Nov 18

Nov 18 Books Publishing This Week

The afternoon in mid-November carries a hush, the kind of quiet that settles in after the trees have shed their last leaves and before the world turns fully to winter. The air is cool but not biting, and the light has a muted, golden tone—soft, unhurried, already leaning toward dusk. You can feel the season changing not just in the temperature, but in the way the day moves—slower, gentler, as if urging you to do the same.

You’ve carved out this time just for yourself. The morning’s errands are done, the emails answered, the dishes drying in the rack. You make yourself a cup of something warm—maybe chai with a touch of cinnamon, maybe coffee rich enough to sip slowly—and carry it to your favorite spot. The book you’ve been meaning to start is waiting there, its cover glowing faintly in the soft afternoon light.

You settle in, maybe by a window where the last few leaves cling to bare branches, or on a sofa with a blanket draped over your knees. The first sip of your drink spreads warmth through you, and the day outside hums quietly in the background—a few birds calling, a gust of wind brushing past the glass, a neighbor’s footsteps crunching over dry leaves.

You open the book. The spine creaks softly, that familiar, welcoming sound. You turn the first page, and just like that, the outside world begins to fade. The words meet you gently, the way old friends do after a long time apart—no rush, no noise, just the calm certainty that you belong here.

The story begins to take shape, the characters introducing themselves, the setting unfolding like a painting revealed stroke by stroke. You lean into it, the warmth of your drink and the rhythm of the prose lulling you into a kind of stillness that feels rare these days. The light outside continues to shift, deepening toward amber, and the room feels cozier with each passing minute.

Every so often, you pause—not to check your phone, not to think of what comes next—but to look out the window and simply be. The sky is a watercolor of soft gray and fading gold. The trees, now nearly bare, stand quietly against the horizon. A single leaf drifts past, twisting lazily before settling onto the ground. You take another sip of your drink, turn another page, and sink even deeper into the story.

There’s something about reading in November that feels different. Maybe it’s the early darkness that invites you to stay indoors, or the way the cold air sharpens your appreciation for warmth. Maybe it’s just that the quiet of the season makes space for reflection—for getting lost in words, for finding stillness in the act of beginning.

Time moves differently when you’re caught between story and silence. Before long, you’ve read farther than you meant to, the cup beside you nearly empty. The afternoon has slipped toward evening; the light has gone soft and blue. You close the book for now, marking your place carefully, and hold it in your lap for a moment. The room feels warm, cocooned in shadow and memory, and the world outside feels far away.

It’s a good feeling—the beginning of a story, the middle of autumn, the quiet promise of time well spent. You take one last look at the fading light, one last sip of warmth, and smile to yourself. The book is only just beginning, and so, in a way, is this season of slower hours, quiet afternoons, and soft, deliberate beginnings.

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Books Publishing November 16 - 22

MindWorks by Neal Shusterman

From the incomparable mind of award winner Neal Shusterman, New York Times bestselling author of the Arc of a Scythe, comes a collection of uncanny and unforgettable short stories.

This collection of unforgettable and uncanny stories could only come from the mind of award winner Neal Shusterman. Compiled for the first time in one epic volume, these stories both classic and brand-new will stretch your imagination from terror to the sublime and back again. Explore a world where bats block out the sun, where soup is a trap for your soul, or where the life-force of a glacier can bring back the dead. Journey to a place where the wind can be captured, time can be crafted into infinite attic space, or a hot tub can house an ancient monster. And revisit the Arc of the Scythe universe for two all-new tales of gleaning.

In this collection, the only thing that is truly certain is nothing is certain.

The Botanist's Assistant by Peggy Townsend

A murder in the science lab shatters a woman’s quiet and ordered life when she decides she must solve the crime herself in this entertaining and uplifting mystery.

Plenty of people consider Margaret Finch odd. Six-feet-tall and big-boned, she lives alone in a small cabin in the woods, drives a 20-year-old truck, and schedules her life so precisely you can tell the time and day of the week by the chore she is doing and what she is wearing. But the same attributes that cause her to be labeled eccentric—an obsessive attention to detail and the ability to organize almost anything—make her invaluable in her job as Research Assistant II to a talented and charismatic botanist.

