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It has been one busy, but really fun, book-filled week.
We kicked it off on Saturday when Wade Rouse and his husband, Gary Edwards, came over for dinner. Wade, who writes under the pen name Viola Shipman (as well as his own), is on tour for FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN. We were lucky enough to get them over to the house after their series of terrific events in Delaware and at the beach in New Jersey in Spring Lake. It was their first trip to New Jersey, and they were impressed! We talked books, a lot, and I am happy to say that my husband kept up. Gary also advised us with plant suggestions for our garden. I made cherry-infused brownies tied into the cherry theme of the book, which got approval from both of them.
Wade is still on tour, and if you have the opportunity to attend one of his programs, do make time for it.
On Tuesday, Lisa Hickman, our Contest Coordinator, joined me for a road trip to Rockville Centre Public Library, where I once again kicked off their summer reading program. I have been a part of this program since 2017. There was a great audience, as always, with many faces I recognized, including Jill Lupski, who is a beloved supporter. She gave me the artwork above, which I am going to hang in my office. I loved the warm welcome from the library team with flowers and a thank you cookie...iced in turquoise, of course!
On Wednesday, Lisa and I headed into the city to catch one of the Bryant Park Summer Reading Room events featuring Lisa See (LADY TAN'S CIRCLE OF WOMEN), Kate White (BETWEEN TWO STRANGERS), Susie Luo (PAPER NAMES), and Adriana Herrera (AN ISLAND PRINCESS STARTS A SCANDAL). It was hosted by actress and podcaster Ilana Levine, whose podcast is “Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine”.
It was a wonderful program, and each author presented her book well (they all sounded terrific). We had a chance to say a quick hi to Lisa, and I was able to take the photo that you see above of the two Lisas, before her team from Scribner whisked her away for lunch. We had met up with Annmarie Puleio at the program; she saved seats for us as she got there early while Lisa and I were trapped in NYC traffic. How I do NOT miss that!!!
We all went out to grab lunch before Lisa and I hightailed it back to New Jersey as I was hosting another Summer Reading program, this time for the Fairfield Public Library, which they hosted both live and remotely. I logged in from home. It was another fun evening of bookish conversation. I have been doing events for them since 2018.
This is your last Weekly Update newsletter reminder to sign up for our special “Bookaccino Live” evening event THIS Wednesday, June 28th at 8pm ET.
We have been curating a list, and I will be presenting a number of books releasing this summer that we think you will enjoy reading over the next few months. You can register for the program by clicking here. And be sure to share the signup link with others who may be interested in attending.
We have a stellar lineup of titles that we look forward to sharing with you --- it will be a PowerPoint presentation with lots of details --- and we are thinking about a clever way to bring them to you!
Right before sending last week’s newsletter, we learned the sad news that Carol Higgins Clark passed away at the age of 66 from appendix cancer. Perhaps best known for her Regan Reilly mysteries, Carol was the daughter of the late Mary Higgins Clark, with whom she coauthored a bestselling holiday suspense series. Also an actress, Carol studied at the Beverly Hills Playhouse and recorded several novels. She received AudioFile’s Earphones Award of Excellence for her reading of her sixth Regan Reilly mystery, JINXED.
I had the pleasure of talking to Carol at many industry events through the years, and she always had a ready smile and a fun story to share. In October 2006, New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle and a flight instructor were killed when their small plane crashed into an Upper East Side building in Manhattan. Her apartment was one floor below the impact and was badly damaged. Luckily, she was not at home at the time of the crash, but when I saw her a few months later, I asked if this was making its way into one of her books. A real-life thriller!
I never had heard of appendix cancer; it is very rare, and Carol had a very rare form of it. She used the clout of her name to share a PSA about it, which you can watch here.
We also are sad to report that romance novelist Julie Garwood has passed away at the age of 78. She was the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including GRACE UNDER FIRE, FAST TRACK, HOTSHOT, SWEET TALK, THE IDEAL MAN, SIZZLE, FIRE AND ICE, SHADOW MUSIC and SHADOW DANCE. One of her most popular books, FOR THE ROSES, was adapted for a Hallmark Hall of Fame production on CBS in 1997. More than 40 million copies of her books are in print, and they have been translated into dozens of languages around the world.
