By Sarah Wright"There was a time, not very long ago, when we lived in an enchanted world of elegant palaces and grand parties. The year was 1916 and my son Nicholas, was the Czar of Imperial Russia." *Que the waltz and CLAP-CLAP!** Cut the waltz! Cut the waltz! This isn't the animated "Anastasia" film. But "The Last Tiara" by M. J. Rose does capture the glittery grandeur of Imperial Russia and its stunning collapse. It, too, centers around a plot MacGuffin, only this one was previously owned by another grand duchess, Olga Nikolaevna Romanova -- the eldest sister. The connection to the Olga is actually how I landed on "The Last Tiara." I completed a random search on Hoopla hoping to find Olga's diary; instead, I found a novel. I harbor a fondness for OTMA (Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia) as the collective Romanov daughter were referred to, so I decided to give the audiobook a try, particularly since Olga is not the sister to get a lot of attention in fictional retellings. While the Romanov daughters make appearances, they never take center stage. Instead, readers follow dual timelines, split between a mother and her daughter. In the story's present of 1949 New York City, a daughter seeks to uncover her mother's past in Russia after uncovering a stripped tiara during her apartment renovations. The reader then gets to follow her mother as she navigates newly renamed Petrograd, Russia, in 1915. "The Last Tiara" offers fascinating historical details combined with romance and mystery. In particular, I enjoyed the jaunt into the House of Faberge and the jewelry market that sprouted as wealthy Russian emigres fled abroad -- often only with the gems they could conceal. M.J. Rose definitely did her research into both time periods. In some cases, she was all too eager to share her efforts by providing a few information dumps. These didn't upset my reading experience, but I'm also interest in this type of historic detail ... so your mileage may vary! Verdict"The Last Tiara" gets four out of five stars from me. I enjoyed the audiobook version of the novel. The narrator, Tavia Gilbert, hit it out of the park, particularly with all her Russian pronunciations and accents. This novel should be an enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those who enjoy a dash of romance and a sprinkling of mystery.
The Libby App has a digital copy of the audiobook and e-book available, while Hoopla has the digital audiobook.
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By Michelle Parker, Young Adult Services LibrarianIf you are looking for a mystery that will keep you guessing and reading late into the night, look no further than "Five Survive" by Holly Jackson. Red and her five friends are on a road trip to the beach for Spring Break when disaster strikes on an isolated road. The RV's tires are shot out by a sniper who is threatening the six until they give up a particular secret. Will Red and her friends be able to give him what he wants before the deadline at dawn? As the eight hours pass, find out the deadly secrets of each, who will turn on who, and ultimately, which of them will make it out alive. While the second half of this book is an exciting whirl-wind, be prepared to push through the first half. If you enjoy this one, check out Holly Jackson's series, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, in my opinion, even more of a thrill ride than this one! AuthorMichelle manages the Young Adult Services Department, planning programs, purchasing new books, and revamping the Rosalyn Jones/Young Adult Space. 
By Michelle Parker, young adult services librarianThis is a luscious historical fiction based in Sacramento in the late 1800s; but with intriguing paranormal elements. We follow twins Edie and Violet, who are mediums trying to make their own way in life. They run away from their father who tried to lock them in an asylum and go on the road with a Traveling Spiritualist Show. Mysterious occurrences bring them to suspect that something is going on in the spirit world; could it have to do with their mother's death? Things that blew me away in this book:
If you like historical mixed with paranormal, this is the book for you! AuthorMichelle manages the Young Adult Department, planning programs, purchasing new books, and revamping the Rosalyn Jones/Young Adult Space. 
