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If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry

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If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry
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If Looks Could Kill has something for every reader. It is a cleverly plotted genre mashup with elements of true crime, fantasy, and historical fiction all rolled into one immersive read! And mythology, of course, as you would expect from the incredibly talented Julie Berry!

If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry, (List Price: $21.99, Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781534470811, September 2025)

Reviewed by Anderson McKean, Page & Palette in Fairhope, Alabama

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When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén

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When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén
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My heart is in pieces after finishing Lisa Ridzen’s beautiful, heartbreaking novel. When the Cranes Fly South is the tender story of Bo, an elderly man navigating the challenges of his 89 years. His frank observations on the betrayals of his body and mind are balanced with heartfelt recollections of his childhood and special times with his wife and son. I don’t think I’ve read a book that so delicately captures the loss of independence and dignity an aging parent feels when they are no longer able to make their own decisions. This is an emotional, important read that highlights the agency and empathy we all need during the last days of life.

When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén, (List Price: $18, Vintage, 9798217006731, August 2025)

Reviewed by Anderson McKean, Page & Palette in Fairhope, Alabama

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A Treachery of Swans by A. B. Poranek

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A Treachery of Swans by A. B. Poranek
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An enchanting, action-packed retelling of Swan Lake! I was completely enthralled in this vividly told, magic-infused fantasy filled with a cast of unique, engaging characters, each navigating a labyrinth of power struggles, evil sorcery and court intrigue. I soaked up every page!

A Treachery of Swans by A. B. Poranek, (List Price: $19.99, Margaret K. McElderry Books, 9781665936507, June 2025)

Reviewed by Anderson McKean, Page & Palette in Fairhope, Alabama

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The Dream Hotel: A Read with Jenna Pick by Laila Lalami

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The Dream Hotel: A Read with Jenna Pick by Laila Lalami
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Wow! The Dream Hotel took me by surprise, but I could not put it down. It’s a gripping, all-too-real exploration of the ways in which data collection and technology could literally imprison us. Propulsive, creative and thought-provoking, this compelling novel combines the sci-fi elements of The Minority Report with the social commentary of The Handmaids Tale! A fabulous read!

The Dream Hotel: A Read with Jenna Pick by Laila Lalami, (List Price: $29, Random House, 9780593317600, March 2025)

Reviewed by Anderson McKean, Page & Palette in Fairhope, Alabama

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