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NEWSLETTER, November 12, 2014
Dear Friends,
Judging by last night’s wind storm and power outage, I think we have skipped fall and transitioned right
into winter! Good thing I love snuggling up with my cat and reading by flashlight (and good thing I’m
going on a vacation to Mexico; see below). And there are so many good things to read! NOTES FOR A
YOUNG PRINCE by HSH Prince Alexi Lubomirski received a blurb from actress Kate Winslet and has now
sold to 6 territories (note the new title below); Taylor Jenkins Reid’s three novels are selling up a storm
to the foreign (FOREVER, INTERRUPTED now has 11 foreign sales); and a couple of my favorite titles, ALL
THE ANSWERS by Kate Messner (a heartfelt contemporary middle-grade), and BLOOD ORCHIDS by Toby
Neal (book one of a bestselling, independently published crime series) have enjoyed their first foreign
sales (hopefully the first of many). Plus, TAKING FLIGHT by Michaela and Elaine DePrince is already in its
fourth printing in the US, and received a review in the New York Times! BLACK RIVER by S.M. Hulse has
three starred reviews! And Lauren Kate’s TEARDROP landed back on the New York Times bestseller list in
paperback! Lots more news below.
And now some photos.…
Hiking an alpine meadow near
Mt. Rainier
The Tower of London and The Blood Swept
Lands and Seas of Red installation—one red
poppy for each British and Colonial soldier
killed in WWI (I guess I shouldn’t be smiling
about this, but the installation was very
beautiful)
AGENCY NEWS:
I’m going on holiday to Mexico starting this Saturday, November 15! I will be back in the office Monday,
November 24th.
Foreword Literary Agency had to change their name. The new name is Fuse Literary.
http://www.fuseliterary.com/
Taryn Fagerness Agency is no longer handling foreign rights for Angela Rinaldi Literary Agency. Her
titles include (among others) CALLING IN “THE ONE” by Katherine Woodward Thomas, and ZEN GOLF by
Dr. Joseph Parent.
Taryn Fagerness Agency is no longer handling foreign rights for romance author Lila DiPasqua. Her titles
include UNDONE, A MIDNIGHT DANCE, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED, and AWAKENED BY A KISS.
Taryn Fagerness Agency is no longer handling foreign rights for middle-grade author Ben Mikaelsen. His
titles include (among others) TOUCHING SPIRIT BEAR and PETEY.
TITLE NEWS:
THE NIGHT OWLS by Jenn Bennett has a new title: THE ANATOMICAL SHAPE OF A HEART
THE SHADOW BOYS ARE BREAKING by Mackenzi Lee has a new title: THIS MONSTROUS THING
NOTES FOR A YOUNG PRINCE by HSH Prince Alexi Lubomirski has a new title: PRINCELY ADVICE FOR A
HAPPY LIFE
NEW FOREIGN SALES:
The MORTAL DANGER trilogy by Ann Aguirre sold to Rocco, Brazil.
MORTAL DANGER by Ann Aguirre sold to Newton Compton, Italy.
FALL WITH ME by Jennifer Armentrout writing as J. Lynn sold to Nord, Italy.
STAY WITH ME by Jennifer Armentrout writing as J. Lynn sold to Amber, Poland.
The WICKED trilogy by Jennifer Armentrout sold to Nord. Italy.
WICKED by Jennifer Armentrout sold to Dogan Egmont, Turkey.
CHASE ME by Tessa Bailey sold to Ediouro, Brazil.
BIGGEST FLIRTS and PERFECT COUPLE by Jennifer Echols sold to Bragelonne, France.
E-book rights to THREE PARTS DEAD by Max Gladstone sold to GetBooks Digital Content, Israel.
I WONDER by Annaka Harris, illustrated by John Rowe sold to Playful Learning, Romania.
UNRAVEL by Imogen Howson sold to Editora DCL/Farol, Brazil.
THE OUT-OF-SYNC CHILD by Carol Stock Kranowitz sold to Beijing Xindaboya, China.
STRANGER THINGS HAPPEN, PRETTY MONSTERS, MAGIC FOR BEGINNERS, and GET IN TROUBLE by Kelly
Link sold to Versus Kitap, Turkey.
PRINCELY ADVICE FOR A HAPPY LIFE by HSH Prince Alexi Lubomirski sold to Sextante, Brazil.
PRINCELY ADVICE FOR A HAPPY LIFE by HSH Prince Alexi Lubomirski sold to Herder, Germany.
PRINCELY ADVICE FOR A HAPPY LIFE by HSH Prince Alexi Lubomirski sold to Palaysia, The Netherlands.
PRINCELY ADVICE FOR A HAPPY LIFE by HSH Prince Alexi Lubomirski sold to Jacarandá, Portugal.
1491 by Charles Mann sold to Acropolis, Taiwan.
THE TRUTH ABOUT ALICE by Jennifer Mathieu sold to Pocket Jeunesse, France.
ALL THE ANSWERS by Kate Messner sold to Lime Co., Korea.
BLOOD ORCHIDS by Toby Neal sold to Ediciones Kiwi, Spain.
BECOMING THE BOSS by Lindsey Pollak sold to Bookie Publishing, Korea.
DANTE’S FIRE by Jennifer Probst sold to Corbaccio, Italy.
PLAY WITH ME by Kristen Proby sold to Amber, Poland.
AFTER I DO by Taylor Jenkins Reid sold to Sperling, Italy.
FOREVER, INTERRUPTED and AFTER I DO by Taylor Jenkins Reid sold to Corint, Romania.
FOREVER, INTERRUPTED, AFTER I DO, and MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid sold to
İthaki/Yabancı Yayınları, Turkey.
MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid sold to Mlada Fronta, Czech.
Audio rights to TESLA’S ATTIC by Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman sold to Audio Media Verlag, Germany.
THE CROWN TOWER and THE ROSE AND THE THORN by Michael J. Sullivan sold to MAG, Poland.
TRUST ME, I’M LYING by Mary Elizabeth Summer sold to Newton Compton, Italy.
THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US by Kasie West sold to Corint, Romania.
A PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES by Howard Zinn was renewed by EPO, Belgium.
CLIENT SALES — I represent foreign rights for these recently sold titles:
FICTION
Marla Cooper’s TERROR IN TAFFETA, the first in a new cozy mystery series featuring a destination
wedding planner whose duties include an occasional murder investigation, to Anne Brewer at Thomas
Dunne Books, in a TWO-BOOK deal, by Jill Marsal at the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency (North American).
* Material available early 2015.
A DAY OF FIRE by Stephanie Dray, Ben Kane, Sophie Perinot, Kate Quinn, Vicky Alvear Shecter, and
E. Knight, a historical novel of interconnected stories of Pompeii and the eruption of Mount Vesuvius;
who will live and who will perish?, independently published November 2014, agented by Kevan Lyon of
Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Stephanie Dray, Jeannie Lin, Shawntelle Madison, and Amanda Berry’s THIS WEDDING IS DOOMED, a
collection of interconnected stories in which a disastrous wedding at a luxurious mountain resort ends in
love and passion for everyone but the bride and groom, to Cindy Hwang at Intermix, for publication in
February 2015, by Kevan Lyon at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency (world English). * Material available soon.
Andrea Dunlop’s THE SOJOURN, about a young American woman studying abroad in France, who finds
herself in a glamorous world of art, money and decadence—and in the middle of a dark and dangerous
love triangle, to Sarah Cantin at Atria, by Carly Watters at P.S. Literary Agency (world English). * Material
available late 2014.
