This Valentine’s Day, plan a book-themed adventure.
Tired of rose bouquets and candlelit dinners? Put your own spin on Valentine’s Day with a new source of inspiration: books! These five books feature adventures big and small that you can adapt for a unique date — with a partner, friend, or yourself.
Fall for a good book, then bring it to life with someone you love.
Read “Here Goes Nothing” by Eamon McGrath
Life on the road can bring a band together — or tear them wildly apart.
Told in two interwoven narratives that blur the lines between past and present, this novel explores the complex relationships of touring musicians. From confessional tales of saving friends and oneself from drowning in polluted lakes in Michigan to liver-wrecking nights of excess and debauchery in Lisbon, McGrath comments on the corrupt and selfish music industry and the toll it takes on musicians as they pursue success.
Then Hit the Road
Enjoy a road trip without the pressure of chasing stardom. Plan a Pacific Northwest weekend getaway, or make the journey the destination. Nothing brings a band together like belting your favorite tunes on the open road.
Read “Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder” by Valerie Burns
When social media expert Maddy Montgomery’s groom is a no-show to their livestream wedding, it’s a disaster that no amount of filtering can fix. A surprise inheritance offers a chance to regroup and rebrand — if Maddy is willing to run her late great-aunt’s bakery.
Maddy doesn’t bake, but with help from her aunt’s loyal friends, The Baker Street Irregulars, she feels ready to tackle any challenge. That is, until the mayor is fatally stabbed, and Maddy’s fingerprints are found on the knife…
Then Bake a Killer Dessert
You don’t need to be an award-winning baker to satisfy your sweet tooth. Listen to the audiobook as you recreate Maddy’s cakes, share your own family recipe, or browse new recipe ideas. If you’re baking for one or two, these small batch bakes are the perfect size for your Valentine’s treat.
Read “Everyone is Watching” by Heather Gudenkauf
Five contestants have been chosen to compete for ten million dollars on a game show. The catch? None of them know what (or who) to expect, and it will be livestreamed all over the world. Completely secluded in an estate in Northern California, with strict instructions not to leave the property or contact the outside world, the competitors start to feel a little too isolated.
When long-kept secrets begin to rise to the surface, the contestants realize this is no longer just a reality show ― someone is out for blood. And the game can't end until the world knows who the contestants really are.
Then Compete on Your Own Game Show
Put your knowledge to the test ― with much lower stakes. Register your team for Online Pub Trivia through the library. While you wait, head to New York Times Digital and bond over word games, Sudoku, and more.
Read “Why Birds Sing” by Nina Berkhout
When opera singer Dawn Woodward has an onstage flameout, all she wants is to be left alone. She’s soon faced with other complications the day her husband announces her estranged brother-in-law, Tariq, is undergoing cancer treatment and moving in, his temperamental parrot in tow. To make matters worse, though she can’t whistle herself, she has been tasked with teaching arias to an outspoken group of devoted siffleurs who call themselves the Warblers.
Eventually, Tariq and his bird join the class, and Dawn forms unexpected friendships with her new companions. But when her marriage shows signs of trouble and Tariq’s health declines, she begins questioning her foundations, including the career that she has worked so hard to build and the true nature of love and song.
Then Discover the Joys of Birding
Get to know your feathered neighbors and the songs they use to communicate. Check out birding resources to help you get started. Want to spread your wings a little further? Borrow a Discover Pass and birdwatch in Washington state’s parks and wildlife areas.
Read “A Letter to Three Witches” by Elizabeth Bass
When romantic troubles cause their powers to go berserk, a trio of witches banned from practicing magic risk getting in serious trouble with the Grand Council. Cousin Trudy is so stressed that she accidentally enchants her cupcakes, creating havoc among her bakery customers ― and in her marriage.
Can the witches get their magic ― and their love lives ― in order before it's too late? “Bewitched” meets “Practical Magic” in this enchanting rom-com.
Then Make Your Own Candle
Press play on the audiobook and create a magical homemade candle. Check out Do-It-Yourself guides and discover the wide range of materials you can use in candlemaking, from beeswax and soy to gel. Charm guests with your one-of-a-kind fragrance.
However you feel about Valentine’s Day, there are countless ways to celebrate love ― no candy hearts required. Choose one of the books from this list, or find inspiration in another favorite title. The library is here to help you dream up new adventures.
