Starred Reviews for Jennifer Mathieu, Christina Lynch, Nam Le, Steven Rowley, and more!

By Kate McManus | August 1 2024 | Starred Reviews

With starred reviews from publications including Booklist, Library Journal, and AudioFile — your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about.

Fiction

A Novel

“This highly entertaining and fun book is especially recommended for educators and caregivers of school-age kids.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“Robb’s (This Spells Love) sophomore outing has a swoon-worthy romance that gets an extra kick with the unique supernatural twist.” —Library Journal, starred review


“This novel will melt everybody’s hearts, but Jewish romance readers in particular will be thrilled to see Hanukkah reflected so authentically and lovingly.” —Library Journal, starred review


“Lynch’s (Sally Brady’s Italian Adventure) story of an odyssey is one of love and determination. Pony devotes his life to finding Penny in an account that will be appreciated by horse lovers, especially women who were horse-loving young girls.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“A highly readable suspense novel in the style of Riley Sager, Alice Feeney, and Lisa Jewell, with a dash of Liane Moriarty thrown in for good measure.” —Library Journal, starred review


“Christmas romance readers will rejoice with this latest from Cassidy (The Christmas Wager); it will have readers feeling that Christmas spirit, no matter the season.” —Library Journal, starred review


“This brief, potent book offers a fresh understanding of diaspora; readers of contemporary poetry will seek it out.” —Library Journal, starred review


Nonfiction

On Being in the Game

“Cloepfil’s debut book is a marvelous love letter to soccer and a testament to the drive and determination of professional female athletes.” —Booklist, starred review


How a Mother's Strength Became a Daughter's Purpose

“Poignant and well-written, this memoir not only celebrates the achievements and talents of its author but also grounds readers in the customs of Nigeria. It is a must-have for fans of Aduba or Orange Is the New Black and for those wanting to read about the African diaspora.” —Booklist, starred review


A Family's Quest from the Minsk Ghetto to Netanyahu's Israel

“A poignant, engaging, important, and personal perspective of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, in which Smolar cleverly combines political and historical aspects with elements of memoir.” —Booklist, starred review


Audiobooks

A Novel

“What a treat it is to listen to Kimberly Wetherell’s sparkling narration of this fun and heartwarming rom-com.” —AudioFile Earphones Award Winner


Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy

“Filled with essential information delivered in a caring manner, this audiobook is a must-listen for women of all ages.” —AudioFile Earphones Award Winner


“With bells, whistles, and dynamic, perfectly timed narration, this audiobook original makes full use of its medium. Fans of military aviation thrillers such as Dale Brown’s Eagle Station will be over the moon.” —Booklist, starred review


A Novel

“Gwyneth Keyworth leads a wondrous full-cast performance, definitively embodying young Manod—hopeful, disillusioned, determined—as she scrutinizes, ponders, plans, and even sings (!) through most of O’Connor’s raw,  spare debut.” —Booklist, starred review


“Shenanigans, misunderstanding, tears, and, most especially, guffaws, abound; the relief is palpable that Rowley again ciphers his
enchanting prose to create an even more ambrosial aural delight.” —Booklist, starred review


A novel

“Versatile Lewis is an impressive cipher for Yoon’s expansive cast, individuating each character with notable distinction: inquisitive,
determined, bewildered Jasmyn; just-on-the-verge-of defensive King; precocious Kamau; ebullient new BFF Keisha; proudly elegant Charles; and manipulative Carlton. Lewis particularly excels at embodying Yoon’s revealing conversations, convincing audiences they are welcome at the table to gratefully listen in.” —Booklist, starred review


“Shen is wondrously versatile throughout, creating vicious Nai Nai, spineless father, exhausted mom, angrily feisty sister Di, mischievously cheerful cousin Chiao, and so many others.” —Booklist, starred review


A Novel

“Lusi’s got endless global tales to tell, across Hawaii, Morocco, L.A., London, and Venice. Versatile, vibrant Lusi will make you believe in true love, not to mention real wealth.” —Booklist, starred review


The Invention of Reality TV

“Zackman’s voice is gently entertaining and always engaging, guiding listeners through this fascinating history of modern pop culture.” —AudioFile Earphones Award Winner