In the mystery novel "Spinifex", a naturalist is murdered in the vibrant Australian Outback. In John Grant’s engrossing mystery novel "Spinifex", a naturalist searching for an elusive parrot is murdered in the Australian Outback.... Read More

"Lucy and Dee" is an appealing fantasy novel in which two friends go on a wondrous adventure in a magical land. In Kirsten Marion’s absorbing fantasy novel "Lucy and Dee", two friends help a young royal to fulfill his calling, despite... Read More

In the serpentine mystery novel "Sketchy Characters", a woman adopts a blurry definition of what’s righteous to triumph over threats. In Sheila McGraw’s macabre mystery novel "Sketchy Characters", a woman investigates her friend’s... Read More

"Hula Girls" is a gritty historical novel in which a woman becomes a widow and experiences gradual flourishing. In Eric B. Miller’s historical novel "Hula Girls", a guileless navy officer’s wife matures. Living in Hawaii from just... Read More

A Penguin’s Quest is a spirited picture book in which an unconventional penguin’s daring decisions inspire her friends. In Scott McDermott’s invigorating, largehearted picture book A Penguin’s Quest, a penguin travels to achieve... Read More

In Christopher Huang’s moody mystery novel "Unnatural Ends", an Englishman is murdered. In a stunning act of prescience, he stipulated in his will that his estate should belong to whomever of his three adoptees solved the case. Alan is... Read More

In "Saka Saka", Gabonese and French chef Anto Cocagne celebrates sub-Saharan African cuisine. The invigorating recipes, including for Baobab Crème Brûlée and Papaya Gazpacho, spotlight fresh, nourishing staples with creative... Read More

Eldercare, mourning, and the heartening anchor that comes from retelling personal stories infuse Caitlin Hamilton Summie’s "Geographies of the Heart", a tender novel-in-stories about a multigenerational Minnesotan family. A recent... Read More