Volume 266
Issue 12
03/25/2019
In this month’s roundup of the best-reviewed BookLife titles, we highlight a historical romance, a medical thriller, a historical novel, a guide to monastic spiritual practices, and more.
★ The Monk Within by Beverly Lanzetta
Synopsis: Lanzetta delivers a stimulating and encouraging vision for new monastic movements in this fine book.
PW’s Takeaway: Written in an engaging tone and sprinkled with relatable parables, Lanzetta’s book will be indispensable for readers interested in monastic spiritual practices.
Comparable Title: Yogi Cameron’s The Yogi Code
Sample Line: “I imagine that for many of you—as it was for me—the call to be a monk, to seek silence and solitude, was in your heart from early childhood.”
★ Comes the Winter by Samantha St. Claire
Synopsis: Lena and Evan are both grieving when they meet in 1886 Sawtooth City, Idaho, in this pitch-perfect historical.
PW’s Takeaway: Rich descriptions and entertaining... This cozy tale will surely delight historical romance fans.
Comparable Title: Rosanne Bittner’s Capture My Heart
Sample Line: ”The wagon lurched sideways as the sour-faced, bewhiskered driver hit yet another deep rut along the narrow mountain road.”
★ The Private Life of Jane Maxwell by Jenn Gott
Synopsis: The origin story of comics writer turned superhero Jane Maxwell.
PW’s Takeaway: Fans of superhero stories are sure to be entertained.
Comparable Title: Perry Moore’s Hero
Not Quite Dead by Dawn Harris Sherling
Synopsis: A first-year intern must investigate the circumstances surrounding her boyfriend’s admission to the ICU.
PW’s Takeaway: Sherling’s attention to detail makes suspension of disbelief easy.
Comparable Title: Robin Cook’s Charlatans
355 by Kit Sergeant
Synopsis: Sergeant’s enthralling series launch highlights the emotional turmoil of American patriots and British loyalists.
PW’s Takeaway: Sergeant’s riveting narrative will entice history buffs and lay readers alike.
Comparable Title: Mary Calvi’s Dear George, Dear Mary