It's those very same qualities, however, that also turn Margaret into a target after a surprising death shakes the small university where she works. Even as authorities claim the death appears to be from natural causes, Margaret fears it might be something more: a murder born of jealousy and dark secrets. With the aid of a newly hired and enigmatic night custodian, Margaret finds herself thrust into the role of detective, forcing her to consider that she may not be able to find the killer before the killer finds her.

With a cast of quirky and likeable characters that one won’t soon forget, The Botanist’s Assistant is a delightful story of perseverance and the power in all of us to survive.

Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz

A powerful plant witch and grumpy alchemist must work together to save their quiet town from a magical plague in this debut cozy fantasy romance about starting over, redemption, and what it really means to be a good person.

Guy Shadowfade is dead, and after a lifetime as the dark sorcerer’s right-hand, Violet Thistlewaite is determined to start over—not as the fearsome Thornwitch, but as someone kind. Someone better. Someone good.

The quaint town of Dragon’s Rest, Violet decides, will be her second chance—she’ll set down roots, open a flower shop, keep her sentient (mildly homicidal) houseplant in check, and prune dark magic from the twisted boughs of her life.

Violet’s vibrant bouquets and cheerful enchantments soon charm the welcoming townsfolk, though nothing seems to impress the prickly yet dashingly handsome Nathaniel Marsh, an alchemist sharing her greenhouse. With a struggling business and his own second chance seemingly out of reach, Nathaniel has no time for flowers or frippery—and certainly none for the intriguing witch next door.

When a mysterious blight threatens every living plant in Dragon’s Rest, Violet and Nathaniel must work together through their fears, pasts, and growing feelings for one another to save their community. But with a figure from her past knocking at her door and her secrets threatening to uproot everything she’s worked so hard to grow, Violet can’t help but wonder…does a former villain truly deserve a happily-ever-after?

Secret Nights and Northern Lights by Megan Oliver

Mona Miller lives her life by platitudes: she’s just fine, thanks; all good; not a problem! Everything is right as rain—even if it’s all a lie. Everyone at the travel magazine where she works knows her as a team player (in other words, the one who won’t complain about the endless fluff pieces pushed her way). But, feeling snubbed after being passed over for a promotion, Mona jumps at an international assignment to Iceland, even though she’s woefully unprepared.

She’s determined to prove her worth, though, and her can-do attitude will scale any glacier. But the freelance photographer paired with her is none other than Benjamin Carter. Ben, her childhood best friend who understood her even when her family didn’t. Ben, her first love—first everything. And Ben, the boy who ghosted her fourteen years ago and left her brokenhearted.

There is a decade’s worth of resentment Mona needs to ignore if she wants to make it through this trip. She’ll put on her “No worries!” façade and hold Ben at a distance. But the more time they spend together, the more the ice around her heart melts. And as those old feelings spark back to life, Mona must decide if she’s willing to go on the biggest adventure of all.

How Girls Are Made by Mindy McGinnis

Sex Education meets Euphoria in this dark contemporary novel that tackles perfectionism, emotional abuse, and the dark side of social media.

Fallon is a fixer. From planning prom to organizing her college applications, she’s got it all figured out…except for when her younger sister comes to her with very basic questions about sex. Shocked that she knows so little—and her fellow classmates even less—Fallon decides some practical education is in order. And Fallon isn’t above practicing a little civil disobedience by creating a secret underground off-campus group.

Shelby is a fighter. Having her nose broken is nothing new in her semiprofessional career…but this time it’s her boyfriend who threw the punch. Now her phone is blowing up with texts from a new guy who tells her she’s perfect, she’s special, she’s everything he’s ever wanted…except for a few small details. Shelby’s happy to adjust for him, because isn’t that what a healthy relationship is about?

Jobie is a failure. She doesn’t have enough followers and her posts never go viral, no matter how hard she crushes challenges and applies exactly the right filter. But a friendly DM from a good girl just like her points her in the direction of a whole new audience of admirers. Guys who just want to talk. Guys who give her the attention she’s always wanted.

