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Discover something new! Check out the books, movies and more that LARL staff are recommending.

Amish Pies : traditional fruit, nut, cream, chocolate, and custard pies

If you are looking for delicious pie recipes for this holiday season then this is…

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Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano

Thanksgiving Day is quickly approaching and Turkey is worried because he knows he's the main…

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Maria by Michelle Moran

How much of the movie The Sound of Music is actually fact? As it turns…

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Start Here: Draw : 50 Ways to be an Artist without Trying by Moira Clinch

This is the perfect guide for anyone who is interested in learning how to draw.…

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Lasagna Means I Love You by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Eleven year old Mo’s life is upended when her Nan passes away and she enters…

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Good Dog Series by Cam Higgins

The children in my community love these books! This is an easy to read chapter…

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The Secret Elephant by Ellan Rankin

The Secret Elephant is inspired by the true story of a woman known as the…

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The Women by Kristin Hannah

The Women is the latest novel by New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah. Set…

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By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley

This novel is based on the true story of Ann Lowe, a black woman and…

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Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

If you love cozy mysteries then this book is a must read! Vera Wong leads…

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The New Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: the discovery that revolutionizes home baking by Jeff Hertzberg & Zoë François

This is the updated version of bestselling book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.…

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Free-Form Embroidery with Judith Baker Montano: Transforming Traditional Stitches into Fiber Art

Judith Baker Montano is an award winning needlework artist and author of several books. In…

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A Dreadful Splendor by B.R. Myers

A bride dies on the eve of her wedding and a fake spiritualist is summoned…

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The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson

This book is a full ride! A man wakes up in medieval England with no…

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The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann

Joy has been secretly in love with her best friend Malcolm for years. However, Malcolm…

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100 Things to Do in Minnesota Northwoods Before You Die by Julie Jo Larson

This is a wonderful guidebook for anyone who is interested in exploring Minnesota’s Northwoods, specifically…

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The Book That Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence

This book had me in its clutches from page one! Readers will be drawn in…

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You and Only You by Sharon Sala

This is a must read for fans of Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series. It is…

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Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat

This was one of my favorite books that I read last year! The story is…

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Memory Lane by Becky Wade

I always enjoy Becky Wade's romance books and this latest is no exception. Memory Lane…

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Chernobyl

A fantastic miniseries that captures the intensity and drama of the Chernobyl disaster, with a…

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Sinister Graves by Marcie R. Rendon

This is the third book in the Cash Blackbear series. Set in the Red River…

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Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks

“From New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sparks comes a love story about risking everything…

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Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Lynn Painter’s debut novel Better than the Movies follows high school senior Liz Buxbaum, a…

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Loveless by Alice Oseman

From the bestselling YA author of the Heartstopper graphic novels, now a popular Netflix drama…

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The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley

The Seven Sisters is the first book in a series by international bestselling author Lucinda…

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Shattered by James Patterson and James O. Born

James Patterson and James O. Born team up again for the latest installment in the…

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A Quilt for Christmas : A Christmas Novella by Melody Carlson

Recently widowed Vera Swanson is not planning to celebrate Christmas. That all changes with a…

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The Passengers by John Marrs

A terrifying glimpse into the near future.  Eight passengers are in self-driving cars that have…

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Bittersweet : How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole by Susan Cain

Absolutely one of my favorite reads this year. This is a beautiful, poignant exploration of…

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Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev

A boy shows up with tiny elephant only to discover that elephants are not allowed…

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The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin

Welcome to Stillness, a land devastated by disaster and whose people are no strangers to…

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Sweety Pies : An Uncommon Collection of Womanish Observations, with Pie by Patty Pinner

Sweety Pies is a delightfully delicious collection of pie recipes gathered from the women in…

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Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

When Tanisha spills grape juice on her new dress and the other kids laugh, a…

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Plume by Isabelle Simler

This gorgeous picture book showcases a wide variety of birds with big bold illustrations. In…

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The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

A disillusioned millennial ghostwriter who, quite literally, has some ghosts of her own, has to…

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The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron

The Italian Ballerina tells the story of Julia, a prima ballerina, stranded in Italy during…

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The 6:20 Man by David Baldacci

A former soldier with a secretive past joins a prestigious investment firm as a low-level…

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The Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda

Megan Miranda's books have fantastic settings and "The Last to Vanish" is no exception. Set…

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Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin

