This is Happiness, by Niall Williams

A tale of a small village in Ireland just before electricity arrives, caught in time between history and modernity. Noe is a young man who comes to live with his grandparents in Faha, recovering from deep grief and a distinct loss of faith. Many decades later, he narrates the story of all that happened to him during one unforgettable Summer. The store is told with comic charm and sublime poignancy. The plot unfolds slowly, we meet the characters casually, and yet the language compels you to continue. The writing style is exquisite. You will find yourself reading passages aloud to your loved ones, because this book must be shared.  During these uneasy times, this novel is a balm for the soul. Fans of Brian Doyle will love this tale.

~  Jane

Apeirogon,  by Colum McCann

The American Fiancée, by Éric Dupont. 

The novel is translated from French, takes place mostly in Quebec, and follows the Lamontagne family through the 20th century. Catholic guilt abounds and each character must deal with the sins of the previous generations and add their own to the list, each in their own ways. When the novel takes a left turn to Berlin there may be connections to times past. It might have to do with the early 20th century arrival, the American fiancée. Broad in scope, compelling throughout, and filled with comic voice.   ~ Kathleen

Glaswegian Police Investigator John Mackenzie is sent on a routine extradition trip to the Costa del Sol to retrieve a captured drug lord. Mackenzie and his wife are going through a bit of a rough patch, so the timing's not great, but he assures Susan that it will be a quick trip and he'll be home soon. Right. As soon as he lands Mackenzie learns the drug lord has deftly engineered his escape and Mackenzie is now seconded to the local Spanish police to assist in the recapture. The irascible Scotsman must now navigate three levels of complex police infrastructure while trying to capture a slippery super-felon with a fierce vendetta against a local policewoman. Who's really in charge? Who can he trust? Who's on the felon's payroll? Peter May, best known for his Shetland series, is a master storyteller who blends sensitive social convention with heart-pounding thriller plotting. This is a perfect read to make time at home evaporate! ~ Susan