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June 8, 2012

Bookreporter.com Newsletter June 8, 2012
Miles of Aisles of Books!

I wish that I had worn a pedometer this week when I walked around BookExpo America (BEA)! It literally was miles of aisles of walking to see books --- and authors. Yesterday was the only time I had to stroll the floor to see “everything.” In summing up what happens at BEA, three times Greg and I headed towards one booth that we wanted to visit and got sidetracked, and only today did I realize that I never made it there. This week has been all about discovering gems you can't wait to read and talking about old favorites. You start out with one plan and then something else catches your eye. It was a really informative and eventful few days, and I have stacks of notes to review to line up what's going to be a stellar fall/winter of reading. Not to mention summer!

There were some kismet reader moments too, running into our newsletter subscribers on the floor and in various meeting rooms. Most often, I was recognized by what I was wearing; yes, it was turquoise. A few times, Greg was with me as well, and it was fun introducing him to readers, who in his words “remembered far more about him than he would have expected.” There were many, many highlights these past few days, and the entire staff took reams of notes on books we will be featuring and anecdotes to share in the weeks and months to come. Many of the big author presentations will be available via streaming from the BEA website, which you can access here.

Also, we have something else special to share. This year, a special eBook called Buzz Books 2012 was created with exclusive excerpts from over 30 highly-anticipated books from the fall/winter 2012 publishing season that you can download and read for free right now. Consider this a great way to get a taste of what’s to come in the months ahead. Click here for details on how you can download new work from Junot Díaz, Mark Helprin, Rhoda Janzen, Barbara Kingsolver, Dennis Lehane, J.R. Moehringer, Neil Young, and other well-known authors.

BEA also means there is a week-long stretch of really fabulous and fun parties, which bring even more opportunity for book-themed conversation. Often these events are a string of hi, hi, hi's and lots of laughs and smiles. Caught doing that with me above is Dorothea Benton Frank, whose book PORCH LIGHTS will be out on Tuesday, June 12th.

In the midst of the BEA book lovefest came word that Ray Bradbury had died. I had the pleasure of seeing Bradbury speak twice: the first time in Spring 2007 at the Los Angeles Times Book Festival, which you can read more about here, and the second time at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2009, which I wrote about here. We immediately reached out to our brilliant science fiction/fantasy reviewer, Steve Hubbard, who wrote a poignant and beautful tribute to Bradbury where he noted a coincidence that happened this week that many may have missed. I remember that Bradbury wanted to be buried on Mars and so hoped that space travel would be available for him to make that happen. We lost one talented and charismatic author this week; I treasure that I got to meet him.

Also, more than a decade ago, when another division of our company built his website, there was a video shoot at his home. Look at this page to enjoy those. Note you will need to have Quicktime downloaded to view them.

Back on earth, it's time to bring out the Cheerwine to toast Mary Kay Andrews on the publication of SPRING FEVER, which is a completely delightful summer read and a Women's Fiction Author Spotlight title here at Bookreporter.com. In it, Annajane thinks she's over her ex-husband, Mason. But when she attends his wedding, everything changes, and she realizes she might want him back. Reviewer Jamie Layton says, "Suffice it to say that with the first day of summer looming, and a beach chair or hammock beckoning, there’s no better way to get your summer reading started than by catching a little Spring Fever. You’ll be lost at the first chapter and probably won’t look up again until you finish, having thoroughly enjoyed the escape provided by this excellent summer read..."We also have an interview with Mary Kay, where she shares her thoughts on marriage, friendship and commitment, and reveals one of her favorite Southern treats.

I have TWO Bookreporter.com Bets On selections to share this week, and I am wild about BOTH!

First we have THE CHAPERONE by Laura Moriarty. Only a few years before becoming a famous actress and an icon for her generation, a 15-year-old Louise Brooks left Wichita to make it big in New York. Much to her annoyance, she is accompanied by a 36-year-old chaperone who is neither mother nor friend. But ultimately, the five weeks they spend together will transform their lives forever. You can see why I loved THE CHAPERONE here, and reviewer Norah Piehl has this to say: "THE CHAPERONE is a fascinating portrait not only of a famous historical figure too little known these days, but also of the equally compelling 'ordinary' woman who Moriarty imagines at her side."

