We’ve added some great new titles at New Ulm Public Library in the past few months. Here are a few I’ve enjoyed.

Wending Darling is all grown up, but she has never been able to banish her time in Neverland from her mind. It haunts her, especially when her brothers seem to have forgotten their adventures with Peter Pan completely. When Peter returns looking for Wendy he finds a grown woman. Disgusted that Wendy would dare grow up, he kidnaps Wendy’s daughter instead. Despite her fear, Wendy must follow them to Neverland, rescue her daughter, and confront the growing darkness at the center of the island, perhaps at the heart of Peter himself. I loved A.C. Wise’s “Wendy, Darling.” This is a new take on the stranger elements of the Peter Pan story and I liked how Wise twists classic elements of the fairy tale to tell a much darker version of a story that has always made me a little uneasy.

It’s instant attraction when teens Veronica and Micaela (Mick) meet. Veronica is an aspiring artist and takes a photograph of Mick that goes viral, to Mick’s horror and Veronica’s delight. Things between the two teens are further strained when Mick’s home life becomes rocky and she gets tangled up in the work of Veronica’s artist friend, Nico. Nico creates disruptive installation art that is designed to send a public message. His installations are starting to get public attention, and are becoming increasingly dangerous. When other artists close to the three start to die, they must figure out who is targeting them before they become the next victims. “She’s Too Pretty to Burn” by Wendy Heard is a fast-paced young adult thriller. Heard uses the limited knowledge that Veronica and Mick have of one another to add tension while creating a chilling villain.

Birdy Finch just can’t seem to keep her life in order. She’s also about to be without a place to live, since her best friend and roommate, Heather, is about to leave London for a position as a sommelier at a small hotel in Scotland. So when Heather changes her mind and runs off to Rome with her latest fling, Birdy sees her chance to have a chance at a little security and decides to go to Scotland in Heather’s place. How hard can it be, after all, to memorize a wine list and make a few recommendations to Scottish locals? It should be easy to impersonate Heather; they’ve known each other since childhood. Birdy is dismayed to find that the hole-in the-wall hotel she was expecting has been transformed into a luxurious destination, with a Michelin-starred chef running the restaurant. Can Birdy convince everyone she knows her wine before her secret identity is blown? Will Heather ever forgive her once she finds out? And can Birdy find herself along the way? “The Summer Job” by Lizzy Dent is a fun, lighthearted romp with lovable and funny characters. A great summer read!

Avery Grambs is shocked to find herself as the heiress to the fortune of late billionaire Tobias Hawthorne. What’s more shocking is that instead of leaving his wealth to his daughter and four grandsons, Hawthorne chose Avery, a complete stranger. Or is she? Hawthorne was a complicated man who expected his grandsons to compete furiously to solve riddles and puzzles in order to win his favor. Could his last letters to his grandsons and Avery be the first clue in the biggest riddle yet? Despite her misgivings, Avery finds herself drawn into the intrigue. But she’ll have to decide if it’s worth it: the last girl drawn into the inner circle of the Hawthorne family didn’t survive. “The Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a fast-paced young adult thriller that will keep you guessing!

Beth is on the road, writing songs for and singing duets with country superstar Colt Henderson. She loves Colt and loves making music, but her stage fright consumes her, along with the pressure to stay thin and attractive for the public eye. So when she has a meltdown on stage, she retreats home to Bunyan, North Carolina to recuperate and get her bearings. Meanwhile, her sister Amy is home in Bunyan to request a loan from their great Aunt Phee so that she can fulfill her dream of owning her own high-end accessories store. Complicating matters is Trey, the sisters’ family friend, and Amy’s first love. Trey has always been in love with Amy’s older sister, Jo, and Amy has never been able to compete. But maybe with Jo’s upcoming marriage Amy has a chance to win Trey’s heart. “Beth & Amy” by Virginia Kantor is a heartwarming story of family, friendship, and love. If this story appeals to you, start with Meg & Jo, the first in Kantor’s two-part retelling of Little Women.

If you’d like to request any of these books, visit www.newulmlibrary.org and click on Library Catalog or give us a call at 507-359-8331. We’d be happy to place these or any other books on hold for you.