Julie once said, “I want my readers to laugh and cry and fall in love. Basically, I want them to escape into another world for a little while and afterwards to feel as though they’ve been on a great adventure.” Her legions of fans around the world would agree that she successfully fulfilled this goal with each and every book she wrote.
Internationally bestselling author Ruth Ware’s latest work of psychological suspense is the newly released ZERO DAYS. This adrenaline-fueled thriller, which combines Mr. and Mrs. Smith with The Fugitive, is about a woman in a race against time to clear her name and find her husband’s murderer.
Ray Palen has our review and calls the book “an infectious read with terrific plotting and a protagonist you cannot stop rooting for until the end. Personally I would love to see Ruth Ware bring back this character in another story. I was hooked on Jack for good once I found out that her and Gabe’s wedding song was my favorite Talking Heads tune, 'This Must Be the Place.' You cannot find a cooler fictional couple!”
Bestselling author Riley Sager returns with his latest novel, THE ONLY ONE LEFT. This Gothic chiller follows a desperate young caretaker, Kit, who is assigned to work for a woman accused of a Lizzie Borden-like massacre decades earlier that inspired creepy schoolyard songs that carry on to the present day.
Ray Palen has this to say at the end of his review: “It is hard to continue discussing this great work without giving away things that should be left as unopened surprises for the reader. Let me just stay that more murders, plot twists and red herrings will enter the fray before the explosive ending and final reveal. THE ONLY ONE LEFT, a title that clearly speaks to Lenora Hope, is yet another classic from Riley Sager and will have his countless fans reeling and squealing in delight with each passing chapter.”
Other books we’re reviewing this week include:
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THE SPARE ROOM: Staying with a friend and her husband is sexier --- and deadlier --- than anyone could imagine in this provocative domestic suspense from Andrea Bartz, the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese’s Book Club pick WE WERE NEVER HERE.
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THE BRIGHTEST STAR: Gail Tsukiyama, the beloved author of THE COLOR OF AIR, A HUNDRED FLOWERS and THE STREET OF A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS, returns with a historical novel based on the life of the luminous, groundbreaking actress Anna May Wong --- the first and only Asian American woman to gain movie stardom in the early days of Hollywood.
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THE LONG WAY BACK: When an Instagram-famous teenager mysteriously disappears, her mother grapples with the revelation of dark secrets in this twisty thriller from Nicole Baart, the author of such novels as LITTLE BROKEN THINGS, YOU WERE ALWAYS MINE and EVERYTHING WE DIDN'T SAY.
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EVERYTHING’S FINE: Cecilia Rabess’ debut novel introduces readers to Jess, who is less than thrilled to learn on her first day at Goldman Sachs that she’ll be on the same team as Josh, her white, conservative sparring partner from college. But when Jess finds herself the sole Black woman on the floor, it’s Josh who shows up for her in surprising ways.
I’m Betting You’ll Love…
My latest Bookreporter.com Bets On picks are the aforementioned LADY TAN’S CIRCLE OF WOMEN by Lisa See and THE HOUSE OF LINCOLN by Nancy Horan, a recent Historical Fiction Author Spotlight title. Click on each of the titles to see why I’m betting you’ll love these books. If you missed my interviews with Lisa and Nancy, be sure to check them out below.
Summer Reading Update
In this week’s Summer Reading contest, we gave away THE FAVOR by Adele Griffin. Next week’s prizes will be BANYAN MOON by Thao Thai (which we will review next week and was just announced this week as July's “Read with Jenna” Today Show Book Club pick) and CUTTING TEETH by Chandler Baker (which releases on July 18th). The first contest of the week will go live on Monday, June 26th at noon ET.
Announcing Our Father’s Day Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of our Father’s Day contest! Five lucky readers --- Gail E. from Frederick, MD; Linda D. from Decatur, IL; Paul C. from Livonia, MI; Robert D. from Shallotte, NC; and Suzanne T. from Durant, IA --- will receive all six of our featured titles. I mailed these books last Saturday, so all the winners should be receiving their prizes shortly!
Enter Our New Word of Mouth Contest
We have a new Word of Mouth contest to tell you about. Let us know by Friday, July 14th at noon ET what books you’ve read, and you’ll have a chance to win THE BEACH AT SUMMERLY by Beatriz Williams and THE FIRST LADIES by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, the latter of which we will review next week.