My other Bets On selection is THE INNOCENTS by Francesca Segal. In it, Adam Newman has been dating Rachel Gilbert since they were both 16, and now they are finally planning to marry. But as the vast machinery of the wedding gathers momentum, Adam feels the first faint touches of claustrophobia. And when Rachel’s younger cousin moves home, Adam starts questioning everything. You can read why I am betting you will love it here. Norah also reviews this book, saying, "[THE INNOCENTS] offers genuine insights into the present-day Jewish community's ongoing evolution and current challenges, as well as the fears of commitment that haunt every relationship at one time or another. Stylish, sexy and smart, THE INNOCENTS does nothing less than transform Wharton's beloved novel into a new drama for current times."

We have a very special contest for those of you in book groups that we have just announced on ReadingGroupGuides.com. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Edith Wharton's birth, as well as the release of THE INNOCENTS and another Wharton-inspired novel that we will be sharing with you as a Bets On selection next week, GILDED AGE by Claire McMillan, we are doing a special summer-long feature and contest. Click here to read more about this opportunity that I am really excited to be sharing with you.

Moving onward to thrillers, we also have a review of ROBERT LUDLUM’S THE BOURNE IMPERATIVE by Eric Van Lustbader. When Bourne finds a body in the freezing sea, he is led into a complex mission to save his agent friend, Rebeka, and hunt down a killer that may not even exist. Reviewer Ray Palen says, "Lustbader keeps the action and plot moving forward, and the tension never lets up.... [The author] has more than done his part in paying it forward to fans of the Bourne series, and we surely have not heard the last of Jason Bourne."


Our Summer Reading Contest and Feature continues featuring the kinds of books you cannot wait to tuck into your vacation bag. For those of you who do not know the drill, we will be spotlighting a different Summer Reading title each day from Monday through Thursday, offering a daily contest that starts at noon ET where you can win one of five copies of the book! Check the site now to see if you were a winner in this week's contests, which included the aforementioned THE CHAPERONE by Laura Moriarty; TO BE SUNG UNDERWATER by Tom McNeal, our current Paperback Spotlight title; and FATHER'S DAY: A Journey into the Mind and Heart of My Extraordinary Son by Buzz Bissinger in audiobook format.

Next week’s Summer Reading contest titles are BEACH SEASON by Lisa Jackson, Cathy Lamb, Holly Chamberlin and Rosalind Noonan; PARK LANE by Frances Osborne; and THE QUEEN’S VOW: A Novel of Isabella of Castile by C.W. Gortner. Click here for details on these books and how to enter.

Race on over to enter our Seventh Annual Father's Day Contest, which is only open until Tuesday, June 12th at noon ET. The prize is a great collection of TEN "Dad-worthy" books that are perfect gift-giving suggestions: THE COLDEST NIGHT by Robert Olmstead, DAMAGE CONTROL by John Gilstrap, THE FAMILY CORLEONE by Ed Falco, IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS by Erik Larson, LEHRTER STATION by David Downing, MAN MADE by Joel Stein, ON PAR: The Everyday Golfer's Survival Guide by Bill Pennington, ONE SHOT AT FOREVER by Chris Ballard, OPERATION NAPOLEON by Arnaldur Indridason, and TO THE LAST BREATH by Francis Slakey. Five winners will receive all the books we’re featuring, along with a cooler that is touted to keep contents cold for two days, a striped beach towel, sunblock and Dunkin' Donuts coffee. There is a theme going here of items that can keep dads reading poolside and wide awake to read at night.

And speaking of Father’s Day, we’ll be celebrating for the next two weeks with some of our author friends in our Father's Day blog series. We’re sharing a variety of pieces --- both entertaining and emotional ---- from a diverse list of authors through Father’s Day. So far, we’ve featured Dan Zevin on making his kids proud; Francis Slakey on sharing stories with his dad; Lisa Brackmann on the inspiration her father gave her; Anthony Swofford on how to "make a short story long" with his dad; and Chris Cleave on the "perks of fatherhood" (you MUST see the drawing that accompanies this piece). This weekend, we’ll be hearing from Anita Amirrezvani and C.W. Gortner.

Our month-long Audiobook blog series continues with pieces from authors who recorded their own audiobooks in celebration of Audiobook Month. So far, we have featured Richard Miniter, Anna Quindlen, Jack Gantos, Janis Ian, David Maraniss, Jim Bouton, Jenny Lawson and Meg Jay. This weekend, we will “hear” from A.J. Jacobs and Rachel Simon.

