The Graceling Realm by Kristin Cashore

If you want fantasy, romance, and adventure these are the books for you. They’re YA novels but lean towards an older audience. You don’t need to read this series in order until you reach Book #4.

In the Seven Kingdoms, there are people called Gracelings. A Grace is a unique ability like super strength or mind reading. In some Kingdoms, Gracelings are honored. In others, they’re the property of the King. With each book, Cashore expands the world and introduces new magical capabilities. The world building is extremely well done.

#1 Graceling - Katsa can kill a man with her bare hands. She never expected to fall in love. When Katsa discovers a dangerous secret, she sets off on an adventure with Prince Po to save the Kingdom.

#2 Fire – Fire is the last remaining human monster. She can control minds. The royal family brings her to the palace to help uncover a plot against the King. Fire learns there is more to her power than she ever imagined.

#3 Bitterblue – Bitterblue is the queen of Monsea but the influence of her psychopath, violent father lives on. The only way to move forward is to reveal the truth of the past. The problem is that truthseekers often end up dead.

#4 Winterkeep – A new kingdom has been discovered. Torla is a land of miracles and telepathic creatures. When Monsea’s envoys drown under mysterious circumstances, Bitterblue sails to Torla. With the help of Giddon and Hava, she discovers a secret that threatens their lives and homeland.

#5 Seasparrow – Told entirely from the prospective of Hava directly after the events in Book #4. Read Winterkeep first.

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

I loved this historical fiction novel. It’s based on the true story of the record-breaking thoroughbred, Lexington. It was interesting to learn about horseracing and the history of the sport. The author transports the reader into each of her scenes. With Brooks’ meticulous research, I felt as if I’d traveled back in time. The writing is rich and effortlessly beautiful. Often, I found myself pausing to consider her words. The characters are complex and unique.

Kentucky, 1850. An enslaved groom named Jarret forges an unbreakable bond with a bay foal. The horse wins several record-setting victories before the nation erupts in civil war.

NYC, 1954. Martha Jackson is a gallery owner who discovers a 19th century painting with mysterious origins.

Washington, DC 2019. Jess, a scientist for the Smithsonian, is studying the bones of an old stallion. Theo, an art historian, finds a discarded treasure. The two have a chance encounter that leads to a joint discovery of lost history.

Trust me, this is a book that’s hard to put down!

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley

**BEACH READ** Take this book on vacation with you. It’s a quick and easy read. The storyline is heartwarming and entertaining. I loved the cast of characters and how their lives intertwined. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. I will be reading this novel again when I need a good palate cleanser.

Iona Iverson commutes into the city for her job as an advice columnist. She has certain rules for the train, such as, never speak to anyone and never give up your seat. She does however make many observations and assumptions about her fellow travelers. When ‘Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader’ chokes on a grape, she must break her rule and intervene. This single event starts a chain reaction that will lead to unexpected surprises and friendships between people whose only commonality is their commute.