Joey likes fiction, thrillers, mysteries. memoirs, historical fiction and even horror.
NOVEMBER 15, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is “The Lost Girls of Willowbrook” by Ellen Marie Wiseman.
Imagine being a twin and being told your twin has died of pneumonia. When In reality she’s been committed to a state school called Willowbrook. You’re now a teenager and you find out that your twin is actually alive and now missing. This is the story of Sage and Rosemary. Sage finds out Rosemary is actually alive but currently missing from Willowbrook. Sage feels that no one is taking this seriously, especially her stepfather. She hops on a bus to go to Willowbrook and intends on trying to help find Rosemary. Unfortunately they see Sage and think it’s Rosemary so guess what happens, yup, she’s given a sedative and put in a room. They don’t believe Sage that she’s Rosemary's twin . Hold onto your hats folks as this thriller and very suspenseful book will keep you reading late into the night. You’ve got to read this! Was a Book Sense pick for October.
NOVEMBER 8, 2022: Joey’s pick today in celebrating Children's Book Week, November 7-13 is "Long Lost" by Jacqueline West. It's a story for an 8-12 year old but I think even older would enjoy it. It had to do with spirits so I knew I'd love it. It's about a family that moves to Massachusetts as the older daughter Arden is an excellent skater and wants to compete in the Olympics some day so they move closer to her rink. Fiona, her sister is eleven and sick of hearing about Arden's skating, and was not happy they had to move. One day while Fiona is at the town's library, which is an old rambling mansion donated by a long-dead heiress. And there she finds a gripping mystery novel abut a small town, family secrets, and a tragic disappearance. From here on you get pulled right in and don't want to stop. This is heart=pounding, intense, and imaginative mystery that builds anticipation on every page, while centering on te stron and often tumultuous bond between sisters. I highly highly recomment this quite awesome book.
NOVEMBER 1, 2022: For Joey’s pick this week she is highly recommending this wonderfully beautifully illustrated picture book “When You Open A Book” by Caroline Derlatka and illustrated by Sara Ugolotti. This is just perfect for a child’s collection and especially for children who love books so much ! This gorgeous illustrated book shows the children when they open a book they can go and do anything with mermaids, pirates and all things magical. Just a wonderful journey for the kiddos and the one who gets to read it out loud . A great gift idea for teachers classroom or a grandchild who just loves books!
OCTOBER 17, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is “Someone We Know “by Shari Lapena. Joey enjoyed this domestic suspense book very much . Lapena keeps you guessing on who done it through the whole book. You will definitely start looking at your neighbors differently . I mean how well do we really know our neighbors ? Robert Pierce goes to the police station to report that his beautiful wife Amanda is missing. Did she leave on her own or has something sinister happened to her? The police arrive in the neighborhood, and proceed to unearth the residents' every secret. And there are many, because everyone has something to hide, and I mean everyone . You’ll want to keep reading because you will want to know who the heck did it ! If you’ve read Lapena’s other books you will really enjoy this one . If you haven’t read her yet , start today , it’s really good.
OCTOBER 12, 2022: Joey’s Pick this week is “Layla “ by Colleen Hoover . This is a bit different than her others as it revolves around a spirit . I love these kind of stories so it was right up my alley . Leeds meets Layla at her sisters wedding , he’s convinced she’s his love of his life and he’ll spend the rest of his life with her . That is until an accident happens and Layla is fighting for her life . After Layla recovers physically they go away to spend some time together and rekindle their relationship , except This Layla isn’t the Layla Leeds fell in love with . Somethings very different about her . Meanwhile Leeds is noticing things moving in the small hotel they rented all to themselves . Lights going on or off , lap tops closing by themselves . What is happening in this place ? Between Layla’s odd behavior and there being a possibility of a spirit in this house how is Leeds going to move forward? I enjoyed this a lot . If you’ve been reading Colleen , this is good just different than her others and if you haven’t read her before but enjoy “ ghosts” “ spirits” you’ll very much enjoy this .
