Top Library Recommended Titles for December

LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 December titles public library staff across the country love:

Top Pick
Not in My Book: A Novel by Katie Holt (Alcove Press, $19.99, 9781639109753). "If there's such a thing as 'light academia' this book embodies it, with collegiate setting-fueled banter in a cute, enemies-to-lovers romance. As Rosie and her nemesis, the uppity Aiden, are forced to write a book together, opposites attract as they produce each chapter. Readers will love the chemistry between the two writers in this debut novel." --Maddie Paul, Bartholomew County Public Library, Ind.

I Might Be in Trouble by Daniel Aleman (Grand Central, $29, 9781538766347). "When struggling novelist David wakes up next to a dead body after a hookup with a stranger, he realizes inspiration for his next book may have finally struck. But he'll need his agent's help to move the body and avoid the blame first. This mystery thriller is funny, suspenseful, and surprisingly touching." --Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, Ill.

Keep Me by Sara Cate (Sourcebooks Casablanca, $17.99, 9781728282190). "Killian is a brute who let his past dictate his life until he met Sylvie. She's entitled and has a foul mouth according to Killian, but she is the only woman he'd consider entering into a fake marriage with. Sylvie agrees, knowing that 10 million dollars awaits at the finish line. What neither of them expected was to actually fall in love." --Erica Moses, Genesee Area Library, Pa.

Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love: A Novel by Marianne Cronin (‎Harper Perennial, $30, 9780063383500). "Unexpected friendships and second chances come alive in this life-affirming story. 90-year-old Eddie, a volunteer in a resale shop, meets 24-year-old Bella, who brings in the things of her boyfriend who died last year. Through their friendship, Bella discovers Eddie has never been kissed. This read is hope and humanity in a book." --Crystal Faris, Kansas City Public Library, Mo.

The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlap (‎Kensington, $28, 9781496750341). "This gothic novel is a delightfully atmospheric tale of a medical student turned grave robber, set amidst the dark alleyways of 19th-century Edinburgh. The combination of historical fiction and murder mystery with plenty of medical history will make this a crossover hit with several audiences. Readers will be looking for more from this author." --Gregg Winsor, Johnson County Library, Kan.

A Monsoon Rising: A Novel by Thea Guanzon (Harper Voyager, $32, 9780063277304). "Readers who follow this series will be happy to see Talasyn and Alaric work through their tension and angst and come together in order to save the world from being devoured. The slow burn of the enemies-to-lovers romance really sets the pace for the entire book." --Ashley M., Morton Grove Public Library, Ill.

Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson (Minotaur, $28, 9781250909954). "Madelaine has to live in her late aunt's home/bookstore for six months in order to inherit. It's only her first night and she's already putting out fires, getting threatening phone calls, and finding a body. Does she flee? Nope! She sets out to find the villain. Add in some eccentric women and small town characters for a great cozy mystery." --Joan Hipp, Florham Park Public Library, N.J.

The Rivals: A Novel by Jane Pek (‎Vintage, $18, 9780593470152). "Claudia works for a company verifying information for online matchmaking programs. As she digs deeper into a possible A.I. conspiracy, danger rises. With the uncomfortable feeling that the people she's investigating are being eliminated, Claudia races to solve the case and to manage her complicated personal life. Readers will enjoy the banter, multifaceted characters, and interesting storyline." --Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library (Austin), Tex.

North Is the Night by Emily Rath (Erewhon Books, $30, 9781645662204). "Finnish gods meet mortals in this journey to the underworld featuring two strong heroines, one captured by the Witch Queen of Death and the other determined to rescue her. Aina and Siiri's bond intensifies even when they are separated. Rath's world is peppered with gods, shamans, and assorted witches, pushing the story into new territory and making this a unique and original tale." --Douglas Beatty, Baltimore County Public Library, Md.

Rental House: A Novel by Weike Wang (Riverhead, $28, 9780593545546). "Keru and Nate decide to rent a summer house, inviting their parents on different weekends of their vacation. She is the child of Chinese immigrants, and he is the son of working class Appalachians. The novel's dry humor focuses on how each family views Keru and Nate's marriage compared with their more traditional ideas, making this an interesting study of contemporary marriage." --Michelle Morris, Fort Worth Public Library, Tex.

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