The lives of all three girls intersect in Fallon’s secret class, rumors of which have parents up in arms. Fallon needs to keep herself anonymous, Shelby needs to keep her new boyfriend happy, and Jobie needs to keep her followers…who keep asking for more. Each girl finds herself trapped in an inescapable situation—that will leave one of them dead.

The Cuffing Game by Lyla Lee

Bestselling author Lyla Lee delivers a deliciously fun YA K-drama remix of Pride and Prejudice—if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett were a college-run reality TV dating show.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that when there is a hot person, there is also someone with a crush on them.

Mia Yoon has a plan for everything. Get a full ride to her dream film school in Los Angeles, behind her mom’s back, and escape her middle-of-nowhere hometown—check. Produce her own dating show starring other people and their crushes—check. But everything goes off the rails when she has to enlist the help of her own secret crush, Noah Jang, a boy she’d rather hate.

Despite being a campus celebrity voted “most eligible student bachelor,” Noah can’t remember the last time he was in a relationship. And he’s perfectly content with that, thank you very much, especially since just the word feelings makes him uncomfortable. But he can’t stop staring at Mia, who keeps glaring at him in class. And when she asks him to be on her dating show—as one of the contestants—he can’t say no.

As Noah goes on more and more romantic dates on The Cuffing Game and Mia watches from behind the camera, something feels off. With the showrunner and contestant slowly falling for one another, can the show still go on?

The Doctor's Wife by Daniel Hurst

An engrossing psychological thriller full of secrets, betrayal, and revenge which is perfect for fans of Nicole Trope and Leslie Wolfe.

He thinks his secret is safe. But she knows the truth... My husband is a doctor. He’s smart and charming and everyone trust him. Except me.

On the surface, it looks like I have it all—the perfect marriage, the perfect husband, the perfect life. But it’s far from the truth.

Doctor Drew Devlin is not the respectable figure he makes out to be. The reason we moved to this beautiful, old property with a gorgeous view of the sea was because we needed to put our past behind us. It should’ve been a fresh start for us both.

Except, I’ve discovered my husband has been lying to me again. He’s using the power he has in his job to mess with people’s lives, and to get exactly what he wants—no matter who it hurts. But he’s underestimated me. I’ve had plenty of time, in this big, isolated house, to think about all of his mistakes.

And my husband has no idea what’s about to happen next...

From Cradle to Grave by Rhys Bowen

Author Interview with Rhys Bowen

Georgie may be figuring out what it means to be a new mother but she does know one thing for sure: she absolutely despises the strict nanny who was foisted upon her by her meddlesome sister-in-law. In search of a new nanny, Georgie travels to London to see her old friend ZouZou only to find her about to depart for a funeral, after the unexpected death of a young man in her social circle. It quickly becomes clear there’s more than one mysterious death around town, when another friend reveals he’s also just returned from the funeral of a school friend, who seemingly died in a boating accident. But when word arrives that the son of family friend has also died tragically and unexpectedly, Georgie is certain it can’t be a coincidence. Yet the victims don’t seem to have any connection to one another.

ZouZou shares Georgie’s suspicions that the deaths were not an accident and begs Georgie to solve the case. As Georgie delves deeper, she can’t help worrying that her own husband, Darcy, may be next. It seems likely there is a serial killer at work and Darcy fits the bill to be their next victim. Will Georgie solve the murders before it’s too late for Darcy, and manage to find the perfect nanny all at the same time?

The Seven Rings: The Lost Bride Trilogy, Book 3 by Nora Roberts

Best Nora Roberts Books

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author Nora Roberts concludes her compelling Lost Bride trilogy as two women—one dead, one alive—prepare for a terrifying final showdown…

Long ago, Arthur Poole built a grand house overlooking the turbulent ocean, in a Maine village that bore his name. Today, Sonya MacTavish lives in that house—a manor that has been cursed for generations. Within its walls, she has witnessed the deaths of seven brides and the thefts of seven wedding rings. And now, to break the curse and banish a malevolent spirit once and for all, a difficult task must be completed.

After Sonya, her boyfriend, Trey, and their friends are forced to hear, see—and feel—the suffering of the house’s many ghosts as their torment is reenacted by the evil presence, their bond only strengthens and their anger is renewed. Refusing to let her spirit be broken, Sonya searches each room for clues to her ancestors’ hidden story, putting the picture together, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. She’s determined to bring light to this haunted place—to fill it with people, with life and hope, once again.

