Siri Hustvedt is the internationally bestselling author of WHAT I LOVED and THE SUMMER WITHOUT MEN. Below, she reflects on the influence of her mother, Esther Vegan Hustvedt --- and how the bond between mother and child affects all of us.
The author of several bestsellers, Sandra Dallas knows not to give up when the writing doesn’t flow. She learned this, first and foremost, from her mother --- “giving up wasn’t part of Mom’s makeup.” Though her mother is no longer here to place copies of THE BRIDE’S HOUSEface out on bookstore shelves, Sandra knows that she’s still her biggest fan.
As the author of SEARCHING FOR TINA TURNER, Jacqueline Luckett has established herself as a writer to watch. In the touching post below, she reflects on the strong influence of her mother, who, while not an avid fiction reader herself, cherished Jacqueline’s first novel. Photo: Jacqueline with her mother, Bernice.
Sally Gunning has written three historical novels set in New England; her most recent --- THE REBELLION OF JANE CLARK --- was released last year. Below, her mother shares Sally's first poem, and the authors who shaped her early life.
When Darien Gee’s daughter brought home a bag of Amish Friendship Bread starter, inspiration hit. Soon, Darien wrote and published FRIENDSHIP BREAD, in which the act of passing on this recipe opens doors across a community.
Kat Martin started writing in 1985; she is now the bestselling author of more than 50 Historical and contemporary Romance novels, including her Raines of Wind Canyon series. Today, she thanks her mother, Helen, who shared her dream of writing --- an unfulfilled ambition that led Kat to discover fiction, and explore her own talents.
Sarah Addison Allen is the critically acclaimed author of four spellbinding novels, the latest of which, THE PEACH KEEPER, is now available in bookstores. Below, she pays a moving tribute to her mother --- nose ring and all. Photo: Sarah's mom, Louise.
Bottom photo: Mother and daughter.
Daphne Kalotay is the recipient of multiple writing fellowships and the critically acclaimed author of RUSSIAN WINTER, now available in paperback. Below, she shares a heartfelt story about her mother, Jill Kalotay --- who always knows exactly what to do. Photo: Daphne, right, and mother Jill reading --- What else?
Writing for more than 30 years, Joanna Trollope’s latest book DAUGHTERS-IN-LAWis a straightforward take on our ideas of family. In this ode to her 92-year-old mother, Joanna discusses her mother’s abundant creativity, and how she fostered Joanna’s early love of literature.
Author of many short stories and three novels --- including THE FOUR MS. BRADWELLS released in March --- Meg Waite Clayton is riding a wave of true success. Below, she shares a touching letter of appreciation for the many things her mother has taught her --- from bottom-wiping and packing boxes to self-respect and never losing hope.Photo: Meg and family in their earlier years.
Tell us about the books you’ve finished reading with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars. During the contest period from January 17th to January 31st at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of GOOD DIRT by Charmaine Wilkerson and MORE OR LESS MADDY by Lisa Genova.
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Coming Soon
Curious about what books will be released in the months ahead so you can pre-order or reserve them? Then click on the months below.
January's Books on Screen roundup includes the series premieres of CBS's "Watson" and Netflix's "Missing You"; the season premieres of "Will Trent" on ABC, "When Calls the Heart" on Hallmark Channel, "Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches" on AMC, and "C.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heart" on Max; the season finales of STARZ's "Outlander" and Apple TV+'s "Silo"; the continuation of "Dexter: Original Sin" on Paramount+ and "The Irrational" on NBC; the films Dog Man in theaters and The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription on Hallmark Mystery; and the DVD/Blu-ray releases of The Return, Here and Venom: The Last Dance.