Karin Gillespie’s GIRL IN DEEP, in which a middle-class Midwestern girl isn’t welcome in the upper
echelon of Augusta, Georgia until she attracts the attentions of her crush whose mother, a doyenne of
Southern society, finds no redeeming values in her until the two women bond over a mutual love of
poetry, to Georgia McBride at Swoon Romance, for publication in fall 2015, by Anne Bohner of Pen &
Ink Literary (North American). * Material available.
Patience Griffin’s THE ACCIDENTAL SCOT, the next novel in her Kilts and Quilts series, in which a young
woman returns to her small Scottish hometown to care for her injured father and save his failing factory,
finding herself falling for an American engineer who offers a solution, despite her fears that this man of
her dreams may have plans to steal the family business, again to Tracy Bernstein at NAL, for publication
in fall 2015, by Kevan Lyon at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency (world English). * Material available spring
2015.
Winner of the Aurealis Award Mitchell Hogan’s A CRUCIBLE OF SOULS, after his parents are slain, a boy
is raised by monks and taught the arcane mysteries of sorcery; vowing to discover for himself who his
parents really were, and what led to their violent end, he is plunged into an age-old conflict that brings
the world to the edge of destruction, to HarperVoyager, in a THREE-BOOK deal, for publication in
September 2015 by Laurie McLean at Fuse Literary (world English). * Material available.
Claire Humphrey’s KINSHIP, about a young woman thrust into the role of resident witch for her
immigrant community, and the cursed immortals who require that witch’s aid, pitched as Practical
Magic meets Deathless, to Quressa Robinson at Thomas Dunne Books, in a pre-empt, for publication in
spring 2016, by Connor Goldsmith at Fuse Literary (North American). * Material available summer 2015.
A STONE IN THE SEA, DROWNING TO BREATHE, and THROUGH THE STORM, all part of the Bleeding
Stars trilogy starring SoulFire lead singer and guitarist Max Stone and Shea Bentley, who is beautiful,
kind, and hiding from the very lifestyle Max has always embraced, by A.L. Jackson, to be independently
published February 2015, and agented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. * Material
available February 2015.
Madeline Martin’s DECEPTION OF A HIGHLANDER, a woman who has been forced to train as a
seductress and assassin in an underground crime lord’s network of spies hired out for a price must
infiltrate the home of a powerful and guarded highland laird to discover and betray his dangerous
secrets...but can she succeed with her heart intact?, to Mary Cummings at Diversion Books, in a THREEBOOK deal, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency (world English). * Material available early
2015.
Mark Pryor’s HOLLOW MAN, in a financial bind, an Englishman living and working as a prosecutor in
Austin, TX, devises a plan to rob a cash-carrying slumlord of his rental income but, in a matter of
seconds, goes from a man with money troubles to becoming a murderer; he’s been keeping a secret,
though—he’s a sociopath whose callous, manipulative nature will make sure someone else takes the fall
for his crime, to Dan Mayer at Seventh Street, by Ann Collette at Rees Literary Agency (world English).
* Material available later.
SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS HEIRESS by Theresa Romain, book #3 in The Matchmaker trilogy, about
Heiress Augusta Meredith, a stranger to Bath society, who pretends to be a charming young widow,
until sardonic, darkly handsome Joss Everett arrives from London and uncovers her charade, sold to
Sourcebooks Casablanca for publication January 2015, by Paige Wheeler of Creative Media Agency, Inc.
(world English). * Material available.
NON-FICTION
Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris’s THE AUTHOR’S GUIDE TO SOCIAL MEDIA, a guide for authors on how to
successfully market their brand and their books using social media, to Cris Freese at Writer’s Digest
Books, for publication in 2015, by Laurie McLean at Fuse Literary (world English). * Material available
early 2015.
Dawn Dais’ companion book THE SH!T NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT TODDLERS, a tell-it-like-it-is guide
providing humor, advice, and understanding to surviving the toddler years, to Krista Lyons at Seal Press,
by Lilly Ghahremani and Stefanie Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary (North American). * Material
available later.
Improv comedian and Adjunct Professor at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business Bob Kulhan’s
MANAGING CHANCE: An Improviser’s Guide to Creativity, Leadership and Success, blending the
science of communication inherent in improvisation with valuable lessons from the fields of cognitive
psychology, social psychology, and behavioral economics, presenting business readers with techniques
that can have an immediate, positive impact in the workplace, to Margo Fleming at Stanford University
Press, by Bonnie Solow at Solow Literary Enterprises (world English). * Material available late fall 2015.
Popular television host of Til Debut Do Us Part, Princess, and Money Moron and #1 bestselling author of
Debt-Free Forever and Money Rules, personal finance expert Gail Vaz-Oxlade’s MONEY TALKS: When to
Say Yes and How to Say No, bringing the author’s razor-sharp insight to helping people solve their
thorniest financial problem: the people with whom they share their money, to Kate Cassaday at
HarperCollins Canada, for publication winter 2016, by Curtis Russell at P.S. Literary Agency (Canada,
English). * Material available early 2015.
“Six” star on the TV show Blossom, Jenna Von Oy’s SITUATION MOMEDY, a humorous take on
pregnancy and the first year of motherhood, told to readers in the “quintessential best friend” voice
achieved on Blossom, to Emily Steele at Medallion Press, for publication in fall 2015, by Margaret
O’Connor at Innisfree Literary (world English). * Material available summer 2015.
YOUNG ADULT & MIDDLE-GRADE
D.M. Cunningham’s NILES WORMART: ACCIDENTAL VILLAIN, following a science genius who is thrust
into a world he only thought existed in comic books, he must discover his true potential inside the walls
of Camp Mayhem-the potential to become the darkest of evils or stay true to his good-hearted roots, to
Trisha Wooldridge at Spencer Hill Press, for publication in September 2014, by Bree Ogden at D4EO
Literary Agency (world English). * Material available.
Laurie Elizabeth Flynn’s debut FIRSTS, in which a 17-year old girl gives classmates the chance to get
their awkward fumblings over with, and all she asks in return is that they give their girlfriends the
perfect first time she never had, but when what was meant to be temporary gets out of control, she
begins to question where her heart really belongs, to Kat Brzozowski at Thomas Dunne Books, by
Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency (world English). * Material available early 2015.
J.R. Johansson’s third book in the Night Walkers series, MANIA, a companion book told from the
perspective of Jack as he attempts to end the war between the factions of the Night Walker Society
without knowing who to trust, while hiding a secret of his own, to Brian Farrey at Flux, by Kathleen
Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency (North American). * Material available early 2015.
The Distance Between Us author Kasie West’s THE SUN, THE MOON, AND THE TRUTH, in which a post
from a fake celebrity social media account sets a single-minded swimmer on a hunt to find out the
person’s true identity, but along the way she discovers more about herself and love than she ever
thought possible, to Alison Weiss at Egmont, in a TWO-BOOK deal, for publication in spring 2016 and
2017, by Michelle Wolfson at Wolfson Literary Agency (North American). * Material available spring
2015.
