Maya's Staff Picks (Top Favorite)

I highly recommend these top-rated books as a must-read because they offer a unique blend of captivating storytelling, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes that will resonate with readers of all genres. These books have been widely acclaimed for their exceptional writing, well-developed plots, and ability to evoke emotions, making them a valuable addition to any bookshelf. Whether you're looking for a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a journey of self-discovery, these books are sure to captivate and leave a lasting impression long after the final page is turned. In addition, the non-fiction titles provide valuable knowledge and expert insights on topics such as science, history, and personal development, while the biographies grant readers a unique glimpse into the lives of inspiring individuals who have shaped our world. Meanwhile, the sci-fi and fantasy novels transport us to new and imaginative realms, exploring complex themes and ideas that challenge our understanding of the universe and our place within it. With their engaging narratives, well-researched content, and memorable characters, these books are sure to educate, entertain, and inspire, making them a must-read for anyone looking to expand their minds and broaden their horizons.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14  There are a total of 105 valid entries on the list.
Book cover for "Because of Miss Bridgerton"
Star rating for Because of Miss Bridgerton
Series:
Rokesby series volume 1.
Average Rating:
4.1 stars
Description:
Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband... someday. But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor. There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant, annoying, and...
Book cover for "The beekeeper's apprentice, or, On the segregation of the queen"
Star rating for The beekeeper's apprentice, or, On the segregation of the queen
Average Rating:
4.1 stars
Description:
A chance meeting with an elderly beekeeper turns into a pivotal, personal transformation when fifteen-year-old Mary Russell discovers that the beekeeper is the reclusive Sherlock Holmes, who soon takes on the role of mentor and teacher
Book cover for "The girl with the make-believe husband"
Star rating for The girl with the make-believe husband
Series:
Rokesby series volume 2.
Average Rating:
3.5 stars
Description:
While you were sleeping... With her brother Thomas injured on the battlefront in the Colonies, orphaned Cecilia Harcourt has two unbearable choices: move in with a maiden aunt or marry a scheming cousin. Instead, she chooses option three and travels across the Atlantic, determined to nurse her brother back to health. But after a week of searching, she finds not her brother but his best friend, the handsome officer Edward Rokesby. He's unconscious...
Book cover for "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"
Star rating for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Average Rating:
4.2 stars
Description:
In 1946, writer Juliet Ashton finds inspiration for her next book in her correspondence with a native of Guernsey, who tells her about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a book club born as an alibi during German occupation. As London is emerging from the shadow of World War II, writer Juliet Ashton discovers her next subject in a book club on Guernsey--a club born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi after its members are discovered breaking...
Book cover for "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
Star rating for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Average Rating:
4.8 stars
Description:
When the Chamber of Secrets is opened again at the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, second-year student Harry Potter finds himself in danger from a dark power that has once more been released on the school.
Book cover for "Harry Potter and the deathly hallows"
Star rating for Harry Potter and the deathly hallows
Average Rating:
4.9 stars
Description:
At a time when the forces of evil seem to be gaining the upper hand, Harry comes of age in the wizarding world, and must take on and defeat Voldemort--or be killed himself.
Book cover for "Harry Potter and the goblet of fire"
Star rating for Harry Potter and the goblet of fire
Average Rating:
4.8 stars
Description:
Fourteen-year-old Harry Potter joins the Weasleys at the Quidditch World Cup, then enters his fourth year at Hogwarts Academy where he is mysteriously entered in an unusual contest that challenges his wizarding skills, friendships and character, amid signs that an old enemy is growing stronger.
Book cover for "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
Star rating for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Average Rating:
4.9 stars
Description:
Harry searches for the full and complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort, and thereby finds what may be his only vulnerability. Sixth-year Hogwarts student Harry Potter gains valuable insights into the boy Voldemort once was, even as his own world is transformed by maturing friendships, schoolwork assistance from an unexpected source, and devastating losses.
Book cover for "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
Star rating for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Average Rating:
4.8 stars
Description:
Fifteen-year-old wizard Harry Potter struggles with a threatening teacher, problematic house elf, the dread of upcoming final exams, and haunting dreams that hint toward his mysterious past.
Book cover for "Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban"
Star rating for Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban
Average Rating:
4.8 stars
Description:
During his third year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter must confront the devious and dangerous wizard responsible for his parents' deaths.
Book cover for "Harry Potter and the sorcerer's stone"
Star rating for Harry Potter and the sorcerer's stone
Average Rating:
4.8 stars
Description:
Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School for Wizards and Witches.
Book cover for "Murder on the Orient Express"
Star rating for Murder on the Orient Express
Series:
Average Rating:
4.1 stars
Description:

THE MOST WIDELY READ MYSTERY OF ALL TIMENOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE DIRECTED BY KENNETH BRANAGH AND PRODUCED BY RIDLEY SCOTT!

"The murderer is with us—on the train now . . ."

Just after midnight, the famous Orient Express is stopped in its tracks by a snowdrift. By morning, the millionaire Samuel Edward Ratchett lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door

...
Book cover for "The other Miss Bridgerton"
Star rating for The other Miss Bridgerton
Series:
Rokesby series volume 3.
Average Rating:
4 stars
Description:
"Poppy Bridgerton will only wed a suitor whose keen intellect and interests match her own. Sadly, none of the fools from her London season qualify. While visiting a friend on the Dorset coast, Poppy is pleasantly surprised to discover a smugglers' hideaway tucked inside a cave. But her delight turns to dismay when two pirates kidnap her and take her aboard a ship, leaving her bound and gagged on the captain's bed... Known to society as a rascal and...
Book cover for "Persuasion"
Star rating for Persuasion
Average Rating:
4.3 stars
Description:
The romance between Captain Wentworth and Anne, the daughter of Sir Walter Elliot, seems doomed because of the young man's family connections and lack of wealth.