Vote in Our New Poll --- and Check Out Results from the Last Poll
When you go on vacation, what do you do about books? Do you bring them with you, purchase them along the way, or do you not read books on vacation? That’s the subject of our latest poll; click here to cast your votes by Friday, July 14th at noon ET.
In our previous poll, we listed 35 fiction titles that are releasing this month and asked which of them, if any, you are looking forward to reading. Here are your top five picks: LADY TAN'S CIRCLE OF WOMEN by Lisa See (51%), THE PARIS DAUGHTER by Kristin Harmel (42%), THE SPECTACULAR by Fiona Davis (40%), THE HOUSE OF LINCOLN by Nancy Horan (36%), and ZERO DAYS by Ruth Ware (35%). Click here for all the results.
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
Becky wrote, “Thank you for the copy of FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN! It was a fun read! I reviewed it on Instagram, Goodreads and Barnes & Noble.” Becky, I am glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for reviewing it!
Linda wrote this about winning one of our Father’s Day prize packages: “I was so excited to see a box on my front porch today, and I was even more excited to find six books inside! Thank you for the Father's Day Contest prize! Two family members and I quickly called dibs on three of the books, and my book group is expecting me to start sharing the books with them next week! I love your site and this prize!” Linda, I love that you shared your prize.
Joyce wrote, “Thanks as always for all the info you provide. I would like to add that NPR did a nice piece on Cormac McCarthy on the day he passed. It was mentioned that his real name was Charles. He changed it because he did not want to be associated with Edgar Bergen’s dummy!” I can see why!
Paul Simon: He will be on “CBS News Sunday Morning” this Sunday at 9am ET. I will drag my usual sleepy Sunday self out of bed to watch this, but I will have DVR backup ready!
“Break Point” on Netflix: New episodes (6-10) are available now. I am looking forward to watching them.
“Arnold” on Netflix: Ah, when one can narrate his own life.
“And Just Like That...” on Max: Season two is no improvement over season one; in fact, it may be worse. Yep, I watched the first two new episodes.
This weekend, we are invited to a pool party at a friend’s house. Candace is a big reader, and I think we have the perfect present for her --- an outdoor reading light that my husband designed! The weather looks dicey, but we are up for ducking under tents to celebrate summer. Beyond this, I am looking forward to doing a ton of reading. Construction outside is finished, and while there still are some finishing touches that need to be done, I can sit back, relax and read. This means it will rain for a week!
On Monday I am headed to Avalon, NJ, where I will be presenting Summer Reading at the Avalon Free Public Library at 6pm (I have been doing this program since 2017) and staying once again with my longtime friend, Beverley. That afternoon, I am looking forward to catching up with Lisa again, as well as my friends from the Avalon area. I met them more than a decade ago when we used to host Speed Dating live at BookExpo. They all volunteered to help with the setup for that program, which needed a speedy coordinated effort. I can hear how the book talk will be flying at lunch as we catch up. My husband will hang out with Beverley’s husband to talk golf and cars while we talk books. To each his own.
Read on, and have a great week.
Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)
P.S. For those of you who shop online, if you use the store links that appear on our site for shopping, Bookreporter.com gets a small affiliate fee on your purchases from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and IndieBound. As you read our reviews and features, we would appreciate your considering this as you buy!