Continuing with our theme of celebrating Audiobook Month, our poll this week is about audiobooks. Do you listen to books? If so, when or where? Weigh in and let us know. On our last poll, 77% of you have more than 10 shelves of books; we clearly should have set the qualifiers higher. I counted my shelves today…101! My husband would love me to pare them down, but it’s not happening. Hey, he married a woman who has 17 years of Mademoiselle magazines in the attic as well as 20 years of Rolling Stone magazines.

Our Word of Mouth contest continues! Let us know what you’re reading for a chance to win THE CONVICTION by Robert Dugoni, HEADING OUT TO WONDERFUL by Robert Goolrick, and THE RED HOUSE by Mark Haddon. I have read all three, and they will be nice prizes for five winners.

A new month means a new New in Paperback roundup! This month, we are featuring such titles as THE LITIGATORS by John Grisham, DOUBLE DEXTER by Jeff Lindsay, THE SILENT GIRL: A Rizzoli & Isles Novel by Tess Gerritsen and THE SIXES by Kate White.

We also have June's Books on Screen feature for you this week! There are some great summer blockbusters to look forward to this month, including Snow White and the Huntsman, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Bel Ami. Meanwhile, the small screen features the new A&E show "Longmire" and Season 3 of "Rizzoli and Isles," which premiered on Tuesday.

Sad to read that I’ll Have Another will not be getting a chance to do just that in the Belmont Stakes tomorrow; it would have been fun to watch! The weekend is all about reading and relaxing. It’s a case of “What do I read first?” Then it’s the season finale of "Mad Men" (a season that to me is ending much better than it started), as well as the start of the finale of “The Killing.” For the record, I feel like “The Killing” has had 16 endings!

Here’s to a great week of reading. Hope you find something here that you love!

Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])

Bookreporter.com Talks to Mary Kay Andrews, Author of SPRING FEVER
In Mary Kay Andrews’ new novel, SPRING FEVER, Annajane believes she is over her ex-husband of four years --- so much so that she attends his wedding to another woman. But when fate intervenes in the middle of the ceremony, she begins to question everything. In this interview, conducted by Bookreporter.com’s Jamie Layton, Andrews shares her thoughts on marriage, friendship and commitment. She also discusses plans for her next book and reveals one of her favorite Southern treats.

SPRING FEVER by Mary Kay Andrews (Fiction)
Annajane thinks she's over her ex-husband, Mason. But when she attends his wedding, everything changes, and she realizes she might want him back. Even if there are people determined to keep Annajane from getting what she wants, happiness might be hers for the taking, and the life she once had with Mason in this sleepy lake town might be in her future. Reviewed by Jamie Layton.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Mary Kay Andrews’ bio.
-Click here to visit Mary Kay Andrews’ official website.
-Connect with Mary Kay Andrews on Facebook and Twitter.
-Click here to read more in our Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight.

 
Click here to read our interview.
 
Remembering Ray Bradbury
We at Bookreporter.com mourn the loss of Ray Bradbury, who passed away on June 5th at the age of 91 after a long illness. Bradbury was the author of more than three dozen books, including FAHRENHEIT 451, THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES, THE ILLUSTRATED MAN, DANDELION WINE and SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES, as well as hundreds of short stories. He was the recipient of the 2000 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, the 2004 National Medal of Arts, and the 2007 Pulitzer Prize Special Citation. Bookreporter.com’s Stephen Hubbard reflects on Bradbury’s work and legacy in this special tribute.
 
Click here to read Stephen Hubbard’s tribute to Ray Bradbury.
 
Bookreporter.com Bets On: THE CHAPERONE by Laura Moriarty and THE INNOCENTS by Francesca Segal
THE CHAPERONE by Laura Moriarty (Historical Fiction)
THE CHAPERONE by Laura Moriarty opens in the early 1920s in Wichita, Kansas, where Cora Carlisle lives with her husband, Alan, and twin sons. The boys are growing up, and Cora is restless. She seizes a chance to go to New York with Louise Brooks, then just a local girl, to chaperone her as she practices and tries out for the Denishawn dance troupe. Cora has a secret reason for wanting to get back to New York, and Louise provides the perfect opportunity to get there.

While Louise twirls in and out of this story, Cora is the star here. Her eyes open in the city, and what she does with this knowledge gives us a chance to see a woman who is living a very different life for her times while still keeping up appearances. I flew through it and then started Googling Louise Brooks. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will love the rich period details; I felt like I was seated at the dinner table in Wichita on more than one occasion, or at least hovering in the doorway.

