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Infinite Country by Patricia Engel 
The Fourth Child by Jessica Winter
The Five Wounds by Kirstin Valdez Quade
The House Uptown: A Novel by Melissa Ginsburg
I Thought You Said This Would Work by Ann Garvin
The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert
In a Book Club Far Away by Tif Marcelo
A Million Reasons Why by Jessica Strawser
Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey
When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain

Spring is here, which means it’s the perfect time of year to escape with a story: especially these fabulous tales penned by women writers. From split-time historicals to nail-biting thrillers to heartwarming rom-coms, these books will leave you feeling a surge of girl power. I call that a good thing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Infinite Country by Patricia Engel 

Infinite Country by Patricia Engel 

In this split-timeline narrative about immigration, we explore the harrowing journey of 15-year-old Talia who has broken out of a Columbian detention center with hopes of joining her family in the United States. This powerful story gives an emotional glimpse into the challenges of being “undocumented” in America while also celebrating the resilience of a family’s love.

 


The Fourth Child by Jessica Winter

The Fourth Child by Jessica Winter

Dancing back and forth across the decades, this novel introduces readers to Jane, a devout Catholic high school student facing an unplanned pregnancy in the 1970s, and her daughter Lauren, who as a high schooler in the 1990s is walking a tightrope with her much-too-attentive drama teacher. Jane sees holiness in suffering and seeks to punish herself (and others.) A complex story ensues as each woman works through her own exploration of faith, sexuality, abuse and forgiveness in this soul-shaping novel.

 


The Five Wounds by Kirstin Valdez Quade

The Five Wounds by Kirstin Valdez Quade

For another interesting examination of faith, family, and forgiveness, take a look at this debut novel about 33-year-old Amadeo, an unemployed slacker father who lives with his mother and drinks too much. When asked to play the role of Jesus in the town’s Good Friday procession, he sees a chance to absolve himself of all his sins; then his 15-year-old daughter, Angel, shows up unexpectedly and pregnant. Following these complicated characters delivers a quirky and satisfying read.

 


The House Uptown: A Novel by Melissa Ginsburg

The House Uptown: A Novel by Melissa Ginsburg

You’ll love the resilient 14-year-old Ava who, after the death of her mother, takes a train to live with her grandmother Lane, a woman she barely knows. Upon arriving in uptown New Orleans, the teen realizes that Lane is a flamboyant and pot-smoking personality in the city’s art scene. Ava’s arrival opens old wounds, but like only Louisiana can, the heat eventually forces a reckoning that will shape them forever. 

 


I Thought You Said This Would Work by Ann Garvin

I Thought You Said This Would Work by Ann Garvin

Widowed Samantha hasn’t spoken to Holly in forever, but when Katie, their mutual BFF of 25 years, calls on her old college roomies for help they can’t say no. Anyway, it’s simple: travel cross-country, steal Katie’s camper from her ex, free her diabetic dog from the pound, and drive him to Wisconsin where Katie is undergoing cancer treatments. It’s a hoot!

 


The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert

The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert

When jobless Sabrina moves home to the Wisconsin Dells, the Waterpark Capital of the World, she can no longer avoid the Monroe family curse: helping spirits with unfinished business. This includes Molly, a bubbly rom-com loving ghost. Enter Ray, the local restaurateur, and watch the sparks fly in the most delightful of ways!

 


In a Book Club Far Away by Tif Marcelo

In a Book Club Far Away by Tif Marcelo

How about a military theme? This fan-favorite novelist and veteran delivers a well-written story about three Army wives who must overcome their differences for the sake of an innocent child. This novel honors the power of friendship (and book clubs) and proves that love (and story) can defy the deepest of wounds.

 


A Million Reasons Why by Jessica Strawser

A Million Reasons Why by Jessica Strawser

This one will prompt you to consider what you would do in the same situation. When two strangers are linked by a mail-in DNA test, it’s an answered prayer for one woman. For the other, it will dismantle everything she knows to be true. This is a true page-turner and the twists never stop!

 


Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey

This highly-anticipated read introduces readers to Amelia Buxton, a journalist who, upon discovering that a cluster of embryos has been deemed “abandoned,” is put in the unenviable position of telling the father (who also happens to be her childhood friend.) A fresh take on the ties that bind, this novel will leave you with topics to ponder with your book-loving friends. 

 


When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain

When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain

 The fiercely talented McLain follows a female detective who, upon finding herself wrapped up in a missing person case, is forced to face harsh truths that change her in ways she never saw coming. This thriller leaves us thinking about predators, prey and the roles each of us can play to protect the innocent.

 


Julie Cantrell

Julie Cantrell is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, author, editor, and ghostwriter who has recently departed from penning award-winning novels to release a picture book that instills a love of reading in children. Learn more about Dog Saves Duck (March 21). Learn more on her website.

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