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Featured Review: ZERO DAYS by Ruth Ware
ZERO DAYS by Ruth Ware (Psychological Thriller/Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Imogen Church
Hired by companies to break into buildings and hack security systems, Jack and her husband, Gabe, are the best penetration specialists in the business. But after a routine assignment goes horribly wrong, Jack arrives home to find her husband dead. To add to her horror, the police are closing in on their suspect --- Jack. Suddenly on the run and quickly running out of options, Jack must decide who she can trust as she circles closer to the real killer. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: THE ONLY ONE LEFT by Riley Sager
THE ONLY ONE LEFT by Riley Sager (Gothic Thriller/Horror)
Audiobook available, read by Dawn Harvey and Christine Lakin
The Hope family murders shocked the Maine coast one bloody night in 1929. While most people assume 17-year-old Lenora was responsible, the police were never able to prove it. Lenora has never spoken publicly about that night, nor has she set foot outside Hope’s End, the cliffside mansion where the massacre occurred. It’s now 1983, and home-health aide Kit McDeere arrives at a decaying Hope’s End to care for Lenora. Confined to a wheelchair, Lenora was rendered mute by a series of strokes and can only communicate with Kit by tapping out sentences on an old typewriter. One night, Lenora uses it to make a tantalizing offer: I want to tell you everything. As Kit helps Lenora write about the events leading to the Hope family massacre, it becomes clear there’s more to the tale than people know. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: THE SPARE ROOM by Andrea Bartz
THE SPARE ROOM by Andrea Bartz (Domestic Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Brittany Pressley
Kelly’s new life in Philadelphia has turned into a nightmare. The only bright spot is her newly rekindled friendship with her childhood friend, Sabrina --- now a glamorous bestselling author with a handsome, high-powered husband. When Sabrina and Nathan offer Kelly an escape hatch, volunteering the spare room of their remote Virginia mansion, she jumps at the chance to run away from her old life. There, Kelly secretly finds herself falling for both her enchanting hosts --- until one night, a wild and unexpected threesome leads the couple to open their marriage for her. At first, Kelly loves being part of this risqué new world. But when she discovers that the last woman they invited into their marriage is missing, she starts to wonder if they could be dangerous…and if she might be next. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here for the discussion guide on ReadingGroupGuides.com.
Click here to read our review.
Bookreporter.com Bets On:
LADY TAN’S CIRCLE OF WOMEN by Lisa See
and THE HOUSE OF LINCOLN by Nancy Horan
LADY TAN'S CIRCLE OF WOMEN by Lisa See (Historical Fiction)
I still remember where I was in 2005 when I read SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN. Having read all of Lisa See’s historical novels, as well as her memoir, ON GOLD MOUNTAIN, I am happy to report that LADY TAN’S CIRCLE OF WOMEN is her best book to date. The story is completely absorbing from page one. Honestly, if you told me that I would have interest in a woman who was practicing medicine in the 15th century, I would doubt you. But Lisa vividly weaves a story of the esteemed families of the time --- and those who surround them --- sharing details that had me feeling like I was inside the gates of these palatial homes.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here for the discussion guide on ReadingGroupGuides.com.
- Click here to watch Carol's "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Lisa See.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
- Click here to visit Lisa See's website.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary on
LADY TAN'S CIRCLE OF WOMEN.
THE HOUSE OF LINCOLN by Nancy Horan (Historical Fiction)
THE HOUSE OF LINCOLN is Nancy Horan’s first book since 2014. Having grown up in Springfield, Illinois, Nancy was quite familiar with Abraham Lincoln’s influence on the country, especially on that part of the state. The more she read and explored, the more she wanted to bring to life not just the man, but also the time in which he lived --- a time that was fraught with racial divide.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review.
- Click here to watch Carol's "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Nancy Horan.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary on THE HOUSE OF LINCOLN.
