From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
The Lies I Tell: A Novel by Julie Clark (Sourcebooks Landmark, $27.99, 9781728247595). "Kat Roberts has waited a decade to expose con artist Meg Williams. Now she finally has the chance... The Lies I Tell is a masterful tale. The characters are so well written, the plot smart and fast moving. This is definitely not one to miss!" --Rebecca Minnock, Murder By the Book, Houston, Tex.
Juniper & Thorn: A Novel by Ava Reid (Harper Voyager, $27.99, 9780062973160). "A gorgeous story influenced by one of the Brothers Grimm's darkest tales. At the center, two souls find a haven in each other while escaping evil worse than any monster under the bed. Juniper & Thorn is bewitching and utterly captivating." --Tarah Jennings, Mitzi's Books, Rapid City, S.D.
Paperback
One's Company: A Novel by Ashley Hutson (Norton, $16.95, 9780393866643). "Where do I even begin? An original and poignant story of obsession, trauma and the desire to escape into another reality as a means of survival. This is one of the most bonkers books I've ever read, and one of my favorite books of 2022." --Gaël LeLamer, Books & Books, Coral Gables, Fla.
For Ages 3 to 6
The Pet Potato by Josh Lacey, illus. by Momoko Abe (Roaring Brook Press, $18.99, 9781250834157). "Utterly charming and hilarious! When Albert gets a potato for a pet, he's less than thrilled. He learns to get creative and discovers a most unlikely companionship. With droll humor and perfect illustrations, this is a read aloud winner!" --Kathleen Carey, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, N.Y.
For Ages 8 to 12
Search for Treasure (The Islanders) by Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May, illus. by Jennifer Bricking (Aladdin, $17.99, 9781534427303). "I've been waiting for The Islanders sequel! This is one of my favorite middle grade series. The writing is beautiful and you fall in love with the characters. This is a great series for parents to read with their kids or a fun family book club!" --Zandria Senft, Bethany Beach Books, Bethany Beach, Del.
For Teen Readers: An Indies Introduce Title
This Place Is Still Beautiful by XiXi Tian (Balzer + Bray, $18.99, 9780063086029). "This is one of the most phenomenal debuts I've ever read. After a hate crime is committed in their home, two very different Chinese American sisters have to deal with this incident without tearing their family apart. I was blown away by this story!" --Joseline Diaz, Kepler's Books, Menlo Park, Calif.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