EXCITING NEWS:
MORTAL DANGER by Ann Aguirre
“[Aguirre’s] premise successfully blends ancient archetypes with today’s urban legends and internet
memes to craft a thrilling puzzle that prods the dark recesses of the imagination into a waking
nightmare.” – Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
VISION by Lisa Amowitz
“Haunting and intense, Vision grabbed hold of me in the very first scene and never let me go.” – Kate
Brian, author of the New York Times bestselling Private and Privilege series
“Ms. Amowitz kept the tension high till the final pages and that’s what I expect in a good thriller. I’m not
sure whether Ms. Amowitz intends to continue Bobby’s story but I certainly hope she will—I want to
know what will happen next to him and all the folks in his life.” – Buried Under Books
“This was a MUCH different story than anything I’ve read before. Sort of like CSI meets high school. Lisa
wrote a very neat crime story for YA. I mean, there is gore, don’t get me wrong, but this is something I
would let my teens and maybe preteens read! It gave me the shivers, but that may be because I was
reading it at night!!” – Books Complete Me
“I highly recommend Vision to anyone. It’s a fast paced YA thriller filled with profound characters. This
book is stay-up-all-night, ignore-everything kind of read and it’s gonna suck you in right from the start.
Bobby will compel you with his voice and as soon as you thought you already had it figured out, you’re
wrong.” – Her Book Thoughts
“If you like murder and mystery and an amazing male main character, you definitely need to read this
one. I highly recommend!” – Operation Awesome
“The characters are great, the pacing is great, the plot is superb…overall, this is an amazing read!” – The
Bookie Monster
“Wow!!! This book is awesome!!...This book was paced well and kept my attention throughout. I loved
Lisa’s writing in Breaking Glass, and love it in Vision.” – Girls with Books
“Kudos to Lisa Amowitz for providing hundreds of pages of entertainment. I was transported back to late
adolescence. While the characters race to solve a murder, all of the insecurities of high school and the
joys of a first love are experienced again through the eyes of Bobby, Gabe and their friends. The only
disappointing thing about this book is that it is over too soon.” – Books Direct Online
“Vision is an excellent example of a YA thriller—a relatively short read that’s packed with such a punch,
readers will be thinking about it long afterward.” – The YA Lit Chick
“The writing was done well and the pacing flowed well. The action started in the first chapter. There is
no waiting for anything to happen. Lisa sucks you in and keeps you there.” – Between the Lines
“Whoa. Just whoa. Vision by Lisa Amowitz is one of those types of books which gets under your skin.
Know what I mean? The author takes an everyday kind of teen guy and bam! He’s living his life and then
something happens and then something else and the reader gets wrapped up in everything and forgets
that this is a story. Sneaky, yes, but I have to say I was riveted by the suspense, intrigued by the
storyline, and I loved the writing.” – Reader Girls
“I have always been a BIG fan of Lisa’s work and I have to say stories like this is why. Lisa’s talent shines
through in this incredible tale.” – Wicca Witch 4 Book Blog
BREAKTHROUGH by Jack Andraka
Jack Andraka, author of BREAKTHROUGH, tops CNBC’s list of “7 superstar tweens and teens you
should know, “Jack Andraka might be young, but he could be one of the most promising cancer
researchers around.”
Jack Andraka, author of BREAKTHROUGH, was featured on Huffington Post’s article: “9 Tech Innovators
Under 21 Who Are Changing The World“
THE RETURN by Jennifer Armentrout
“The Greek gods engage in modern-day power struggles in the solid inaugural installment of the Titan
new adult paranormal romance series….Armentrout dives deep into the psyches of both hero and
heroine, deftly switching from one point of view to another, while creating a drum-tight sense of
suspense and sexual tension from the first page to the last. This is a very promising start to the series.”
– Publishers Weekly
STAY WITH ME by Jennifer Armentrout writing as J. Lynn
“There is a reason J. Lynn will always be one of my go-to authors. She never disappoints.” – Jay
Crownover, New York Times bestselling author
“Fans of the other books in the series will delight in appearances from the couples we love, as well as
that distinctive wit that brings lightness to heavy situations. Suspense, romance, humor and sexiness,
Jennifer L. Armentrout doesn’t miss a beat with this latest release.” – USA Today
“If you’re looking for steamy love scenes, you’ll definitely find plenty of them in this book….I’ve really
enjoyed this series so far, and it was fun to see cameo appearances from the rest of the characters from
this series.” – Reading on the Farm
“Armentrout is easily one of the most versatile authors of her generation. Her ability to seamlessly
transition between genres and series has understandably lent her a rabid fanbase (including me) that
will happily, willingly, gleefully devour every single word she writes.” – The Irish Banana
“This is my favorite book in the series and you can expect lots of humor, sexiness, suspense, and heart.
You won’t want to put it down!” – Vilma’s Book Blog
“Thank you Miss Armentrout for another, wonderfully amazing, delicious, in your face story of real love,
not the cheesy ‘love at first sight and everything is perfect’ love. A love with issues that can either tear
your heart out, or can be overcome to realize that they didn’t really matter that much in the first place.”
– Elysian Fields
“The plot pulled me in immediately and it progressed so quickly that I read it fast. It was the characters,
humor and this amazing plot that there was mystery and suspense that can even make you cry! I feel
like re-reading this series all over again after reading Stay With Me. So much love I feel for this book
since it and experience and relate to Calla. Overall, Stay With Me was perfect and I love this book so
much!! Add this book you your TBR lists right now!” – Stuck in YA Books
“Unsurprisingly, the romance is steamy, and Stay With Me is filled with the chemistry between Jax and
Calla. J. Lynn sure knows how to create sexual tension, but she also shows how their relationship is
more than just sexual. Jax and Calla care about each other, too.” – Quinn’s Book Nook
“I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of this series and also a fan of Jennifer
Armentrout. This book had a little bit of everything….I laughed, teared up, yelled, swooned, and she
kept me guessing throughout the book.” – Book Bitches
“Jennifer Armentrout delivers yet another engaging, amazing book featuring a sexy sexy man and a
relationship that progresses so well. You will fall in love with Jax and Calla!” – Wendy’s Book Blog
“As with all of Jen’s books, the romance was spectacular. The suspense and drama was outstanding. And
the characters were irresistible. I loved it! JLA fans will love this book, as well as romance readers alike.
This lady can do no wrong!” – Deity Island
“As always, Jennifer not only delivers a steamy romance you root for and get invested in, but she also
gives you a wonderful story outside of that. Calla has come home to a world of trouble and it’s not the
kind of trouble that goes away easily. The mess her Mom has gotten her into is bad, really bad, and I
never knew what to expect next. I was constantly on edge between the relationship drama and the life
threatening situations that I just kept flipping pages.” – Readers Live a Thousand Lives
WITHIN THESE WALLS by J.L. Berg
“Where do I even begin. I fell in love with this book! I have never read anything by J.L. Berg but now I
plan to read everything she has written! This book is full of life, heartache, hope, love, and longing. You
become deeply connected to the characters and their life choices. Jude and Lailah are both wonderful
characters.” – Typical Distractions
“What made Jude and Lailah’s relationship so special though was that they just seemed to fit so well
together. They were perfect for one another, and their feelings were so real and believable. You could
tell just how much they meant to each other, and they wanted what was best for each other. They really
seemed to put the other first, and were willing to sacrifice themselves in order to do anything for the
other.” – Ramblings from This Chick
“I absolutely adored the storyline and the unconventional setting for this love story. Though their story
takes place in pretty much a singular location, J.L. Berg kept me on my toes with the subtle twists and
turns that kept Jude and Lailah’s journey moving forward.” – Prisoners of Print
“The raw power of two characters could never be as consuming as it is between Lailah and Jude. The
Someday List was a brilliant fierce power of the possibility of making dreams come true even in the
weakest of scenarios….J.L. Berg has created such a breathtaking and elegant narrative that left me
shedding ugly tears.” – Book Lit Love
“I loved every moment of this beautiful story. I laughed, I cried, I lived this book. I finished Within These
Walls in an entire day. And 24 hours I am still left thinking about it. Jude and Lailah are an unforgettable
couple. They have forever left an imprint on my heart. This is so much more than broken boy meets sick
girl. So. Much. More.” – Biblio Belles
“The writing was absolutely flawless and captivating, and the story line was just INCREDIBLE! Everything
just flowed perfectly and nothing felt fake. It wasn’t in any way, shape, or form difficult for me to
connect with the characters and I truly felt every sweet and challenging moment with them.” – Hopeless
Book Lovers
“Damaged goods. Baggage. Guilt. Brooding smexy man. Falling in love. Swoons. Happy endings. Then
wrap it in a Jude burrito book written by an author that can tell a story in a magical way….and you have
a true gem!” – The Book Hookup
“OMG!!! Jude has been bumped up to the list as one my favorites now! This book is freaking AMAZING!”