Featured Review:
THE BRIGHTEST STAR by Gail Tsukiyama
THE BRIGHTEST STAR by Gail Tsukiyama (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Cindy Kay
At the dawn of a new century, America is falling in love with silent movies, including young Wong Liu Tsong. By 11, Wong Liu is determined to become an actress and already has chosen a stage name: Anna May Wong. At 16, Anna May leaves high school to pursue her Hollywood dreams, defying her disapproving father and her Chinese traditional upbringing. After a series of nothing parts, 19-year-old Anna May gets her big break --- and her first taste of Hollywood fame --- starring opposite Douglas Fairbanks in The Thief of Bagdad. Yet her beauty and talent isn’t enough to overcome the racism that relegates her to supporting roles. Though she suffers professionally and personally, Anna May fights to win lead roles, accept risqué parts, financially support her family, and keep her illicit love affairs hidden. Reviewed by Sam Johnson.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: THE LONG WAY BACK by Nicole Baart
THE LONG WAY BACK by Nicole Baart (Domestic Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Cassandra Campbell and Rebekkah Ross
Mother and daughter Charlie and Eva never sought social media fame, but when a stunning photo of Eva went viral, fame found them. Now, after more than two years documenting life on the road, the duo has temporarily settled on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Eva is happily finishing her senior year of high school and applying to college, but Charlie longs for the adventures they left behind. When Eva goes missing less than a week before her graduation, it’s Charlie who is immediately suspected of foul play --- not just by their fans, but also by the police and the FBI. As a fight about one more road trip comes to light, and the truth about their relationship is questioned, Charlie realizes the rosy facade they portrayed online hid a complicated and potentially dangerous reality. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: EVERYTHING’S FINE by Cecilia Rabess
EVERYTHING'S FINE by Cecilia Rabess (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Denée Benton
On Jess’ first day at Goldman Sachs, she’s less than thrilled to learn she’ll be on the same team as Josh, her white, conservative sparring partner from college. But when Jess finds herself the sole Black woman on the floor, overlooked and underestimated, it’s Josh who shows up for her in surprising --- if imperfect --- ways. Before long, an unlikely friendship forms between the two that gradually turns into an electrifying romance. Despite their differences, the force of their attraction propels the relationship forward, and Jess begins to question if it’s more important to be happy than right. But then it’s 2016, and the cultural and political landscape shifts underneath them. And Jess is forced to ask herself what she’s willing to compromise for love and if, in fact, everything’s fine. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here for the discussion guide on ReadingGroupGuides.com.
Click here to read our review.
Bookreporter.com's 19th Annual
Summer Reading Contests and Feature
Summer is here! At Bookreporter.com, this means it's time for us to share some great summer book picks with our Summer Reading Contests and Feature. We are hosting a series of 24-hour contests for these titles on select days throughout the summer, so you will have to check the site each day to see the featured prize book and enter to win. We also are sending a special newsletter to announce the day's title, which you can sign up for here.
Our next prize book will be announced on Monday, June 26th at noon ET.
This year’s featured titles are:
Click here to read all the contest details
and learn more about our featured titles.
THE PUZZLE MASTER by Danielle Trussoni (Supernatural/Literary Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Edoardo Ballerini
Once a promising Midwestern football star, Mike Brink was transformed by a traumatic brain injury that caused a rare medical condition: acquired savant syndrome. The injury left him with a mental superpower --- he can solve puzzles in ways ordinary people can’t. But it also left him deeply isolated. Everything changes after Brink meets Jess Price, a woman serving 30 years in prison for murder who hasn’t spoken a word since her arrest five years before. When Price draws a perplexing puzzle, her psychiatrist believes it will explain her crime and calls Brink to solve it. What begins as a desire to crack an alluring cipher quickly morphs into an obsession with Price herself. She soon reveals that there is something more urgent and dangerous, behind her silence, thrusting Brink into a hunt for the truth. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.
NIGHT WILL FIND YOU by Julia Heaberlin (Psychological Thriller/Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Karissa Vacker
Vivvy Bouchet, daughter of a known psychic, was 10 when she saved a boy’s life by making an impossible prediction. Now she’s an astrophysicist in Texas, devoted to science, but the boy she saved has become a cop who continues to believe she can see things no one else can. When he begs for help on the high-profile cold case of a kidnapped girl, Vivvy steps back into the ocean of voices that once nearly drowned her. She is forced to team up with detective Jesse Sharp, a skeptic of anything but fact. When Vivvy becomes the target of a conspiracy theorist podcaster, she fights back with both her scientific mind and her inexplicable gifts, hoping to lure a kidnapper, find a child who haunts her, and lay some of her own ghosts to rest. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND by Craig Russell (Historical Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Kirsten Potter
1927: Mary Rourke --- a Hollywood studio fixer --- is called urgently to the palatial home of Norma Carlton, one of the most recognizable stars in American silent film. Norma has been working on the secret film everyone is openly talking about: a terrifying horror picture called The Devil’s Playground that is rumored to have unleashed a curse on everyone involved in the production. Mary finds Norma’s cold, dead body, and she wonders for just a moment if these dark rumors could be true. 1967: Paul Conway, a journalist and self-professed film aficionado, is on the trail of a tantalizing rumor. He has heard that a single copy of The Devil’s Playground may exist. He knows his Hollywood history, and he knows the film endured myriad tragedies and ended up lost to time. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
GEORGE: A Magpie Memoir by Frieda Hughes (Memoir)
Audiobook available, read by Frieda Hughes
When Frieda Hughes moved to the depths of the Welsh countryside, she was expecting to take on a few projects: planting a garden, painting, writing her poetry column for The Times (London), and possibly even breathing new life into her ailing marriage. But instead, she found herself rescuing a baby magpie, the sole survivor of a nest destroyed in a storm --- and embarking on an obsession that would change the course of her life. As the magpie, George, grows from a shrieking scrap of feathers and bones into an intelligent, unruly companion, Frieda finds herself captivated --- and apprehensive of what will happen when the time comes to finally set him free. Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott.
