Starred Reviews for Sarah MacLean, Ron Chernow, Kyra Davis Lurie, Greg Grandin, and more!

By Kate McManus | April 30 2025 | Starred Reviews

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

Fiction

“Fans of Vera Wong will be delighted to experience more laugh-out-loud funny moments with the dedicated amateur sleuth and her found family.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“Through evocative storytelling and a vivid sense of place, this book paints an unforgettable portrait of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of forging one’s path against the odds.” —Library Journal, starred review


Stories

“Though these odd creations won’t appeal to everyone, they excite and stir the imagination.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Luella van Horn Mystery

“Fast-paced fun that will appeal to fans of Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan and Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Meddelin Chan.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“This is McCall Smith, so expect a beautifully written and moving take on humanity, warts and all. The idyllic setting on a Scottish island and the romantic elements are reminiscent of Jenny Colgan’s cozy novels and should appeal to her fans. An excellent entry point for any McCall Smith newcomer.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“Equal parts madcap caper, contemporary allegory, and wartime reckoning, Reva’s debut offers a fresh take on the current Russia-Ukraine war from a diasporan point of view.” —Library Journal, starred review


“Readers will fall hard for Nava’s (The Truth According to Ember) steamy rom-com, brimming with themes of family, community, and belonging.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“This steamy love-child of Succession and Elin Hilderbrand is a perfect beach read.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Love Story

“From Reid’s tender introductory letter to readers, all the way through the final chapter, this gritty and glorious book challenges what it means to look at the universe from different vantage points, but it never loses sight of the plot’s urgency or authenticity of the characters.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“This is the book Trigiani’s fans have been waiting for. Her hallmark charm and love of family, along with a touch of romance, make for a captivating and memorable read. Recommend to those who enjoy the work of Dorothea Benton Frank, Lisa Scottoline, or Kristy Woodson Harvey.” —Library Journal, starred review


“This new entry in Hart’s solid series is just as good as the first, with thrills, humor, and an ingenious plot. The cast of characters continues to grow, and each is fleshed out enough to lead their own book. Readers should get on the Assassins Anonymous wagon.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“Literary historical fiction that will appeal to a wide audience. Lurie is a writer to watch.” —Library Journal, starred review


Nonfiction

How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America

“Concise and well-reasoned, Graham’s critical handbook uncovers the players and the plays orchestrating this revolutionary political movement that will impact the nation well beyond the four years of Trump’s second term.” —Booklist, starred review


How Texas Made the West Wild

“A fascinating work of history that challenges readers to reconsider the role of the West’s legendary gunfighters in shaping the identity of the United States.” —Library Journal, starred review


How the Supreme Court Chained Black America to the Bottom of a Racial Caste System

“Starkey masterfully uses a unique blend of storytelling and legal documentation to share his declarations excellently.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Stand-Up Comedy, a Skokie Elegy

“A clever, heartfelt, and nostalgic look at Hirsch’s childhood, from his pre-history to the day he moved out of his parents’ home.” —Library Journal, starred review


“This belongs in both public and academic libraries and will open a new discussion of Twain’s cultural standing, as Chernow’s previous biographies have also accomplished.” —Library Journal, starred review


A New History of the New World

“Weighty but not encyclopedic, argumentative but never overbearing, this monumental work of scholarship deserves pride of place in any historical collection that values reasonably argued discussion and deeply researched history.” —Library Journal, starred review


From China to America, a True Story of Abduction, Adoption, and Separated Twins

“[Demick] includes meticulous documentation and offers unique insights into life in rural China from the Maoist regime to the present day.” —Library Journal, starred review


Audiobooks

”Listeners won’t know whom to trust or if they can trust anyone at all. Constantine’s many fans will love this new thriller.” —Library Journal, starred review