Early general retail reports about Thanksgiving holiday sales were positive, with online sales hitting record highs and in-store visits up more modestly. The shortened holiday season, because of the late Thanksgiving this year, meant that deals that once began on Black Friday were offered ever earlier this year. Customers generally responded with strong spending, but still were cautious, looking for discounts and value.

According to MasterCard SpendingPlus, retail sales, excluding autos and gasoline, rose 3.4% on Black Friday, compared to Black Friday 2023, with online sales up 14.6% and in-store sales up 0.7%. Michelle Meyer, chief economist at the MasterCard Economics Institute, told the New York Times that in-store spending had been strong going into the holiday weekend, but was "sluggish" on Black Friday itself. (That sluggishness might be a reaction to the notoriously brutal shopping atmosphere on Black Friday at mall stores with large discounts and limited stock.)

Adobe Analytics (via SeekingAlpha) said spending hit $6.1 billion on Thanksgiving and $10.8 billion on Black Friday, both new records. And it noted that buyers showed "a growing preference" for flexible payment methods, including buy now, pay later plans. For the full holiday season, Adobe Analytics predicts that online retail spending will jump 8.4% from last year, to $241 billion, a new record. In October, the National Retail Federation forecast that total holiday sales will grow between 2.5% and 3.5%, to somewhere between $979.5 billion and $989 billion.

Many booksellers this year got into the spirit of general retail's approach, offering discounts both in-store and online (sometimes geared to loyal customers), and emphasizing their knowledge and ability to find personal, thoughtful gifts for customers. Among the many offers and events: "blind date" gifts, passport arrangements with other local retailers of all kinds, author appearances, toasts, food & drink, merchandise, and more. For many, Small Business Saturday is one of the best sales days of the year, drawing huge amounts of customers.

Shoppers at Horton's Books & Gifts

"We had wonderful customers who made this a great Small Business Saturday," Horton's Books & Gifts, Carrollton, Ga., reported. "People were happy to browse for the best holiday presents for themselves and their friends and family. Result: Successful Small Business Saturday!" Sales on Saturday were about the same as the previous year, the store noted, but sales on Black Friday/Plaid Friday were double those of last year.

Several stores held their grand openings on Small Business Saturday. (Some are noted below.) They included Left on Read in Wichita, Kan., and, most heartening, East Bay Booksellers, Oakland, Calif., which opened in temporary space after fire destroyed its location in July.

The Writer's Block in Las Vegas, Nev., celebrated its 10th anniversary on Small Business Saturday by hosting 10 authors and offering tote bags for qualifying purchases, capping off a month-long series of celebratory events.

At Novelette Booksellers in Nashville, Tenn.

On both Plaid Friday and Small Business Saturday, Watermark Books & Café, Wichita, Kan., offered 30% of one in-stock book; for customers who wore Watermark merchandise, the store offered 30% off an additional in-stock book as well as 10% off a boxed lunch. Anyone spending $50 could receive a galley; $75 brought a tote bag; and $100 resulted in an entry into the store's grand prize drawing.

At Newtonville Books, Newtonville, Mass., the many activities on Saturday included a game hour and a mystery quiz about identifying 14 local business via poetic clues.

New Renaissance Bookshop, Portland, Ore., extended Small Business Saturday to "all weekend" with a 20% sale on clothing--a celebration of "conscious choices and sustainable style."

For Indies First, the Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, Mass., donated 15% of all sales on Saturday to the Food Bank of Western Mass., held a staff picks event with five Odyssey booksellers sharing their top books of the season, and offered a large tote bag (celebrating The Wedding People by Alison Espach) to the first five people to spend at least $150.

Libro.fm offered a Shop Small Sale that started November 26 and runs through today, December 2, which many booksellers highlighted. The company had its second biggest membership day on the 26th, second only to Indie Bookstore Day 2024. Among bestsellers Libro.fm offered for $5 or less: That Librarian by Amanda Jones; Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum; Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron; Women! In! Peril! by Jessie Ren Marshall; The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh; The Match by Sarah Adams; Connie by Connie Chung; The Unwedding by Ally Condie; Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan; Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma; The Wild Robot by Peter Brown; Pachinko by Min Jin Lee; Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez; Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler; and Lights Out by Navessa Allen.

