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"The Bletchley Riddle" is a collaborative novel by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin that takes place in May 1940. The story follows Polish Jewish siblings Jakob and Lizzie as they become involved in codebreaking at Bletchley Park. Jakob, recruited from Cambridge University, works to decipher messages encrypted with the German Enigma machine, while Lizzie, his 14-year-old sister, carries packages between departments. Lizzie is determined to uncover the truth about their mother's disappearance during the 1939 German attack. The book offers a fast-paced narrative with short chapters, exploring both mysteries and relationships. It also provides insight into the excitement and challenges of codebreaking. The majority of the characters are fictional, but historical figures like U.S. Ambassador Joseph Kennedy and mathematician Alan Turing make minor appearances. The book includes black and white archival photos and an endnote. Suitable for readers aged 10 and up. [Extracted from the article]

"Things I Want Back from You" is a collection of offbeat stories by Elizabeth Stix that explores themes of betrayal and unexpected encounters in a California suburb. The stories range from a woman creating a list of items to be returned by her unfaithful lover, to a narrator attempting to remove a Guinea worm from his sister's stomach, and a man being tormented by his mother reincarnated as a mole. The collection also delves into the consequences of infidelity and chance meetings between characters. While the tonal shifts may be jarring, Stix effectively captures the challenges of modern life in this solid debut. [Extracted from the article]

"Christmas in Havana" is a lively mystery novel that combines international politics and romance. The story follows CIA agent Luke Stevens, who is undercover as a pastor due to North Korean terrorists, and Ruth, a law student and courier for North Korea's Reconnaissance General Bureau. As tensions rise, the couple becomes entangled in a dangerous mix of intrigue and betrayal. The novel offers a fast-paced plot with rapid-fire dialogue and explores themes of love, trust, and political machinations. It will appeal to readers interested in political scheming and those who enjoy books like "The Wealth of Shadows" by Graham Moore and "American Spy" by Lauren Wilkinson. [Extracted from the article]

"Bertie's Place" by Edie Goodwin is a small-town romantic slice-of-life novel that explores themes of love, faith, and education. The story follows Molly Parsons, a young and idealistic teacher who discovers that her students struggle with literacy. Living at Bertie's Place, a boarding house run by the kindhearted widow Bertie Evans, Molly becomes attracted to commitment-shy Joe Stuart. However, complications arise when Molly's former friend, Eva Blake, returns and sets her sights on Joe. The novel delves into themes of community, hope, forgiveness, and the challenges of relationships. It is recommended for fans of cozy, slice-of-life romances with Christian themes. [Extracted from the article]

"The Wild Huntress" by Emily Lloyd-Jones is a captivating young adult novel set in a world inspired by Welsh folklore. The story follows Gwydion, the prince of Gwynedd, who hires monster hunter Branwen to help him infiltrate the Wild Hunt, a deadly contest held by the immortal Otherking of Annwvyn. Their true purpose is discovered by Prince Pryderi of Dyfed, but despite their conflicting goals, the three form a strong bond and must navigate treacherous challenges together. The book explores themes of friendship, magic, and betrayal, and is recommended for readers aged 12 and up. [Extracted from the article]

Claire Messud, an author and professor at Harvard, has written a new novel called "This Strange Eventful History" that explores her own family's story. The novel follows three generations of a pied-noir family who were displaced from their home in Algiers due to WWII and the country's war of independence. Messud views the telling of her family's secrets as an act of devotion and love, rather than betrayal. She hopes to preserve and honor the damaged yet wonderful people in her family's history. The novel reflects Messud's empathy for damaged characters, a theme that runs throughout her work. Messud's decision to write this novel now may be influenced by the passing of her parents and grandparents. She also wants to memorialize a worldview that she believes is being discarded in today's world. Despite past failures, Messud believes that holding onto hope is a writer's superpower. [Extracted from the article]

The semester starts strong, with Jess impressing Lorna and finding friends who also subscribe to the charismatic professor's hedonistic philosophies. Jess, fellow English major Georgie, South African journalist and visiting fellow Alec, and second-year geology student Nick are initially inseparable, but then triangles form and jealousies flare. When betrayal finally tears the group apart, Jess turns to Lorna for advice and support; as it happens, though, Lorna has secrets and an agenda of her own. [Extracted from the article]