-Click here to read more of Carol’s thoughts about the book.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here for the reading group guide.
-Click here to read an interview.
-Click here to read Laura Moriarty's bio.

THE INNOCENTS by Francesca Segal (Fiction)
THE INNOCENTS by Francesca Segal opens with the newly engaged Adam and Rachel, who have been together since they were 16 (they are now 28) celebrating the High Holidays at Temple Fortune in West London with the rest of their tightly knit community. The spotlight is on this well-matched pair who seem to have it all. By page two, a new player has entered the scene: Rachel’s ravishing cousin Ellie, who lives in New York and has “a story” behind her. The contrast between Rachel and Ellie could not be more drastic. It’s the classic “safe good girl” and “the temptress” story, which is handled so deftly in Francesca’s hands. Adam is clearly questioning his choices and seeing a world beyond the safe haven he has come to know. The plot, the tension, the twists and the turns make THE INNOCENTS a page-turner, and the ending is perfect.

-Click here to read more of Carol’s thoughts about the book.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here for the reading group guide.
-Click here to read an interview.
-Click here to read Francesca Segal's bio.

 
Click here to see all the books we’re betting you’ll love.
 
Now in Stores: ROBERT LUDLUM'S THE BOURNE IMPERATIVE by Eric Van Lustbader
ROBERT LUDLUM’S THE BOURNE IMPERATIVE by Eric Van Lustbader (Thriller/Adventure)
The man Jason Bourne fishes out of the freezing sea is near death, half-drowned and bleeding profusely from a gunshot wound. A Mossad agent named Rebeka is so determined to find this injured man that she has cut her ties to her agency, and is now being stalked by Mossad's most feared killer. Do the answers to these mysteries lie back in southeast Lebanon, in a secret encampment to which Bourne and Rebeka escaped following a firefight weeks ago? Reviewed by Ray Palen.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to visit Eric Van Lustbader’s official website.

 
Click here to read a review.
 
Bookreporter.com's Summer Reading Contests and Feature

Summer is just around the corner! At Bookreporter.com, this means it's time for us to share some great summer book picks with our Summer Reading Contest and Feature. We will be spotlighting a different title on select days through July 31st, so you will have to check the site each day to see the featured prize book and enter. We also will be sending a special daily newsletter to announce the day's title, which you can sign up for here.

Our next prize book will be announced on Monday, June 11th at noon ET.

This year’s featured titles include:

Click here to read all the contest details and see our featured titles.
 
Bookreporter.com's Seventh Annual Father's Day Contest and Feature: Best Books for Dad

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the men in our lives who have raised and loved us. Why not show him your appreciation by inspiring him with a great book? From now through June 12th, readers will have the chance to win a collection of 10 books that are perfect gift-giving suggestions for Dad, keeping him busy through the rest of the year. Five winners will receive all the books we’re featuring, along with a cooler that is touted to keep contents cold for two days, a striped beach towel, sunblock and Dunkin' Donuts coffee.

This year's featured titles are:

Click here to read all the contest details and see our featured titles.
 
Father's Day Author Blogs: Celebrating Authors and Their Fathers
Once again, we’re celebrating Father’s Day with some of our author friends in our Father’s Day blog series. We’re sharing a variety of pieces --- both entertaining and emotional ---- from a diverse list of authors through Father’s Day. So far, we’ve featured Dan Zevin on making his kids proud; Francis Slakey on sharing stories with his dad; Lisa Brackmann on the inspiration her father gave her; Anthony Swofford on how to "make a short story long" with his dad; and Chris Cleave on the "perks of fatherhood" (you MUST see the drawing that accompanies the piece). This weekend, we’ll be hearing from Anita Amirrezvani and C.W. Gortner.
 
Click here to read our Father's Day Author blogs.
 
Celebrating Audiobooks Month: 30 Days of “Authors Talking Audiobooks” Blogs on Bookreporter.com
On June 1st, we kicked off our month-long Audiobook blog series with pieces from authors who recorded their own audiobooks in celebration of Audiobook Month. So far, we have featured Richard Miniter, Anna Quindlen, Jack Gantos, Jenny Lawson, Jim Bouton, David Maraniss, Janis Ian and Meg Jay. This weekend, we will “hear” from A.J. Jacobs and Rachel Simon.
 
Click here to read our Audiobook Month blogs.
 
