Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello
Wonderland, an indie bookstore in London, has been in Trey Anderson’s family for years. When he’s not being the charming social butterfly of Corden College, he’s working at this bookstore. But when a new commercial bookstore opens up down the street, Wonderland is in jeopardy. If they don’t make enough money before Christmas Eve, it’ll be shut down forever. To save his family’s business, he’ll have to team up with the newly hired Ariel Spencer, an introverted, creative teen who’s saving up for her dream art school. As total opposites, they’ll have to navigate their differences if they want to keep Wonderland open… and deal with their own budding feelings in the process.
If you’ve been wanting to read something with Hallmark Christmas movie vibes and a heartwarming romance, look no further!
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Summershall is one of the Great Libraries of Austermeer, a place where trained wardens have to keep dangerous magical grimoires in check lest they transform into Maleficts—horrifying, ravenous monsters. As an orphan, Elizabeth Scrivener was raised in this environment, hoping to one day join these librarians who ward against sorcery. But when the most deadly grimoire turns into a Malefict and kills the director of the library, Elizabeth is the prime suspect. All she can do is turn to Nathaniel Thorn, the same roguish sorcerer she has deemed her enemy. With this alliance, Elizabeth is determined to solve the conspiracy brewing around her and defeat the evil threatening the library before it’s too late.
I love a good slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, so I’m really excited to read this mysterious, spell-binding fantasy story.
The Reader by Traci Chee
Ever since Sefia’s father was murdered, she and her aunt Nin have been doing everything it takes to survive in the wilderness. Living life on the run isn’t easy, and avoiding detection from those responsible for the murder is even harder. So when Nin is suddenly kidnapped, Sefia’s only hope in finding her aunt alive is a foreign, rectangular object hidden in her family home: a book. Books are unknown to the world of Kelanna, but Sefia soon discovers this isn’t just any book: this one is magical. Using these newfound powers and the help of a mysterious stranger, Sefia is determined to rescue her aunt from the dangerous forces and ultimately uncover the truth behind her father’s murder.
If you like the modern classic Inkheart, stories within stories, rich fantasy world-building, and the magic of reading, this debut novel from Chee won’t disappoint.
Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley
It’s the end of senior year, and Rachel realizes she’s in love with her childhood best friend, Henry. So when she has to move away with her family, she leaves him a love note hidden in a book in his family’s second-hand bookstore. Yet, despite how long she waits, Henry never replies. Three years later and grieving the loss of her brother, Cal, Rachel returns to her home city to work in the same bookshop she left, hoping to distract herself from the pain. And after all these years, the boy she used to love has his own crises to contend with as well: a failing bookstore, a break-up, and a family that’s falling apart. Even though life is hitting both of them hard, as they work side by side, they begin to rebuild their friendship, finding solace in each other. They start to realize a second chance at love and happiness may be possible—if only they take the leap.
This contemporary romance is a meditation on grief, the power of words, and the hope we find in loving each other, making it a story that resonates with you long after you finish it.
Suggested Reading by Dave Connis
At Lupton Academy, certain books are prohibited by the principal: taken out of the library and forbidden on private school property. Anyone caught with these books is to be punished. But determined student and bookworm, Clara Evans, has a rebellious solution to push back against this control: an underground library in her locker, one that ensures literature is for everyone—especially the iconic, banned titles. She accomplishes this with the help of the school librarian and her best friend, LiQui Carson. But when word spreads of this library, putting her college scholarship and enrollment in danger, Clara has to decide if fighting for her freedom to read is worth the life-changing consequences.
While this novel is a captivating love letter to literature that all bookworms will enjoy, it’s also a relevant, timeless read, with censorship still being a very real danger in our society.
Whether you like fantasy, contemporary romance, or coming-of-age realistic fiction, these diverse recommendations are just the tip of the iceberg for books about books. For School Library Month, consider appreciating your local libraries and bookstores by checking out one of these from the list. You just might fall in love with reading all over again!
Danielle Hartshorn, Pine Reads Review Writer & Editor