– Reading Past My Bedtime
“If you love a story of healing, and redemption, definitely check this one out.” – Three Girls and a Book
Obsession
“My emotions ran high throughout this book and I cannot stress how much I loved it from start to finish.
There was no lull in the story, no fillers, and certainly no parts I would ever skip during a reread. With
amazing writing and such depth of feeling coming across in JL Berg’s words each page was a delight to
devour. A must read, definite and easily 5 star book for me.” – Four Brits and a Book
“I do not like to give spoilers but I will say this, have a box of tissue nearby when you read of Jude and
Lailah’s love story, you will need them. I highly recommend this book.” – A Novel Love
“J.L. Berg is an expert at creating emotional and thought provoking reads….There’s something extra
special about Within These Walls. The idea of two hearts that are both broken but in different ways
being mended despite the adversity and the sacrifices that have to be made makes for a very intriguing
storyline.” – Fairest of All Book Reviews
THE CALLING by Barry Blanchard
“The Calling is sure to make any reader with a shred of adventurous inclination wish to have climbed
with Mr. Blanchard during the storm years of his strength.” – The Wall Street Journal
THE GIRL FROM THE WELL by Rin Chupeco
“Among the lovable characters, Rin Chupeco’s beautiful writing is enough to woo any reader. Lyrical and
expressive, her style only intensifies the eeriness of the story. The Girl from the Well combines
murderers, ghosts and demons into one compelling novel that should be at the top of any horror fan’s
to-read list.” – Teen Reads
“A truly creepy and fascinating story plus Japanese influences. What more could I ask for?” – Book. Blog.
Bake.
“I would highly recommend The Girl from the Well for anyone that enjoys a good bloody ghost story as
well as anyone that is interested in Japanese folklore.” – Not Yet Read
“If you’re feeling brave and would like to try out a very well-written and well-crafted horror story, be
sure to give this one a shot. And leave the lights on.” – Deadly Darlings
“This was amazing and scary and freakishly fantastic. If you have not read it yet, you’re missing out.”
– Notebook Sisters
“Chupeco, in case it isn’t already clear, is an intelligent and talented writer. She knows what she’s doing
with this horror story. She subverts the misogynistic tropes within the horror genre and conserves some
of the more fun ones (children who see dead people, woo!).” – The Book Wars
“This entire book has been a rollercoaster of fear and excitement. I highly recommend The Girl from the
Well to horror fans looking for a good scare.” – Imaginary Reads
“An unsettling story, this novel deftly blends many creepy elements: ghosts, spirits, old legends, and
super, super creepy dolls. Readers interested in legends, ghosts, and the like will eat this one up. It’s
bloody without being overly so, and the novel’s suspense is perfectly paced. It’s a page-turner, and one
that horror fans should eat up. Highly recommended.” – Hey Library Girl
“The Girl from the Well is quite good in its unusual set-up, the charm stemming from the fact that it was
a one of a kind take on a Japanese story we are all quite familiar of.” – Amaterasu Reads
“Awesome spooky creepy story to start off the Halloween season!” – VVB32 Reads
“This gorgeously written story reads like poetry—despite the demons and the violent deaths, Okiku
finds beauty in spirits at peace and ordinary human bravery. Okiku sees everything, and her voice is as
wise as her years would make her and as passionate as the teen she once was. Whether alive or dead,
these characters are more real than some people I’ve met, and I’ve never heard a voice like Okiku’s
before in all my years of reading fiction. A must-read for horror fans!” – Brazos Bookstore
“This is a one of the most creeptastic YA books I have ever read. As a big horror junkie, I often seek out
any type of horror I can find in YA and sadly most of them don’t live up to my expectations. However Rin
Chupeco brought YA horror to a whole new level with her debut book.” – Books I View
WHAT A LADY MOST DESIRES by Lecia Cornwall
“How Delphine and Stephen find the way to their happily ever after is a winding and sometimes
tortuous tale….Both the characters learn about themselves and each other, growing in significant ways.
What a Lady Most Desires is a satisfying book, and one worth reading.” – Harlequin Junkie
“If you love emotional love stories and historicals planted deep in actual historical events, What a Lady
Most Desires is full of delights. I found it a thoroughly enjoyable romance.” – All About Romance
“Overall, if you enjoyed stories of soldiers, injured men in need of healing, and women who are tough
then this might be good one to pick up. Also, fans of Cornwall will enjoy see the main characters from
How to Deceive a Duke. I love me some Nicholas Temberley.” – Smitten By Books
“If you’re a fan of historical romance, I recommend Lecia Cornwall’s What a Lady Most Desires.”
– Literary, etc.
“Fans of wounded heroes definitely won’t want to miss it.” – Red Hot Books
“Infused with vivid descriptions and heart-wrenching moments, this story had a way of communicating
the emotions of people and the tension filled surroundings. I could feel the change in atmosphere when
the war started, the despair loved ones felt when their families were to be separated, the blinding agony
of dying, the anxiety of being accepted by your crush and the utter hopelessness of losing your
eyesight….Beautifully done.” – Buried Under Romance
“If you like your romance to delve into deep emotional turmoil of the souls of your hero and heroine,
you’ll love this story. If you love your romance to give you some fast pace adventure, you’ll love this
story. If you like your romance to take you through history, you’ll love this story. For that matter, if
you’re a lover of anything romance, you need to read this story!” – bookworm2bookworm
“I recommend this book for all lovers of historical romance, and I know I’ll be looking for more from this
author.” – Long and Short Reviews
“What a Lady Most Desires is an erotic romance with strong characters and an exciting story!…I look
forward to reading more books by Lecia Cornwall in the future.” – Fresh Fiction
“Cornwall steadily develops both characters and plot, and the reader’s hopes ebb and flow with Stephen
and Delphine’s shifting fates.” – Publishers Weekly
“All I have to say is I am fully impressed with the way this story was handled....WELL DONE!! We see
issues that had to be dealt with back in that time period and it was pretty emotional and stimulating!! A
sweet and tender romance that won my heart!! CHARMED!!” – Addicted to Romance
“The highlight of the story is the court martial: Lecia Cornwall did a good job of setting up the conflict for
Stephen and we wonder how Stephen Ives would untangle himself from this web of lies—and the
author handles this part very well, satisfying all questions and loose ends. Overall, this was a good read
and a wonderful follow-up to Lady Julia’s story.” – Love Saves the World
“Lecia Cornwall is one of my favorite historical romance writers. She’s on my list with Lisa Kleypas and
Laura Kinsale. Her books are excellent in their angst and complex emotions. This one is no different and I
fangirl so hard right now.” – Books Like Breathing
TEAR YOU APART by Sarah Cross
“Cross keeps readers guessing as she unfolds her mashup, bringing the German Märchen versions into
the story with satisfyingly gruesome effect. A fan-pleasing combination of fairy tale and thriller.”
