Grant funds bring more summer reads to the OK Virtual Library
June, July and August are the top months for checking out books from the library, as publishers put out big releases during these months to tempt summer readers. Thanks to a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL), the Oklahoma Virtual Library (OKVL) will be adding hundreds of extra copies and new titles during the summer. Here are some of the latest titles you'll have to look forward to checking out.
The week of Memorial Day kicked the summer reading season off with a new John Grisham title, "Sparring Partners," which is a collection of three novellas. Grisham's well-known character Jake Brigance appears in one of the stories. Emily Giffin also had a new book come out that week: "Meant to Be," described as an epic love story loosely based on the Kennedy family.
The week after, James Patterson departed from his usual addictive fiction by releasing his own true story. "The Stories of My Life" is being billed as one of the most anticipated memoirs of the year. The newest Reese's Book Club title also dropped. "Counterfeit" by Kirsten Chen is a comic caper revolving around the world of fake luxury goods.
Elin Hilderbrand's annual summer beach read "The Hotel Nantucket" was published on June 14. The story involves a hotel manager trying to bring a Gilded Age hotel back to life. During the same week, Fiona Barton offers a new suspense novel, "Local Gone Missing," for readers who like crime novels in a British setting.
On June 20, the prolific James Patterson returned with a follow-up to "The Black Book" and "The Red Book" with "Escape," the third title in the "Billy Harney" series. Riley Sager never disappoints thriller fans in the summer, and this year, he releases "The House Across the Lake" for those who enjoy creepy mysteries full of plot twists.
On June 28, young adult bestseller Victoria Aveyard's second book in her "Realm Breaker" series will be available. Loved by adult readers and teens, this author's books tend to fall in the fantasy genre. This particular series is billed as "perfect for fans of Garth Nix and J. R. R. Tolkien." Romantic thriller writer Christine Feehan comes out with a standalone book this week as well. The book is titled "Red on the River" and features a tough heroine finding adventure in Las Vegas. Danielle Steel has a new book every season, and this summer is no different with "Suspects," which is about a woman haunted by the kidnapping of her family.
After the Fourth of July weekend, David Rosenfelt has another funny dog mystery, "Holy Chow," in his "Andy Carpenter" series coming out. Linda Castillo releases "The Hidden One," number 14 in the "Kate Burkholder" Amish mystery series. Author Ali Hazelwood had a surprise hit in 2021 with "The Love Hypothesis," and she will release a follow-up "STEMinist" novella called "Below Zero" during this week.
One of the biggest books of the summer is "6:20 Man" by David Baldacci, releasing July 12. This is Baldacci's first standalone book in more than a decade and is a dramatic thriller involving a man falsely accused of murder who must investigate his corrupt company. Readers looking for lighter fare this week will enjoy Debbie Macomber's "The Best is Yet to Come," which comes out the same day. Macomber is always a sure bet for fans of cozy romance.
To see the newest additions to the OKVL each week, check the "Just Added" link in the Libby app or visit okvirtuallibrary.overdrive.com and click "Just Added" to find recent purchases and place a hold. Thanks to IMLS grant funds, waiting lists should become shorter as demand can be fulfilled more easily with the additional copies purchased. The OK Virtual Library consortium is grateful for the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.