It’s the last week of October. In some ways it has just zoomed by. I’m ready to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas, though, so that’s all right with me. Here are some of the new books releasing this week that have caught my eye. [Due to supply chain issues, release dates are subject to change. It’s happening so much right now, I don’t have time to reset all the books to their new dates. I’ll note the change when I see them. The bottom line is, order your holiday books early!]
Books for Kids
Return of the Underwear Dragon – Sir Cole teaches his former foe to read.
Slothy Claus (Now releasing 11/2) – What will the children of the world do when Slothy Claus doesn’t deliver their presents on time?
The Hunger Heroes: Missed Meal Mayhem (Graphic Novel – now releasing 11/9) – I have been waiting SO LONG to tell you about this DELIGHTFUL book – and now we have to wait even longer. You do not want to miss this superhero story where hungry kids are saved by some unusual heroes. Go ahead and just pre-order it now for your early chapter book reader – you can thank me later. My full review will post in November.
Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot – Book 16 in the ever-popular series. Greg decides to give sports one last try and tries out for the basketball team.
The Powers: Haven’s Secret – First in a new series by the star of Supergirl on the CW, Melissa Benoist, and her sister, Jessica Benoist. Twins with super powers are whisked away to a sanctuary where one feels at home and the other can’t wait to get away.
Cold War Correspondent (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales – graphic novel, nonfiction) – Book 11 in this fantastic nonfiction graphic novel series. This one focuses on Marguerite Higgins and the Korean War.
Little People Big Dreams Treasury (Nonfiction – now releasing 11/9) – Collection of 50 biographies.
Who Were the Navajo Code Talkers?
We Light Up the Sky – Three teens struggle to be heard when an alien comes to Earth and takes the form of one girl’s dead cousin and then proceeds to cause trouble.
Books for Adults – Fiction
All the Feels (Trade Paperback) – The latest from Olivia Dade. A therapist hired to keep a TV star in line finds herself falling for him. This is on my review list.
As the Wicked Watch (Hardcover) – First in a new series. An up-and-coming reporter moves to Chicago and finds herself in the middle of a series of murders of Black women. The cases in this one feel dark for me, personally, but I am completely in love with the description of the main character here. Thriller fans should be sure to check this one out.
The Christmas Bookshop (Hardcover) – A woman without a job or many options moves in with her sister and family and takes on a job trying to revitalize a charming, but disorganized, bookshop. I’m intrigued by the family dynamics of this one.
The Christmas Dress (Trade Paperback) – A young woman trying to save her late father’s apartment building and an elderly woman reluctantly moving to a nursing home connect over a Christmas dress.
Death by Hot Apple Cider (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 9 in the Bookstore Café Mystery series. Krissy is investigating when a man who harassed not only her bookstore but also the local library and school over “scandalous books” is killed at a fall festival.
Deck the Donuts (Trade Paperback) – Book 6 in the Deputy Donuts Mystery series. When a tour bus crashes near Fallingbrook and a snowstorm strands the passengers, Emily discovers the body of the bus driver under her holiday ice carving. This has always sounded like such a fun series!
Donut Fall in Love (Trade Paperback) – A grieving actor and a baker have a meet-cute over specialty donuts. So when he signs up for a celebrity baking show, he knows just who to call in for help. This sounds darling.
Duke Actually (Trade Paperback) – A new story set in the world of A Princess for Christmas. A notorious rake and a no-nonsense New Yorker hit it off when they meet to prepare for the wedding of their best friends. I adored the first book in this series, so I am eager to read this one. This is on my review list.
Enemy You Gnocchi (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the Italian Chef Mystery series. Tessa is sleuthing when a new grinch in town is murdered and a friend is the prime suspect.
Gated Prey (Trade Paperback) – Book 3 in the Eve Ronin series. When a sting operation turns deadly, Eve starts to wonder if they truly “solved the case” or if there is more going on than anyone realizes. Thriller fans should check this one out.
Getaway with Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – First in the new Mountain Lodge Mystery series from the author of the Paw Enforcement series as well as several others. Misty’s relaunch of both her life and an old mountain lodge is in danger when there’s a murder at the first event of her new business. I love trying out new mystery series! I have this one on my list.
Grave Reservations (Hardcover) – A sometimes-psychic travel agent teams up on a cold case with the detective she saved from death with an impulsive flight reservation change. This is on my review list!
Hollywood Heroine (Trade Paperback) – Book 5 in the fun and quirky Heroine Complex series. Aveda and Evie’s superhero adventures are about to hit the small screen. But evil is lurking around LA, and the two heroes are about to have their hands full.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the Catering Hall Mystery series. In the midst of a full slate of holiday events, Mia’s going to have to find time to solve a murder.
Murder at the Mistletoe Ball (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 6 in the Ferrera Family Mystery series. Alberta’s estranged daughter comes to town for help looking for her missing son who ends up the prime suspect in a murder.
Sleigh Bells Ring (Trade Paperback) – Annie has to settle for being the caretaker for her family’s former ranch, but her job is in jeopardy, first because she takes in her orphaned niece and nephew without permission and second when the new owners plan to sell the ranch.
Star Trek Coda: Ashes of Tomorrow (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in this new Star Trek trilogy that unites Picard, Sisko, Dax, and Riker along with their crews. I have this whole series on my Christmas list. Book 3 will release in November. making this a perfect holiday choice.
Strangers on a Skein (Hardcover) – Book 4 in the Black Sheep and Co mystery series. Phoebe and the Black Sheep are on the case when murder strikes the Farmers’ and Crafts Market.
A Thorn in the Saddle (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the terrific Cowboys of California series. The fairy-tale foundation for this book is Beauty and the Beast, which is a favorite of mine. While Jesse’s behavior can be beastly at times, perhaps a beauty can help him smooth out his rough edges. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
To the Tome of Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 7 in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. As Thanksgiving approaches, Addie has her hands full with a murder.
Books for Adults – Nonfiction
Best Wishes, Warm Regards (Hardcover) – A coffee-table book about the series Schitt’s Creek.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Movies: The Deck the Hallmark Podcast’s Guide to Your Holiday TV Obsession (Hardcover) – Includes reviews of Hallmark Christmas movies, interviews with the stars, and ideas for your own Christmas celebrations. Yes, please!
Renegades (Hardcover) – President Obama and Bruce Springsteen share their friendship and their thoughts on life and music and America.
60-Day Enneagram Devotional: The Achiever (3) AND The Challenger (8) AND The Thinker (5) – The latest entries in this series of Enneagram devotionals.