OCTOBER 5, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is Louise Penny. This has been selected before but it’s Mystery Series Week and with her NEW book “A World of Curiosities" coming out November 29th we just want everyone to know how absolutely enjoyable these mysteries are. If you don’t know what to get your mom or dad, grandparent or a mystery fan I know these would be a sure hit. So incredibly enjoyable and you feel like you are right there with the wonderful cast of characters. Remember when in doubt, Louise Penny for sure!
OCTOBER 19, 2022: Joey’s picks today which she enjoyed all of them are books that were #banned at schools or libraries at one time. Harry Potter was banned for glorifying witchcraft, lack of respect and leading children to hatred. Thousand Splendid Suns was banned for violence and abuse against women. Absolutely True Diary of A Part- time Indian was banned because the book contains numerous depictions of sexual behavior, as well as instances of racism, vulgar language.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2022: Joey’s pick this week "Wrong Place Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister. So so good ! Honestly once I started didn’t want to put it down. Put this on your TBR pile right now. Kind of a ground hog day type story (w/ Bill Murray ) but about a murder that revolves around a woman’s 17 year old son Todd. Highly recommend this! Can’t wait to read another of hers. Anyone read it yet? Forgot to mention another great thing about this book is the font is a great size . I find many books their print is just way too small and so hard to read at night when your eyes are tired. The font in this book is great no problems !!!
SEPTEMBER 12, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is the new title “All Good People Here” by Ashley Flowers, true crime podcast journalist. This suspense thriller is her debut novel. You can’t ever know for sure what happens behind closed doors. A young journalist goes back to her home town to take care for her favorite uncle who has been ill . While she’s there she uncovers her hometown’s dark secrets. Her young neighbor January was murdered when they were both 9 years old . A murder that was never solved . Now twenty years later there’s another disappearance of a young girl . This journalist is determined to find out what is going on in her small home town where everyone is “ Good” people. Enjoyed this mystery and definitely kept me reading. I recommend Ashley Flowers first book and hopefully she’ll have another very soon.
AUGUST 30, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is "November 9th" by Colleen Hoover. Yup another what they call a CoHo book lol Enjoyed this one very much ! Characters are a bit younger so I’d say this is good for 15+ as well as adults and I do enjoy young adult so this was perfect. Fallon is 18 and has decided to move from LA to New York and her dad is not happy about it . During this discussion at a restaurant with her dad she unexpectedly meets Ben an aspiring writer . Because there is such an attraction they end up spending her last day in LA together and because of this, it becomes the inspiration for one of his books . You’ll get hooked and read until it’s finished . A great love story , with twists you don’t see coming which Colleen Hoover is great at doing . Definitely read this one!
AUGUST 23, 2022: Joey's pick today is "Reminders of Him" by Colleen Hoover. Another home run for this one that’s for sure . The first book that really made me cry. Loved this book so much and I always envision the characters as they’re real. That’s just how her characters hit me . If you haven’t read this one yet , add it to your TBR pile for sure. After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter's life is determined to shut Kenna out no matter how hard she works to prove herself . Don’t forget tissues as you’ll need them.
AUGUST 11, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is another Colleen Hoover title called “ CONFESS”. My granddaughter gave this book to me for my birthday recently as she knew I’ve been on a Colleen Hoover kick . Enjoyed this one very much ! Good for YA as well in my opinion . She has great characters that just always pull you right in from the beginning. This was a very moving story about loss and trying to rebuild your life after such a loss . Auburn Reed has had such a loss and moves to Dallas for a new beginning . Auburn stops at an art studio where there’s a help wanted sign . When she walks in she meets Owen Gentry , her life changes from that moment on . I don’t want to give too much away , it’s very enjoyable and can’t wait to start my next one
JULY 25, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is UGLY LOVE by Colleen Hoover. This is my third Colleen Hoover I’ve read so far and the third Colleen Hoover book I loved . Once you start her you will not want to stop reading her ! I’m so totally hooked. Tate Collins meets Miles Archer. They don’t happen to meet the way most adults meet so it’s definitely memorable . They do not call themselves friends but they sure do have an attraction for each other . Both lead very busy lives, he being a pilot and her a nurse and taking classes . So there is no time for love , plus Miles doesn’t want any strings attached . So can they just have the sex and call it a day ? They do have rules but will they be broken ? This is an unbelievable love story , probably one of the best I’ve read in a long time . Have a packet of tissues ready is my advice . Loved this immensely !
