Book Buzz: 19th Century Maine, Christmas Miracles, and the Joys of Being Crafty

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For December, we’re looking at a re-released historical novel about the lives of 3 women in Maine in the 1800s, the latest book in a popular holiday series, and a celebration of folks who work with their hands.

Ardeana Hamlin’s Pink Chimneys (2019)

Pink Chimneys was originally published in the late 1980s, but the book was reissued recently. The author is a longtime resident of Maine, and the well-researched book is an evocative depiction of Bangor, Maine, in the 1800s, when it was considered the lumber capital of the world. In fact, the story is loosely based on actual historical figures. The main characters are 3 women whose stories are interconnected–a midwife, a madam, and a seamstress.

Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction about the 19th century.

Debbie Macomber’s A Mrs. Miracle Christmas (2019)

This book is the 11th entry in Debbie Macomber’s popular Angelic Interventions series. Still, it works well as a standalone for those who are new to the series but looking for some heartwarming holiday-themed reading for, well, the holidays. In this particular book, Laurel and Zach are a couple struggling with infertility, as well as caretaking issues for Laurel’s elderly grandmother, on the brink of the holidays. And then Mrs. Miracle shows up and makes everything a little better for everyone. . . .

Recommended for those who enjoy the work of Lori Copeland, Richard Paul Evans, and Jan Karon.

Eric Gorges’s A Craftsman’s Legacy (2019)

Eric Gorges is best known to TV viewers as the host of A Craftsman’s Legacy. Gorges ditched a corporate job to train as a metal shaper and now profiles craftsmen and craftswomen on his own show. It is no surprise, then, that his debut book is part memoir and part celebration of those who work with their hands. Intermixed with Gorges’s personal story are those of a range of artisans (including potters, calligraphers, glass blowers, stone cutters, wood workers, etc.)

Recommended for those who like to work with their hands or those who don’t but admire those who do.

What’s your favorite new-ish books? What books are you buzzing about these days? Have you read any of these books? Tell us in the comments! As always, please follow this link to our online library catalog for more information about any of these items.