By Sarah WrightGrab your crumpets because we're about to dive into century-old "tea" with "Queen Victoria and the Romanovs: Sixty Years of Mutual Distrust" by Coryne Hall. There's seldom more juicier tea than that belonging to royalty, and the pairing of the British royal family and the Romanovs makes for the best. Hall pulls extensively from diaries and letters from all parties, so it's almost as if these larger-than-life figures are speaking from beyond the grave to the reader. And oh the tea, these letters and diary entries spill from young love to scandal to illuminating inner thoughts (some quite petty) and startlingly accurate prophecies. I found "Queen Victoria and the Romanovs" to be a fast and intimate read. I was captivated by the historical what-if of the young Queen Victoria's romance with the future Tsar Alexander II, which seemingly ran hotter than what is portrayed in ITV's "Victoria" (SPL has this TV show available for checkout; I highly recommend it.) and caused Tsar Nicholas I to recall his son to Russia. Despite this earlier positive interaction, family dynamics and imperialistic ambitions would see Queen Victoria and the Romanovs at odds for most of her reign. Really this book has everything, including a good dose of humor. I personally loved learning that the future Tsar Nicholas II accidentally became locked in a bathroom at Balmoral Castle during a visit to Queen Victoria and his fiancée, the future Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna. Alix had to rescue him. If you love royal history, this book is for you! SynopsisDespite their frequent visits to England, Queen Victoria never quite trusted the Romanovs. In her letters she referred to ‘horrid Russia’ and was adamant that she did not wish her granddaughters to marry into that barbaric country. ‘Russia I could not wish for any of you,’ she said. She distrusted Tsar Nicholas I but as a young woman she was bowled over by his son, the future Alexander II, although there could be no question of a marriage. Political questions loomed large and the Crimean War did nothing to improve relations. This distrust started with the story of the Queen’s ‘Aunt Julie’, Princess Juliane of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, and her disastrous Russian marriage. Starting with this marital catastrophe, Romanov expert Coryne Hall traces sixty years of family feuding that include outright war, inter-marriages, assassination, and the Great Game in Afghanistan, when Alexander III called Victoria ‘a pampered, sentimental, selfish old woman’. In the fateful year of 1894, Victoria must come to terms with the fact that her granddaughter has become Nicholas II’s wife, the Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. Eventually, distrust of the German Kaiser brings Victoria and the Tsar closer together.  AuthorSPL's communication specialist, Sarah loves all things history. Most of what she reads nowadays is nonfiction, with some of her favorite topics being the Great War (and other military history), Romanovs, Tudors, shipwrecks, and the '20s. 
By Michelle ParkerWith chilling weather and Halloween around the corner, our spotlight shines on this young adult retelling of "Carrie." Told from multiple points of view and including excerpts from a podcast, "The Weight of Blood" is sure to keep you turning the pages all the way to its inevitable and bloody end. I do not typically enjoy horror, but Tiffany D. Jackson pulled me in right from the beginning, making me feel for the characters. It will give you all the Halloween chills, but will also make you stop and think. I highly recommend it to older teens and adults! AuthorMichelle manages the Young Adult Department, planning programs, purchasing new books, and revamping the Rosalyn Jones/Young Adult Space. 
They say the book is always better than the movie. However, a good adaptation can be enjoyable, especially when done lovingly. The staff at the Syracuse Public Library has several adaptations that we would love to see done well! Check them out below, and until these wished for adaptations happen, check out the books. I've include links to each one's Evergreen Indiana page. Most are available at SPL but at least one is only available at other Evergreen Indiana libraries. 'Secret Identity' by Alex SeguraBecky wants to see "Secret Identity" by Alex Segura. She noted, "It is suspense set in New York in the newly competitive comic book publishing industry in 1975. I would like to see the characters brought to life." 'Caraval' by Stephanie GarberAccording to Katie, "The world of Caraval sounds so sumptuous that I think it would make an amazing movie, especially by Baz Luhrman. The way the island is described with all the beautiful scenes in the house and surrounding stores -- I always pictured it with bright lights and costumes a la Moulin Rouge." 'Vampirates' by Justin SomperRhonda shared, "'Vampirates' was in the children's department once upon a time (The series still is!), but I feel they were more tween/YA. I would LOVE to see these as television series -- they could continue these storylines for many seasons." 'The Kingdom of Back' by Marie Lu"I think it would make such an interesting biopic of Nannerl Mozart, showcasing her musical skill, while also spotlighting how difficult it was to be a woman in that time. I also think the magical realism of the inventive kingdom that she and Wolfgang created would look gorgeous on screen. It would be so visually stunning; I can just hear the swelling classical music and see the eerie magical land coming to life in my mind. I think it should be a slow-build tv show, with a period piece vibe and magical elements tied in. Oh goodness. NOW I WANT IT SO BAD," Michelle said. 'Granted' by John David AndersonMegan explained, "This is a magical book about a fairy who is granting her very first wish … but things don't go as planned. It is also a book that Megan would love to see adapted to the screen!" 'The Faceless Old Woman Who Secretly Lives In Your Home' by Jeffrey Cranor and Joseph FinkRobert shared, "Despite its horrifying title and ties to the surreal 'Welcome To Night Vale' series, TFOWWSLIYH tells an exciting tale of harrowing family drama, swashbuckling, criminal intrigue and hints of the supernatural, all in a late 1700s Mediterranean setting. It's a story both riveting and macabre, and I think it would make for an excellent film." 'The Midnight Library' by Matt HaigAmber stated of "Midnight Library" by Matt Haig, "Many people have thought about regrets and the what-ifs of their would. For the main character, Nora, having a 'life-changing' event, she is able to see different aspects of her life through the wonders of the different paths of her own life." 'Revolutionary Days' by Julia Dent Cantacuzène Spiransky-GrantA history nut, Sarah said, "Set in the glamour of the Romanov court in its final days and then the turmoil of World War I and the Russian Revolution, 'Revolutionary Days' would make a fabulous historical TV show a la Downton Abbey, only Russian. It offers a unique window into these fascinating historical events as it is a memoir written by Princess Julia Dent Cantacuzène Spiransky-Grant, the granddaughter of President Ulysses S. Grant who married a Russian prince and thus got a front row seat for the revolution. Plus it would have Rasputin. Need I say more?"