Independent booksellers across the U.S. shared their enthusiasm for #IndiesFirst and #SmallBusinessSaturday on social media over the weekend as their communities stepped up to support them. Here's a sampling from the big weekend:

At White Whale Books

White Whale Books & Coffee, Pittsburgh, Pa.: "Busy and cozy and joyful on here for #SmallBusinessSaturday."

Charm City Books, Baltimore, Md.: "Are you ready for tomorrow? We have a full day here at the bookshop, including finishing the evening off with some of this eggnog, a holiday movie, and puzzling, so make sure you plan to stop by tomorrow to check out everything going on on Small Business Saturday at Charm City Books!"

Red Stick Reads, Baton Rouge, La.: "Small Business Saturday is here, and so is our Most Wonderful Sale of the Year!!!... Your support means everything to so many small business owners today... be sure to spread the word, shop small $ support local."

At Bookends and Beginnings

Bookends & Beginnings, Evanston, Ill.: "The Badass Ladies in Black at Bookends are ready to help you kickstart your holiday shopping today!! Keep your holiday dollars local. Shop Small--not at the mall!!"

The Little Bookshop, Midlothian, Va.: "Happy Small Business Saturday!!! First customers are here and ready to shop! Thank you everyone!!!"

Afterwords Books, Edwardsville, Ill.: "It's a snowy small business Saturday!! Your little local indie bookstore is cozy, warm and open for browsing until 5pm this evening.... Show your favorite small shops some love today."

Chaucer's Books, Santa Barbara, Calif.: "It's #SmallBusinessSaturday! Because of you, our customers, we're able to keep our doors open. We're able to employ local folks. We're able to contribute to the local economy. We're able to support local schools. When you shop local and at small businesses, you are making a decision about the kind of neighborhood and community you want to live in. Thank you. We hope to see you in the store today or sometime soon!"

At Copperfish Books

Copperfish Books, Punta Gorda, Fla.: "Happy Small Business Saturday! We're kicking off the day with mimosas and bookish cheer--now all we need is YOU!... Your support means everything to us, and we can't wait to see you!!!!"

Betty's Books, Webster Groves, Mo.: "Small Biz Saturday HAS BEGUN!! ✨ This snow is painting a picture-perfect holiday shopping day, and we're READY! See you soon, everyone."

The Unreliable Narrator, Rochester, N.Y.: "Happy Small Business Saturday!"

Out West Books, Grand Junction, Colo.: "It's Small Business Saturday! Thank you for supporting our small, independent bookstore! Stop by and pick up your bingo card to play Small Business Saturday Downtown Bingo today and check out wreaths by @there.will.be.flowers on display out front."

lala books, Lowell, Mass.: "It's #SmallBusinessSaturday and Downtown Lowell will be hopping. You know you'll find great things at lala book--but today you can also visit Ginger Dog Snacks, Cultivate Cleaner, and Specialbunny Knits popping up at the store. While you're downtown, make sure to support all the great shopping, eating, and drinking! Thanks for supporting local this holiday season!"

At One More Page

One More Page Books & More, Arlington, Va.: "Look how energetic we are at the beginning of #smallbusinesssaturday!"

Pages & Grapes, Wyoming, Mich.: "It's a big day! It's Shop Local Saturday, Indies First, and Katharine Sweet will be signing books. We are serving up local cookies and apple cider."

Brave and Kind Books, Decatur, Ga.: "FREE! This super cute new tote just hit the shelves in time for Small Business Saturday Friends! and here in Atlanta our annual Indie Bookshop Crawl is happening so we hope you'll make today the day to shop with a purpose and support small biz and stories and. Community!" 

The Dog-Eared Page, Danville, Va.: "Small Business Saturday surprise!!! Our newest T-shirt design is BACK!!!... As always, the joy and merriment is free. See you soon!"

Left Bank Books, St. Louis, Mo.: "It’s a winter wonderland for small business Saturday! Come shop for some gifts to keep you warm on this snowy chilly day! Stay cozy out there! Remember shopping local keeps money in the community and helps us support you all with books, author events, and more."

At Parnassus Books

Parnassus Books, Nashville, Tenn.: "Happy Small Business Saturday! We feel so lucky to have so much support from our local community all year round, but especially this time of year. To celebrate today we are giving away Parnassus holiday tote bags with $50 purchases in store while supplies last! It’s gonna be a fun day--Come see us!"