JULY 19, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is another excellent unputdownable thriller by Peter Swanson “The Kind Worth Killing” . Peter Swanson never disappoints , you’ll be hooked until the very end . Lily Kintner meets Ted Severson in an airport lounge. An encounter that results in both revealing a lot of secrets , one being he’d like to kill his wife Miranda who he thinks have been cheating on him. From the first page you’ll be hooked on this book that will take twist and turns you’re not expecting! Don’t miss out on this excellent Peter Swanson book .
JUNE 14, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is a children’s picture book called "Home is Where the Birds Sing" by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Katie Harnett. Just absolutely loved everything about this book ! She definitely knows what makes a home. Read this one to the older kiddos too , everyone will thoroughly enjoy it !
JUNE 7, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is the "The Little Book of . . . from the Little Library of Natural History" wonderful collection of nature books. Fell in love with these, perfect for young & old. Beautiful illustrations and full of so much information. A perfect gift or just because you love them!
May 30, 2022: Joey’s pick today is Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us. The second Colleen Hoover book Joey has read and really enjoyed. Lily is from a small town in Maine. After she graduated from College she moved to Boston and started her own business. Under interesting circumstances she meets Ryle a handsome neurosurgeon. Everything seems to be going great. Then she sees her first love when she and Ryle are out and everything she’s built with Ryle is threatened. Colleen Hoover Is great at getting us deep into her heart wrenching novel and you won’t be able to let go until you're finished and you’ll be thinking about it long after. She’s a new favorite author and can’t wait to read more.
May 23, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is “FALLING “by T.J.Newman new in paperback. This book pulls you in the moment you start reading & you will not want to let go until you read the last page . This book was awesome , thrilling , suspenseful , non stop action. You just boarded a flight to New York. There are one hundred and forty-three other passengers onboard. What you don't know is that thirty minutes before the flight your pilot's family was kidnapped. For his family to live, everyone on your plane must die. The only way the family will survive is if the pilot follows his orders and crashes the plane. Enjoy the flight ! Read it !
May 16, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is “Verity" by Colleen Hoover. Been hearing a lot about this author lately so I decided I had better get on the bandwagon and read her books. This one along with others has been on the bestseller lists for quite a while now. Totally understandable as it is totally unputdownable. I’m not kidding you won’t want to put it down once you start . There is quite a bit of sex and some scenes that may be tough for some individuals but I’m really glad I read it and now onto my second book of hers. Lowen Ashleigh ( love that name ) is a struggling author on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish. Lowen is asked to come stay at the Crawford’s home and work in Verity’s office . A psychological thriller at its best, you’ll be saying oh my goodness all the time. I don’t want to ruin it by saying more so you have to go read this. I’m sure glad I did!
May 9, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens! I’m definitely one of the late ones in reading this but holy cow I’m so happy I finally did. Absolutely loved this book from the first to the last page! This was a Reese Witherspoon pick for her book club and she was right on the money with this one! Taking place in the 50’s and 60’s in a small quiet town on the Carolina coast. It follows the life of Kyra Clark who is also known as the Marsh Girl. Kyra loves the outdoors and all of nature more than anything else. It’s absolutely amazing how this young woman survives all by herself. You will laugh, you will cry and you won’t want to stop reading, especially when she is accused of the murder of a local young man. If you haven’t had the chance to read this yet I strongly suggest you do. Let us know what you think!