THE BOOK OF PET LOVE AND LOSS: Words of Comfort and Wisdom from Remarkable People by Sara Bader (Self-Help/Quotations)
An animal’s love is deep, uncomplicated, unconditional and forgiving. Our lives are intricately intertwined with our pets, and together, over time, we establish rituals that are as steady as a metronome. It’s no wonder that the grief is crushing when they depart. Even those who’ve had time to prepare describe feeling stunned, devastated and cracked in two. THE BOOK OF PET LOVE AND LOSS is a collection of quotations --- poignant thoughts and memories discovered in letters, journals, diaries, memoirs and other original sources --- from beloved cultural figures who understood this singular experience so deeply, they felt compelled to write about it. Their comforting and wise words are what every animal lover needs on this journey of heartbreak and healing. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
THE TAO OF SELF-CONFIDENCE: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within by Sheena Yap Chan (Self-Help/Leadership)
In 2021, women represented 54.3% of the US workforce but only held 35% of senior leadership positions. Of that percentage, only 2.7% of Asian women were seen in management roles. While there have been great leaps for women in the workplace in the last decade, women of color still fall behind. THE TAO OF SELF-CONFIDENCE sets a foundation to help Asian women start being seen as leaders in work and life rather than by our stereotypes. In this book, you'll read about getting to the root causes of what's holding you back and stepping into your greatness; cultural and historical issues that affect our leadership potential; and finding and gaining more confidence as your authentic self. Reviewed by Roberta O'Hara.
THE GAME SHE PLAYS by Siena Sterling (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Caitlin Kelly
To everyone else it was “just” a weekend house party. But for American Nicola Harris, swept off her feet by aristocratic Englishman James Shuttleworth, the weekend is her first chance to penetrate his close-knit circle of posh friends. She is eager to fit in, but she can’t seem to navigate this insular world. Just as she begins to feel welcome, Juliet arrives. Mysterious, stunning, charismatic Juliet is also James’ first love. Although it seems she can do no wrong, outsider Nicola senses something poisonous in her presence, something that sparks insecurity, jealousy, betrayal and violence. Because Juliet is a champion game player, able to lure you into her circle by finding your most vulnerable spot. And when the game she plays turns deadly, everyone is a suspect. Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin.
Next Week's Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on June 27th
Below are some notable titles releasing on June 27th that we would like to make you aware of. We will have more on many of these books in the weeks to come. For a list of additional hardcovers and paperbacks available the week of June 26th, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
THE 9th MAN: A Luke Daniels Thriller by Steve Berry with Grant Blackwood (Thriller/Adventure)
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Cotton Malone series comes a thrilling, action-packed historical adventure that sends Luke Daniels on an international manhunt for the truth about the assassination of President John Kennedy.
THE ART THIEF: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkel (True Crime)
In this spellbinding portrait of obsession and flawed genius, the bestselling author of THE STRANGER IN THE WOODS brings us into Stéphane Breitwieser’s strange world. Unlike most thieves, he never stole for money, keeping all his treasures in a single room where he could admire them.
BANYAN MOON by Thao Thai (Fiction)
This sweeping, evocative debut novel follows three generations of Vietnamese American women reeling from the death of their matriarch, revealing the family’s inherited burdens, buried secrets and unlikely love stories.
THE BEACH AT SUMMERLY by Beatriz Williams (Historical Fiction)
This ravishing summer read from New York Times bestselling author Beatriz Williams sweeps readers back to a mid-century New England rich with secrets and Cold War intrigue.
THE FIRST LADIES by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (Historical Fiction)
THE FIRST LADIES is a novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune --- an unlikely friendship that changed the world.