Interabang Books, Dallas, Tex.: "Shopping small makes a big difference! Small Business Saturday is a great time to shop local. Your support helps us continue to offer curated books, host author events, and foster a love of reading for all ages, through the holidays and beyond. Thank you for investing in our store and believing in our mission to bring fun, exciting, and important literature to our community. Find new releases, staff selections, holiday decor, and more this weekend (and all month long)!"

Octavia Books, New Orleans, La.: "Celebrate #indiesfirst with us this #smallbusinesssaturday all day at Octavia Books. We are featuring some special authors signing local books."

And Michelle Obama wrote in part, "This #SmallBusinessSaturday, I wanted to thank independent bookstores for all that they do. They are the pillars of our communities--adding so much richness and depth to our experience as readers and lifelong learners. If you can, give your local bookstore some love today."

At First Chapter Bookshop

While Small Business Saturday and Indies First attracted a lot of attention, Plaid Friday and Black Friday were the perfect setup for the weekend. 

Plenty of indie bookstores across the U.S. celebrated Plaid Friday. The American Booksellers Association highlighted booksellers at Scout & Morgan Books, Cambridge, Minn., and Once Upon a Time Bookstore, Montrose Calif., noting: "Are you rocking plaid today? Happy #PlaidFriday! This day is all about celebrating the creativity and diversity of local and independent businesses. Skip the big box madness and enjoy a fun, relaxed shopping experience while supporting your community. How are you celebrating Plaid Friday?"

At Belmont Books

The staff at Belmont Books, Belmont, Mass., wished everyone a "Happy Plaid Friday! Support your local independent businesses today and tomorrow for small business Saturday."

Booksellers marking Black Friday included True Leaves Bookshop, Princeton, Ill. ("!!All set up for Black Friday!!"), First Chapter Bookshop, Seneca, S.C. ("Come see your favorite bookseller if you need a quiet reprieve from the hustle and bustle!"), and Thank You Books, Birmingham, Ala. ("Black Friday in full swing! Y'all are adorable & wonderful & have great taste!").

At Snail on the Wall Books

At the end of the day Friday, Snail on the Wall bookstore, Huntsville, Ala., reflected: "The store is quiet now, after a hustling, bustling Black Friday. Thanks to all who chose to shop small at The Snail on the Wall--and thanks to @coffeebreakhsv for bringing the caffeine! It was such a fun Friday. We look forward to seeing more of you tomorrow for Small Business Saturday."

Plenty Bookshop

And early on Small Business Saturday, Plenty Bookshop, Cookeville, Tenn., was also in a reflective mood: "We're so thankful for everyone who supported us during Black Friday yesterday. Your kindness and loyalty mean the world, and we couldn't do this without you!

"Today is Small Business Saturday, and we're celebrating YOU--our amazing community--who continues to choose local and make a big impact. Shopping small isn't just about buying; it's about supporting dreams, creating connections, and keeping the heart of our town thriving. Stop by today and let us thank you in person. Every visit, purchase, and kind word makes all the difference. Together, we're building something incredible!"

Four new bookstores celebrated Small Business Saturday/Indies First in a special way: by holding grand opening celebrations over weekend.

Da Book Joint owners Verlean Singletary (r.) and her daughter, Courtney Woods.

In Chicago, Ill., Sunday marked the grand opening of Pen and Paper: A Joint Creative, which was formed by two Black women-owned businesses, Da Book Joint and Stoviink Creatives, both former tenants of the Boxville Market. As Block Club Chicago described it, "The shop will combine Da Book Joint's selection of books by Black writers featuring Black characters with Stoviink's home and wellness goods like candles, lotions, perfumes and more."

The opening celebration had the theme "Black Christmas" (black attire was requested) and included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and festivities featuring a set by DJ Tre Holiday, poetry, raffles, snacks, and more.

Megan "Storie" Warren-Turner, Stoviink's co-owner, said that Pen and Paper aims to be "a space where there's records, smell-goods, aromatherapy, [things that give] you an opportunity to escape from what's on the other side of those doors. Any time you come in there, it's just a whole vibe--with Black culture, community and creativity."