– Kirkus
“This fantastical mash-up is full of angst, star-crossed romance, and magic. There’s plenty of high-stakes
drama to keep readers engaged, and fans of the first book are sure to be happy to return to the strange
and magical world of Beau Rivage.” – Booklist
TOP TEN CLUES YOU’RE CLULESS by Liz Czukas
“Chloe’s narration is upbeat and entertaining, Czukas’s characters are memorably eccentric, and the
mystery about who stole the money pushes readers along in this sweet comedy.” – Publishers Weekly
“[A] sweet blend of Nancy Drew and The Breakfast Club….Readers looking for a breezy read with a little
romance, a little mystery, and a little holiday cheer will be more than satisfied.” – Booklist
TAKING FLIGHT by Michael and Elaine DePrince
“[T]he story she tells….is one of almost unimaginable turmoil and out-of-the-blue good fortune, much
like the fairy-tale dances she now performs….[H]ere is where another hero of this book appears.
DePrince has an amazing story to tell, and without her seemingly selfless mother and co-author, Elaine
DePrince, she wouldn’t be here to tell it.” – New York Times Book Review
TAKING FLIGHT by Michaela and Elaine DePrince hit #28 on the Dutch bestseller list!
Please watch this amazing book trailer for TAKING FLIGHT, which has been viewed over 3 million times!:
http://vimeo.com/dreammachine/review/104329237/1772d0b31a
Publishers Weekly ran a feature story about Michaela and Elaine DePrince and their book TAKING
FLIGHT titled “From African Orphanage to the International Stage: A Dancer Recounts Her Journey.”
TeenVogue ran an exclusive excerpt from TAKING FLIGHT, “As a staff full of bunheads, we at Teen
Vogue have been fans of Michaela DePrince for quite a while (you may remember her from the pages of
our June/July 2012 issue), and when we found out the ballerina was writing a memoir about her
incredible story, we could hardly wait to get our hands on the finished product. And, lucky us, that day
came a little early.”
Ballet News ran an article about the book launch for TAKING FLIGHT, “You probably won’t recognise the
name Mabinty Bangura. You may have heard of Michaela DePrince, the extraordinarily flexible dancer
from Sierra Leone whose story has been published for young adults.”
The Daily Fig celebrated the book launch of TAKING FLIGHT.
BRAIN CHANGER by David DiSalvo
“This book will help the reader learn to stop or postpone thoughts that aren’t wanted, consider the
basic physical conditions needed for better cognition, and consider personal achievements and effects
on others. DiSalvo suggests that by retraining the brain, our thoughts may take us somewhere more
satisfying than where we are.” – Publishers Weekly
“I am a believer. In his new book, Brain Changer: How Harnessing Your Brain’s Power to Adapt Can
Change Your Life, David DiSalvo offers 30 Brain Changer Principles that will not only surprise you, but
also will alter how you think and subsequently respond or act. They range from chewing gum to learning
how to stop certain thoughts. I tried the latter with negative thoughts I had been carrying around way
too long; it worked!...Any single one of the 30 brain changing tools helps leverage your brain’s power to
problem solve and make sounder decisions—with your partner, your friends, work colleagues or bosses,
and relatives. David DiSalvo’s “tool kit” is definitely worth exploring.” – Psychology Today
IN THE MATTER OF NIKOLA TESLA by Anthony Flacco
“Flacco does an admirable job of showing us a man who was sometimes the brilliant, prescient Master—
the man with an eidetic memory—and sometimes the helpless dupe of lesser, venial men—and in this I
include Edison, Westinghouse, and many other “famous household names.” Tesla spent much of his life
fighting off these intellectual jackals. Eventually, inevitably, he lost, making this a story of heartbreak
and loneliness. Tesla was a man so far “out of time” that modern science still hasn’t managed to
understand all the marvels he proposed and dreamed about. A beautifully crafted handling of a
difficult—and not always sympathetic—subject.” – Historical Novel Society
NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW by Amanda Grace
“A surprisingly sweet take on two girls falling in love.” – School Library Journal
“This is a good example of a coming out novel that’s not a coming out novel. The main conflict arises
from Olivia’s not wanting to hurt her brother, not from self-loathing or angst about being queer. In fact
there is almost no discussion of labels at all. Zoey and Olivia simply find themselves falling in love.”
– Lezbrarian
“With a solid LGBT relationship, No One Needs to Know is not to be missed if you’re looking for a fun and
cute contemporary with a little twist.” – YA Midnight Reads
“I’m giving it 5 stars for two reasons: 1) It was captivating enough to keep me reading into the wee
hours (and that is something that doesn’t happen very often), and 2) I loved the heart-pounding
chemistry between Liv and Zoe.” – Bookish
“The romance was sweet, wonderful, really. I loved it.” – Insomnia of Books
“I liked how the book didn’t address the social stigma of being gay as much as some other books have in
the past. There was very little worry as to how society would see them and if they would be accepted.
The concern was how do we tell Liam and not lose him as a friend. I love that. I think that really
demonstrates how have we as a society have come in the last 5 years in regards to LGBT relationships. I
bow down to you Amanda Grace, thank you, thank you, thank you.” – A Midsummer Night’s Read
“No One Needs to Know had a bit of everything. There were sweet, touching moments, funny moments,
romantic moments, moments that made me mad (usually on behalf of one of the characters), and
moments that made me nod my head in approval as I watched the girls evolve.” – Ramblings of a
Daydreamer
“No One Needs to Know was a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t ready to let go whenever I finished this book.
It’s definitely one that I could see myself reading over and over again. I’m positive that fans of YA LGBT
novels will fall in love with Olivia and Zoey’s story!” – Pretty Little Pages
“If I’d been able to see a happy, healthy homo relationship when I was a teen, instead of sad issue books
where being gay is the only thing in a person’s life, it would have saved me a lot of pain and tears in my
own life. So allow me to quote Olivia, ‘It was perfect. The whole [book] was perfect.’” – Ageless Pages
Reviews
“I thought No One Needs to Know was a sweet little read. It’s a lovely YA romance with two likeable
heroines and great character growth.” – In Bed With Books
“I completely lost myself in Olivia and Zoey’s alternating narrative….I really enjoyed No One Needs To
Know, it was a quick, fun summer read, different to what I normally read but I think no less of it because
of that, I enjoyed reading about my first lesbian romance, especially with two such great girls as Olivia
and Zoey.” – Girls Love to Read
“No One Needs to Know is a tender story about the confused, dizzying sensation of falling in love with
someone completely unexpected. Complicating matters: Olivia’s torn between her awakening heart and
her loyalty to her twin and to her best friend, who trash-talks Zoey. Their tale is told with compassion
and insight, and more than a little optimism. (How many high school couples manage to remain together
after two years?) No One Needs to Know is a story that will reassure other teenagers discovering
romance, especially young gays and lesbians.” – The Denver Post
“A refreshing exploration of budding romance between two teens and the complicatedness of
navigating class and familial barriers.” – Sense and Sensibility and Stories
“No One Needs to Know is a fantastic story of friendship and love. Amanda Grace dazzles yet again in
this young adult novel that is guaranteed to tug at your heart-strings.” – Pixie Vixen Book Reviews
HIDDEN GIRL by Shyima Hall
HIDDEN GIRL by Shyima Hall was included in MTV’s Act Book Roundup: 7 New Pro-Social Books For
Young People, “In this eye-opening memoir, Shyima describes growing up in a large poverty-stricken
family in Egypt—and being sold into slavery at age 8.”
