The perfect book to read on a rainy day, according to Hilton Head librarians
Few things in life pair better than sitting by a window with a good book and listening the sound of rain pattering gently outside.
With stormy afternoons forecasted for the Hilton Head area throughout the week, it’s the perfect time to grab a cup of tea and curl up with one of these books recommended by Hilton Head librarians.
Eternal by Lisa Scottoline
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Recommended by: Mary Ann Bilazzo, Assistant Librarian
Set in Rome during World War II, this heart-wrenching novel revolves around three young lovers entangled in a love triangle whose lives begin to change as anti-semitism and fascism take root in Italy under the control of Benito Mussolini.
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended by: Mary Ann Bilazzo, Assistant Librarian
Another historical fiction pick from Mary Ann Bilazzo, The Four Winds explores the struggles of a poor Texas family during the Dust Bowl.
Max on Life by Max Lucado
Genre: Christianity, Q&A, Self-Help, Inspirational
Recommended by: Assistant Librarian Leah Legaspi
For an easy, uplifting read, library assistant Leah Legaspi recommends by Christian author and pastor Max Lucado.
In his book Max on Life, Lucado responds to questions of life such as, “Why am I here?” “Why won’t God answer my prayers?” and “What happens after we die?”
The pastor offers thoughtful advice on everything from tackling family challenges to dealing with grief and finding hope.
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Humor, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Recommended by: Victoria Davis, Library Assistant
Looking for “a good distraction?” Dungeon Crawler Carl follows Coast Guard Veteran Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat Princess Donut as they try to survive an intergalactic game show where aliens have turned Earth into a massive dungeon crawl.
Nora Goes off Script by Annabel Monaghan
Genre: Romance
Recommended by: Emma Maines, Information Services Librarian
Nora Goes Off Script is the perfect “comfort read,” according to Information Services Librarian Emma Maines.
The book centers on the romance between Nora Hamilton, a recently divorced screenwriter, and Leo Vance, the troublesome actor cast as the leading man in Nora’s film.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended by: Emma Maines, Information Services Librarian
Transport yourself to the magical world of faeries with this book, which Maines recommends this book even for readers that don’t typically like fantasy.
Set in an alternate 1909, the book follows the misadventures of Cambridge professor Emily Wilde, a frumpy academic who’s an expert on the study of fairies, but not so good with people. When she embarks on a trip to Norway study fairies, she meets her worst enemy: charismatic, personable, yet lazy and incredibly frustrating professor Wendell Bambleby.
Project Hail Mary by Andrew Weir
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended by: Emma Maines, Information Services Librarian
By the author of The Martian, this science fiction novel takes place in our world in a near future. A science teacher awakes from a coma on a spaceship, with no memory of who he is or where he is. Millions of miles from home, he must piece together his fuzzy memories and find a way to reverse a solar dimming event that could mean the end of humanity.
The novel is being adapted into a film starring Ryan Gosling, set for release on March 20, 2026.
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Murder Mystery
Recommended by: Emma Maines, Information Services Librarian
The first of a series of Sherlock-Holmes-esque mystery novels set in the fantastical Empire of Khanum, The Tainted Cup features eccentric detective Ana Dolabra and her assistant Dinios Kol, as they investigate the unusual murder of a high-ranking Imperial officer.
The First Gentleman by James Patterson and Bill Clinton
Genre: Thriller
Recommended by: Susan Moore, Library Circulation Manager
Prolific American author James Patterson, known for his heart-pumping thriller novels, pairs up with former president Bill Clinton for this political thriller. In The First Gentleman, a female U.S. President is thrust into crisis when her husband becomes the prime suspect in a seventeen-year old murder.
This story was originally published July 13, 2025 at 8:00 AM.
