Read our latest staff reviews and recommendations featured in The Southern Bookseller Review.
Richard Russo has written many memorable novels, and Under the Falls is again a study into the minds of characters as they exist with the people they know best. Tyler Sinclair, at 36, is a successful frontman for the band Stone Mountain, and he is returning to his hometown after leaving abruptly eighteen years earlier. The band is coming to Stone Mountain for a benefit for Doc, who is in a wheelchair because of an accident that Tyler may have caused. Tyler also sees his childhood best friend Curt, who is married to Tyler’s former lover Freddi. The concert is interrupted by jeering audience members, and the night ends with a tragic incident causing deaths. Many questions are raised… why did Curt leave Stone Mountain at age 18? What caused the deaths on the mountain after the concert? And what is happening with drug running under the nose of the Chief of Police? The secrets and betrayals will keep the pages turning as readers get a glimpse into life in this small town.
Under the Falls by Richard Russo, (List Price: $30, Knopf, 9780593805107, August 2026)
Reviewed by Nancy, Bookmiser in Marietta, GA
Most Ardently Yours was SO MUCH FUN! This novel was like a reverse Lost in Austen where the female main character brings Mr. Darcy into the modern world! Zoe is done with men and with writing. But she has her beloved romance novels and her best friend, so she’s set. Until she somehow reads Mr. Darcy out of Pride and Prejudice, and now he’s sleeping on her couch. But how does she get him back? And does she want to? This story was a delight to read and a real page turner. Definitely a must for Austen fans!
Most Ardently Yours by Freya Sampson, (List Price: $18.99, Sourcebooks Landmark, 9781464264764, July 2026)
Reviewed by Jennifer, Bookmiser in Marietta, GA
Hall’s hilarious dialogue is front and center in his newest addition to the London Calling series and you won’t be able to put this one down! Luc and Oliver have been through it in Boyfriend Material and the Husband Material. But you know, “first comes love, then comes marriage” so you know what’s next! That’s right, an adorable rescue dog that looks like a big potato! And maybe if they can get dog parenting down, they might be ready for more?
Father Material by Alexis Hall, (List Price: $18.99, Sourcebooks Casablanca, 9781728264295, June 2026)
Reviewed by Jennifer, Bookmiser in Marietta, GA
The first female Faroese writer to publish in English has written truth about women caretakers the world over. The main character is a woman in her 60’s who is caring for her grandchildren and mothering her own aging mother. She is waiting for a nursing home for her mother, but her name doesn’t come up. As she is caring for others, she remembers scenes of her youth and caring for her own children when they were small. Even though this story is told from the Faroe Islands, it is the same story played over and over. She honestly even thinks of feeling angry at her ancient mother for growing old and feeble. Love and caring are displayed with the work and worry of caretaking.
On the Other Side Is March by Sólrún Michelsen, (List Price: $18.95, Transit Books, 9798893380491, June 2026)
Reviewed by Nancy, Bookmiser in Marietta, GA
Kuang never misses, and this insanely bingeable story was quickly added to my favorites. Kuang expertly depicts the specific brand of grief that arises from an unexpected loss of a family member that you wish you were closer to. Read this book if you want to be inspired to pick up your language studies again.
Taipei Story by R. F. Kuang, (List Price: $32, William Morrow, 9780063583597, August 2026)
Reviewed by Em, Bookmiser in Marietta, GA
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