From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Queen of Lombard Street: A Novel by Lisa Kleypas (Avon, $30, 9780063247635). "Kleypas has done it again! She effortlessly weaves characters with rich detail and humor into a historical novel steeped in overturning the patriarchy. Kleypas gathers a motley crew and masterfully layers mystery, romance, and feminism during a time of radical change." --Lissa Bak, Book Club Bar, New York, N.Y.
The Killing of a Chestnut Tree by Oliver K. Langmead (Tordotcom, $24.99, 9781250448613). "I can't love anything more than a talking forest and a gay crime-fighting duo. Havelock and Sebastian are two of my favorite characters and Farleigh forest is up there, too. Cozy mystery at its finest. Oliver K. Langmead has a forever fan in me." --Jenna Gehman, Towne Book Center & Cafe, Collegeville, Pa.
Paperback
The Keeper by Ana Huang (Bloom Books, $19.99, 9781464223341). "A perfect read no matter if you're a newbie to sports romance or a seasoned veteran, complete with a 'doesn't do relationships' goalkeeper hero and his daughter's nanny. (AKA the one woman he can't resist, obviously!)" --Kyra Purgason, Meet Cute Romance Bookshop, San Diego, Calif.
Ages 4-8
Carrots Make Me Suspicious by Robin Mitchell Cranfield (Greystone Kids, $19.95, 9781778403187). "In Carrots Make Me Suspicious readers follow along, exploring carrots from the garden to the gourmet with this young bun on curious terms, not demanding ones. A perfect book for kiddos whose opinions about food deserve to be taken seriously." --Michelle Cavalier, Cavalier House Books, Denham Springs, La.
Ages 8-12
Brittle Magic by Kate O'Shaughnessy (Knopf Books for Young Readers, $17.99, 9780593650776). "Brittle Magic is filled with 'warm, maple syrupy' deliciousness--a quick read bursting with quirky charm that kept me hooked from the start. I loved Shiloh's tenacity as she learns to trust her instincts while unraveling family secrets and long-buried grief. A meaningful story about truth and healing." --Kristina Swilley, Bookshop Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Calif.
Ages 13+ (Indies Introduce)
Where We Go at Night by Ikwo Ntekim (HarperCollins, $19.99, 9781335453853). "Eerie and atmospheric, this debut young adult fantasy is a pulse-pounding adventure filled with fae, mystery, and thrilling twists. Layered and imaginative, this novel will keep you turning pages late into the night." --Michael Leali, Mrs. Dalloway's Literary & Garden Arts, Berkeley, Calif.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
