Jan Bobbett
For our September readers, we present four books, including multiple historical fiction novels. We keep these books in the Best Sellers cabinet when they are not checked out. And if they are, you can reserve your selection.
Selection 1: In one sense, we could say that Michael Crichton and James Patterson joined forces on Eruption, but the truth is that Michael Crichton was on a path to complete the novel that he planned to call Dragon Tooth, and then he died. Famous for Jurassic Park, ER, Twister, and Westwood, Crichton was headed toward another possible best seller. Instead, it sat until his widow Sherri Crichton got busy with the notes and partial manuscript she had kept. She set out to find the right author to turn it into a real winner. In the hands of Patterson, it has become an instant bestseller, to the credit of both authors (and maybe Sherri Crichton as well).
Selection 2: Only the Brave is a historical novel from the “queen of women’s fiction” Danielle Steel. The main character, a young nurse, tries to save others from the Nazis. Steel has another poignant tale of survival as she captures the courage of a young nurse in her attempt to save others in wartime Berlin.
Selection 3: Camino Ghosts (2024) is a new Camino best seller by John Grisham. Readers might recall his Camino Island (2017), as well as Camino Winds (2020). You could call Camino Ghosts part of a series; however, each is a stand-alone book. This plot includes a barrier island settled by freed slaves and their descendants who lived there until the 1950s. The last descendant is Lovely Jackson, and she has quite a story to tell. The future of the island depends on interactions between Lovely and a corporation with lawyers, lobbyists, and politicians. But Lovely knows deep secrets.
Selection 4: Helen Simonson’s The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club is in the historical fiction genre, but it’s a bit different from others in this genre. It takes place in the aftermath of World War I. Some believe that men come back from war expecting endless possibilities to make their future shine. Ah, but there are women, too—maybe not active in that war, but certainly at home where Poppy Wirrall keeps things hopping. She operates a taxi and delivery service as well as a ladies’ motorcycle club. She keeps her friends busy (and paid). They soon realize that some of their freedoms are not guaranteed. Still, being befriended by Poppy leads to endless possibilities. A comedy of manners? See for yourself.