HIDDEN GIRL won a 2014 Eureka Gold Book Award, given by the California Reading Association to nonfiction children’s books!
RITES OF PASSAGE by Joy Hensley
“I loved this book. I loved this writing. I can guarantee all of you that I will read anything Joy N. Hensley
comes out with because I was so utterly impressed with Rites Of Passage. I for serious cannot
recommend this book enough.” – Good Books and Good Wine
“Rites of Passage will have you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. If you are a fan of YA
romantic suspense novels, this debut novel from Joy N. Hensley is definitely worth a shot.” – Will Bake
for Books
“The story is completely pulse-pounding. I read Rites of Passage in one sitting because I was dying to
know what was going to happen. You won’t want to put this one down once you start it. The ending
was a little abrupt though and I was left with a few questions that I would love to have answered, maybe
even in a second book. While I don’t think Rites of Passage necessarily needs a sequel, I’d greatly enjoy
one.” – Katie’s Book Blog
“This is most certainly a book that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. It’s beautifully written and it deals
with such an important issue in today’s world, one that isn’t dealt with nearly enough. It can be intense
and overwhelming and so painfully hard to read at times (you will be in constant need of hugs) but it is
just a book everyone needs to read.” – The Social Potato
“Rites of Passage was an intense read that I could not put down. Like AT ALL. Joy Hensley gives readers a
thrilling ride that will have you rooting for one of the most kickass heroines I’ve read and seriously
worrying how much more she can take despite that. It was the kind of vivid reading experience that
makes you feel like you are right in this with her.” – Perpetual Page Turner
“Rites of Passage is a story of perseverance and empowerment. It is the type of story that asks you to
take notice of the world. Prejudice and hate continues to exist, and often times, little is done to combat
such negative and harmful behavior. Sometimes, you have to take matters into your own hands and
fight intolerance with a great deal of emotional, mental, and physical resolve. This story is brutal and
intense, but it’s also honest and real; it forces you to think and drives you to feel everything there is.”
– Flyleaf Review
“Warning: Rites of Passage is so intense. There were so many moments in the book that made me go
crazy—I wanted to bite off my nails (luckily I already have short nails) and bang my head against the wall
due to how intense the book was. I wanted to flail my arms around like crazy (okay, fine, I did flail my
arms like crazy. This tweet proves it) and get my weapons ready. I groaned when my parents told me to
do something and I couldn’t read on; I just couldn’t look away from the page, afraid I’ll miss something
very important (although that doesn’t make sense because it’s not like the book will go anywhere).”
– Effortlessly Reading
“In this day and age we don’t think as much about gender equality as we used to, but gender roles sadly
do still exist. I love that this was a YA book that explored that, and shows a strong female character
fighting for what is right.” – Xpresso Reads
“Man, this is one absorbing story! I was up late reading Rites of Passage, dying to know how things
would work out for Sam. Debut author Joy N. Hensley includes lots of authentic details in this vivid look
of military academy life, and this story is action packed.” – The Reading Date
“Hensley’s writing is phenomenal and I can’t believe this is her debut novel. I can personally say that she
has a fan for life in me and I will gladly read anything else she writes.” – Dark Faerie Tales
“Want some feminism and military in your YA? Go buy Rites of Passage right now. There’s so much
you’re missing until you’ve read this book and realize how big that hole in your life was.” – The YA Kitten
“Hensley’s writing flowed so, so well. I don’t have a lot of personal experience with the military (aside
from attending Texas A&M for a year and seeing my fellow classmate suffer through his first year in the
Corps) so the story really needed to be written well for me to grasp the environment and regimented
lifestyle. And it was. Perfectly. The details were so crisp and I understood every ounce of Sam’s story.”
– Rather Be Reading
“As a debut novel, Ms. Hensley left me in book hangover because days later I’m still in Sam’s world back
at DMA and how I would have fared in her place. (Spoiler alert: not very well). I can’t wait to see what
else Hensley has in stored for us. I say pick up this book because you will not regret it.” – Books and
Swoons
“Sam McKenna is a character you want to root for. She may have decided to attend the military
academy to fulfill a dare from her big brother (dares are serious to the McKenna kids), but the way she
handles everything thrown at her, makes me want to stand up and cheer.” – My Life in Books
“This will probably be one of my favorite books of all time. It is so powerful and so well-written.”
– Breath of Books
“An all-around enjoyable contemporary that YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE NOW.” – Blue Sky Bookshelf
“I seriously urge everyone to go get a copy and read it. If you’re unsure, rent it from the library because I
promise you will fall in love with it and want your own copy to reread over and over again. It’s so
different from many of the young adult books out there and it has an original story with such a strong,
female lead character which we don’t get to see too often.” – Confessions of a Bookaholic
“Compelling heroine, well-done secondary characters, cleverly written sequence of events—if you’re
looking for a riveting new contemporary debut, look no further than Rites of Passage!” – Alexa Loves
Books
“Let’s just get this straight from the get go, I LOVED Sam McKenna. ‘Mac’ as she comes to be called from
her fellow recruits, is one of the best main characters I have read in a book in quite some time.” – Lose
Time Reading
“I’m positive Sam McKenna could kick Katniss Everdeen’s butt! She’s totally badass, even when bearing
the brunt of a year’s worth of military school hazing that goes above and beyond the norm.” – Kid
Literati
“Sam might just be my favorite character out of any book I have read so far this year. There are a lot of
strong and incredible female characters out there, but I feel like Sam is on a completely different level.
You see a lot of strong female leads in dystopians, etc. But I feel like with this story being so much more
realistic, it makes Sam that much more of a role model for young girls.” – Justin’s Book Blog
“Rites of Passage, without a doubt, is a phenomenal debut. The strong female lead and the compelling
story was already excellent but its message and the central themes that the novel revolved on made it
even more exceptional. I was unable to put it down and Rites of Passage is unequivocally and
undeniably one of the best young adult releases this 2014.” – The Bookish Owl
“Rites of Passage takes readers on an astounding journey of one girl and her desire to beat the odds no
matter what the cost may be. This book is a roller coaster of emotions I just didn’t want to end, and
neither will you.” – The Young Folks
TUT by PJ Hoover
“Hoover’s fun interpretations of Egyptian gods and goddesses, frenetic pace, and appropriately modern
snark propel this highly entertaining adventure.” – Booklist
“If you are looking for a great middle grade novel with good characters, an exciting plot, and lots of
information on Egyptian mythology, this is a book for you!” – Pub Writes
“Move over Harry Potter. Stand back Percy Jackson. There’s a new kid hero in town. Only he’s not the
‘boy who lived’ or a half-god/half-boy—he’s immortal!” – Read Love
BLACK RIVER by S.M. Hulse
“This top-of-the-line modern American Western debut explores the themes of violence, revenge, and
forgiveness with a sure hand….From the bluegrass theme to the Western rural setting, Hulse handles his
story like a pro.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Heads up—Hulse is a smart writer, able to reveal her character’s gut-level emotions and trickiest selfmanipulations. Comparing the author to Annie Proulx, Wallace Stegner, or Kent Haruf is no
exaggeration. Her debut is bound to turn readers’ hearts inside out and leave them yearning for some
sweet, mournful fiddle music.” – Library Journal, starred review
“Hulse clearly loves Montana, and her own fiddle playing and knowledge of horses shine through the
novel. She maintains suspense and manages to avoid the clichés of redemption stories in this assured
debut.” – Booklist, starred review
TEARDROP by Lauren Kate
TEARDROP by Lauren Kate, the paperback edition, hit #13 on the New York Times children’s bestseller
list!
