Starred Reviews for Sally McKenny, Michelle Huneven, Gish Jen, Tre Johnson, and more!

By Kate McManus | May 19 2025 | Starred Reviews

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

Fiction

A Novel

“Readers of Elizabeth Strout or Mary Gaitskill will love this book. Huneven hits it out of the ballpark again.” —Library Journal, starred review


“With an incredibly unique magic system, interesting plotline, enemies-to-lovers romance, time-weaving, and an ending that will have readers begging for the next book in the series, Steven’s (Our Infinite Fates, writing as Laura Steven) adult debut is a must read for all fantasy romance readers.” —Library Journal, starred review


“Betrayal and hidden agendas abound in Kova’s (A Dawn with the Wolf Knight) latest, keeping fans of do-or-die magical competitions turning the pages. Perfect for those who like Jennifer L. Armentrout and Rachel Gillig.” —Library Journal, starred review


“Moreno-Garcia’s (The Seventh Veil of Salome) latest is a triumph. For fans of intricately plotted horror that immerses readers in an alluring world, such as The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones or Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth.” —Library Journal, starred review


“Full of fascinating myth and magic, heart-pounding action, and a tender and sexy romance, Rapier’s superb debut offers a delightful pirate romantasy, first in a duology.” —Library Journal, starred review


“De la Rosa showcases her unmatched skill in mixing romance and historical fiction that spotlights Mexican characters.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“This novel grapples with the tensions between mothers and daughters, generational trauma, and the immigrant experience. It is heartbreaking and stunning; highly recommended for all collections.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“This book is full of action, suspense, and laughs. Its reflections about being a Black American in Europe are insightful. Jump in for a full-force, visceral ride.” —Library Journal, starred review


“Fairbanks’s second Galway-set story (after Morbidly Yours) is a sexy and sentimental second-chance romance that explores the true power of forgiveness. Perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry, and Tessa Bailey.” —Library Journal, starred review


A Novel

“Romantasy fans will fall as hard for this series as the heroes do for each other and will be just as agonized when this middle book ends on a hellish cliffhanger.” —Library Journal, starred review


Nonfiction

Foolproof Recipes from Easy to Advanced

“A well-thought-out and welcome introduction to the art and science of baking.” —Library Journal, starred review


The Last Year of the Civil War, the Lincoln Assassination, and the Rebirth of America

“An extensively researched and engaging analysis of a pivotal year in U.S. history. Interesting perspectives will add to the continuing discussion of the Civil War for American history buffs.” —Library Journal, starred review


Essays on an American Legacy

“VERDICT Johnson’s shout-out to and about Black people is both a call for Black pride and an invitation for readers of all backgrounds to broaden their definitions of genius and recognize the unexamined intersections and unfamiliar corners in their lives that evidence Black creativity, intelligence, and humanity.” —Library Journal, starred review


Audiobooks

”Strole provides voices that reflect the characters’ ages, genders, and emotions in the dangerous times that provide an entrancing story about the Revolutionary War.” —AudioFile Earphones Award Winner

Age 10 and up

A Novel

”Beautiful prose and amazing performances make this audiobook one listeners won’t want to miss.” —AudioFile Earphones Award Winner


A Rebel Blue Ranch Novel

“Savannah Peachwood and Connor Crais deliver swoon-worthy performances in this small-town contemporary romance.” —AudioFile Earphones Award Winner


Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown

“Karen Murray’s balanced narration fits this nonfiction account of Jim Jones and the tragedy at the Peoples Temple in Jonestown, Guyana, in 1978. Murray’s tone reflects the author’s research on the early religious zeal that fueled the imaginations of Jones’s followers.” —AudioFile Earphones Award Winner

Age 12 and up

“A full cast gives a wonderfully vibrant performance of Jason Reynolds’s powerful story about found family and music.” —AudioFile Earphones Award Winner

Age 12 and up