Wrap It Up...Chapter Two...Fictional Finds

Books For Those That Love The Art Of Storytelling…

My Christmas wish for you is this, let books be the gift you choose to give. To others, and to yourself.

May they provide an escape, a door into a world of wonder, a glimpse at an everyday hero’s inspirational tale, a reminder that laughter is indeed the best medicine, and that words and stories are sustenance for the soul, and in our darkest moments, a soft place to land.

Find a cozy spot, crack open a book and have a wonderful, joyous, and peaceful holiday season.

THE GOD OF THE WOODS – LIZ MOORE

“Don’t go into the woods” takes on an unsettling meaning in Moore’s richly and rivetingly drawn blend of domestic drama and crime novel. The story is set in 1975 at a summer camp in Northeastern New York. A camp counselor discovers one of the campers, Barbara, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a child of that family has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. Moore intricately fits each piece of the puzzle skillfully into place, ensuring every character, minor and major, leaves an imprint. This will be on many a Best Of 2024 list!

I MIGHT BE IN TROUBLE – DANIEL ALEMAN

A hilarious, suspense filled comedy about a struggling writer who links up with someone he meets on a dating app and wakes up to find his date dead. And who does he enlist to help him figure out what to do next and get rid of the body? His literary agent. Who of course wants to leverage this real-life horror show into a bestseller! What’s a once upon a time wunderkind writer, now a has-been one hit wonder to do? Well, go along with his agent’s crazy plan of course! Prepare for lots of laughs and a ton of heart!

THE EDITORS – STEPHEN HARRISON

The Editors know these principles; aim for neutrality, anonymity is essential, find the best sources. They spend their days following or subverting them. They aren’t recognized, but they craft all the information you see on every internet search. When a group of hackers threatens the future of the editors, Morgan smells a story. She is soon immersed in the underbelly and inner workings of the digital world. An intelligent, high stakes, technological suspense novel that will keep your eyes glued to the page. And your hands off scrolling the internet.

And a few more…

Headshot – Rita Bullwinkel

*This novel follows the structure of a boxing tournament, with each chapter introducing us to new competitors. The woman are misfits and discards of society in pursuit of a win. The narrator dips into every girl’s inner monologue in distinct paragraphs that reveal their backstories and motivations. Initially, this storytelling approach, which includes multiple perspectives and timelines, often within a single page, feels chaotic, not unlike a fast-paced match ending in a knockout punch.

Eddie Winston Is Looking For Love – Marianne Cronin

*Eddie is ninety years old. He has lived and he has loved, but he has never been kissed. A true gentleman and incurable romantic, he volunteers to sort through donations of the dearly departed. There he meets the young Bella, who just lost the love of her life. When she finds out he’s never been kissed, she resolves to help him finally find love. This utterly charming and heartwarming book is not to be missed!

The Women’s Hotel – Daniel Lavery

*A collection of the minor tribulations and interactions of the residents of the Biedermeier, a hotel for working woman. We meet Kitty, shameless about asking for favours; Pauline, a part time revolutionary; Lucy, a social columnist; J.D., a writer; Dolly, a lesbian bartender and two new arrivals, glamorous Gia and the rather scattered Ruth. The author’s affection for human foibles is on every page as he introduces to these women.