DEAD ENDS by Erin Lange
“One of the reasons why Dead Ends is so successful is that it is not a book about a child with Down
syndrome. Rather, it is a book that takes someone with the disability and isn’t afraid to put them centre
stage without victimising or pigeonholing….Lange’s novel weaves a compelling tale, with cryptic clues
left by Billy’s father for the boys and their friend Seely to unravel….Funny, sad and suspenseful, this is a
poignant coming-of-age tale with a vibrant and memorable cast.” – Irish Times
CREED by Trisha Leaver & Lindsay Currie
“[A] a straight-ahead, cover-your-ears tale of terror that grows more nihilistic and grueling by the
page….Leaver and Currie do the best thing horror authors can do, presenting protagonists who make
smart choices, over and over, but to no avail. Now that’s scary.” – Kirkus
“The authors create a believably desperate and terrifying situation….” – Publishers Weekly
“Welcome to a town that makes “Children of the Corn” look like child’s play….What makes Creed so
terrifying? For one, its monsters are human.” – MTV News
RANDOM by Tom Leveen
“Tom Leveen allowed me to be frustrated and hateful of his characters but also made me realize that
the struggle is real and that it is okay to hate them as long as there is a reason behind it. It’s my feeling.
He brought out such diverse characters, with polarizing personalities that made the story work.”
– Writer for Misfits
“A marvelous, interesting read.” – Twirling Book Princess
“[A]n emotionally charged roller coaster.” – Reading Teen
“It actually took me surprise…like gaping mouth and all: I don’t want to say too much about this because
I don’t want to give a hint of what surprised me but just know that it shocked the pants right off me and
it takes a lot to do that.” – Perpetual Page Turner
“I was invested in the story from start to finish. It was different for me, seeing the perspective of a ‘bully’
and the reaction of everyone after a bullied teen had taken his life. It’s not often you get this side of the
story and I’m glad I gave Random a chance.” – Embrace You Magazine
“Random’s conclusion was shocking, but perfect. I couldn’t have asked for anything else. As unlikely as it
may seem, we do see a minuscule, but impacting change in Tori by the end of the book. It’s messy and
imperfect, but it was done just right. Tom Leveen’s Random is gripping and it’s captivating words beg
the question: who’s the real victim?” – Bittersweet Book Love
“I would recommend pretty much EVERYONE read Random. It’s amazing, and while the main character
might drive you crazy, it’s well worth it.” – Strung Out on Books
“Told in 24-hour (or less) story, Random is a realistic tale about bullying and its consequences. Sad and
thought-provoking, readers in all ages will relate on this book.” – Michelle the Escapist
“Yes, I was in awe. Tom did a great job in telling this story–the whole point of it. And he did so quickly
that I didn’t notice that the book was about to end already.” – Bibliophile Soprano
“Random was full of humor, surprises and raw emotion. I was struck by the unique perspective that Tori
provided as the suspect in this cyberbullying case. I have never truly understood the “other” side of a
situation like this. This book would be a wonderful choice for any high school student or adult. It takes a
lot of maturity to deal with topics like the ones discussed in Random.” – Teen Reads
“Taut, suspenseful and provocative, Random will hold you till the last page—and have you thinking
about it long after the book is closed.” – Patricia McCormick
“Tom Leveen’s Random is anything but! This standout novel offers an unflinching look at the cost—
personal and otherwise—of trying to be something we are not. It’s a suspenseful, riveting page-turner,
and once I got going, I could not put it down!” – Bill Konigsberg, author of Openly Straight and Out of
the Pocket
“This quick, suspenseful novel will hook readers through the final page.” – VOYA
“[T]he story moves quickly and with genuine tension, and there is enough ambiguity even after the
ending that readers can draw their own conclusions about Victoria’s character and level of culpability.”
– Kirkus
A CHILD OF CHRISTIAN BLOOD by Edmund Levin
“A hundred years after Beilis’s acquittal, Robert Weinberg and Edmund Levin have produced two
volumes that represent the state of the art in Beilis scholarship….Levin’s great contribution to the muchstudied Beilis case is his ability to show how the charge of ‘blood libel’ was not so much a medieval
throwback as a very modern product of autocracy and bureaucratic politics. Highly readable and deeply
researched.” – The Times Literary Supplement
PRINCELY ADVICE FOR A HAPPY LIFE by HSH Prince Alexi Lubomirski
Vogue Russia created this very cool video about a recent photo shoot in St. Petersburg with Alexi
Lubomirski and he talks about PRINCELY ADVICE FOR A HAPPY LIFE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDLOGOz3XQg
“This beautiful book, should become a bible for all! Without spiritual fluffiness, and free from preaching
statements. This is a simple book of basic, gentle ideals that we sometimes forget about. This book
reminds us all that showing gratitude, smiling brightly, and living life with goodness in our hearts, is easy
to do. And SO important for our children to witness and to hear. A breath of fresh air in our sometimes
frantic lives. Give up googling cool quotes, just open this book instead!” – Kate Winslet, Academy
Award-winning actress
THE FACADES by Eric Lundgren
THE FACADES by Eric Lundgren was included on Vulture’s list of 7 Books to Scratch your Gone Girl Itch,
“Sven Norberg’s wife goes out for an egg for her throat, evidently something opera singers do, and
never returns. When the police offer no help, he searches for her in the streets of his midwestern town,
Trude, which is just this side of bizarre, yet somehow believable. You quickly suspect Sven is refusing to
acknowledge his own fault in his wife’s disappearance and that his version might not be the full story.
Also included: vigilante librarians, a literal labyrinth of a mall, a detective named the Oracle, and a very
MFA-esque asylum.”
DRAGON’S BREATH by MariNaomi
“Award-winning author MariNaomi (Kiss and Tell) returns with this charming and intimate collection of
vignettes and meatier personal histories….The book is utterly absorbing, funny, intimate, and even
philosophical.” – Publishers Weekly
“This is a graphic memoir in the vein of Fun Home or Persepolis….Dragon’s Breath is a funny, intimate
and sometimes sad ode to multiplicity. Each episode comes over you like a puff of smoke, and with it
comes both a little cough and the rich scent of fresh tobacco.” – Graphic Novel Reporter
“That’s what makes an autobiographical comic stand above the rest—the fact that you can immediately
connect….The effect is so powerful as to almost cause a physical reaction.” – Panel Patter (SPX
Spotlight)
“I repeatedly had lip quivers and held back sniffles….These tales put the reader in touch with everything
that we share as humanity, no matter our stage or station in life.” – Shakeytown Radio
THE TRUTH ABOUT ALICE by Jennifer Mathieu
“Fans of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and Speechless by Hannah Harrington will welcome first time
author Mathieu, who has crafted a realistic and hard-hitting debut.” – VOYA
“One word to describe The Truth About Alice is real. Or raw. Either one works. I can picture any event in
The Truth About Alice happening in real life—ll the drama, the rumors, the bullying, the isolation,
everything. Not one thing in The Truth About Alice was overly fake or exaggerated; everything just rings
true.” – Effortlessly Reading
“I enjoy books that have the power to change your opinion of the characters and plot elements as you
go along. The author also painted a realistic picture in the mind of just how much Alice was hurt by the
events that play out. I really could feel her pain and pitied her….immensely.” – Reading Teen
“The Truth About Alice was a really good read. I think it really opened my eyes to situations like these—
not necessarily specifically involving rumors but just standing up for someone or speaking up in
situations that you know are wrong….[H]opefully books like these will continue to keep that reminder in
the back of people’s minds and may end up influencing someone to speak up the next time they’re in a
situation like this.” – Book Addicts Guide
“The Truth About Alice has so much of what makes me love a contemporary novel….It’s part mystery,
part social commentary, and a great helping of exploring relationships. And probably the thing that sold
me hardest on this book? The writing was high quality; it does not read like a debut!” – Oh The Books
“An entirely authentic portrayal of the damage and scandal that a little lie can do when it goes from
mouth to mouth, The Truth About Alice is a can’t-stop-turning-the-pages read that will have you wanting
to know just what really went down that summer.” – The Children’s Book Review
“This book explores a lot of issues and I believe should be read by every teenager because of how
realistic and honest to the truth it was.” – The Solitary Bookworm
“All in all, The Truth About Alice is an awesome book….it’s saying so many things the world needs to
hear, it’s short, and it’s lovely. Go pick up a copy, seriously.” – The YA Kitten
“This is definitely a book you should buy and then share with some teenagers (if you’re not one yourself)
because it is a story that rings mostly true, and it’s a story that can impart some life lessons.”
