Book Buzz

Episode 141 - Air date: Feb. 15, 2026

JESSICA:

Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I’m the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.

Today’s two reading recommendations will introduce you to handpicked favorites that have captured the hearts and minds of our staff. We’ll give you the inside scoop on titles you may not have heard about.

First, we’re going to hear from Emma from the Lakewood/Smokey Point Library, for a story of love and tradition. Go ahead, Emma.

EMMA:

Graphic novel superstars Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham join forces to present “Lunar New Year Love Story,” a heartwarming rom-com about fate, family, and falling in love.

Valentina Tran was named after Valentine’s Day and can even see the spirit of Saint Valentine himself. But she’s pretty sure her family is cursed — for generations, no one has ever had any luck in love. So, when Saint Valentine offers her protection from future heartbreak in exchange for her heart, Val is tempted to accept. But when she reconnects with her paternal grandmother and attends her first Lunar New Year festival, a pair of cute lion dancers pass her a paper heart and Val feels a spark. Is it true love? Could this be another way to break the family curse? Saint Valentine gives her a year to find out and Val becomes determined to change her destiny and give her heart to the right person.

“Lunar New Year Love Story” is a vibrant graphic novel that is currently shelved in the library’s Teen collection. Despite this, readers of all ages will appreciate how Yang and Pham use romance, humor, and fantasy to soften the story’s core themes of fractured families and personal growth.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Emma! That sounds like a beautiful graphic novel — I love a blend of fantasy and romance.

Next, let’s hear about the blooming romance of another adorable couple, from Paige, librarian at the Edmonds Library. Take it away, Paige.

PAIGE:

If you’re looking for your new happily ever after rom-com, look no further than “Fake Dates and Mooncakes” by Sher Lee. It is full of the classic rom-com tropes, love or lust at first sight, grand gestures, fake dating, “Crazy Rich Asians” level wealth, parental interference, cooking competitions, and heroics. Also, perfect to add to the TBR (to be read) list for Pride month.

Dylan and his family run a Singaporean Chinese restaurant in New York and one mishap sets them all on a path that they could not have anticipated. Theo, a guy that looks like he belongs on the runway, and the money to own it, just happens to be at the delivery address. After a disaster at the door, Theo finds his way back to Dylan’s family’s restaurant and sweeps him off for a romantic weekend in the Hamptons as his plus one for a wedding! Then, all the YA shenanigans ensue.

This is a great read for those who may not want much spice in their books and love a cute gay couple. Throughout the story, you get to learn more about both the main characters and fall in love with each of them. Dylan especially is a cinnamon roll, and bonus points for a cute corgi. Not for those who are looking for three-chapter long character development and attraction building. More for those who want to see the protagonist and love interest kick it off right away.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Paige! You just might be craving mooncakes after reading that book.

Join us next time, when we’ll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.

Until then, I’m Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.

Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz on KSER.