LITTLE MONSTERS by Adrienne Brodeur (Fiction)
From the author of the bestselling memoir WILD GAME comes a riveting novel about Cape Cod, complicated families and long-buried secrets --- for fans of the New York Times bestsellers THE PAPER PALACE and ASK AGAIN, YES.
PALAZZO by Danielle Steel (Fiction)
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel comes a stirring novel about the legacies that families inherit, create and carry on.
SAVE WHAT'S LEFT by Elizabeth Castellano (Fiction/Humor)
This outrageously funny debut novel is about a woman who moves to a small beach town looking for peace, only to find herself in an all-out war with her neighbors.
THE WIFE APP by Carolyn Mackler (Fiction/Humor)
Three best friends decide they’re finally done with their ex-husbands taking their work as wives and moms for granted. They’re ready to monetize the mental load, stick it to their exes and have a wild ride in the process.
Click here to see the latest "On Sale This Week" newsletter.
From left to right: Carolyn Mackler, Steve Berry, Beatriz Williams
Upcoming Virtual Book and Author Events
Here are six upcoming virtual book and author events that you may be interested in attending. Click on the links for more info and to register.
Monday, June 26th at 9pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Steve Berry and Grant Blackwood will discuss their new book, THE 9th MAN, a thrilling, action-packed historical adventure that sends Luke Daniels on an international manhunt for the truth about the assassination of President John Kennedy.
Tuesday, June 27th at 1pm ET: Simon & Schuster's Book Club Favorites: Lisa See will join members of the Simon & Schuster team to discuss her latest novel, LADY TAN'S CIRCLE OF WOMEN, which is June's pick for S&S's Book Club Favorites.
Wednesday, June 28th at 7pm ET: "Friends and Fiction": The "Friends and Fiction" authors --- Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Kristy Woodson Harvey and Patti Callahan Henry --- will talk to Annabel Monaghan about her latest novel, SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER. Appearing on the Aftershow will be Mary Hollis Huddleston and Asher Fogle Paul, whose new book is PIECE OF CAKE.
Wednesday, June 28th at 8pm ET: A Special "Bookaccino Live" Evening Program: Carol Fitzgerald will present a number of titles releasing this summer that we think you will enjoy reading over the next few months. She will share a PowerPoint presentation similar to the book preview event that we do on the second Wednesday of each month for “Bookaccino Live.”
Wednesday, June 28th at 9pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: New York Times bestselling author Beatriz Williams will talk about her latest novel, THE BEACH AT SUMMERLY, a ravishing summer read that takes readers back to a mid-century New England rich with secrets and Cold War intrigue.
Thursday, June 29th at 7pm ET: Books & Books at the Studios: Books & Books at the Studios is excited to welcome author Carolyn Mackler virtually to the store as she discusses her debut adult novel, THE WIFE APP, with store co-founder and author Judy Blume.
"Bookreporter Talks To" Videos & Podcasts
“Bookreporter Talks To” is a video and podcast series that delivers a long-form, in-depth author interview every week. For years, Carol has moderated book festivals and author events around the country. But we know that readers often do not live where they can attend an author event. Our goal is to bring these author interviews to readers, wherever they may be. Watch on video, or listen as a podcast. (The podcasts include audio excerpts.)
Here are our latest interviews:
Other authors we've interviewed include:
Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.
Our Latest Poll: Taking Books on Vacation
When you go on vacation, what do you do about books? Please check all that apply.
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I bring physical books (hardcovers or paperbacks).
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I download books to an eReader.
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I bring physical audiobooks.
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I download audiobooks.
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I borrow books from the library.
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I buy books while on vacation.
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I do not read books when I go on vacation.
Click here to vote in the poll by Friday, July 14th at noon ET.
Word of Mouth Contest: Tell Us What
You're Reading --- and You Can Win Two Books!
Tell us about the books you’ve read with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars. During the contest period from June 23rd to July 14th at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of THE BEACH AT SUMMERLY by Beatriz Williams and THE FIRST LADIES by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.
To make sure other readers will be able to find the books you write about, please include the full title and correct author names (your entry must include these to be eligible to win). For rules and guidelines, click here.
- To see reader comments from previous contest periods, click here.
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