Blog
Natasha Solomons is a screenwriter and the author of the New York Times bestseller THE HOUSE AT TYNEFORD. Her upcoming book, THE SONG OF HARTGROVE HALL (which releases on December 29th), is a breathtaking tale of love and treachery, joy after grief, and the never-ending search for redemption --- all set against the backdrop of an English country estate. Natasha’s interest in historical old things extends beyond her fiction and into her real life. Here, she tells the story of an old book of poems, an even older house, and the first Christmas in a home all her own.
On Friday, December 11th, readers and book lovers gathered at Random House for their semi-annual Open House, a wonderful, interactive program that has been held each spring and fall since 2012. This time around, readers were treated to panels featuring some big names in film and publishing, along with a fabulous cocktail party catered by celebrity hostess Mary Giuliani.
Heather Gudenkauf is known for her bestselling fiction, especially when it comes to suspenseful page-turners. Her latest --- available on February 2nd --- is MISSING PIECES, about a woman who uncovers earth-shattering secrets about her husband's family. The mysteries in her own life are a little less sinister, but no less life-changing. About 20 years ago, her fourth-grade students taught her about the charms of St. Nicholas Day. In her blog piece, Heather shares how her family celebrates St. Nick and why the old man can't seem to stop bringing books.
Camilla Läckberg is on a roll. Her taut thrillers are can’t-miss reading; each one is a #1 bestseller in her native Sweden and internationally acclaimed. She wasn’t always an author, though; she worked as an economist in Stockholm until a creative writing course triggered a career change. Camilla may not have started writing until later in her life, but --- as she explains here --- her love of a great story was fostered by her father very early on. Christmas is a time for family and peace, and --- most especially, if you’re anything like Camilla --- uninterrupted true crime reading. Her most recent book, THE DROWNING, released in September.
New York Times bestselling author Chris Bohjalian’s hotly anticipated new book, THE GUEST ROOM --- a story of human trafficking, a party gone horribly wrong, and a marriage in crisis --- will hit bookstores on January 5th. His favorite Christmas novel, Patrick Dennis’ THE JOYOUS SEASON, is a bit more playful; he describes its narrator as “Holden Caulfield with a sense of humor.” In his Holiday Author Blog, Chris examines what draws readers to certain holiday stories --- particularly the more self-aware contemporary ones --- and why it’s important to appreciate both the sacred and the profane.
As a first-generation American born to Afghan immigrants, Nadia Hashimi had a unique experience of Christmas. She grew up in a Muslim home, but her parents were careful to ensure that their children felt included in all traditions, whether inherited, adopted or even invented. Here, Nadia talks about how she celebrated the holidays in her own quiet way, reading books that gave her less traditional gifts: independence, imagination and pride. Her second novel, WHEN THE MOON IS LOW, released this summer.
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.
