Below you will find a variety of Staff Picks categorized by age....
Children's Books

Carl Sams and Jean Stoick have out done themselves once again. With their new Children's book, Lost In The Woods, they tell the tale of forest friends who think a young fawn is lost. Is he? You will have to read the book to find out. As usual, the pictures are unbelievable. Honestly, I find myself more drawn to this book than Stranger in the Woods! - Kristen

Fancy Nancy is the perfect book for that little Princess or Diva in your house! This story is about a little girl who has big dreams and ideas. Nancy wants to transform her "plain" family into something much grander and, well, fancier. Nancy will remind you of any 5 year old girl who loves princesses, to dress up, and who likes to throw those little attitudes around- Kristen


Guess who is back with another new holiday book?!? That is right, your favorite jolly elf, Santa Claus. In this tale, Santa goes to check on a student in a classroom and due to Milo being "mostly messy", well, Santa has an unfortunate accident and forgets who he is! The photos alone will have you laughing out loud. This book has a wonderful moral of not only keeping organized but that it is OK to talk to people who can help you such as EMS workers, doctors, teachers, and so on. This is a must have book for your library!- Kristen


 
Giraffes Can't Dance is one of the best children's' books in my opinion! Not only do the lively illustrations keep a child's attention but it also teaches kids a wonderful lesson that although we all may be different, we can each find our own "groove" and that makes us unique and an individual. Your little one will LOVE this book- Kristen


 
A Wish to be a Christmas Tree is what I call a "modern classic" . It such an endearing story of a beautiful tree that is on a Christmas Tree Farm. Year after year he wishes a family would take him home but year after year he is overlooked. This is a story of friendship and kindness. If your child loves critters and you are looking for a wonderful feel good holiday book that proves all wishes do come true, you must pick up a copy of Colleen and Michael Monroes, A Wish to be a Christmas Tree!- Kristen




Even though the author of the book I am about to recommend can be controversial..she has proven herself as a very responsible children's author. The English Roses is a beautiful story that teaches children the lesson of accepting others and of being kind, caring, and supportive of others. It is the perfect gift for any young girl in your home or as a gift for your granddaughter. It shows girls the importance of friendship and acceptance- and to not be to quick to pass judgment on others! Kristen

Young Adult
I absolutely love Meg Cabot's writing. Every teenage girl must read this series! They are about an overlooked, clumsy sort of girl who turns out to be a princess. The books follow her transformation, coming of age antics, and love life. They are adorable!- Kristen

I think Anne of Green Gables should be required reading for all teenage girls! Anne is just a lovable, clumsy character. She proves that even the most awkward girl can bloom into a delicate rose. Ever since I have been a young girl, I have loved this series. -Kristen

The Mick Morris Myth Solver Books are fun reads and an excellent choice for that hesitant reader you know! Each book has 5 different ways to finish, similar to the choose your own adventure concept, and they feature favorite American myths such as as Roswell, Bigfoot, and the monster of Lake Champlain .- Kristen


Unfortunately, today's market is geared for girls and it is hard to keep boys reading. If you have a hesitant reader who is a boy and if that boy loves sports, I would recommend the Rich Wallace books. They are great reads. Plus, another great author to look for is Mike Lupica- Kristen


I recommend any Nancy Drew book for your young girl. Growing up, I loved Nancy Drew novels. They are clean, wholesome, and full of mystery and suspense! These are books I would allow my little girl to read once she is older. - Kristen

 
The Magic Tree House series is PERFECT for beginning readers. Each book showcases the adventures of Jack and Annie. You learn a bit of history as you read with your child. Look for the Magic Tree House Research Guides as well...kids will devour these books!- Kristen

 
 
Adult Fiction


If you are looking for a nice, clean romance novel- you can not go wrong with a Debbie Macomber book. She has many series you can choose from such as the Cedar Cove series, the Navy Series, and more. She also has some delightful holiday books that will get you in the spirit for the holidays. Her books featuring the three angels, Shirley, Mercy, and Goodness will have you laughing hysterically. So grab some hot chocolate, a blanket and a Debbie Macomber book and curl up for a wonderful night of reading! Kristen
If you have not read a Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum novel, you MUST! I would start with book one and work your way up through the numbers. Try to read Visions of Sugar Plums in between Books 8 and 9 though as it does continue the story lines as well. I call these books "candy for the brain" books. You will laugh out loud and just enjoy these characters- Kristen


The Laurentian Channel is an absolutely gripping novel. It is full of mystery, murder, and suspense. If you love stories about shipwrecks and treasure hunters than this book is right up your alley! You will not want to put this book down! Plus it is a regional book- making it that much better! Kristen


If you like romance books, you really can not go wrong with a good Nora Roberts Book. They are typically a good mix of romance, suspense, and mystery. My favorite series would have to be the Key Trilogy with the Three Sisters Island trilogy following a close second-Kristen