June’s New in Paperback Roundups
June's New in Paperback roundups include the following highlights:

THE LITIGATORS by John Grisham (Legal Thriller)
With their new associate on board --- a young but already burned-out attorney who walked away from his fast-track career at a fancy downtown firm --- the “boutique law firm” of Finley & Figg is ready to tackle a case that could make the partners rich without requiring them to actually practice much law.

DOUBLE DEXTER by Jeff Lindsay (Thriller)
Dexter Morgan enjoys his day job as a blood spatter analyst --- but he lives for his nighttime hobby of hunting other killers. When he discovers that someone is shadowing him, observ­ing him, and copying his methods, Dexter is not pleased. But he is not one to tolerate displeasure --- in fact, he has a knack for extricating himself from trouble in his own pleasurable way.

THE SIXES by Kate White (Thriller)
A secret circle of really mean girls --- the dark side of female empowerment --- becomes the nemesis of a gutsy journalist heroine in this intriguing thriller from the bestselling author of HUSH and the Bailey Weggins mystery series.

THE WINTERS IN BLOOM by Lisa Tucker (Fiction)
Together for over a decade, Kyra and David Winter are happier than they ever thought they could be. Yet they have always feared that the life they created was destined to be disrupted. And on one perfectly average summer day, it is: their son, Michael, disappears from his own backyard.

THE FLIGHT OF GEMMA HARDY by Margot Livesey (Fiction)
When Gemma Hardy is orphaned and left to fend for herself, she moves to the Orkney Islands, where she is hired as an au pair for the niece of charming London businessman Hugh Sinclair. Everyone in the island community, including Gemma, is intrigued by the enigmatic Hugh, and soon, Gemma and Hugh begin a complex relationship that will change Gemma’s life forever.

-Find out what's New in Paperback for the weeks of June 4th, June 11th, June 18th and June 25th.

 
Books on Screen for June
The official start to summer is almost here. And you know what that means --- a whole three months of summer blockbusters! June already brings some great, long-awaited titles to the big screen. If the weather just gets too hot to handle, have no fear; there are plenty of cinematic adventures awaiting you (hopefully in an air-conditioned theater).

In Snow White and the Huntsman, a twisted new take on the Brothers Grimm classic, the evil Queen hears word that Snow White will soon surpass her beauty --- and she’s determined to hunt her down. But Snow White has already joined forces with the fierce Huntsman, and she’s on a mission to defeat the queen for good.

On a different type of mission is Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Seth Grahame-Smith’s novel of the same name was a huge hit last summer, and now the story of Abe Lincoln’s quest to destroy the vampires plotting to take over the United States comes to the big screen.

And another man on a mission is featured in Bel Ami, based on Guy de Maupassant’s book of the same name. Robert Pattinson stars as a destitute young soldier in the 18th century who plans to gain power by seducing the mistresses of Paris’s most important men.

In a later era of Paris, an American professor and novelist finds his life in ruins in The Woman in the Fifth and is drawn into an unsolved series of murders happening around him.

On the small screen, A&E is launching "Longmire," an exciting new series based on Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire mysteries. Longmire, a recent widow in psychic repair, decides to run for re-election as deputy sheriff with the help of his daughter and friends. Meanwhile, season five of HBO's
"True Blood" debuts, and returning for their third seasons are “Rizzoli & Isles” on TNT and "Pretty Little Liars" on ABC Family.

And in case you missed them in theaters, Big Miracle, John Carter and Mirror, Mirror release on DVD this month.

 
Click here to see all the movies, TV shows and DVDs featured in June's Books on Screen.
Paperback Spotlight: TO BE SUNG UNDERWATER by Tom McNeal
TO BE SUNG UNDERWATER by Tom McNeal (Fiction)
As the veneer of her happy life in California is beginning to crack, Judith Whitman recalls the serenity she felt decades earlier, when she was 17 and living in her father’s house in Nebraska. There --- before her marriage to a banker, before the birth of her daughter, before her career as a film editor --- Judith met Willy Blunt, a carpenter whose pale blue eyes and easy smile awakened in Judith the reckless girl he alone imagined her to be. If she were to encounter Willy again, could Judith reconnect with her purer, better self? Tom McNeal points us toward the answer in this heartwrenching, captivating story about who we are with the ones we love, and who we are without them.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Tom McNeal’s bio.
-Click here to visit Tom McNeal’s official website.

 
Click here to read more in our Paperback Spotlight.
 
