THE BOOKSELLER
Genre: Literary Fiction
IR Verdict: THE BOOKSELLER is a gem–refreshing in its gentle introspection via Peter Briscoe’s warm, elegant, spare stories–with just enough compelling characterization and unique plot to carry its readers comfortably along.
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THE POET AND THE ANGEL
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
IR Verdict: THE POET AND THE ANGEL is a moving exploration of the life and death of Frederico Garcia Lorca that offers historical insight and cultural relevance. While the plot is spare, the author’s language is enchanting.
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WHERE ARE WE TOMORROW?
Genre: Literary Fiction
IR Verdict: Tavi Taylor Black’s WHERE ARE WE TOMORROW? weaves an intriguing story of four women who, under varying levels of pressure from their jobs working for a famous pop star, escape to the beautiful Italian countryside to discover what it is that is truly important to them.
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ELIOR, PRINCE OF FAE
Genre: Action/Adventure
IR Verdict: ELIOR, PRINCE OF FAE by Joshuan Rivera Jiménez is a breezy, fast-paced fantasy featuring danger, romance, humor and magic.
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ROBIN’S FOLLY
Genre: Women’s Fiction
IR Verdict: ROBIN’S FOLLY is a highly original and engaging read that deals poignantly with the nature of grief, the acceptance of loss and the renewing of old faiths.
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THE SWEETEST THERAPY
Genre: Food & Cooking
IR Verdict: THE SWEETEST THERAPY offers some useful counsel on dealing with grief and loss, supportive affirmations to improve self-talk, several delicious-looking recipes, and some fascinating living history of New Orleans and African-American culture, all in one compact, easy-to-read package.
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A SINGLE TEAR
Genre: Literary Fiction
IR Verdict: A SINGLE TEAR is an intelligent and character-led tale of change and collaboration. Based around two formerly reclusive groups, the story unfolds into an unlikely tale of global success in the arts that is incredibly and effortlessly charming.
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PORNO VALLEY
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
IR Verdict: PORNO VALLEY is a blisteringly brilliant ride in the best tradition of comedic-noir crime fiction straight into the sordid twisted underbelly of Los Angeles, and fully deserves to reach a wide, appreciative audience.
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FOR MALICE AND MERCY
Genre: Historical Fiction
IR Verdict: FOR MALICE AND MERCY is a well-researched, well written and interesting portrait of Mormons from Utah experiencing World War II, including the tribulations of German immigrants who are imprisoned by the US government during the war, even as their son volunteers to fight as a US airman.
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NEVER SAY NEVER
Genre: Young Adult
IR Verdict: NEVER SAY NEVER is a hilarious, magical, and ultimately relatable story that carries readers though a fantastical premise to a satisfying conclusion.
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PATROOSH, THE CHEEKY PELICAN
Genre: Children’s (Early to intermediate readers)
IR Verdict: PATROOSH, THE CHEEKY PELICAN is an illustrated children’s story that hits all the marks: appealing and memorable central characters, high entertainment value, and its function as a powerful educational tool.
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DARK AND LIGHT VERSE
Genre: Poetry
IR Verdict: DARK AND LIGHT VERSE strikes a great balance between the darkness and light of its title, juxtaposing pain, loss and isolation with charming and often warm scenes in an evocative collection of succinct and powerful poems.
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STONES CORNER, TURMOIL
Genre: Historical Fiction
IR Verdict: Hard-hitting, informative, richly detailed, and filled with food for thought, STONES CORNER, TURMOIL by Jane Buckley is a historical novel fit to sink one’s teeth into. Best of all there a follow-up: STONES CORNER, DARKNESS is coming.
HATS AND OTHER MUSINGS
Genre: Memoir
IR Verdict: In HATS AND OTHER MUSINGS, Keri English invites the reader into her troubled psyche and offers a potent message of encouragement that it is possible to emerge not only in one piece but with a cemented sense of wholeness.
TIME TO WAKE
Genre: Paranormal
IR Verdict: A suspenseful new adult paranormal romance, TIME TO WAKE blends a tense, slow-burn mystery thriller with a completely original twist on supernatural lore. Clever storytelling and loveable characters make for a solid, unputdownable debut.
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GRANDFATHER’S KEY
Genre: Children’s (Early to intermediate readers)
IR Verdict: Through magical realist illustrations and a simple but compelling story, GRANDFATHER’S KEY offers an interesting spin on an age-old theme.
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DEATH’S DISCIPLES
Genre: Action/Adventure
IR Verdict: DEATH’S DISCIPLES manages to pack excellent worldbuilding and a fascinating religious premise into what is essentially a book-length battle for survival against an unknown and powerful enemy.
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BRAIN STORM
Genre: Memoir
IR Verdict: Shelley Kolton’s excellent and harrowingly detailed memoir, BRAIN STORM: A Life in Pieces, is the incredible story of how the author determinedly healed from Dissociative Identity Disorder, brought on by intentionally wrought damage in early childhood.
ADRIFT
Genre: Romance
IR Verdict: Deftly observed and crackling with energy, Isobel Jolie’s romance novel ADRIFT realistically handles self-esteem issues that arise when rejection-sensitive Poppy falls for Gabe, a man whose wealthy parents would likely not approve of him being with a girl like her.
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PLEASE DON’T TELL COOPER HE’S A DOG
Genres: Children’s (Board books and Pre-reading)
IR Verdict: Children, parents and grandparents will be delighted with PLEASE DON’T TELL COOPER HE’S A DOG, a charming account of a rescue pet that features engaging, humorous text and lighthearted watercolor-style illustrations that combine to entertain and capture the imagination.
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DNA, OR THE BOOK OF BRAD
Genre: Women’s Fiction
IR Verdict: DNA, OR THE BOOK OF BRAD is a funny, engaging and confidently written book that develops into a warm and touching tribute to family values.
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THE NARROWS
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
IR Verdict: THE BENEVOLENT LORDS OF SOMETIMES ISLAND is a fantastic coming-of-age thriller that puts a positive spin on troubled adolescence.
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ARTY AND THE FOREST OF THE FORSAKEN
Genre: Middle Grade
IR Verdict: A spellbinding middle grade fantasy, ARTY AND THE FOREST OF THE FORSAKEN delivers an enchanting, fast-paced adventure quest with a unique spin on familiar mythical creatures and Arthurian legends.
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FURROW AND SLICE
Genre: Short Stories
IR Verdict: FURROW AND SLICE showcases the capacity for concise language to reveal so much in such few words as it puts on exhibit the complexity of farm life without judgement.
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WAR IN THE MOUNTAINS
Genre: History
IR Verdict: Despite its epic length and overabundant details, WAR IN THE MOUNTAINS is a stunning eye-opener that illustrates and educates the reader of a forgotten theater of the Civil War.
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AWAKENING WITH ANGELS
Genre: Religion
IR Verdict: A quiet book, AWAKENING WITH ANGELS by My Lynn Ho invites reflection along with personal and world transformation from those who are ready…as global attention to these matters is vitally needed during such critical times.
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DIL DEEPLY IN LOVE
Genre: Self Help
IR Verdict: Considering the vast market of books that exist about how to fall and remain madly, deeply, truly in love, Neena Paul’s slender self-help volume DIL DEEPLY IN LOVE–which focuses mainly on learning to connect with oneself–is a breath of fresh, interactive air.
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