fantasy:

Olivie Blake’s The Atlas series (2020-present)****

There are two books in this series, with a final third slated for release in 2024. Entrance into the The Alexandrian Society is the pinnacle of achievement for academic magicians. Admission is a once-in-a-decade opportunity restricted to five people, but the initiation process includes six candidates. Someone is going to lose. You can tell where this is headed.

****Ebook for Book 1 also available on Libby.

Recommended for those who enjoy the work of Deborah Harkness and Leigh Bardugo.

If you need nonfiction on arts and crafts:

Andrew Loomis’s Drawing the Head and Hands (2011)

This is not a new book, but it is a classic that is new to our collection. It focuses on how to draw people realistically, with a special focus on two common problems areas–heads and hands.

Recommended for those interested in refining their figure drawing skills.

Megan Meketa’s The Maker’s Guide to Cricut: Easy Projects for Creating Fabulous Home Decor, Wearables, and Gifts (2022)*****

Cricut cutting machines can make crafting easier–we really like our Cricut at the library!–and this book outlines ways to make easy but amazing Cricut projects. You’ll learn the basics of operating a Cricut, as well as how to make everything from cake toppers to earrings with one.

*****Ebook also available on Libby.

Recommended for those interested in Cricut maker crafts.

What’s your favorite new-ish books? What books are you buzzing about these days? Have you read any of these books? Tell us in the comments! As always, please follow this link to our online library catalog for more information on any of these items or to place them on hold.