In Pen and Paper, much of the stock will be displayed together. "We're making sure the community understands it's all in line," said Stoviink co-owner Mary "Tovi Khali" Turner. "You'll see books splayed everywhere--not just in one section--with sprays, soaps and colognes all mingled and intertwined, with art in between everything.... It's all creative, and all meant to make sure all of your senses are heightened when you're here."

The owners of Da Book Joint are Verlean Singletary and her daughter, Courtney Woods. Block Club Chicago noted that Da Book Joint "will expand its inventory and continue hosting book signings, book clubs, a 'Books and Brunch' series and kid-focused events from the shop."

Pen and Paper has plans to open a café, add another book club, and launch an open mic series. As Turner put it, "There is no limit to the kind of programming we're going to bring into this space--art, literacy, wellness, cultural moments, a straight up barbecue for the community. That is really where we are. That's what we love about [the space]."

---

Viola Lanier

In a similar vein, in Marietta, Ga., Dr. Viola Lanier, "a Morehouse School of Medicine graduate earning a Master of Science in Biomedical Research and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences," has founded A Better Today Books & Boutique, which offers books, scented candles, essential oils, and a variety of wellness products. Lanier told the Atlanta Daily World that she is "one of the first African American women" in Marietta to own a bookstore.

"I wanted to encourage other people to have more moments where they're just sitting, being quiet, reading and taking in information," she continued. "So those things kind of inspired me to say, 'You know what, I want to create a bookstore that has an environment that encourages those moments of reading in a comfortable setting.' "

The grand opening on Saturday, featuring a green carpet to emphasize the store's "serene and whimsical environment," included giveaways, music, prizes, and more.

The store stocks classic novels, biographies, top fiction titles, and more, according to Einnews. Lanier commented: "I curate our collection of books. You can find brand-new titles and classic bestsellers, but I also introduce our readers to authors they may not be familiar with. We also feature a host of local authors." A Better Today has a children's reading room and snack and beverage area, too.

---

Clintonville Books, Columbus, Ohio, which sells new, used, and rare books, opened on Black Friday. The store has 2,200 square feet of space and stocks some 15,000 books. Owner Grant Sabatier told Columbus Underground that he was inspired by bookstores in New York City, where he lived until moving with his family to Columbus four years ago. The stores include the Strand, Mast Books, and Left Bank Books. Sabatier is also the author of Financial Freedom, the upcoming Inner Entrepreneur (Avery, March 2025), creator of Millennial Money, and co-founder of MMG Media Group.

Because the store carries used titles as well as new, "we can carry deeper cuts for a lot of our favorite authors," Sabatier told MyFox28Columbus. "We like to focus on cool collectible books, you know, books on gardening and horticulture and terrariums and cooking and hobbies," including Sabatier's own current favorite about "how to knit your own Norwegian sweater."

The bookstore aims to serve as a cultural hub, hosting events such as folk music concerts, jazz shows, poetry readings, and author appearances.

---

Michelle Raasch at her new store.

Epilogue Books, Menomonee Falls, Wis., opened on Saturday. Owned by Michelle Raasch, the store is offering new and used books and is happy to be part of the downtown community, which had a range of events scheduled by local businesses to celebrate Small Business Saturday. Epilogue is stocking "everything that a bibliophile could want."

On Facebook, Epilogue Books posted a wonderful series of photos of the store taking shape during the fall.

In the spirit of a Thanksgiving weekend that includes Black Friday, Plaid Friday, Indies First, and Small Business Saturday, there's probably no better way to end the festivities than by sharing expressions of gratitude to devoted patrons who shop local, and that's just what these indie booksellers, among many others, did:

At Lion's Mouth Bookstore

Lion's Mouth Bookstore, Green Bay, Wis.: "Cheers to Small Business Saturday! It's already been an incredible day here at Lion's Mouth.... Thanks to everyone who has come in to shop & celebrate with us today. We appreciate you all!"

Completely Booked, Irwin, Pa.: "WOW! Thank you for an AMAZING Small Business Saturday! We had lines to the door and lots of cheer spread to our customers. If you didn't get a chance to make it yet, here's a sneak peek of our holiday decorations. Not only do you still have plenty of time to fill out a Wish List for 10% off, we are also giving away our famous 'blind date with a book' wrapped books for FREE with purchase while supplies last. Thanks again for stopping by and hope to see you again soon!"

