Ray, Branch Manager (LP)—

I must lend my overwhelming appreciative voice to all the fans of Adriana Trigiani who writes flowingly beautiful novels. Whether you are reading Adriana’s The Queen of the Big Time or her Lucia, Lucia, you are assured of a believable, multi-layered family tale that immerses you right into every scene and character as comfortably as can be. Adriana’s richly drawn characters and sense of place keep you turning the pages. You develop a strong bond with the characters as if you were part of the family.

In The Queen of the Big Time, Nella outshines her four sisters from her earliest years in small town rural Pennsylvania. Through Nella’s determination and convincing ways she rises to the top of the mill town working town business. She has to contend with small town narrow-mindedness of the 1960’s and 1970’s establishment while her background is imbedded in Old European Bari, Italy traditions. Constantly questioning her own lack of faith she helps everyone she meets along the way while she pursues some unlikely suitors. For a believable, atmospheric, timely and lively family focused story, The Queen of the Big Time is a gem of a read amidst all the jewels Adriana Trigiani has written.

Colleen, Head of Technical Services (Main)–

Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is a sci-fi tale with witches and vampires for adults.  As a shameless reader of the YA fantasy craze, I was glad I decided to plunge into this series. It puts an interesting spin on the usual vampire lore, with the inevitable comparisons to other vampire stories.  The difference being this one mixes with all major events in history.  It makes me wish I had paid better attention in all those World Civ classes in college! The lead character Diana is no shrinking violet and stands on her own without having to always lean on her vampire BF. And the vampire boyfriend in question, Matthew, is no whining brooding slouch either. There’s family, history, mystery, and romance.  It’s a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy series and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.