The clock is ticking as a unconventional heroine rushes to find a wealthy husband so…

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Quiet in Her Bones by Nalini Singh

Readers will enjoy this mystery set in New Zealand, which focuses on how a family and their neighborhood dealt with the discovery of the body of a person who was missing for 10 years.
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The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

I enjoyed the intimacy and intelligence of this inside picture of a woman living somehow,…

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Goldenrod by Maggie Smith

Maggie’s clear and cutting poetry grapples with motherhood, divorce, grief, nature, and healing. As an…

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Striking Distance by Sarah Rees Brennan

A fun story in the Fence universe created by C.S. Pacat with great character development.…

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Check, Please! Book 1: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu

The artwork in this charming graphic novel will steal your heart. Eric "Bitty" Bittle is…

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The Dry by Jane Harper

This is a slow burning small town mystery that unravels piece by piece. Aaron Faulk…

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Fence by C.S. Pacat

The first volume of Fence covers issues 1-4 and is full of angst, drama, and…

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The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

"I lifted the blush-colored paper, illuminated by the dying flame of a single rush wick…

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All Systems Red by Martha Wells

Murderbot is my Sanctuary Moon. Guess you'll have to read the series to understand that…

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Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters

Need a nice humorous mystery to lift your spirits?  Revisit (or discover for the first…

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Meet Me in Paradise by Libby Hubscher

I love any romance set on an island or on worldly adventures, but I also…

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Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Oseman has crafted a charming and sweet story about friendship and growing up. Charlie is…

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Into the Water by Paula Hawkins

This book kept me guessing until the very last sentence. Definitely a must read for…

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Burden of Proof by Davis Bunn

I don't read a lot of fantasy, but to travel back in time and be…

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Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen

This graphic novel is full of comedy about the messy details of life. It's sure…

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The Library Book by Susan Orlean

In The Library Book, Susan Orlean tells the fascinating story of the fire at the…

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Orange Is the New Black by Piper Kerman

Piper is from a nice family, has a career and a boyfriend, but one bad…

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Constant Rabbit by Jasper Fforde

A freak incident has made various animals "human like". This includes rabbits which now do…

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Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius

After a mysterious illness Martin is left trapped in his body, mentally alert, but unable…

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Being Heumann by Judith Heumann

Absolutely fascinating memoir. I couldn't put it down. I hadn't heard of Judith Heumann and…

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The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler

Simon is a research librarian who is frantically searching for the reason all the women…

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The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

The desire to find the perfect mate has driven Don, a genetics professor and all…

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Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

Discussing topics such as how the Sweet Valley Confidential book would have been better written…

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Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

This middle-grade graphic novel is a treat for adults too! Witches, family ties, old secrets,…

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Being Mortal by Dr. Atul Gawande

Being Mortal really gets you thinking about the process of dying and how it is currently…

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Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes

Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes is a whimsical and beautiful time split novel.…

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The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

There is something for everyone in The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker. This…

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If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t) by Betty White

Betty White is always entertaining. In If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't) she…

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A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen

A Street Cat Named Bob is the true story of a recovering drug addict and…

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The Girl Before by JP Delaney

For lovers of The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl, this psychological thriller will…

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A Man called Ove by Fredrik Backman

We've all known a curmudgeon or two in our lives, and Ove is a character…

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Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

This is a great historical fiction novel that addresses a real crime that happened to…

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The Last Smile in Sunder City by Luke Arnold

The Last Smile in Sunder City by Luke Arnold is a wonderfully complex book and…

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My Brilliant Life by Ae-Ran Kim

This novel explores what life is like to be a 16 year old with an…

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Float Plan by Trish Doller

A warning to potential readers: this deals with death by suicide, method, being the person…

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Redemption Road by John Hart

This suspense in this book just continued building all the way to the end and…

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Somewhere in the Unknown World by Kao Kalia Yang

This book helps us understand what motivates people to immigrate to the United States and…

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Cozy Winter Book Recommendations

As winter begins, we're gearing up for a season of staying in, reading and enjoying the art of time spent indoors.
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The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner

Perfect for folks who loved Jane Austen books and the characters she has written about.…

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He Started it by Samantha Downing

Warning: this is a page turner full of unlikable characters. A dysfunctional group of siblings…

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Hubble Telescope 30th Anniversary Celebration & Reading List

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Hubble Telescope, the Moorhead Public Library has…