By Michelle ParkerIf you love mythology, magic, or heists, you NEED to check out "The Drowned Woods" by Emily Lloyd-Jones. This magical novel will take you on an action-packed journey through Wales, drawing on Welsh mythology as well as themes of teamwork and vengeance. Mer is one of the last water diviners, but her power has been abused. Bound to the service of an evil prince — she was tricked into killing hundreds. Now she has escaped and hidden herself from him and his reign of terror. When an old acquaintance shows up with a proposition of vengeance and a plan to bring down the prince, Mer can’t resist. They plan a heist to steal an important artifact that will eliminate the Prince's power. To carry out this complicated plan they recruit a motley crew, each with special skills, including a fae, a thief, and a corgi. Together they must topple a kingdom and eliminate the prince, claiming peace for their land.  Bonus: If you read "The Bone Houses" by the same author, there will be a part at the end that simply gives you chills. Michelle ParkerMichelle manages the Young Adult Department, planning programs, purchasing new books, and revamping the Rosalyn Jones/Young Adult Space.  Warm your hearts during this season of love with some fabulous romance and Valentine's Day books! We've curated a few of our favorites in adult, young adult, and children's books. Many of our adult picks are on the cozy side of romance and feature classics old and new! After the rough last few years, we all deserve some relaxed reads. The young adult picks are also largely cozy, with one fantasy pick from Sarah J. Maas. A fan of Beauty and the Beast, you'll want to give A Court of Thorns and Roses a chance, as it is a fantasy retelling of the "tale as old as time." Finally, children can learn about Valentine's Day with some cool picture books that feature counting, rhymes, and "groovy words from the heart" from Pete the Cat. Of course, these books are just a small portion of our collection of romance and Valentine's Day books. Look for our romance and Valentine's Day stickers upstairs and downstairs to find more. Teens can discover more titles by viewing the virtual Syracuse Young Adult Romance Shelf.