 
Nevada Barr, a best-selling mystery author, wrote a book called Superior Death. It takes place on Isle Royale and boy is it a page turner. Once again, it is just plain fun to have a book written like that about the area up here. Makes it more enjoyable. So if you have never read a Nevada Barr book but you like regional books...give this one a whirl! I guarantee you would like it. Kristen


Another favorite author of ours here at Safe Harbor Books is Joseph Heywood. His books Ice Hunter and Snowfly are just phenomenal. He is an amazing story teller who can intertwine ecology, mystery, suspense, and a hint of romance like NO other author I know. You must read one of his Woods Cop Books- Ice Hunter, Blue Wolf In Green Fire, Chasing the Blond Moon- all are set here in the U.P. and you will not want to put them down! Kristen


Out best selling series is the Alex McKnight series. They are all written by Steve Hamilton and are good, fun reads full of mystery. The best part is that they take place in the Eastern Upper Peninsula making them all that much more entertaining!- Kristen

 
Can You Keep A Secret is a refreshing novel by Sophie Kinsella. It is a fun and entertaining read that leaves you wanting more. It is one of my favorite Chick Lit books out there! It is the perfect book to hit the beach with or to snuggle up under a blanket to read!- Kristen
 
Adult Non Fiction
Clifford of Drummond Island is the wonderful true story of how author Nancy Bailey came to have Clifford, her Morgan horse, in her life. It also brings into play other horses she owns, her German shepherds, and her cats. It is written with much feeling, humor, and honesty. It is a fun, heartfelt read! Kristen
Kinder reconstructs the California Gold rush, followed by the terror of the side-wheel steamer, Central America, during its last days. It is a story of death, danger, pirates, technology, and search of the sunken treasure during the 1980's. Ship of Gold is a historical count of America's richest shipwreck. - Becky


Everyone has either read or watched the movie, The Perfect Storm, well do not stop there! Sea Captain, Linda Greenlaw, tells her own riveting sword fishing story involving her five man crew, savage weather, equipment failure, and the thrill of being a captain in a male dominated profession.- Becky


The Hungry Ocean is followed up with the Lobster Chronicles which is "every bit as honest, funny, scrappy, and authentic". Anyone who loves the sea will enjoy the adventures told in both of Greenlaw's books. -Becky


 
On Friday, Nov 7, as ships left port on their final trips of the season, a deadly atmospheric disturbance was already churning Lake Superior and spreading east. By Sunday night, Lake Huron was battered by winds up to 90 mph, whiteout blizzard conditions, and 35-foot waves. The White Hurricane became the worst Great Lakes storm on record, the product of a meteorological chain of cause and effect that has yet to repeat itself.- Kristen

 

 
The Living Great Lakes by Jerry Dennis is a meticulously researched book about the Great Lakes. It is a very enlightening and interesting history and nature book, portraying the lakes in all their complexity. Also, Jerry Dennis incorporates a six-week voyage through the lakes, and his memories of a lifetime spent on and near the lakes. It is a book of love for the outdoors, and includes stories and facts from biologists, fisherman, and sailors. This is arguably one of the best books on the Great Lakes!- Becky

 

 

 The Sweater Letter written by Dave Distel and his wife, Lynn, is a true crime story which takes place in Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula. A local Ontonagon woman was killed on the final day of deer season in 1992, and it was first thought to be a hunting accident. However, Sgt. Bob Ball of the Michigan State Police was not convinced. He began to interview the victim's family and friend, and started to gather evidence to make an arrest in what appeared to be the perfect crime! The trial is tension-filled and the disturbing prospect of how the jury would deliberate: hunting accident or murder? The story is very intriguing and factual!- Becky


 

Three Weeks With My Brother is Nicholas Sparks's first Non-Fiction book and it is amazing. I was hesitant to read it at first but it gives you so much insight to his life and to the stories behind his best selling novels. It is one of my new must reads! Kristen

Christian Fiction
This is an absolutely delightful read for an Christian Fiction fan! The story is based around a Quaker Preacher and his congregation. It is a laugh out loud novella. You will feel right at home in Harmony! I recommend reading all of Phillip Gulley's Christian works of fiction!- Kristen
The Protector is about a fireman who is the target of an arsonist. He is trying to help track down the arsonist and deal with personal issues involving his family. During the story he in turn falls in love with a fellow firefighter who has been sidelined due to injuries from a previous fire. You will not want to put down this book.- Kristen
 
Coffee Table Books

Seasons of Mackinac captures Mackinac Island in all its splendid beauty. Terry Phipps is an amazing photographer who shows his talent for landscape photography in this new regional pictorial highlighting the colonial island park in all it's glory. Makes you want to plan a vacation to go there right now!- Kristen

I absolutely loved this book. The photography is so unique throughout Abandoned America. They are everyday images that would pass most of us by but when you take the time to really check them out, you can see the beauty in the abandoned areas depicted throughout.- Kristen


Information@Safe Harbor Books