Library Reads: December 2013

The December list is now out.  Click here for past lists.

No Good Duke Goes
Unpunished: The Third
Rule of Scoundrels

by Sarah MacLean

Published: 11/26/2013 by Avon
ISBN: 9780062068545

“In the third book of MacLean’s Rule of Scoundrels series, Mara Lowe mysteriously disappears on the eve of her wedding day. Widely believed to be responsible for her murder, Temple leaves society in disgrace and becomes a partner in the Fallen Angel club. He doesn’t remember what happened that night 12 years ago, until Mara returns asking for his help. Seeking his vengeance and eager to return to his Dukedom, will Temple sacrifice Mara to make it happen?”

Kim Storbeck, Timberland Regional Library, Tumwater, WA

The Yellow Eyes of Crocodiles: A Novel

by Katherine Pancol

Published: 12/31/2013 by Penguin Books
ISBN: 9780143121558

“When Joséphine Cortès finally kicks her do-nothing, two-timing husband out of the house, she struggles to make a living for herself and her two daughters. Despite the criticism and contempt of her own family members, the mousy and insecure Joséphine gradually emerges as an entirely new creature. The secondary characters add lots of personality and drama to the tale, and the overall effect is entertaining and light–with some touching moments and bright flashes of insight as well.”

Nancy Russell, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus, OH

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Vatican Waltz: A Novel

by Roland Merullo

Published: 12/3/2013 by Crown
ISBN: 9780307452955

“Cynthia Piantedosi has always lived an interior life filled with a devotion to prayer. As she becomes older and her world changes, the spiritual messages that she receives become more and more urgent with a message that appears to be counter to the Church’s doctrine. Should she trust her faith, or should she meekly follow the teachings of the Church? Merullo’s writing gives depth and breadth to this winning heroine and her spiritual quest. You can’t help but love her and cheer her on her way.”

Jennifer Dayton, Darien Library, Darien, CT

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How to Run with a Naked Werewolf: A Novel

by Molly Harper

Published: 12/31/2013 by Pocket Books
ISBN: 9781476705996

“Molly Harper’s third book in the Naked Werewolf series is a relatable romance with a supernatural twist. Doctor Anna Moder spent several years hiding among werewolves in Alaska, but in order to protect herself and those she cares about from an ex, she runs away, and right into the arms of Caleb, who happens to be a werewolf. This supernatural romance is not only light-hearted and fun, but also has characters who face real-life problems.”

Emily Savageau, Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls, MN

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The Supreme Macaroni Company: A Novel

by Adriana Trigiani

Published: 11/26/2013 by HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780062136589

“Adriana Trigiani’s new novel covers all the major milestones in life from birth to death, with a wedding and much Italian family drama in the middle. As Valentine struggles to figure out how to grow her successful shoemaking business while adjusting to life as Gianluca’s wife and partner, she learns to rely on her extended family for support. This is a beautifully written novel that will make you laugh and cry.”

Jean Anderson, South Central Library System, Madison, WI

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The Secret Rooms: A True Story of a Haunted Castle, a Plotting Duchess, and a Family Secret

by Catherine Bailey

Published: 12/31/2013 by Penguin Books
ISBN: 9780143124733

“Catherine Bailey’s The Secret Rooms is a very interesting and intriguing read. The author attempted to write a book about World War I, but ended up researching a historical mystery and presenting great historical facts about the war. This is an easy book to suggest to readers who like historical fiction and nonfiction alike.”

Joni Walter, Nappanee Public Library, Nappanee, IN

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Dangerous Women

edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois

Published: 12/3/2013 by Tor Books
ISBN: 9780765332066

“With a range of amazing voices — from Martin to Butcher, Abercrombie to Gabaldon — comes a range of amazing, dangerous women. Queens and bounty hunters, magicians and bandits, these 21 stories will take you all over the world, and other worlds, and proves the adage wrong: women are definitely not the weaker sex!”

Kristi Chadwick, Emily Williston Memorial Library, Easthampton, MA

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My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind

by Scott Stossel

Published: 12/31/2013 by Knopf
ISBN: 9780307269874

“Scott Stossel, editor of The Atlantic, has written an all-encompassing treatise on the condition of anxiety, one of the most pervasive yet most misunderstood human conditions. Stossel not only recounts the history of the condition itself, its causes, and its treatment, but bravely relates his own lifelong battle with anxiety. Sits well alongside other works on mental health like Daniel B. Smith’s Monkey Mind and Andrew Solomon’s The Noonday Demon, and highly recommended for anyone who struggles with anxiety or who has loved ones who suffer.”

Cristella Bond, Anderson Public Library, Anderson, IN

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The Trip to Echo Spring: On Writers and Drinking

by Olivia Laing

Published: 12/31/2013 by Picador
ISBN: 9781250039569

“What a unique way of looking at some of the most written-about 20th century authors. Olivia Laing, with prose that draws the reader in, traces the connections between alcohol and the relationships of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, John Berryman, John Cheever and Raymond Carver. As she travels the United States following their trails, she beautifully weaves together their stories, hopes, dreams, fears and failures, while at the same time exploring the history of alcohol and alcoholism in our society. An engrossing book.”

Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ

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Innocence: A Novel

by Dean Koontz

Published: 12/10/2013 by Bantam
ISBN: 9780553808032

“Dean Koontz’s new novel Innocence goes beyond anything he has written before. He brings us two unique and complex characters who are against all humanity in a battle against all battles. What seems to be more sci-fi than horror ends with a beautiful spiritual ending that puts Koontz in a whole new light!”

Michele Coleman, Iredell County Public Library, Statesville, NC