Barbary by Vonda N. McIntyre

A story of feline first contact by the Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author that “recalls Robert Heinlein’s excellent stories for this age group” (Publishers Weekly).

Twelve-year-old Barbary has been dreaming of going to space for as long as she can remember. Now, the orphan is on her way, joining the family of her mother’s best friend on the research station Einstein—but she won’t be going alone. Barbary can’t bear to leave behind her only friend, a Manx tabby cat named Mickey.

Getting used to zero gravity is just one challenge the pair will face on their journey; when they finally land on Einstein, Barbary will have to trust her new sister with her secret stowaway. But Mickey’s mischievous nature may get Barbary kicked off of her new home for good—and put all of humanity at risk as an alien ship flies their way . . .

Confessions of a Slightly Neurotic Hitwoman by JB Lynn

Maggie Lee is not your average hitwoman. For one thing, she’s never killed anyone. For another, after hitting her head in the car accident that killed her sister, her new best friend is a talking lizard—a picky eater, obsessed with Wheel of Fortune, that only Maggie can hear.

Maggie, who can barely take care of herself, is desperate to help her injured and orphaned niece get the best medical care possible, so she reluctantly accepts a mobster’s lucrative job offer: major cash to kill his monstrous son-in-law.

Paired with Patrick Mulligan, a charming murder mentor (who happens to moonlight as a police detective), Maggie stumbles down her new career path, contending with self-doubt, three meddling aunts, a semi-psychic friend predicting her doom, and a day job she hates. Oh, and let’s not forget about Paul Kowalski, the sexy beat cop who could throw her ass in jail if he finds out what she’s up to.

Training has never been so complicated! And, this time, Maggie has to get the job done. Because if she doesn’t . . . she’s the mob’s next target.

Other Wise by Mary Lou Bagley

OTHER WISE introduces a cast of characters who will find their way into your dreams and beyond.

Sixty-two-year-old Margaret Meader is both a native Mainer and an outsider. Though she’s not “from away,” many in her community deem her an oddity, an “other.” Plain-spoken and direct, Margaret is gifted with second sight—an intuitive ability to see beyond ordinary perception and distill what is seen to its practical essence.

For decades her gift has benefited many while frightening others, often making her a target for jealousy, suspicion, and hatred.

She has her friends and protectors, including the young Emily Donne, whom Margaret encourages to recover abandoned gifts of her own, the mystery that is her mother, and to learn who her long-dead father truly was.

But even as Margaret supports friends in need and helps find those who are lost, some old business is coming back around, setting the stage for confrontations rooted in tragedies of the past.

Rising Star: A Country Singer Small Town Romanceby Jennifer Faye

When Bluestar’s hometown celebrity unexpectedly returns to the island, there’s a heartbreaking scandal following her…

Country singer Emma “Em” Bell’s finally making headlines—just not the right ones. With a broken heart and doubts about her judgement, she’s rethinking her future. Before she has time to sort out her feelings, her assistance is desperately needed. Bluestar’s Concert on the Beach summer spectacular is in trouble and her soon-to-be sister-in-law’s job is on the line.

Financial investor turned carpenter, Noah Sullivan, has retired from his high stress job due to health issues. He’s moved to Bluestar Island for a quiet, healthy lifestyle but when Emma blows into town, his days are anything but serene.

With all the small town counting on them, Noah and Emma must work past their conflicts to keep a promise to someone special to both of them. Will the summer’s sun soothe their tension and the sea breeze lull them into a peaceful surrender of their hearts?

Includes a recipe for Emma’s Heavenly Angel Food Cake!