Featured Historical Fiction Author: Lisa T. Bergren, Author of GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS
GLAMOROUS ILLUSIONS by Lisa T. Bergren (Historical Romance)
It’s the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington’s life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, but someone dear to Cora is failing as well.

In one fateful afternoon, a stranger comes to call, and Cora discovers a terrible secret about her past…a secret that will radically change her future.

The first book in the Grand Tour series will take readers on a journey of cultural refinement, but moreover, explores what truly informs a person’s sense of identity.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to see the book trailer.
-Click here to read Lisa T. Bergren’s bio.
-Click here to visit Lisa T. Bergren’s official website.
-Click here to connect with Lisa T. Bergren on Facebook.

 
Click here to read more in our Historical Fiction Author Spotlight.
 
Contests Running on Other Sites in TheBookReportNetwork.com
We have a number of contests currently running on our other sites in TheBookReportNetwork.com. Please take a look at them below, and enter for your chance to win some fabulous books!

ReadingGroupGuides.com

A Celebration of Edith Wharton’s 150th Birthday
We are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Edith Wharton’s birthday and the release of two new novels inspired by her writing with a special contest. 20 readers each will receive a copy of THE INNOCENTS by Francesca Segal and THE AGE OF INNOCENCE by Edith Wharton, while 20 other readers each will be awarded a copy of GILDED AGE by Claire McMillan and THE HOUSE OF MIRTH by Edith Wharton. The deadline for entries is Thursday, June 28th at 11:59PM ET. Note: To win, entrants must agree to share their feedback on the two novels between now and August 10th!

CITY OF WOMEN by David R. Gillham
We are celebrating the forthcoming release of CITY OF WOMEN by David R. Gillham --- a steamy page-turner about a seemingly perfect Nazi soldier’s wife and her clandestine life --- with a special contest. 50 readers will have the opportunity to each win an advance copy of the book, which will be in stores August 7th, for their group. The deadline for entries is Friday, July 6th at noon ET.

THE BOOK OF SUMMERS by Emylia Hall
We are celebrating the release of THE BOOK OF SUMMERS by Emylia Hall --- the story of a woman who is forced to confront the betrayal that destroyed her years earlier --- with a special contest. 25 readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of the book, which is now in stores, for their group. The deadline for entries is Friday, July 6th at noon ET.

Teenreads.com

Beach Bag of Books
In our Sixth Annual Beach Bag of Books contest, five winners each will receive a beach bag filled with a number of outstanding books. We'll be adding more titles in the days to come, so please be on the lookout for that! Along with the books, winners will find their striped beach bag stocked with a polka-dot beach towel, Coppertone Sport Sunblock, and a plastic sports bottle. The deadline for entries is Monday, July 16th at noon ET.

THE RAVEN BOYS by Maggie Stiefvater
Our latest Sneak Peek feature spotlights THE RAVEN BOYS, which kicks off an all-new series by Maggie Stiefvater. The book releases on September 18th, but we have 100 specially formatted early reader editions to give away to readers who would like to preview the book and share comments about it. The deadline for entries is Thursday, June 14th at noon ET.

Short Story Writing Contest
Inspired by ANOTHER JEKYLL, ANOTHER HYDE by Daniel and Dina Nayeri, we are inviting readers (and aspiring writers!) to write a story in which you reinvent a classic story or character, making it modern and, most importantly, your own! Write your story in no more than 1,200 words. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 15th at noon ET.

Kidsreads.com

JUSTIN CASE: SHELLS, SMELLS, AND THE HORRIBLE FLIP-FLOPS OF DOOM written by Rachel Vail, illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Justin is going to start fourth grade --- but first, he has to survive the summer. We are giving 5 readers the chance to win a copy of JUSTIN CASE: SHELLS, SMELLS, AND THE HORRIBLE FLIP-FLOPS OF DOOM. The deadline for entries is Monday, June 18th at noon ET.

ALEX AND THE AMAZING TIME MACHINE written by Rich Cohen, illustrated by Kelly Murphy
Alex Trumble is a pretty ordinary kid --- except for the fact that his IQ borders on genius, and he loves to read books on vortexes and time travel. But when two angry hit men kidnap his big brother, Alex’s life changes fast. We are giving 5 readers the chance to win a copy of ALEX AND THE AMAZING TIME MACHINE. The deadline for entries is Monday, June 18th at noon ET.

