Broken Country
By Clare Leslie Hall
Beth lives in a small, charming village in the English countryside. As a teen during the 1950s, when most of her peers dreamed of marriage and babies, Beth envisioned studying literature at Oxford. The summer before her final year of high school, she wanders through a meadow and meets Gabriel, and they fall madly in love. Gabriel, a year older and extremely wealthy, shares her passion for writing. He is beautiful, gentle and completely captivating. However, Gabriel’s controlling mother disapproves and is determined to sabotage their relationship. Fast-forward to the 1960s, and Beth is now married to Frank. Together, they run a large farm with his brother Jimmy, still mourning the loss of their son. After a decade of silence, Gabriel unexpectedly returns. The village erupts in gossip, judging Beth for reconnecting with her first love. Through it all, kind and steadfast Frank remains unwavering in his commitment to their marriage and farm. Shifting between past and present, we are led to a courtroom trial. Someone stands accused of murder. Who is on trial? Who was killed? And why? This is a breathtaking rollercoaster of love, heartbreak and secrets that I didn’t want to end.
It’s a Love Story
By Annabel Monaghan
Growing up on television was not always easy. As an awkward adolescent actress, Jane Jackson played Janey Jakes on a hit TV show that paid the bills and made her famous. All grown up now, Jane works behind the scenes for a Hollywood studio with her eye on the prize: getting a script the green light. Finally, “True Story” is a romance she is sure will be a hit. Jane must now convince her boss Nathan to take a chance without the explosive action he favors. Jane reaches for her only secret weapon – she is convinced that mega-star Jack Quinlin, whom she knew back in the day, will write a theme song for the movie. Jane is paired with cinematographer – and her personal nemesis – Dan to make this deal happen. Jane and Dan head to the east coast for a music festival to beg for Jack’s help. They spend the week at Dan’s family home that is filled with siblings, babies and laughter, revealing a completely different side to this complicated man. A fast-paced adorable romance, this read is the absolute perfect pick for a day at the beach. Releases May 27, 2025.
The Names
By Florence Knapp
Today, Cora must fill out the paperwork at the birth registrar’s office. She goes into town with little Maia by her side and a baby boy in his pram. Silently grieving, she cannot imagine naming this innocent child “Gordon” after his father and father’s father. The name denotes a history of arrogant, ruthless men who control her life. As a physician, everyone imagines her husband Gordon to be a catch – handsome, intelligent and able to provide for his family. Little do they realize what Cora’s life is like behind closed doors: virtually a prison. Cora imagines what it would be like to name the baby Julian, while 8-year-old Maia dreams of Bear. Cora also imagines the terrifying consequences of going against her husband’s wishes. As the reader delves into three parallel worlds, the boy’s name dictates his future self and in turn the lives of both Maia and Cora. Although the descriptive domestic abuse can be extremely difficult to read, this debut novel is both gorgeously written and hopeful. The themes of generational trauma, personal identity and motherhood make this layered story a thought-provoking and necessary read. Releases May 6, 2025.
#WorthWatching: Amanda Seyfried plays a Philadelphia police officer searching for her sister, a drug addict who has disappeared. “Long Bright River” can be seen on Peacock and is a fabulous book-to-screen mystery.
