Language of Flowers / Vanessa Diffenbaugh 529 p. ALA Rusa Reading List - Best Adult Genre Fiction Award

Abandoned at birth, Victoria Jones has lived in 32 foster homes by the time she emancipates at age 18. Homeless, she sleeps in a park among flowers she has grown. Flowers and their meanings are the only connection to the real world she has. She realizes her talent for healing and helping people through the flowers she chooses for them. Her own world of hurt proves more difficult as she faces single motherhood, attachment issues, homelessness, and anger. Told, alternately, by Victoria, age 9, living with Elizabeth, and 18 year old Victoria, homeless, eating half finished meals left by tourists.

Book Discussion Guide Available from NoveList.


Rusa Reading List - Best Adult Genre Fiction Award

Before I Go to Sleep / S.J. Watson 360 p. ALA Rusa Reading List - Best Adult Genre Fiction Award

Christine Lucas lives one day at a time virtually the same day over and over again because she cannot retain any memory overnight. Every day Ben, her husband, must introduce himself. She doesn't remember her son or her best friend. Dr. Nash is helping her with her memory. He calls after Ben leaves for work to remind of her journal. There she learns about her life; and, bit by bit ads more each day. Gradually begins to see inconsistencies in what Ben tells her. In her journal she writes of her love for Ben. Why did she write "Don't Trust Ben" at the beginning. She loves him. He tells of the death of her soldier son in Afghanistan. Reconnecting with an old friend brings more inconsistencies in what Ben tells her. She doesn't know what to do especially as she can barely hold onto her thoughts. A psychological thriller.

2012 ALA Best Adult Genre Fiction

Matter of Class / Mary Balogh 393 p.

This Regency Romance delves into the relationships around the arranged marriage between Reginald Mason, raised a gentleman though not by birth, and Lady Annabelle Ashton, daughter of elitist Earl of Havercroft. Havercroft’s refusal to recognize social climbing upstart Bernard Mason has fueled the long-standing feud. Annabelle commits an enormous social scandal, forever putting her below the pale of marriage to any noble man. Reginald gets in crosswise with his father who issues the ultimatum—marry Lady Annabelle or do without financial support!
There are twists that for which Mary Balogh is known.

Check the SCCCLD catalog
2011 RUSA-Codes "Reading List"

What Happens in London / Julia Quinn 450 p.

Lady Olivia Bevelstoke spies on her new neighbor from her bedroom window after she learns that he may have killed his fiancée. The intriguing man is up to something. Who can spend all his time in a room. Sir Harry Valentine works as a translator for the War Office. She piques his interest -- who wouldn’t with a beautiful blond watching. When the Russian prince becomes interested in Lady Olivia, the War Office gives him an assignment, watch her… the spy spies on the spy! Sir Harry finds himself falling for her.

2010 RITA Winner for Best Regency

2010 Reading List (RUSA)