May 2, 2022: Joey 's pick this week is the NEW very enjoyable "Unlikely Animals" by Annie Hartnett. It's full of unconventional characters, alive and dead and you just want to keep turning those pages. It''s funny, it's sad, it's tragic and just really enjoyable to read. Taking place in a fictional town in NH, a young girl, Emma, comes back to her home town to help take care of her dying father. This book will keep you reading until the very end and you will be sad when it has to end. Love, love, love this author! She also wrote "Rabbit Cake" another book Joey loved! Read them.
April 26, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is the novel THE MAID by Nita Prose. Really enjoyed this heartwarming mystery so much and fell in love with the female protagonist Molly Gray, who is very unique and some call an oddball . Molly likes a very orderly life and is currently a maid at the Regency Grand Hotel and she likes everything just perfect for the guests. But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. Read this and find out what happens to Molly and the people that are close to her. I’m looking forward to another mystery novel with Molly Gray as I really hated the book to end . ( One can keep their fingers crossed the author will have a second novel with Molly Gray
April 19, 2022: Joey’s pick this week to celebrate Poetry Month is with the fun loving books of the very well known and loved Shel Silverstein. My kiddos had these books when they were young and would laugh out loud reading them . Definitely helps bring your child into the world of Poetry.
APRIL 12, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is A Boy Called BAT by Elana K.Arnold . Joey picked this book as it is Autism Awareness Month and she had never read it before but has sold many many copies. Children ages 8 and up would thoroughly enjoy this book and so fun to read aloud to the kiddos . The first book is a funny, heartfelt, and irresistible series starring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum. Bixby Alexander Tan, BAT ( his nickname ) has a mom who is a veterinarian and brings home a baby skunk, a kit, and BAT wants to keep him. His mom lets him keep it and take care of it until it’s ready to be on its own. Of course BAT wants to keep it for his pet. Kids will really enjoy this series. Great for reluctant readers too as it’ll grab their interest right away. I suggest getting this and reading it out loud to your kids and they’ll want the second one as soon as you finish the first.
MARCH 29, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is The Paris Library, NOW in paperback and still on the bestseller list, by Janet Skeslien Charles. Based on the true story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War ll. Unforgettable story of romance , friendship and most of all family and how literature brought people together & to this day still does. Follow this amazing story one beginning in 1939 and another in 1983. Each story intertwining and you will not be able to put it down. Joey loved this and can’t wait for the next title from this wonderful author .
MARCH 15, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is from the New York Times bestselling author of Radium Girls, Kate Moore. “The Woman They Could not SILENCE! “One woman, her incredible fight for freedom, and the men who tried to make her disappear. ( NOW in paperback ) As usual with Kates books I cannot stop reading . You get pulled right in and don’t want to stop! It was like that with Radium Girls and now with The Woman They Could Not SilenceYou will feel like you’re right there where it’s taking place you get so emotionally involved . Can you imagine your husband being able to commit you to an Asylum for the insane just because you talk too much and have your own thoughts ? In 1860 they could ! Poor Elizabeth Packard a mom of six children gets dropped off by her husband of 21 years to the Illinois State Hospital For The Insane . Elizabeth fights every step of the way ! What an incredibly strong woman she was.So many looked up to her for the kind and caring and never give up attitude. If you read Radium Girls you know how Kate Moore can just get you so involved in the story you won’t get anything done , you’ve got to read this and find out what happens to Elizabeth and the woman who were left there even when they weren’t insane . I’m hoping to find even more books about this woman she’s so fascinating . Start with The Woman they Could Not Silence, you’ll be flabbergasted !
MARCH 8, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is the NEW unputdownable "The Golden Couple" by Greer Hendrick’s & Sarah Pekkanen. Throughly enjoyed this and definitely a page turner that will keep you guessing through each new chapter . Avery Chambers is going to try to fix her new clients the “ Golden Couple “ in 10 sessions . She’s not like other therapists , her way is unconventional & she gets very involved . But does it work? It starts with Marissa Bishop and her husband Matthew and Marissa has a secret she has to confess … that’s why she wants Avery there … I sped right through this book, surprising twists I know you’ll enjoy this new electrifying novel .
