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The Book of Thorns (2024) by Hester Fox is an historical fiction tale of two sisters, separated as children, who are linked through the magic of language of flowers and a locket that they both wear. Set in 19th-century New England, Cornelia was raised by a cruel uncle who wants to marry her off and Lisbeth was raised as a servant.

Jessamine Chan's debut novel, The School for Good Mothers (2022), was recommended as one of the best novels of 2022, by many top reviewers and news outlets. It's a challenging and provocative read, as Chan herself acknowledges in author interviews. Her hope was that the book would leave readers thinking about the systematic pressures and demands imposed upon mothers, rooted in historical ideals, but ever-increasing due to the influences of technology and social media.

Join us each month as we interview a Readers' Advisor at WPL so you can get to know the team a little better. This month we are featuring Genealogy & Local History Specialist, Gretchen! Continue below to find out Gretchen's favorite genre, the book she often recommends, and her tips for filling out our Book Match form.

How long have you worked in libraries?

16 years (10 at WPL).

What is your favorite book from childhood?

Audiobooks are a wonderful way to consume books, whether on the go or relaxing at home. For Audiobook Appreciation Month, we wanted to highlight some of the ways you can access audiobooks through WPL.

Join us each month as we interview a Readers' Advisor at WPL so you can get to know the team a little better! This month we are featuring Business & Career Specialist, Tricia! Read on to see what book Tricia is currently rereading, the mystery series she loves to recommend, and more. 

How long have you worked in libraries?

Almost 10 years

If you could have a conversation with a character from any book, who would you choose?

Forgotten Sisters (2024) by Cynthia Pelayo is an eerie, otherworldly ghost story that takes place in present-day Chicago. Sisters Jennie and Anna live in a historic bungalow in the Ravenswood neighborhood, with the north branch of the Chicago River right in their backyard.

In a Cottage in a Wood (2017) by Cass Green offers readers a gripping tale of suspense and mystery. Set against the backdrop of a secluded cottage in the woods, the novel follows Neve as she unravels a dark and sinister secret hidden within its walls.

Miss Scarlet and the Duke, PBS Mysteries, offers a captivating blend of mystery, intrigue, and Victorian-era charm that will keep you intrigued throughout the series. Set in 19th century London, the series follows the fearless Eliza Scarlet, who defies societal norms to become London's first female private detective.

Rebecca, Not Becky (2023) by co-authors Christine Platt and Catherine Wigginton Greene, is a thoughtful and entertaining story about two wealthy stay-at-home moms, one Black, one white, dealing with the complexities of race and privilege in a post-George Fl

How would you feel if you woke up tomorrow with a small wooden box containing a string the length of your life inside? Would you change the way you live your life or would you remain the same? In The Measure (2022) by Nikki Erlick, the entire world wakes up one day with identical boxes at their doorstep. Some open it while others ignore it.

A Trojan Horse. That's how author Xochitl Gonzalez describes her debut novel, Olga Dies Dreaming (2022), a work of contemporary fiction set in Brooklyn and Puerto Rico, primarily in 2017.

This lovely and magical story features three book lovers who become entwined with a lost bookshop that spans 19th and 20th century Ireland. Opaline attempts to break the barriers that aim to confine and subjugate women as she runs from a forced marriage; Martha is running from an abusive husband; and Henry is trying to find an elusive break into the book world.