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Peter McWilliams

The simple solution for disappointment depression: Get up and get moving. Physically move. Do. Act. Get going.

Attribution

Peter McWilliams, LIFE 101

Sara Gruen, author of At the Water's Edge

After disgracing themselves at a high society New Year’s Eve party in Philadelphia in 1944, Madeline Hyde and her husband, Ellis, are cut off financially by his father, a former army colonel who is already ashamed of his son’s inability to serve in the war. When Ellis and his best friend, Hank, decide that the only way to regain the Colonel’s favor is to succeed where the Colonel very publicly failed --- by hunting down the famous Loch Ness monster --- Maddie reluctantly follows them across the Atlantic, leaving her sheltered world behind.

Steve Berry, author of The Patriot Threat

Cotton Malone, once a member of an elite intelligence division within the Justice Department known as the Magellan Billet, is now retired and owns an old bookshop in Denmark. But when his former boss asks him to track down a rogue North Korean who may have acquired some top secret Treasury Department files --- the kind that could bring the United States to its knees --- Malone is vaulted into a harrowing 24-hour chase that begins on the canals in Venice and ends in the remote highlands of Croatia.

Editorial Content for The Harder They Come

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Brandon Stickney, who is available at brandonstickney@yahoo.com and on LinkedIn

It’s about time for characters who really kick ass. And only 20-book novelist T.C. Boyle, like the literary legends Terry Southern and Gary Indiana, can deliver folks like white-haired Nam vet Sten Stensen, 151 rum-guzzling Adam “Colter” Stensen, and big-chested horse keeper Lady Sara. Read More

Teaser

On a vacation cruise to Central America with his wife, 70-year-old Sten Stensen unflinchingly kills a gun-wielding robber menacing a busload of senior tourists. The reluctant hero is relieved to return home to Fort Bragg, California, after the ordeal --- only to find that his delusional son, Adam, has spiraled out of control. As Adam's mental state fractures, he becomes increasingly schizophrenic, which leads him to shoot two people. On the run, he takes to the woods, spurring the biggest manhunt in California history.

Promo

On a vacation cruise to Central America with his wife, 70-year-old Sten Stensen unflinchingly kills a gun-wielding robber menacing a busload of senior tourists. The reluctant hero is relieved to return home to Fort Bragg, California, after the ordeal --- only to find that his delusional son, Adam, has spiraled out of control. As Adam's mental state fractures, he becomes increasingly schizophrenic, which leads him to shoot two people. On the run, he takes to the woods, spurring the biggest manhunt in California history.

About the Book

Acclaimed New York Times bestselling author T.C. Boyle makes his Ecco debut with a powerful, gripping novel that explores the roots of violence and anti-authoritarianism inherent in the American character.

Set in contemporary Northern California, THE HARDER THEY COME explores the volatile connections between three damaged people --- an aging ex-Marine and Vietnam veteran, his psychologically unstable son and the son's paranoid, much older lover --- as they careen towards an explosive confrontation.

On a vacation cruise to Central America with his wife, 70-year-old Sten Stensen unflinchingly kills a gun-wielding robber menacing a busload of senior tourists. The reluctant hero is relieved to return home to Fort Bragg, California, after the ordeal --- only to find that his delusional son, Adam, has spiraled out of control.

Adam has become involved with Sara Hovarty Jennings, a hardened member of the Sovereign Citizens’ Movement, right-wing anarchists who refuse to acknowledge the laws and regulations of the state, considering them to be false and non-applicable. Adam’s senior by some 15 years, Sara becomes his protector and inamorata. As Adam's mental state fractures, he becomes increasingly schizophrenic --- a breakdown that leads him to shoot two people in separate instances. On the run, he takes to the woods, spurring the biggest manhunt in California history.

As he explores a father’s legacy of violence and his powerlessness in relating to his equally violent son, T.C. Boyle offers unparalleled psychological insights into the American psyche. Inspired by a true story, THE HARDER THEY COME is a devastating and indelible novel from a modern master.

