Wide variety here, but I thoroughly enjoyed them all:
For entertainment and joy:
West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge – Sweet and endearing story based on truth: A pair of giraffes arrive via ship to NYC’s harbor in 1938, after a hurricane that leaves one of the giraffes injured. They must be driven all the way across the country to the San Diego Zoo, and I guarantee that once this heart-warming, delightful tale ends, you will love giraffes much more than you do now!
For a bit of mystery and mystical:
Lost Man’s Lane by Scott Carson – Coming-of-age story about Marshall, the mystery of the identity of his father and the eerie police officer who stops him…and gives him a frightening warning. Fun read – surprises along the way.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo – My favorite way to learn history is a combination of a great novel and characters set in historical times. This fascinating story takes place during the Inquisition in Spain, an age of fear, quests for power and religious zealots out of control. Riveting.
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis – If you ever wanted to be an archeologist, then you will love this adventure about the mysterious Queen of Egypt, the curse that surrounds her crypt, and those who want to prove she was a respected and great leader in her own right. Interesting and fun read.
History that is not easy to read:
Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips – The author makes you feel as though you are right there with these incredibly well developed characters, whether in the midst of a Civil War battle or in the mountains in a hidden cabin, hiding from deserters, or at the Lunatic Asylum. Many descriptions are very graphic, so be forewarned that this is not for all…and many scenes are not pleasant to picture in one’s mind.