The April 10 Lunch and Learn presented by Dementia Friends Iowa was well attended. The next Lunch and Learn will be Wednesday, May 8, from noon to 1 p.m. and will feature Carol Laughery, owner of Ignite Nutrition and Health. We are taking online registrations now.

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

For the past few weeks, I have been reading darker books than usual. I have been sucked into the vortex of Freida McFadden’s psychological thrillers. My husband, who rarely comments on my eclectic reading tastes, pointed out that I had been reading “a lot of murdery stuff lately.” He also wondered if this should concern him. So, to allow my husband to sleep with both eyes closed and because spring often feels like a time to read lighter subject matter, I have put aside the “murdery” books filled with protagonists of questionable ethical and moral fiber. I will suggest, however, if you’re a fan of a dark, twisty, suspenseful, psychological thriller, you can’t go wrong with “The Housemaid” and “The Housemaid’s Secret” by Freida McFadden. 

Lately, I have been enjoying some of the new romance novels that we have at the MJB Library. “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren was an entertaining romp. Olive Torres seems to be the jinxed twin while her sister Ami seems to have the Midas touch. Winning a series of contests, Ami managed to finance an elaborate wedding for next to no money; she even won a free honeymoon in Maui. Due to Olive’s extreme seafood allergy and the best man’s phobia of buffets, Olive and Ethan Thomas are the only guests who didn’t immediately become ill from food poisoning from the reception’s seafood buffet. With the bride and groom too sick to travel, and the dream vacation that couldn’t be rescheduled, Olive and Ethan find themselves both vying for the trip. Refusing to let her nemesis nab the free trip for himself, the pair agree to a truce to enjoy 10 days of all-inclusive paradise. Will this trip lead to a change of luck for Olive? Check out the book and see.

Additionally, we have added several titles by bestselling author Lucy Score, including “The Worst Best Man,” another romantic comedy novel. For those who love a love story but also enjoy a mystery, check out Score’s novel “The Dead Guy Next Door” (the best of both worlds). 

There are some new displays to peruse to look for book ideas. Check out the “Read It Before You Watch It” display which features many novels that have recently been adapted for the screen, including  “A Gentleman in Moscow”written by Amor Towles. Set in 1922 Russia, this historical novel tells the story of an unrepentant aristocrat who is confined to house arrest for life in a luxury hotel across the square from the Kremlin after being convicted by a Bolshevik tribunal. Readers will be captivated by the cast of unique characters, the brilliant writing style and the Count’s resilience and ability to find purpose and community as he adapts to his new life in the Metropol Hotel. This book is, in my opinion, a fantastic read. Ewan McGregor and the cast of this miniseries airing on Paramount Plus have their work cut out to capture the humor and delight of this novel. Come in and get this book before you watch the miniseries. You know the book is always better.

Summer Reading Program

For our preschool through middle school patrons, Summer Reading Program registration is open now. Go to the webpage to sign up. Read, Renew, Repeat is the theme for this summer.

Preschool Story Hour 

Remember that story hour for preschoolers and their caregivers is every Friday starting at 10 a.m.  April 19 will focus on Pets, and the theme for April 26 is Seasons.

Charcuterie Class

MJB Library is hosting a charcuterie class on Saturday, May 4 from noon-1:30 p.m. The class will be presented by Charcuterie To Go. Participants will take their charcuterie skills to the next level by learning perfect meat, cheese and cracker combinations. Everyone who participates will take home a board that they made. The cost of the boards is $25 for a 6-inch by 6-inch size and $45 for an 8-inch by 8-inch size board. Pre-registration is required by April 30. If you want to attend but can’t make the noon workshop, the same class is available at the Linden Library on May 4 from 9-10:30 a.m.

The April display at MJB Library is courtesy of Becky Wahl. The display features Becky’s collection of cups and saucers.

Check out our display of “Read It Before You Watch It!” which features books that have been or are being adapted for the screen. Stop in and check one out; you know the book is always better than the movie.

This month’s featured author is Lucy Score. Stop in and see why her books are so popular.