FEBRUARY 28, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is “A Flicker In The Dark” by Stacy Willingham. Another hit for me this week, could not stop reading this book. When Chloe Davis was twelve, in her small Louisiana town, six teenage girls went missing . Shockingly, Chloe’s own father confessed to the crimes. The story takes us to twenty years later and Chloe is a psychologist and preparing for her wedding. Then she hears the news that another young girl is missing, and then another. Everything comes flooding back, all the memories. Will Chloe’s fiancé Daniel help her deal with all this or her brother Cooper who knows exactly what they went through all those years ago? Definitely a thriller that you will not be able to put down. Highly recommend & can’t wait for her next book.
FEBRUARY 8, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is Educated NOW in paperback . Couldn’t put this one down , and a great discussion book. Tara Westover’s Memoir is unforgettable . Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara did not go to school until she was 17 . Tara’s father was suspicious of everyone and wanted them to be far away from anyone . Tara had to deal with a violent Brother and a father who you wanted to disappear …NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW • ONE OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA’S FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR • BILL GATES’S HOLIDAY READING LIST • FINALIST: National Book Critics Circle’s Award In Autobiography and John Leonard Prize For Best First Book • PEN/Jean Stein Book Award • Los Angeles Times Book Prize If you didn’t read it in hardcover , read it now . I promise you won’t be able to let go of it .
FEBRUARY 2, 2022: Joey’s pick is “The Push" by Audrey Audrain NOW in paperback. Read this when it was in hardcover and couldn’t put it down! It’s a GMA book club pick, and did not disappoint. A tense, page turning psychological drama about the making and breaking of a family and a woman whose experience of motherhood is nothing at all what she hoped for, and everything she feared. I couldn’t put it down!
JANUARY 25, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is The Children’s Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin NOW in paperback . What a perfect time to hunker down and read this gripping novel which is written from actual oral histories of survivors. The unexpected Blizzard happened on January 12, 1888 and it was unusually mild so most of the kids did not have their winter coats and on so we’re not prepared for what was going to happen. Young schoolteachers we’re faced with life and death decisions. You will be glued to this book I guarantee it. Well written and completely engrossing . Definitely a must read!
JANUARY 4, 2022: Joey’s pick this week is ANY Pete the Cat book but one of our favorites is “Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons“ by Eric Litwin and art by James Dean! What a fun fun book to read aloud to the kiddos . You will read over and over and they’ll enjoy it each time ! ( I sing it ) you can’t go wrong with a Pete the Cat book! We also love Pete the Cat, I Love My White Shoes! Another GREAT one to read out loud to the kiddos.
DECEMBER 22, 2021: Joey’s pick this week is The series of books by Ryan T. Higgins, Mother Bruce, Bruce’s Big Move, Hotel Bruce, The Bruce Swap & Bruce’s Big Storm. I absolutely love this author! All his books are so fun and entertaining any child or adult would enjoy them so much . Honestly you will laugh out loud! A super choice for your grandchildren or anyone who loves books that make you laugh.
DECEMBER 8, 2021: Joey’s pick this week is "The Reading List" by Sara Nisha Adams. Thoroughly enjoying this book. A widower named Mukesh, who misses his wife terribly goes to the library to try to find a book that he will enjoy. His wife loved to read and he wants to be close to her so he also wants to read. At the library he meets a young lady named Aleisha who works at the front desk … read this book and find out how the lives of these two very different people become bonded because of the power of a book. Unforgettable & heartwarming.
