May 2023 Indie Next List
Happy Place
Emily Henry (Berkley)
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“Happy Place is absolute magic, bottled up and delivered in the form of saccharine summer days, happiness, teary moments, and newfound longing. Emily Henry is the master of the romance novel and Happy Place is her best one yet!”
— Robin Limeres, Phoenix Books Burlington, Burlington, VT
May 2023 Indie Next List
Inspired Recommendations from Indie Booksellers
By Patti Callahan Henry
Atria Books
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“This book is pure magic about the power of story, the bond between sisters, hope, perseverance, mystery, and an unexpected twist. Not to be missed, it may be Patti Callahan Henry’s best yet!”
— Pam Sparks, Covered Treasures Bookstore, Monument, CO
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“For a book that’s inhabited by androids and machines, this is one of the most human books I’ve read in a long time! Klune always creates works of art and this was no different. It’s right up there with The House in the Cerulean Sea.”
— Kristen Kessler, The Book Rack (WA), Oak Harbor, WA
By Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Pantheon
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“Some may read this novel as a dystopian take of our current prison system, but it’s really a version of the reality we are currently living. But make no mistake: there is love and hope in these pages which we could all use right now.”
— Rosa Hernandez, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA
By Erica Bauermeister
St. Martin's Press
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“A compelling, uniquely written book about the power of stories, reading, and how finding the right story at the right time can affect us. I cannot wait to share No Two Persons with all the readers at the shop.”
— Angela Sides, Monkey and Dog Books, Fort Worth, TX
By Anne Berest, Tina Kover
Europa Editions
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“This family saga, about a mysterious postcard received decades after WWII, plunges a daughter and her mother into the search for the truth and their roots. I have never read a book so well-written, so engaging, so poignant, so real.”
— Marianne Reiner, La Playa Books, San Diego, CA
By J. Ryan Stradal
Pamela Dorman Books
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“J. Ryan Stradal captures so much about small town life and families in his stories. Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club was like sitting down at The Club back in my hometown. There’s comfort and delicious food on every page.”
— Terri LeBlanc, Swamp Fox Bookstore, Marion, IA
By Mary Beth Keane
Scribner
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“Keane’s latest novel explores marriage, middle age, and dreams lost and gained. What happens when we get what we want? What happens when we don’t? A brilliant exploration on long-term relationships and how they evolve over time.”
— Stephanie Kitchen, City Lit Books, Chicago, IL
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“Lehane is one of the best writers of his generation. He depicts Boston like no one else can, and the story, the characters, as well as the deep dive into the social fabric of a place make this a must read.”
— Cody Morrison, Square Books, Oxford, MS
By Abraham Verghese
Grove Press
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“Another masterpiece by the great Abraham Verghese. The Covenant of Water will beguile and charm readers who loved Cutting for Stone and will win many new readers.”
— Stephen Sparks, Point Reyes Books, Point Reyes Station, CA
By Christina Lauren
Gallery Books
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“This book embodies joy. It will cause side effects such as: pacing the room, squealing with delight, and calling your BFF. I literally vibrated with the need to share my excitement about Fizzy’s story. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever read.”
— Leah Atlee, Bright Side Bookshop, Flagstaff, AZ
By Moniquill Blackgoose
Del Rey
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“To Shape a Dragon’s Breath is all the things a good fantasy series opener should be — immersive, thoughtful, and captivating. This alternate history of New England and its colonization will be a hit for fans of Babel and House of the Dragon!”
— Julia DeVarti, Books Are Magic, Brooklyn, NY
By Alexandria Bellefleur
Avon
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“In all her books, Bellefleur gives well-loved tropes a fresh point of view and honors what makes romance so special. The perfect book for anyone who wants a sapphic, spicy, laugh out loud romance with great characters and plenty of T-Swift!”
— Rachel Johnson, Content Bookstore, Northfield, MN
By Cat Shook
Celadon Books
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“Shock, awe, and hilarity at a funeral start off this highly original novel. Serious topics are treated with a light enough hand to entertain, and strong characters, surprises, and intriguing family dynamics make this a great choice.”
— Patience Allan-Glick, Hills & Hamlets Bookshop, Chattahoochee, GA
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“The Wager is filled with the most questionable aspects of human nature, but is also a nod to the strength of spirit as it pertains to survival. This book is dramatic, well-researched, and perfect nonfiction that reads like fiction.”
— Stuart McCommon, Novel., Memphis, TN
By Costanza Casati
Sourcebooks Landmark
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“If you think you know Clytemnestra’s story, this book will surprise you. The emotional impact sneaks up on you like a summer storm — the world grows darker until lightning strikes! Brutal, visceral, layered, and so well-researched.”
— Emily Lessig, The Violet Fox Bookshop, Virginia Beach, VA
By Justin Cronin
Ballantine Books
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“The Ferryman was such an engrossing speculative fiction! With the flavor of The Giver at the beginning, and something entirely different by the end, Cronin comments on social class, society, and what makes us human. A must read!”
— Danica Ramgoolam, Townie Books, Crested Butte, CO
By Cassandra Khaw
Tor Nightfire
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“Khaw’s terrifying, beautiful fairy tale is drenched in horror, but under the violence and the blood, despite immeasurable loss, there’s a surprising strand of love striving to survive in an all-but-hopeless world.”
— Emma Aprile, Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, KY
By Colleen Cambridge
Kensington
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“Murder most foul in Paris, the city of Julia Child and her new neighbor, Tabitha Knight. While Tabitha learns to cook from Julia, she finds herself in the middle of a murder, and the weapon is one of Julia's prized knives!”
— Tina Greene-Bevington, Bay Books (MI), Suttons Bay, MI
By Carley Fortune
Berkley
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“I was totally invested in Fern and Will’s story. A gorgeous (but struggling) lakeside resort, relationship drama, longing, and great characters make Meet Me at the Lake the perfect summer read. It will be a star on our ‘Beach Read’ table!”
— Susan Kehoe, Browseabout Books, Rehoboth Beach, DE
By Karin Lin-Greenberg
Counterpoint
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“Karin Lin-Greenberg uses a failing mall as a symbol of our society in transition, showing us tragedy and hope. Disparate characters are brought together through the mall and learn to trust the people around them. A quietly powerful novel.”
— Hannah Harlow, Book Shop of Beverly Farms, Beverly Farms, MA
By Sara Herchenroether
Tin House Books
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“A gripping and suspenseful debut. Take one cold case, two women who are determined to discover the truth, entwine them with the voice of the victim, and you have one unforgettable and powerful read.”
— Maxwell Gregory, Madison Street Books, Chicago, IL
By Brinda Charry
Scribner
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“The East Indian is a coming-of-age novel rife with pivotal moments and riveting wonder as Tony traverses the world and perseveres through life’s hardships; he comes out the other side a forefather in the narrative of American history.”
— Kristy Creager, Mitzi's Books, Rapid City, SD
By Joshilyn Jackson
William Morrow
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“Wow! A roller coaster ride combining Dungeons and Dragons with Agatha Christie. Joshilyn Jackson continues to refine her mystery/suspense cred in this compelling whodunnit. Great for beach reading or any other time!”
— Diane Howell Robinson, Eagle Eye Book Shop, Decatur, GA
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“Claire Dederer tackles the timeless question of what to do with the art of monstrous men in this insightful book, through a feminist lens which critiques capitalism as well as cancel culture. A fantastic book for all who consume.”
— Mary Wahlmeier, Raven Book Store, Lawrence, KS
Now in Paperback
Indie Next List Selections Come to Paperback