– Bibliodaze
“This is not a happy story. There are no clear cut lessons in morality. We aren’t given a villain and/or
victim because each character is a combination of both. Stereotypical in makeup but unique in
presentation, Mathieu calmly gives us the truth as seen through the character’s eyes.” – Smexy Books
“[B]rilliant, beautiful, and speaks to the power of second chances and acceptance.” – Christina Reads YA
“[R]ealistically written and faced-paced.” – Sarah’s Reviews
“What makes The Truth About Alice a must-read is the fact that it’s a story that can happen in any
school, to any girl….Trust us, once you pick up this book, you won’t be able to put it down.” – Miss
Literati
“The Truth About Alice is a really eye-opening account of bullying and the people that participate in it.
We don’t get to see much of Alice’s perspective on the matter, but it was riveting to read why these
characters believed the rumor’s that they heard, and why they kept perpetuating them.” – The Lit Girl
“Raw and authentic.” – Little Birdie Books
“The Truth About Alice is a sensitively written, clean and short read that gives you enough insight into
how the scandal-mill works.” – On Books
“[A] very moving and realistic look at teen life.” – Bookworm Brandee
“The Truth About Alice was both unique and different, and perhaps one of the most honest
contemporary books I’ve ever read.” – Adrift on Vulcan
“Jennifer Mathieu’s writing is clean but holds that pain so vigorously that it almost hurts to turn a page.”
– Writer for Misfits
“It’s been a while since I read a book that was this beautiful and intense. The Truth About Alice by
Jennifer Mathieu is brilliant and heartbreaking, and it’s a book that you definitely don’t want to miss.”
– Write All the Words
“A stunning and thought provoking book that will show you the horrific effects of bullying and slut
shaming.” – Rainy Day Ramblings
“This book is stupid good! So, so, SO well written. I love how all the tiny details and habits and interests
Mathieu gives each character made them completely distinct in my mind, which is not easy with a five
person point of view.” – Kid Literati
“If you’re looking for something different, something to make you think, this contemporary novel is
definitely for you!” – Queen Ella Bee Reads
“This book is a powerful one that actually redefined young adult genre for me. This is one book that will
make you think and look into the real world than all that emotional and romantic balloons clouding your
visions right now. It uses one of the best and creative narration techniques I have ever seen….Pick up
this book. Its short, crisp, cutting straight to the point, and absolutely jolting. This should be the kind of
books that adorns young/new adult genre.” – Read, Watch, and Think
MAGGIE MALONE AND THE MOSTLY MAGICAL BOOTS by Jenna McCarthy & Carolyn Evans
MAGGIE MALONE books #1 and #2 have been picked up by Children’s Book of the Month Club, a
subscription book service, for a winter 2015 promotion! As a main selection for ages 9-12, subscribers in
this range will automatically receive Maggie 1 & 2 in January 2015!
“Maggie’s lively and innocent first-person voice keeps this from being a didactic lesson, and promises to
be a fresh new series for tween or younger girls who are growing out of Katie Kazoo. Recommended.”
– Library Media Connection
BECOMING THE BOSS by Lindsey Pollak
“Becoming The Boss by Lindsey Pollak is a terrific new 300-page paperback book aimed at millennials
who are becoming—or hope to become—managers or entrepreneurs.” – Joyce Laine Kennedy, The
Chicago Tribune
“Written exclusively for Gen Y readers to address their unique needs, Becoming the Boss is a brisk, tech
savvy success manual filled with real-world, actionable tips, from an expert they respect and relate to.”
– Modern Graham
Check out this Q&A with Lindsey Pollak from The Huffington Post!
Check out this Q&A with Lindsey Pollak from World News Network!
Check out Forbes.com’s interview with Lindsey Pollak!
Nancy Ancowitz from Salary.com interviewed Lindsey Pollak about how millennials can transform into
leaders!
TRUST ME, I’M LYING by Mary Elizabeth Summer
TRUST ME, I’M LYING made CNN’s “40 new books to feed your YA addiction“ list!
“Summer has penned a debut novel chronicling the life of a teenage grifter that is outrageous and
believable. The characters are well developed and leave readers looking forward to the next installment
in this series.” – School Library Journal
MURDER AT THE BRIGHTWELL by Ashley Weaver
“A spunky heroine, a tense romance and red herrings galore make Weaver’s debut a pleasant read for
nostalgia buffs who miss Agatha Christie.” – Kirkus
“Just as intriguing as the murder and its consequences is a major side trip into Amory’s love life—or lack
thereof. Weaver expertly exploits the “which one does she love?” angle, creating a tasty side story for
mystery readers who like their murder laced with a little romance….Weaver creates great romantic
tension, but despite Amory’s protestations to the contrary, it doesn’t take a master sleuth to discover
the direction in which this heroine’s affections lie.” – BookPage
“At the heart of this light, energetic tale of a group of wealthy eccentrics on holiday at a seaside resort in
England emerges a story of a marriage. Yes, there’s a juicy scandal, snobbish comments and petty
disagreements among people of a certain class feeling carefree and insular in 1932 Kent. It’s all very
Downton Abbey. But Murder at the Brightwell by Ashley Weaver also proves to be an insightful look at a
marriage….Weaver lays the foundation for a solid series in her first novel as she channels the ambience
and spirit of British society during the post-World War I years. She keeps Murder at the Brightwell
moving at a lively pace with clever twists, droll humor and odd, but believable characters. Amory’s
transition to an amateur sleuth is skillfully woven into the plot.” – ABC News
Listen to famous librarian Nancy Pearl recommend MURDER AT THE BRIGHTWELL on KUOW.org.
“A lighthearted murder mystery set in the 1920s? If it sounds like the perfect fun, effortless read, then
you’d be right—Murder at the Brightwell is full of whimsy and delight as Amory Ames sets herself on the
trail of a murderer. Weaver did a wonderful job with the atmosphere in her debut novel. The banter and
wit has the elegance of this time period; readers will be able to hear the waves crashing on the rocks by
the Brightwell and smell the salt in the sea air as they read this novel. It’s got a great sense of time and
place that readers will truly enjoy.” – S. Krishna’s Books
ON THE FENCE by Kasie West
ON THE FENCE by Kasie West has been nominated for ALA’s Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers.
FINLEY FLOWERS: Original Recipe by Jessica Young
“Even if she doesn’t know how to cook, Finley Flowers does know how to be a BFF: a Brilliant, Funny
Foodie. I laughed at her crazy, creative concoctions. I want Finley for my BBF (Best Book Friend)!”
– Kim Norman, author of Ten on the Sled and I Know A Wee Piggy
All best wishes,
Taryn