The Little Book, Des Moines, Iowa: "Yesterday was, by far, one of our best sales days of the year. Not only that, but the Historic Highland Park Business District was absolutely packed, and I know I can safely speak for all of the business owners here when I tell you, we were ELATED to see you all here ready to support us all in this big retail weekend.... You all showed up in droves, and we are so thankful for each and every purchase that was made, in shop or online."

Bookery, Cincinnati, Ohio: "THANK YOU! Small Business Saturday was packed and it just goes to show (again!) how Cincy is a wonderful bookish community. You all make this community what it is and we're honored to be here."

Bookish, Camas, Wash.: "Sometimes you lose control of the situation. Happy holidays and happy small business saturday. We wouldn't be a small business without your constant support!!!!"

Novelette, Nashville, Tenn.: "Woweeee, you guys really showed up for small biz Saturday yesterday and it warmed our hearts! As you probably know lol being a small business is not easy, and every single sale makes a difference for us. So thank u for shopping with us, and thanks for being real ones."

Barrington Books, Barrington, R.I.: "The heartwarming feeling and overwhelming gratitude felt on Small Business Saturday never gets old. THANK YOU to everyone that chose to shop small yesterday and included Barrington Books in their day. You all motivate us to keep it real, keep it small, and keep it local."

Auntie's Bookstore, Spokane, Wash.: "Thank you to everyone who shopped small yesterday and to those who support small, local business all year long!... A great way to kick off the holiday season!"

Serendipity Books, Chelsea, Mich.: "Thank you for spending this snowy Small Business Saturday with us! We are so grateful for our wonderful community of book lovers. It may be cold out but we've got your love and support to keep us warm!"

Deadtime Stories Books, Lansing, Mich.: "Mother Nature sure didn't do us any favors on Small Business Saturday here in Michigan, but we appreciate everyone who braved the arctic tundra and came out! At a time when it's so easy to just buy online and have things shipped to you at home, or to order from big box stores and have your purchase brought right out to your vehicle, your commitment to doing your part to make sure your favorite local small businesses stay in business does not go unnoticed. We love you, and we're so thankful for you."

Golden Hour Books, Newburgh, N.Y.: "My heart is so full thinking about what a great Small Business Saturday Golden Hour had yesterday! If I was a proper bookkeeper I could probably tell you with certainty that we broke a record.... I'm guessing we did! Running a small business--a bookstore no less--is a huge struggle, but having the support of my fellow small business friends/collaborators (see below!) gives me the confidence to know that we'll make it."

Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, Fernandina Beach, Fla.: "Happy December 1st!! Can you believe it's here already? We want to give a big THANK YOU to our community for supporting us! We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating you yesterday!... Also a big thank you to our crew, volunteers, foundation members, and donors who help us create all the beautiful and magical moments every day!"

At Rooted Books

Rooted Books & Gifts, Grand Island, Neb.: "That's a wrap on our first #smallbizsaturday! We had so much fun and are also exhausted. We'll be back in the shop tomorrow from 12-4!"

Neighborhood Books, Presque Isle, Maine: "We had the best 'Plaid Friday' and Small Business Saturday I think we've ever had. It was the busiest week EVER. There were times we were (are) a little overwhelmed, but my staff are AMAZING! I'm so proud of them and this little space we've created together. Thank you SO much for supporting us continually. You guys are the best."

Today:
Today Show: Marcia Clark, author of Trial by Ambush: Murder, Injustice, and the Truth about the Case of Barbara Graham (Thomas & Mercer, $28.99, 9781662515965).

Kelly Clarkson Show: Jennifer Love Hewitt, author of Inheriting Magic: My Journey Through Grief, Joy, Celebration, and Making Every Day Magical (BenBella, $16.95, 9781637745953).

Tomorrow:
CBS Mornings: Priya Krishna, author of Priya's Kitchen Adventures: A Cookbook for Kids (Harvest, $29.99, 9780358692935).

Good Morning America: Trey Kennedy, author of How You Got Your Name (Tommy Nelson, $18.99, 9781400249770).

Also on GMA: Shira Gill, author of LifeStyled: Your Guide to a More Organized & Intentional Life (Ten Speed Press, $29.99, 9781984863508).

