The Sweet Blue Distance by Sara Donati Bellingham author Rosina Lippi’s latest novel, published under her pen name Sara Donati, is her first since 2019. Faithful fans of her internationally bestselling multi-generational family sagas will recognize familiar names because “The Sweet Blue Distance” is a crossover book, bridging the gap between where the six “Wilderness” … Read more
The Library of Legends by Janie Chang Vancouver, British Columbia-based author Janie Chang is headlining Whatcom County Library System’s second Open Book: a Festival for Readers at the Ferndale Events Center on Nov. 3. Known for her rich historical fiction, Chang crafts family dramas, often weaving in Chinese culture. Her 2:30 p.m. talk at Open … Read more
Take by Jennifer Bradbury Skagit County author Jennifer Bradbury’s most recent novel for teens is a mystery/thriller set in the peaks of the North Cascades. Cara just graduated from high school and is working multiple part-time jobs to earn enough for her gap year, which she intends to spend climbing in Patagonia. She’s looking forward to … Read more
On Island: Life Among the Coast Dwellers by Pat Carney If you’ve ever dreamed of chucking it all and moving to a sleepy, small Pacific Northwest island (or if you already have) you may appreciate Pat Carney’s charming set of meandering, interconnected short stories set on an unnamed Gulf Island in British Columbia. Carney passed away … Read more
Adrift: the Curious Tale of the Lego Lost at Sea by Tracey Williams For some, summer days spent along Washington’s rocky shores conjure up memories of kite flying, flipping rocks to startle baby crabs, and beachcombing. The joy of finding the occasional shell or sand dollar, a piece of interesting driftwood or the ultimate prize – … Read more
Medicinal Plants of the Pacific Northwest: A Visual Guide to Harvesting and Healing with 35 Common Species by Natalie Hammerquist Hikers beware! It’s the season for stinging nettles, and they’re all over the place on local trails. But one person’s hazard is another person’s healthy elixir — so if you’re like my friend, the minute you … Read more
Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World: A History by William Alexander According to the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, tomatoes are “the world’s most popular vegetable.” Never mind that tomatoes, which come from the flowering part of the plant and have seeds, are more accurately a fruit — they represent 17% of all vegetables produced annually. … Read more
Daughters of Riga by Marian Exall Bellingham author Marian Exall trades mysteries for historical fiction with her newest title, “Daughters of Riga,” which follows the lives of several women whose lives crossed paths in Latvia during World War II. While so much has been written about the Blitz in Britain and the occupation of France and the … Read more
The Lost Journals of Sacajewea by Debra Magpie Earling Schoolchildren across the country have heard the story of Sacajawea, and can readily recall her association with the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804 – 1806. She is commonly referred to as the expedition’s interpreter. One has the impression of a beautiful, competent, wise young woman who … Read more
Hula by Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes Now that winter has finally arrived in Whatcom County, readers might enjoy a literary escape to warmer climes, and “Hula: a Novel” by Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes is the ticket. Set primarily in Hilo, Hawai’i, “Hula” conjures the glittering ocean, the sizzling sun and misty rain, and the fragrant and colorful hibiscus, … Read more