But the enemy in the black dress continues to hover, to come at her in frightening forms. They may be illusions—but illusions can be powerful enough to wound and kill. She feeds on fear, and lies are her weapon. This dark-hearted witch wants to be mistress of Poole Manor, at any cost. And Sonya will need to fight a battle across two realms to finally take possession of the house on the clifftop—and of her own future…

The Lie She Wears by Elle Marr

Author Interview with Elle Marr

A daughter inherits her mother’s deadly secrets in a chilling novel of psychological suspense by Elle Marr, the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Alone Time.

Museum curator Pearl Davis always had a strained relationship with her mother, Sally. Growing up, she rarely felt her mother’s love. So many things about her mother’s behavior never added up. But when Sally dies unexpectedly, she leaves Pearl a letter from the grave…confessing to murder.

Suddenly, Pearl has even more questions than she has answers. She suspects the letter is just a sign of her mother’s diminished state of mind—until she finds human remains in Sally’s garden. With the help of a friend, Pearl begins searching for the truth of her mother’s actions—and as she does, more cryptic notes emerge. But these letters aren’t just clues behind a confession. They’re a warning. Sally was terrified of something.

When more remains are discovered, it’s clear whatever secrets Sally died with are now Pearl’s to bear. And as darkness closes in, Pearl fears that her mother’s past could be the death of her.

The Glowing Life of Leeann Wu by Mindy Hung

A seemingly inexplicable magic takes over the lives of three generations of women in this gripping and romantically steamy novel sure to captivate readers of At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities and The Change.

Leeann Wu’s hands have started glowing at the most inconvenient times, and the single mother and midwife doesn’t know why. Could it be perimenopause? A hallucination brought on by a lack of sleep? On top of that concerning development, her daughter is off to university in a few months, her tenuous relationship with her ob-gyn mother is in peril of cracking, and she’s attracted the attention of a younger man who sees far more than she’s comfortable with. Her hands, glowing or not, are already full.

But as widespread insomnia plagues the town and life-threatening accidents begin to pile up, Leeann discovers the glow is not an anomaly at all—rather, she’s part of a long line of women who possess a power unlike anything Leeann’s ever known. Yet, even with the cryptic clues left by her great aunt before her untimely death, Leeann has no idea how to use her new skills.

With her town in imminent danger, Leeann doesn’t have time to waste. She’ll need to make peace with her magical heritage and do whatever it takes to find out if her glow means something more—before it’s too late.

Readers who loved Practical Magic will find lots to love in The Glowing Life of Leeann Wu.

The Sky of Sacrifice by Rosalia Aguilar Solace

As the Great Library of Tomorrow prepares for a momentous celebration, Nu embraces both newfound love and her role as the Sage of Truth. However, if fresh nightmares prove to be the harbingers of Suttaru’s malevolent forces, romance must take a back seat to her responsibilities.

When a savage act sends shock waves through the Great Library, the return of an old friend brings to light a hidden relic from the Book of Wisdom’s past.

To stop the enemy, the Sages must pursue multiple paths. For Nu and Robin, this means traveling the realms in search of a mysterious figure from long ago. Meanwhile, Veer and his companions brave a realm of darkness and despair, where even the strongest can become undone …

Trust at a Distance by David Horsager and Peggy Kendall

Build real trust in the remote workplace by mastering proven strategies for leading employees who work from home, the corner coffee shop, or the downtown office.

The shift to remote work has fundamentally changed how we build and maintain trust in organizations. Drawing on extensive research and experience, trusted leadership expert David Horsager and communication scholar Dr. Peggy Kendall present essential strategies that create strong virtual and hybrid workplace relationships.

Readers will learn to do the following:

Amplify communication
Clarify direction
Build predictability
Redefine accountability
Create connections
Leverage in-person experiences

Trust at a Distance addresses common remote-work challenges, such as unclear communication, lack of information, and weakened relationships. This guide is perfect for leaders navigating hybrid and remote teams. By the time readers are finished reading, they will be inspired and confident that trust really can be built at a distance!

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