From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk (Tordotcom, $19.99, 9781250849458). "Short, sweet, romantic, and full of secrets. This magical noir stars wonderful characters and so many twists and turns that I never knew quite what was going to happen next. A delightful ride, handbasket optional." --Lindsey Pattavina, RJ Julia Booksellers, Madison, Conn.
Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six: A Novel by Lisa Unger (Park Row, $27.99, 9780778333234). "This has family drama, secrets and great characters--so clear your weekend. Every book establishes Lisa Unger as a fantastic thriller writer and storyteller. This will bring even more fans in her camp (or cabin?). She is in her prime!"--Laura Taylor, The Oxford Exchange, Tampa, Fla.
Paperback
The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson (Sourcebooks Landmark, $16.99, 9781728246444). "I love a book about a bookstore! This was cute and funny, but also showed that we're never too old to figure out what we want to do with our lives--or to not know what the heck we're doing at any age. Loved it!" --Kristin Prout, Gathering Volumes, Perrysburg, Ohio
For Ages 4 to 8
The Great Caper Caper: Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast #5 by Josh Funk, illus. by Brendan Kearney (Union Square Kids, $17.99, 9781454943631). "The fifth installment in the Lady Pancake series features a madcap caper that kids will love. Parents can look forward to some humor that is, undoubtedly, aimed at them. Definitely a book the whole family will want to read over and over!" --Audrey Beatty, River Bend Bookshop, Glastonbury, Conn.
For Ages 9 to 12: An Indies Introduce Title
Children of Stardust by Edudzi Adodo (Norton Young Readers, $18.95, 9781324030775). "A middle grade space opera infused with African culture and mythologies. Zero is on a quest to be a legendary Saba--to find lost treasures and hunt down criminals. There were twists and turns on every page; I cannot recommend this enough!" --Joseline Diaz, Kepler's Books, Menlo Park, Calif.
For Teen Readers: An Indies Introduce Title
Henry Hamlet's Heart by Rhiannon Wilde (Charlesbridge Teen, $18.99, 9781623543693). "This is the best friends-to-lovers romance my cold cynical heart needed. Henry and his first love feelings are a cuteness overload. Full of humor, sincerity, and excellent music, this is one of my new favorite coming-of-age stories." --Melissa Taylor, E. Shaver, Bookseller, Savannah, Ga.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