Editorial Content for A Blink of the Screen: Collected Shorter Fiction

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Roz Shea

Sir Terence David John "Terry" Pratchett, Kt, OBE (28 April 1948 – 12 March 2015) Read More

Teaser

The first career-spanning collection of short fiction by Sir Terry Pratchett --- one of the most beloved and bestselling writers of our time --- A BLINK OF THE SCREEN charts the development of Pratchett’s creative vision throughout his prolific career, from his early writings in school to the dizzy mastery of the phenomenally successful Discworld series. Along the way, we are introduced to the first published pieces from Pratchett’s stint as a young journalist, the experimental stories that originated his later works, and the lyrics to the national anthem of Ankh-Morpork, among other treats.

Promo

The first career-spanning collection of short fiction by Sir Terry Pratchett --- one of the most beloved and bestselling writers of our time --- A BLINK OF THE SCREEN charts the development of Pratchett’s creative vision throughout his prolific career, from his early writings in school to the dizzy mastery of the phenomenally successful Discworld series. Along the way, we are introduced to the first published pieces from Pratchett’s stint as a young journalist, the experimental stories that originated his later works, and the lyrics to the national anthem of Ankh-Morpork, among other treats.

About the Book

The first career-spanning collection of short fiction by Sir Terry Pratchett --- one of the most beloved and bestselling writers of our time --- A BLINK OF THE SCREEN charts the development of Pratchett’s creative vision throughout his prolific career, from his early writings in school to the dizzy mastery of the phenomenally successful Discworld series. Along the way, we are introduced to the first published pieces from Pratchett’s stint as a young journalist, the experimental stories that originated his later works, and the lyrics to the national anthem of Ankh-Morpork, among other treats. Here, readers will find new and unfamiliar characters and fictional worlds alongside well-known ones. They will also find adventure, chickens, death, disco and, actually, some quite disturbing ideas about Christmas, all infused with Pratchett’s inimitable brand of humor and energy.

Editorial Content for Someone Is Watching

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Joe Hartlaub

Come for the mystery when you approach SOMEONE IS WATCHING. Whether it is a stand-alone novel or, perhaps, the first in a new series (more on that in a minute), the book has a primary mystery and a couple of secondary ones rolling around between the covers. And let me say at the outset that, in all probability, you will guess the solution to one or more of the puzzles before the end of the novel. Yes, I got all of them, and during fairly early days. Which brings me to my second suggestion: stay for the characters. Read More

Teaser

While spying on a deadbeat dad in the middle of the night, Bailey Carpenter, a special investigator for a hotshot Miami law firm, is blindsided --- attacked and nearly killed. With the police making no headway in solving her case, she’s determined to overcome her terror and reclaim the power she lost by unmasking her attacker and taking him down herself. But it’s a harrowing battle that threatens to wreck Bailey’s credibility, compromise an investigation, and maybe even claim her sanity.

Promo

While spying on a deadbeat dad in the middle of the night, Bailey Carpenter, a special investigator for a hotshot Miami law firm, is blindsided --- attacked and nearly killed. With the police making no headway in solving her case, she’s determined to overcome her terror and reclaim the power she lost by unmasking her attacker and taking him down herself. But it’s a harrowing battle that threatens to wreck Bailey’s credibility, compromise an investigation, and maybe even claim her sanity.

About the Book

A pulse-pounding thriller perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner and Mary Higgins Clark with a sly nod toward Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film REAR WINDOW, SOMEONE IS WATCHING boasts the extraordinary edge-of-your-seat storytelling of bestselling author Joy Fielding at the height of her powers.
 
As a special investigator for a hotshot Miami law firm, Bailey Carpenter is smart, savvy, and fearless. When she’s assigned to spy on a deadbeat dad in the middle of the night, Bailey thinks nothing of the potential dangers, only that she needs to gather evidence. Then she is blindsided --- attacked and nearly killed.
 
Now the firm grip Bailey once had on her life is shaken. Her nightmares merge into her waking hours and she’s unable to venture beyond her front door without panicking. A veritable prisoner in her own home, Bailey is uncertain whom she can trust. But old habits die hard, and soon Bailey finds a new use for her idle binoculars: casually observing from her window neighboring buildings and other people’s lives. This seemingly harmless diversion becomes a guilty pleasure when Bailey fixates on the handsome guy across the street --- until she realizes that he is also watching her. Suddenly she must confront the terrifying possibility that he may be the man who shattered her life.
 