Today Show: Matt Rife, author of Your Mom's Gonna Love Me (Gallery Books, $29.99, 9781668060414). He will also appear on the View.

Late Show with Stephen Colbert: José Andrés, author of Zaytinya: Delicious Mediterranean Dishes from Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon (Ecco, $45, 9780063327900).

Netflix "is continuing to double down on Harlen Coben adaptations," Deadline reported, noting that the bestselling author behind the TV series Fool Me Once has just set I Will Find You, based on his novel, at the streamer. The limited series has an eight-episode order, with Robert Hull (Quantum Leap) adapting and serving as showrunner.

The project "marks Coben's first U.S. scripted order from Netflix, which has previously greenlit Coben's shows out of the U.K.," Deadline said, adding that it comes ahead of the launch of his Missing You on New Year's Day 2025. Coben will exec produce via his Final Twist Productions alongside Hull, Bryan Wynbrandt, Steven Lilien, and John Weber.

Winners have been selected for the 2024 Polari Book Prizes, the U.K. book prizes for emerging and established LGBTQ+ writers and run by Polari literary salon. The winners of the three Polari Prizes:

Children's & YA: The Fights That Make Us by Sarah Hagger-Holt
First Book: Bellies by Nicola Dinan
Book Prize: The Gallopers by Jon Ransom

---

Myles McGuire won the 2024 Richell Prize for Emerging Writers, awarded in memory of Hachette Australia's former CEO Matt Richell, who died in a surfing accident in 2014, for his manuscript Stroke. The judges "were impressed by McGuire's talent and assured touch and believe that readers of The Slap and Love & Virtue will love this story," the organizers noted.

The award is sponsored by the publisher and the Richell family, in partnership with the Emerging Writers' Festival and Simpsons Solicitors. The winner receives A$10,000 (about US$6,515), to be donated by Hachette Australia, along with a 12-month mentorship with one of the company's publishers. Hachette Australia will work with the winning writer to develop their manuscript with the first option to consider the finished work and the shortlisted entries for publication.

Suzanne Nelson's riveting first work of adult fiction, The Librarians of Lisbon, follows two best friends from the United States who find themselves in Portugal's ostensibly neutral capital city during World War II, working by day as librarians and by night on differing covert missions. Despite their deep friendship and fierce loyalty to each other, there's much Bea and Selene can no longer share, and the men they are drawn to have secrets of their own. Nelson explores the daylight world of information gathering and the seedier, seductive nighttime world of spies and intrigue as her characters do their best to balance competing priorities, all the while wondering whom they can trust.

Nelson (A Batch Made in Heaven) draws on wartime archives and historical figures to craft her narrative, which touches on numerous aspects of the war, including refugees fleeing into Portugal from nations across embattled Europe; the suspicion--and reality--of double agents lurking in the shadows; and the importance of wolfram (also known as tungsten), a metal much sought after by the Axis and Allied powers. She alternates between the perspectives of daring, confident Selene and cautious, methodical Bea--polar opposites who became friends back in Boston, Mass., and are now an ocean away from home, working day jobs that employ their analytical and organizational skills, and attempting to infiltrate the Axis spy network in their off-hours. For Selene, this means attending glittering events in the company of disgraced cabinet member Luca Caldeira, and trying to curry favor with the wealthy mistresses of other important men. For Bea, it means many hours spent in a secret underground room, where she reviews intelligence (and makes use of her photographic memory) and tussles with the enigmatic Gable, a skilled double agent whose knowledge and scars run deep. Meanwhile, both women are nursing heartbreak from their lives back in the U.S.: Bea is searching for her missing soldier fiancé, while Selene is wrestling with her family's disapproval of her choices.

Although Bea and Selene care deeply for each other, their assignments create a chasm of secrets between them. But as their missions progress toward an unsettling conclusion, the information they withhold could have steep costs for the two friends. Nelson skillfully builds her suspense and raises the emotional stakes, leaving her two librarians--and readers--racing toward the final confrontation.

Layered with Portuguese phrases, sparkling evening gowns, and details of World War II spy craft, The Librarians of Lisbon is a gripping espionage thriller and an emotionally nuanced tribute to a lifelong friendship. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams

Shelf Talker: Suzanne Nelson's gripping adult fiction debut follows two best friends working as librarians and covert agents in neutral Portugal during World War II.