Blog
Archives - December 2015
Blogger Merissa Alink is deeply committed to “making the most of what you have.” She shares that philosophy through her writing on her wildly popular blog, “Little House Living,” which is now available as a motivational homemaking book, also and aptly called LITTLE HOUSE LIVING. Merissa is known for her no-frills practicality and DIY charm, so it comes as no surprise that she applies the same straightforward wisdom to her holiday traditions. Here, she shares her gifting formula for guaranteed success and joy to all --- including the gift givers.
An architect by profession, Charles Belfoure is also the author of the nationally bestselling THE PARIS ARCHITECT, as well as several architectural histories. In his second novel, HOUSE OF THIEVES, an esteemed architect is blackmailed into a life of crime --- and finds it more thrilling than he’d imagined. Lucky for readers, Belfoure has turned to a life of writing instead, and here, with his singular wry wit, he reveals his essential holiday reading list. No saccharine sentiment here...just plenty of irreverent entertainment for the whole family!
Mary Kubica is the New York Times bestselling author of THE GOOD GIRL and, more recently, PRETTY BABY, both nailbiters about the things that hold families together…and the things that tear them apart. Fortunately, in her real life, it seems that she’s more familiar with the former, particularly when it comes to beloved holiday traditions. Here, she talks about the magic of reading with her kids (and watching them read), always, but especially during this enchanted time of year.
Paula McLain, the bestselling author of THE PARIS WIFE and CIRCLING THE SUN, knows a thing or two about riveting historical fiction. So at first glance, it’s a bit surprising that her favorite holiday tale is an old-fashioned poem by Clement Clarke Moore. Upon closer examination, though, the outdated ode lends itself beautifully to a unique family tradition --- and sometimes nothing is lovelier during the holidays than the rituals of memory-making.
Robert Daniels is a clinical psychologist whose debut novel, ONCE SHADOWS FALL, releases on December 8th. His gripping new thriller is about Atlanta PD Detective Beth Sturgis, who teams up with reclusive former FBI agent Jack Kale in order to track a dangerous serial killer. Robert almost didn’t finish the manuscript, until, on the anniversary of his wife’s death, a miraculous accident reminded him of a promise he’d made to her. His book is a reminder of her faith in him, and of the strange and beautiful ways lost loved ones can still have an impact on our lives.
London-based author Ruth Ware’s debut novel, IN A DARK, DARK WOOD, is about a bachelorette party weekend gone horribly, horribly awry. Considering her own book is a fast-paced thriller, it’s surprising to learn that her favorite Christmas story is rather plotless and idyllic. Here, she talks about LUCY AND TOM’S CHRISTMAS, the picture book she loved so much, and the miraculous coincidence that brought it back into her life.
As a former fashion executive, C. W. Gortner has a unique talent for bringing a certain panache to his bestselling historical fiction. His upcoming book, THE VATICAN PRINCESS --- which releases on February 9th --- is set in Renaissance Italy and tells the story of the much-vilified Lucrezia Borgia, beloved daughter of the pope, who was at the center of her glamorous, predatory family’s ambitions. Here, C. W. tells a tale set in more recent history --- of the Christmases of his boyhood in southern Spain, of his family’s beautiful traditions, and of the delightful way his father always made sure his son received the gift he wanted.
Edgar Award-winning thriller author Stefanie Pintoff knows how to keep readers on the edge of their seats. HOSTAGE TAKER is the first in her electrifying new series about whip-smart FBI agent Eve Rossi, and is set at St. Patrick’s Cathedral within 24 hours of the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting that takes place across the street (tonight!). In her Holiday Author Blog, Stefanie recalls the holiday season not long ago --- Y2K, and thrilling in its own right --- when she was introduced to the books that would inspire her to write thrillers…and learned to appreciate the luxury of time to read.
We’re psyched to kick off this year’s Holiday Author Blog series with Elisabeth Egan, the books editor at Glamour whose debut novel released earlier this year to rave reviews. A WINDOW OPENS is about the real-life stresses of balancing a career with motherhood --- an act that becomes ever more precarious around the holidays. Fortunately, Elisabeth has a few tricks up her sleeve, including buying gifts that are easy to wrap. And what’s easier to wrap --- and relish --- than a great book?