Though crippled by fear, Bailey knows she can’t ignore her suspicions and risk leaving a predator at large. With the police making no headway in solving her case, she’s determined to overcome her terror and reclaim the power she lost by unmasking her attacker and taking him down herself. But it’s a harrowing battle that threatens to wreck Bailey’s credibility, compromise an investigation, and maybe even claim her sanity.

Editorial Content for The Second Sister

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

L. Dean Murphy

Many bestselling books seem to be material from network news: murder, riots, terrorism, corruption, jets plunging to earth.

Occasionally, though, networks feature uplifting items: amputees running marathons, a child overcoming cancer, Secret Santas paying layaway bills. Such is the case for Marie Bostwick, bestselling author of the Cobbled Court Quilts series and other inspirational fiction. Her novels inspire readers by showing how characters overcome adversity. Read More

Teaser

Years of long workdays and little sleep as a political campaigner are about to pay off now that Lucy Toomey's boss is entering the White House. But when her estranged older sister, Alice, unexpectedly dies, Lucy is drawn back to Nilson's Bay, her small, close-knit, Wisconsin hometown. An accident in her teens left Alice mentally impaired, and she was content to stay in Nilson's Bay. To meet the terms of Alice's eccentric will, Lucy has taken up temporary residence in her sister's cottage --- and begins to see the town, and Alice's life, anew.

Promo

Years of long workdays and little sleep as a political campaigner are about to pay off now that Lucy Toomey's boss is entering the White House. But when her estranged older sister, Alice, unexpectedly dies, Lucy is drawn back to Nilson's Bay, her small, close-knit, Wisconsin hometown. An accident in her teens left Alice mentally impaired, and she was content to stay in Nilson's Bay. To meet the terms of Alice's eccentric will, Lucy has taken up temporary residence in her sister's cottage --- and begins to see the town, and Alice's life, anew.

About the Book

From New York Times bestselling author Marie Bostwick comes an emotionally rich, inspiring new novel about family, second chances --- and the connections that bring women together in hope and healing.

Years of long workdays and little sleep as a political campaigner are about to pay off now that Lucy Toomey's boss is entering the White House. But when her estranged older sister, Alice, unexpectedly dies, Lucy is drawn back to Nilson's Bay, her small, close-knit, Wisconsin hometown.

An accident in her teens left Alice mentally impaired, and she was content to stay in Nilson's Bay. Lucy, meanwhile, got out and never looked back. But now, to meet the terms of Alice's eccentric will, Lucy has taken up temporary residence in her sister's cottage --- and begins to see the town, and Alice's life, anew. Alice's diverse group of friends appears to have little in common besides an interest in quilting. Yet deep affection for Alice united them and soon Lucy, too, is brought into the fold as they share problems and stories. And as she finds warmth and support in this new circle, Lucy begins to understand this will be her sister's enduring gift --- a chance to move beyond her difficult past and find what she has long been missing.

Editorial Content for Crow Fair: Stories

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Stephen Febick

You don’t forget a story like “Motherlode.” It’s the centerpiece of Thomas McGuane’s latest book, CROW FAIR, and rests at its heart between 16 other remarkable tales. “Motherlode” is as wayward a short story as one will come across. It bares the intricacies of a novel-length thriller, with the subtle tone of a Coen brothers film, and in the refined manner only a seasoned author such as McGuane can bring. Read More

Teaser

The ties of family make for uncomfortable binds in Thomas McGuane’s first short story collection in nine years. A devoted son is horrified to discover his mother’s antics before she slipped into dementia. A father’s outdoor skills are no match for an ominous change in the weather. But complications arise equally in the absence of blood, as when lifelong friends on a fishing trip finally confront their deep dislike for each other. Or when a gifted traveling cattle breeder succumbs to the lure of a stranger’s offer of easy money.

