Adult

Andrea Barrett, winner of the National Book Award for her collection of stories SHIP FEVER, unfolds five pivotal moments in the lives of her characters and in the history of knowledge. She explores the thrill and sense of loss that come with scientific progress, and the personal passions and impersonal politics that shape all human knowledge.

Amy Tan's latest novel tells the story of two women’s intertwined fates and their search for identity. Spanning more than 40 years and two continents, THE VALLEY OF AMAZEMENT transports readers from the collapse of China's last imperial dynasty to the beginning of the Republic, and recaptures the lost world of old Shanghai through the inner workings of courtesan houses and the lives of the foreigners living in the International Settlement, both erased by World War II.

Dan Sorenson was once a high-powered New York defense attorney...but that was before a horrifying accident killed the two most important people in his life. As he approaches rock bottom, Dan is unexpectedly offered the opportunity of a lifetime: defend an up-and-coming rapper who swears he’s innocent of the brutal slaying of his pop star girlfriend. Dan realizes that this may be his only hope to put his own life back on track, but he soon learns that atonement comes at a very steep price.

Caroline Wallace is one of New Orleans PD’s top hostage negotiators, and she’s never failed to get every hostage out alive. But this time, it’s different. This time, the hostages include her boss --- the chief of police --- and the mayor. And this time, she’s trying to negotiate with Reed Ware, a former co-worker who left the force disgraced, under investigation by Internal Affairs, and worst of all, considered to be volatile and extremely dangerous.

Deep in the swamps outside of New Orleans, Niquette Delongpre and her family uncover a well on their property that brings ancient things to the surface --- things that should have stayed buried. When Niquette is exposed to a small parasite, it triggers in her mysterious and dangerous powers. As she tries to come to grips with these new abilities and what they might mean for her future, she realizes that she is not alone.

Ann Rule unravels a shattering case of Christmastime murder off the coast of Washington State. It’s a case with enough drama, greed, sex and scandal to be called “The Real Housewives of Whidbey Island,” but this was not reality television. This was murder: pure, cruel, ugly and senseless. And someone had to pay the price.

After tragedy strikes the family of young Rebecca Shrock, her friend Tabitha does all she can to help. But things get complicated when Rebecca's brother, Levi, returns from combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. When an unexpected turn of events sets things right, miracles happen to the Amish community of Paradise.

When Carolyn Weber --- emotionally and physically exhausted from managing her career as a college professor, writing her first book and parenting three children under the age of three --- hears that rest and reflection are necessary for a healthy life, all she can think is: but who will do everything if I don't? Carolyn reflects on the eternal beauty that lurks within the present in a collection of spiritual reflections that trace the way God's ever-renewing grace is a gift of the present.

Jim Belcher set out on a quest to see how the Christian faith faces the challenges of the modern world and answers the cries of the human soul. Belcher and his family spent a year traveling through Europe, exploring the faith that has shaped civilizations throughout the centuries. They rediscovered key figures, places and events in the history of Christianity --- through the experiences of William Wilberforce, Vincent Van Gogh, Corrie ten Boom and others, Belcher saw glimpses of insight, beauty and courage that transcended human limitations.

People too often abuse their power and play god in the lives of others --- they too often breed injustice by participating in what the Bible calls idolatry. If we are to do God's work --- fight injustice, bring peace, create beauty and allow the image of God to thrive in those around us --- how are we to do these things if not by power? Crouch uncovers why power is frequently hidden and he considers the important ways power develops and resides in institutions.