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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Schwab's writing is lush and descriptive. The detail never felt unnecessary but heightens the emotions…

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Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

A great fall read that made me want to go to a pumpkin patch, like…

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The Marriage Game by Sara Desai

Follow Layla Patel, in this comedy of errors,  as she goes on a string of…

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The Gown by Jennifer Robson

A fascinating historical fiction book that describes the famous wedding gown of Princess Elizabeth and…

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The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin

As a lover of WWII themed books, this one did not disappoint. I enjoyed the…

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Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel

For readers fascinated by true crime, Munchausen syndrome by proxy, or the case of Dee…

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The City of Brass by S. A Chakraborty

With well developed characters and amazing world building, this book comes alive as you read…

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Stain by A.G. Howard

This is one of my favorite fairy tale retellings of the Princess and the Pea,…

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The Switch by Beth O’Leary

This book is fresh, funny, heartfelt, and so sweet. O'Leary has crafted a character driven…

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Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

Looking for an interesting historical mystery to read? Maisie Dobbs is perfect for a cozy…

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Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment!

This week we're celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment,…

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Wine Girl: The Obstacles, Humiliations, and Triumphs of America’s Youngest Sommelier by Victoria James

Victoria is the youngest sommelier in the country and now runs her own Michelin-starred restaurant.…

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The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver

Lydia is torn between two words. In one, she is grieving the untimely death of…

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The Guest List by Lucy Foley

If you're looking for an atmospheric and slow burning mystery, then look no further. Be…

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Sorcery ofThorns by Margaret Rogerson

Rogerson crafted a fabulous story full of magic, libraries, and grimoires. This is a standalone…

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Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn

This was sweet and charming with a lovely slow-burn romance. With such a heavy focus…

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Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

This book completely had my attention from the opening! I never wanted to put it…

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The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

This was a fascinating book. I appreciated find out more about the 1950's in India.…

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From Scratch- a Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home by Tembi Locke

This book really draws you in. A well-written story of love, heartbreak, and finding family.…

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Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

For anyone who has ever wanted to push themselves out of their comfort zone and…

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Beach Read by Emily Henry

Two authors with wildly different world views have nothing in common, right? January Andrews is…

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Every Last Breath by Juno Rushdan

For fans of television shows like Nikita or Alias, I highly recommend "Every Last Breath"…

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Rayne and Delilah’s Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner

A coming of age story about two best friends as they navigate graduating from high…

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Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

The Truly Devious series by Maureen Johnson is a fascinating combination of a murder and…

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The Stars We Steal by Alexa Donne

For those who loved the Selection series by Kiera Cass and the Starbound series by…

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The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

While not a traditional romance, this book will steal your heart. Tiffy and Leon share…

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Hotel Dare by Terry Blas

This book has everything you could want: Spanish language and culture, beautiful artwork, family bones,…

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Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Red Rising by Pierce Brown is a gripping science-fiction space opera that takes you to the…

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Milk Street: Tuesday Nights by Christopher Kimball

Without question, Christopher Kimball's Milk Street: Tuesday Nights is the best cookbook I've ever had…

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The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

This is the book for the readers who fell in love with Harry Potter's wizarding…

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Cozy Winter Reads From the Heart

We Met in December by Rosie Curtis : A slow-burn romance following Jess and her meeting…

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In Time for Halloween: Witchy Reads at Your Library

Are you ready for Halloween? Check out this list of new-release related reads from our…

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Hawkeye: My Life as a Weapon by Matt Fraction

Hawkeye: My Life as a Weapon by Matt Fraction is a stylish, hilarious, and highly…

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The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

With one of our favorite romance books covers in quite some time, The Bromance Book…

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Virgil Wander by Leif Enger

Do you ever read a book that immediately gives you a beautiful sense of time…

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The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

What a delightful doozy of a novel!   If you're in the mood for an Agatha Christie-esque…

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Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

Written by Linda Holmes, host of the NPR podcast "Pop Culture Happy Hour," Evvie Drake Starts…

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Our Favorite Audiobooks: “Mrs. Everything”, “Fantastic Beasts” and More

This summer, we're celebrating audiobooks by compiling a few of our favorites. Check out titles…

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Our Favorite Audiobooks: “Code Name Verity”, “The Wife Between Us” and More

This summer, we're celebrating audiobooks by compiling a few of our favorites. Check out titles…

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LARL Staff Recommend…Our Favorite Audiobooks

This summer, we're celebrating audiobooks by compiling a few of our favorites. Check out titles…

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The 2019 Minnesota Book Award Winners Have Been Announced

The 2019 Minnesota Book Awards winners have been announced! The Minnesota Book Awards is a…

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Celebrate Pride

Celebrate Pride with an LGBTQ+ book! Check out a selection of the titles in LARL's…

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My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing

The publisher description of  "Dexter meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith" is perfect for this fantastic…

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Bloom by Kevin Panetta

Ari is tired of working for his family's bakery and dreams of being a musician.…

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Hey Roadtrippers, Don’t Forget a Book!