FaithfulReader.com

STARDUST by Carla Stewart
An East Texas widow, determined to start over, inherits a rundown motel. But when her first guest is her dead husband's mistress, pregnant and stricken with polio, a change of plans leads to a change of heart. We are celebrating the release of STARDUST with a special contest that will give 10 readers the opportunity to win a copy of Carla Stewart’s latest novel. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 15th at noon ET.

SUBMERGED: Alaskan Courage, Book One by Dani Pettrey
We are celebrating the release of SUBMERGED, which kicks off the Alaskan Courage series, with a special contest. 50 readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of Dani Pettrey's debut novel. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 15th at noon ET.

RELENTLESS PURSUIT: Secrets of Roux River Bayou, Book 3 by Kathy Herman
In our latest monthly contest, 25 readers will be awarded a copy of RELENTLESS PURSUIT, the final book in Kathy Herman's Secrets of Roux River Bayou suspense series. As an added bonus, one of these lucky winners will receive a Cajun-themed gift basket, "From The Bayou," which represents a collage of what makes Louisiana cuisine unique. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 15th at noon ET.

 
This Week’s Reviews
LITTLE NIGHT by Luanne Rice (Fiction)
After serving prison time for assaulting her sister's abusive husband, Clare Burke has become used to living without family. However, when her grown niece, Grit, contacts her, Clare welcomes her with open arms in an attempt to rebuild severed relationships and garner answers to her confusing and painful past. Reviewed by Amie Taylor.

-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read an interview.

WALLFLOWER IN BLOOM by Claire Cook (Fiction)
Deirdre Griffin lives her life around her famous guru brother, Tag, to the extent that she essentially has no life. One night, after indulging in a heavy-on-the-vodka milkshake, she comes across an online poll. People can vote for a substitute dancer to appear on “Dancing with the Stars.” Deirdre couldn't use her brother's popularity to win that election and actually dance on the show. Or could she? Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

DAMAGE CONTROL by John Gilstrap (Thriller)
A bus full of teenagers on a church mission are held hostage, and the ransom demands are explicit: deliver three million dollars --- with zero involvement from law enforcement --- or all captives will be executed. Rescue specialist Jonathan Grave must face the chilling possibility that someone within the U.S. government has a deadly secret to protect --- one that could jeopardize national security like never before. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

LEFTY: An American Odyssey by Vernona Gomez and Lawrence Goldstone (Biography/Sports)
Born to a small-town California ranching family, Vernon “Lefty” Gomez rode his powerful arm and jocular personality right across America to the dugout of the New York Yankees. Lefty baffled hitters with his blazing fastball, establishing himself as the team’s ace. Now his daughter and co-author Lawrence Goldstone vividly re-create the life and adventures of the irreverent southpaw. Reviewed by Ron Kaplan.

MIDWINTER BLOOD by Mons Kallentoft (Psychological Thriller)
Malin Fors is the most driven and talented superintendent who has ever worked at the police force in her small, isolated town. In her job, she is constantly moving through the borderland between life and death. She navigates her colleagues through crime investigations so gruesome that they make the darkest of nightmares seem like fairy tales. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

STRANGE EMBRACE/69 BARROW STREET by Lawrence Block writing as Ben Christopher (Mystery)
Two early pulp novels by bestselling author Lawrence Block are published in one volume in the famous Ace Doubles format. STRANGE EMBRACE involves murder in a Broadway show company, while 69 BARROW STREET looks at the dark side of Greenwich Village during the waning days of the “beat” culture. Reviewed by Tom Callahan.

THE SEVENTH GATE by Richard Zimler (Historical Thriller)
Berlin in 1932 is a city that’s changing, and young Sophie Riedesel is changing with it. Once merely concerned with her friends, boyfriend and movies, she’s now scared by the rules set in place by the new Nazi party. When her relationship with her Jewish neighbor moves past acquaintanceship to deep friendship, she begins investigating a murder and creates a new family she can’t live without. Reviewed by Amy Gwiazdowski.

ALL HE SAW WAS THE GIRL by Peter Leonard (Thriller)
Rome: McCabe and Chip, two American exchange students, are about to become embroiled with a violent street gang, a beautiful Italian girl and a flawed kidnapping plan. Detroit: Sharon Vanelli's affair with Joey Palermo, a Mafia enforcer, is about to be discovered by her husband, Ray, a secret service agent. ALL HE SAW WAS THE GIRL takes place as these two narratives converge in the backstreets of Italy's oldest city. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

 

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