Give Me Butterflies

Meadows (Wreck My Plans) wows with a contemporary that’s funny, sexy, sweet, and deliciously nerdy all at the same time. Entomologist Millie Oaks is up for a major promotion at the Wilhelmina Natural Science Museum. She did well in her first interview, despite getting rattled by the grumpy (and gorgeous) director of astronomy, Dr. Finn Ashford. Now she just needs to focus on the next round of interviews without getting too distracted by Finn, who, she learns, only comes off as icy because of the stress of juggling his job and his young twin nieces, Avery and Eloise, whom he is raising following the recent death of his sister. Millie is immediately charmed by the girls during museum camp and, as she and their uncle grow closer, it isn’t long before Millie willingly immerses herself in Ashford family life. This sweet found family is a relief from the abusive relationship she escaped only months before. Millie’s friends, her family’s group chat, and her adorable dog also provide plenty of heartwarming moments that help balance out serious explorations of grief and emotional abuse. Fans of Ali Hazelwood’s STEMinist series should snap this up. Agent: Lauren Spieller, Folio Literary. (Jan.)