DECEMBER 1, 2021: Joey’s pick this week is a favorite author of hers , Jodi Picoult , and her new book which came out today is called “ Wish You Were Here”. Diana O’Toole who is associate specialist at Sotheby’s , has her life all planned out. She’ll be turning thirty soon and knows her boyfriend Finn who is a surgical resident will be proposing to her soon on their vacation they have planned in the Galápagos Islands.
Then all heck breaks lose when a virus hits their city and Finn has to stay so he tells her to get away now and go on their vacation alone to get away from the city .
NOVEMBER 16, 2021: Joey’s pick this week is “Oh William! “By Elizabeth Strout a favorite author of Joey’s. The third in the Lucy Barton series , Lucy is going through many changes as her husband David had just passed away. Lucy Is thinking about her life . Her ex husband William is also going through a rough patch and these two decide to go on an adventure together . Elizabeth always makes you start re-examining your own relationships in life . Her books never seem long enough but always enjoyable .
NOVEMBER 9, 2021: Joey's pick this week “IT FELL FROM THE SKY” by Terry & Eric Fan. What an absolutely beautiful picture book this is. Adults will enjoy the storyline and beauty as much as the kiddos. It fell from the sky, Where did it come from? It’s so beautiful but none of the insects know what it is. Then Mr Spider wants everyone near and far to see this beautiful object, he decides he’ll charge a fee to see it. Will the insects still line up to see this unusual object? What will he do. Lessons about community and giving back, just a great picture book.
This Saturday, we are having a story time and related games & activities with marbles for ages 4+ based on the book It Fell From the Sky by the Fan Brothers at 9:30 a.m. Reservations required because space is limited. Call 781-826-6060 for more information and Reservations THANK YOU!
NOVEMBER 2, 2021: Local Woman Missing: A Novel by Mary Kubica. Did not disappoint. This is Joey’s pick today . It sucked her right in right from the get go. This takes place in a small town where everyone knows each other. A woman goes missing leaving her husband and a newborn baby . A few weeks later another woman and her daughter go missing. It does go back-and-forth from present and past but you still hang on to every word and you do not want to stop reading! Don’t miss out on this fabulous thriller now in paperback . You will not be disappointed!
OCTOBER 26, 2021: Joey’s Pick this week is No One Will Miss Her by Kay Rosenfield. A new author discovered and so thrilled I did. Taking place in Maine in a small town called Cooper Falls. A murder takes place , a local woman who grew up in Cooper Falls , Lizzie Oullette and her husband Dwayne is no where to be found . Who did this ? Lizzie did not have many friends so…. I love the way this story is told, just about every other chapter is narrated by Lizzie and once you start reading you can’t let go. Love the characters and especially the homicide investigator, Detective Ian Bird. Come along for the ride, I thoroughly enjoyed this psychological suspense story. Like the back of the book says, it has a murderous twist that will shock even the most savvy reader! And that’s the truth!
OCTOBER 19, 2021: Joey’s pick this week is The Grandmother Plot by Caroline Cooney, author of The Face on a Milk Carton. Death isn’t unexpected in a nursing home but Murder is. Freddy, who’s life isn’t full of too many responsibilities does have the responsibility of visiting his grandmother, ( whom he adores ) in the nursing home . He visits her often and on one of the visits he finds out one of the patients, an old woman already close to passing, is murdered. Of course Freddy panics as other family members of the other patients do too. He’s got to keep his grandmother safe and as he’s doing this he’s got all kinds of crazy things going on and can’t have the police in his life. I really enjoyed this book and really got to like Freddy and some of the other characters. This was my first Caroline Cooney and I’m looking forward to another one called Before She was Helen. I’ll keep you posted.
OCTBER 13, 2021: Joey’s pick this week are two little books from the Highlights Bear and Friends series, A Scarf for Squirrel by Jody Jensen Shaffer and Fox Wants a Pet by Jody Jensen Shaffer . Joey got these for the little girl she nannies and had to read them over and over. Short stories with adorable pictures and just a few words on each page. In each book there is a hidden letter on each page for the child to find. I love these and I think all the kiddos will too.