Promo

The ties of family make for uncomfortable binds in Thomas McGuane’s first short story collection in nine years. A devoted son is horrified to discover his mother’s antics before she slipped into dementia. A father’s outdoor skills are no match for an ominous change in the weather. But complications arise equally in the absence of blood, as when lifelong friends on a fishing trip finally confront their deep dislike for each other. Or when a gifted traveling cattle breeder succumbs to the lure of a stranger’s offer of easy money.

About the Book

Set in his beloved Big Sky country, these stories attest to the generous compass of Thomas McGuane’s fellow feeling, as well as to his unique way with words and a comic genius in the vein of Twain and Gogol. In this triumphant collection, filled with grace and humor, the ties of family make for uncomfortable binds: A devoted son is horrified to discover his mother’s antics before she slipped into dementia, and a father’s outdoor skills are no match for a change in the weather. But complications arise equally in the absence of blood, as when lifelong friends on a fishing trip finally confront their deep dislike for each other. Or when a gifted traveling cattle breeder succumbs to the lure of a stranger’s offer of easy money. McGuane is as witty and large-hearted as we have ever known him, and CROW FAIR is a jubilant, thunderous confirmation of his status as a modern master.

Editorial Content for Lincoln and the Jews: A History

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Harvey Freedenberg

In this year that marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War, distinguished American Jewish historian Jonathan D. Sarna and collector Benjamin Shapell have produced a gorgeous book on an unlikely subject: the relationship between our 16th president and the Jewish people. The subject is unlikely because, as the authors note, Lincoln probably never met a Jewish person until he had reached early adulthood. Yet, as his career progressed from his first days in Illinois politics until he reached the White House, it intertwined, at key points, with significant numbers of them. Read More

Teaser

One hundred and fifty years after Abraham Lincoln’s death, the full story of his extraordinary relationship with Jews is told here for the first time. LINCOLN AND THE JEWS provides readers both with a captivating narrative of his interactions with Jews, and with the opportunity to immerse themselves in rare manuscripts and images --- many from the Shapell Lincoln Collection --- that show Lincoln in a way he has never been seen before.

Promo

One hundred and fifty years after Abraham Lincoln’s death, the full story of his extraordinary relationship with Jews is told here for the first time. LINCOLN AND THE JEWS provides readers both with a captivating narrative of his interactions with Jews, and with the opportunity to immerse themselves in rare manuscripts and images --- many from the Shapell Lincoln Collection --- that show Lincoln in a way he has never been seen before.

About the Book

One hundred and fifty years after Abraham Lincoln’s death, the full story of his extraordinary relationship with Jews is told here for the first time. LINCOLN AND THE JEWS: A History provides readers both with a captivating narrative of his interactions with Jews, and with the opportunity to immerse themselves in rare manuscripts and images, many from the Shapell Lincoln Collection, that show Lincoln in a way he has never been seen before.

Lincoln’s lifetime coincided with the emergence of Jews on the national scene in the United States. When he was born, in 1809, scarcely 3,000 Jews lived in the entire country. By the time of his assassination in 1865, large-scale immigration, principally from central Europe, had brought that number up to more than 150,000. Many Americans, including members of Lincoln’s cabinet and many of his top generals during the Civil War, were alarmed by this development and treated Jews as second-class citizens and religious outsiders. Lincoln, this book shows, exhibited precisely the opposite tendency. He also expressed a uniquely deep knowledge of the Old Testament, employing its language and concepts in some of his most important writings. He befriended Jews from a young age, promoted Jewish equality, appointed numerous Jews to public office, had Jewish advisors and supporters starting already from the early 1850s, as well as later during his two presidential campaigns, and in response to Jewish sensitivities, even changed the way he thought and spoke about America. Through his actions and his rhetoric --- replacing “Christian nation,” for example, with “this nation under God” --- he embraced Jews as insiders.

In this groundbreaking work, the product of meticulous research, historian Jonathan D. Sarna and collector Benjamin Shapell reveal how Lincoln’s remarkable relationship with American Jews impacted both his path to the presidency and his policy decisions as president. The volume uncovers a new and previously unknown feature of Abraham Lincoln’s life, one that broadened him, and, as a result, broadened America.