Are you planning on hitting the road this summer? Don't forget to check out an…

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Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Imagine Fleetwood Mac in a highly entertaining Rolling Stone exposé, and you have the premise…

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The End of Loneliness by Benedict Wells

On Germany's bestseller list for nearly two years, The End of Loneliness is finally available in English…

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The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

As the standalone sequel to The Kiss Quotient, one of the most-talked-about romances from 2018, The Bride…

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The Royal Secret by Lucinda Riley

Set in mid-90s England, Riley's The Royal Secret  is the perfect romantic thriller to kick off…

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Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

A new adult book where the First Son of the United States falls in love…

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Planning a Trip? Let Us Help!

Are you thinking about hitting the open road this summer? If you're thinking about planning…

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Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett

Hands down, Foundryside is one of the most unique fantasy books I've read in recent years. …

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Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal

Pride and Prejudice + Pakistan?  Sign me up!  Jane Austen retellings are my bread and butter,…

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American Princess: A Novel of First Daughter Alice Roosevelt by Stephanie Marie Thornton

Alice Roosevelt was an absolute icon, and this historical fiction account of her life was…

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Sounds Like Titanic by Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman

If its cover alone doesn't draw you in, then pick up Sounds Like Titanic to learn more…

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The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Sotto

If there were one fantasy book I'd choose over all the others out there, it…

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Iditarod Reading Recommendations

Here at LARL, we have the Iditarod on our minds. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race…

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Always Look on the Bright Side of Life: A Sortabiography by Eric Idle

Eric Idle charms the audience in the audiobook version of his biography, Always Look on…

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My Heart by Corinna Luyken

My Heart by Corinna Luyken is a heartfelt, beautifully illustrated children's book.  Read this if you…

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Full Wolf Moon by Lincoln Child

An atmospheric thriller in the vein of Michael Crichton, Full Wolf Moon is a quick, fun…

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Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Knock me over with a hockey stick, this book was stellar and unbelievably addicting!  Beartown benefits most…

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Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe by Madeline Miller is a retold myth with all the action and betrayals you love…

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The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

For fans of The Wedding Date movie and meet-cute, feel-good romances, read Helen Hoang's The Kiss Quotient!  This book…

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Staff Picks: Cozy Winter Reads

Are you looking for a cozy winter read as we head into the holidays? Look…

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Sadie by Courtney Summers

Fans of true crime podcasts and mysteries prepare to be sucked into Sadie's world. Sadie's…

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The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

A twisty thriller partially set in Minnesota! Mia goes home with Colin expecting a romantic…

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Providence by Caroline Kepnes

Jon and Chloe are forever at a crossroads of poor timing. Their near meetings left…

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I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

I Capture the Castle is quintessentially English and ever so delightful. So cuddle up in…

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The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton

Who could say “neigh” to a book about a tubby pony and his warrior princess? …

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My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

Don't let the cover fool you, this is one of the most serious and heart-wrenching…

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Unbury Carol by Josh Malerman

All you need are two words to describe this book -- Gothic Western.  It's such…

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Vox by Christina Dalcher

Set in a modern dystopia, Vox by Christina Dalcher draws out the question: What if women were…

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101 Books to Read Before You Grow Up

"This book is a great guide for what to read with your kids or recommend…

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The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

"This space opera is the most positive and hopeful book I've read in a long…

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Lethal White by Robert Galbraith

"Lethal White" is now my favorite title of the Cormoran Strike mystery series, written by…

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The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce

"I enjoyed this tribute to the healing power of music. It's a quirky love story…

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The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

"Think you're not a fan of romance or chick-lit? Let this fizzy book change your…

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All library location closed after 12 p.m. Tuesday, December 24 and closed Wednesday, December 25 in observance of the holiday.
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