What are we reading?

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Three book covers are displayed against a winter-themed backdrop with pine branches and lights. The center book, "A Sea View Christmas," depicts a woman in a red dress in a snowy scene. To the left is "Alchemised," featuring a dark, mysterious forest and gate. To the right is "Katabasis," showing an architectural structure. The mood is festive and intriguing.

Take a look at what some of the staff here at the JHPL are reading. Maybe you'll see something you'd like to try! See some of our current reads or drop by the library–we’re always happy to help you find your next great read!

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A mysterious, dark castle looms with twisted trees. A figure in red stands near an open iron gate. The mood is eerie and suspenseful. Text reads "SenLinYu Alchemised".

Gina is reading Alchemised by SenLinYu

In this riveting dark fantasy debut, a woman with missing memories fights to survive a war-torn world of necromancy and alchemy—and the man tasked with unearthing the deepest secrets of her past. This book will appeal to fans of Carissa Broadbent and other dark fantasy works with plot-driven, richly detailed, immersive world-building. 

A woman in a red vintage dress stands outside a snow-dusted, decorated manor. The scene is festive and elegant, with “A Sea View Christmas” written above.

Tasha is reading A Sea View Christmas by Julie Klassen

In this new historical fiction title taking place in the Regency period, Sarah Summers once discouraged the interest of a handsome Scottish widower, but his return stirs up regret. Meanwhile, her younger sister Georgiana anticipates the Christmas of her dreams, not expecting to be surprised by young love. Does the festive romance of a Sea View Christmas hold the key to a happily-ever-after for both sisters? This book will appeal to fans of Lauranne Snelling, Mary Balogh, and other historical inspirational romances with likeable characters.

The book cover of "Katabasis" by R.F. Kuang features an intricate, three-dimensional maze-like structure suspended above a green background. The perspective is tilted, adding depth. Figures inside suggest exploration and mystery, with a sense of descent. The title is boldly displayed in amber lettering.

Meredith is reading Katabasis by R. F. Kuang

Dante’s Inferno meets Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi in this dark academia fantasy, in which two graduate students must put aside their rivalry and journey to Hell to save their professor’s soul--perhaps at the cost of their own. This book will appeal to fans of Naomi Novik, Olivie Blake, and Lev Grossman, as well as other dark academia fantasy with flawed characters and witty dialogue.