Adult ReadsBest of my Love by Susan Mallery To overcome her painful past, baker Shelby Gilmore goes on the hunt for a friend - a male friend - to convince her stubborn psyche that men can be trusted. But where in a town as small as Fool's Gold will the petite blonde find a guy willing to not date her? Dark, charming Aidan Mitchell puts the "adventure" in Mitchell Adventure Tours ... and into the beds of his many willing female tourists. Until he realizes he's inadvertently become that guy - the one-night Casanova - and worse, everyone in town knows it. Maybe Shelby's boy/girl experiment will help him see women as more than just conquests so he can change his ways and win back his self-respect. (Click Here to Place a Hold) Crimson Roses by Grace Livingston Hill Alone in the city without money and friends. Mother and father gone, her home sold over her head, deserted by her only brother - for Marion Warren the world seemed to stop. But her long years of nursing an uncomplaining father had taught her a great lesson. And she stepped bravely into a new life. Things seemed pretty black until the roses came... (Click Here to Place a Hold) Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert Chloe Brown is a chronically ill computer geek with a goal, a plan, and a list. She's come up with seven directives to help her "Get a Life", and she's already completed the first: finally moving out of her family's mansion. She's ready to enjoy a drunken night out, ride a motorcycle, and other adventures. But it's not easy being bad, and Chloe knows just the man to help her complete her list. Redford 'Red' Morgan is a handyman with tattoos, a motorcycle, and sex appeal, who paints at night but hides his work. When she enlists Red to help her rebel, she discovers what really lies beneath his rough exterior. (Click Here to Place a Hold) The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases--a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old. It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice--with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan--from foreplay to more-than-missionary position... Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but crave all of the other things he's making her feel. Their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic. (Click Here to Place a Hold) The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks Is there really such thing as a lucky charm? The hero of Nicholas Sparks's new novel believes he's found one in the form of a photograph of a smiling woman he's never met, but who he comes to believe holds the key to his destiny. The chain of events that leads to him possessing the photograph and finding the woman pictured in it is the stuff of love stories. (Click Here to Place a Hold) The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory Agreeing to go to a wedding with a guy she gets stuck with in an elevator is something Alexa Monroe wouldn't normally do. But there's something about Drew Nichols that's too hard to resist. On the eve of his ex's wedding festivities, Drew is minus a plus one. Until a power outage strands him with the perfect candidate for a fake girlfriend. From the best man's toast to the bouquet toss, Alexa and Drew have more fun than they ever thought possible. But before they know it, Drew has to fly back to Los Angeles and his job as a pediatric surgeon, and Alexa heads home to Berkeley, where she's the mayor's chief of staff. Too bad they can't stop thinking about the other. They're just two high-powered professionals on a collision course toward the long distance dating disaster of the century--or closing the gap between what they think they need and what they truly want. (Click Here to Place a Hold) Young AdultsAmerican Royals by Katharine McGee In an alternate America, princesses Beatrice and Samantha Washington and the two girls wooing their brother, Prince Jeffrey, become embroiled in high drama in the most glorious court in the world. (Click Here to Place a Hold) Autoboyography by Christina Lauren High school senior Tanner Scott has hidden his bisexuality since his family moved to Utah, but he falls hard for Sebastian, a Mormon mentoring students in a writing seminar Tanner's best friend convinced him to take. (Click Here to Place a Hold) A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from stories, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin, a High Lord of the faeries. As her feelings toward him transform from hostility to a fiery passion, the threats against the faerie lands grow. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose Tamlin forever. (Click Here to Place a Hold) Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits--smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. (Click Here to Place a Hold) Children1 2 3 Valentine's Day: A Counting Book by Jeanne Modesitt
Mister Mouse delivers Valentine gifts to his friends in this counting picture book that includes a Valentine activity. (Click Here to Place a Hold) The Night Before Valentine's Day by Natasha Wing In the tradition of "The Night Before Christmas," these rhymes outline the fun of Valentine's Day. (Click Here to Place a Hold) Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Love by Kimberly and James Dean Love is in the air! Pete the Cat shares some groovy words from the heart in this fun collection of all his favorite famous quotes about living an awesome life filled with love. This cool cat adds his heartfelt take on well-known classics, from Vincent van Gogh to Virgil to Ovid to Charles Dickens, because after all, the best advice is "Love conquers all." (Click Here to Place a Hold)  Syracuse Public Library staff didn't just read in 2021. We also enjoyed a wide range of movies, TV shows, and documentaries. In fact, we really struggled to limit our picks to just one!
Despite COVID continuing to throw off some cinema releases, we found a lot to appreciate on DVDs and streaming. Our picks aren't limited to new 2021 releases. We've included some newly discovered classics and comfort watches like the Avatar the Last Airbender series, Schitt's Creek, and Call the Midwife. Click any of the below titles to place holds. If it's a series, the link goes to its first season so you can get started. A few of the titles will need to be ordered from other libraries in the Evergreen network. 2021 Staff Picks include:
 Syracuse Public Library staff members reflected on the books they read during 2021 and selected their top picks of books they enjoyed; for many, it proved challenging to narrow that choice down to just one!
Our picks truly highlight a wide range of interests, spanning nonfiction and varying fiction genres. They included new releases and old titles that deserve to be checked out. We spotlighted each title on social media but are now compiling them into a list for patrons who may want to read them, too! Most are available at the Syracuse Public Library. If not, we can order them through the Evergreen Indiana Network! Click the titles below to view their Evergreen Indiana pages, where you can place holds or order a copy from another library. We hope you will enjoy these books as much as we did! Stay tuned for our 2021 DVD picks. 2021 Staff Picks include:
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