LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 September titles public library staff across the country love:
Top Pick
The September House by Carissa Orlando (Berkley, $27, 9780593548615). "Margaret believes in following the rules. Four years after moving into a haunted Victorian, she knows how to avoid the dangerous ghosts. But her husband can't take it anymore and leaves when the paranormal activity escalates to excessive levels. Now their estranged daughter--who's never been to the house--is coming to visit, and Margaret doesn't know how to explain (much less keep her child safe from) the specters' violent antics." --Lucy Lockley, St. Charles City-County Library District, Mo.
Perfectly Nice Neighbors by Kia Abdullah (Putnam, $18, 9780593713815). "This domestic thriller is about the dynamic and ongoing battle between neighbors, giving readers a suspenseful and exciting conclusion that they won't see coming. The commentary about race and social media is relatable to the world we live in. The battle between these neighbors may make readers think twice about moving to the suburbs." --Tabrizia Jones, the New York Public Library, N.Y.
The Long Game: A Novel by Elena Armas (Atria, $18.99, 9781668011300). "Adalyn needs a hug, not that she'll ever admit it. Exiled to tiny Green Oak, North Carolina, after a very public breakdown, she's forced to examine her life--and of course, falls in love along the way. Armas hits all the right emotional notes and the slow burn is delicious. Pick this one up if you like small-town romance, love interests who actually talk to each other, and female leads who can handle their stuff." --Amanda Baumann, JCL Northwest, Mo.
A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel by KJ Charle (Sourcebooks Casablanca, $16.99, 9781728255880). "Rufus is the new Earl of Oxney, much to the consternation of his uncle. But another possible claimant steps forward, Luke. As Rufus and Luke work together to get the estate organized, it becomes impossible for them to ignore their mutual attraction. This fun historical LGBTQ romance set 13 years after the first in the series is an ideal beach read." --Nancy Eggert, Chicago Public Library, Ill.
The Vaster Wilds: A Novel by Lauren Groff (Riverhead, $28, 9780593418390). "This stunningly haunting, lyrical novel is set in the New World settlement of Jamestown, when colonists established an outpost neighboring the Powhatan natives. Disease, conflict, and drought loom, with death soon following. In this period known as the Starving Time, sadly resulting in cannibalism, a servant girl flees, traveling deep into the woods. Escaping only with a few possessions, she eats what she can, desperate to survive." --KC Davis, LibraryReads Ambassador, Conn.
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner (Harper Voyager, $18.99, 9780063348271). "Three mortals and a minor god go on a quest and encounter a water spirit. Gripping from the first page, this fantasy novel explores this complex world with just the right amount of world-building and description. Highly recommended for fans of The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Chakraborty, The Name of the Wind by Rothfuss and classic fantasy." --Tommy Buttaccio, the New York Public Library, N.Y.
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic: A Novel by Breanne Randall (Alcove Press, $18.99, 9781639105731). "A light, witchy novel where the relationships aren't just romantic--there are family issues for the main character to work through as well. The magic system is a favorite cozy trope--herbs and baking--and there are lots of tasty-sounding recipes to try throughout. Readers will look forward to more to come from Randall." --Josephine Incolla-Moore, Frederick County Urbana Branch, Md.
Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score (Bloom Books, $18.99, 9781728276120). "In this series entry, Sloane Walton, local librarian, and Lucian Rollins, DC power player, mix as well as oil and water. When Sloane decides she's ready to settle down, Lucian insists on watching out for her. Can they get past their animosity and build a relationship? Lucian and Sloane are likable but flawed characters and readers will root for them to get their HEA." --Shari Suarez, Genesee District Library, Mich.
Hush Harbor: A Novel by Anise Vance (Hanover Square Press, $30, 9781335449528). "When racism explodes and it feels like the world is on fire, siblings Jeremiah and Nova decide to form a resistance group in an abandoned housing project. But differences about how to move forward divide the group, threatening to derail their work. The group must find a way forward without becoming like the enemy. Thought-provoking and intense!" --Alicia Ahlvers, Henrico County Public Library, Va.
The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar (Algonquin, $28, 9781643753553). "Remy Wadia is back in Bombay to adopt a child and to check in on his estranged mother, but nothing is working out as planned. As necessary truths are finally shared, Remy is forced to rethink his entire life. A beautifully written, heart-warming, and welcoming glimpse into the Parsi community and the complications of family." --Jessica Trotter, Capital Area District Libraries, Mich.
