9/30/2020 WHAT IF? By Shari Low - BOLDWOOD BOOKS

Publication Date : September 29, 2020
Print Length : 355 pages
Word Wise : Enabled
Publisher : Boldwood Books; Large type / Large print Edition

What If?


The book that started it all! A classic retro romcom from #1 bestselling author Shari Low.

1999.
Carly Cooper is 30, single, and after coming close to saying ‘I Do’ to six different men, she’s wondering if she accidentally said ‘goodbye' to Mr Right.
But there is a problem.
Her ex-boyfriends are scattered all over the world and Carly lives in 1999; an era before Facebook, Google, smartphones, 4G and Broadband, when it was impossible to track people down with a few clicks of a mouse.
On a mission to discover if she walked away from her 'happy ever after', Carly quits her job, her flat, her whole life and sets off on a quest to track down all the men she has ever loved.
Her Mr Right is out there, but can she find him?
And what if he’s moved on from the ex-girlfriend who said goodbye? A wonderful classic 20th-anniversary re-release.

Purchase Link - http://buff.ly/35NYMkW

REVIEW:


'What If?' is a 20th anniversary reprint of Shari Low's novel. I found this to be fun, uplifting and light read tat was truly enjoyable. This 90's romance was reminiscent of the days before the explosion of social media, smart phones, and pre-Netflix and chill, and I loved the nostalgic feeling reading this book brought to my life.


What If is such a cute story about 30 something Carly Cooper who is ready to make a change in her life. To move forward and learn from her past mistakes, she quits her job and tracks her exes in the far corners of the world. Full of hilarious and crazy moments, this was exactly what I need to cure my pandemic blues and the travel bug that had been pestering in me.


Shari Low is the queen of hilarious and heartwarming romcoms that is smart, witty, and swoon worthy. This re-release of her debut novel really proves her brilliance and how her stories truly stands the test of time. I recommend this amazing and fun escape read to a new generation of modern readers that will find Shari Low's brilliance relevant and timeless.

Author Bio – 

Shari Low is the #1 bestselling author of over 25 novels, including One Day In Summer and My One Month Marriage and a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. She lives near Glasgow.

Social Media Links –

Newsletter sign up:  http://bit.ly/ShariLowNewsletter

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sharilowbooks/

Website - http://www.sharilow.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharilowbooks/

Twitter @ https://twitter.com/sharilow

9/29/2020 THE ANCESTOR By Lee Matthew Goldberg

 

Print Length : 372 pages
ASIN : B08BLWL48C
Language: : English
Publisher : All Due Respect, an imprint of Down & Out Books (August 21, 2020)
Publication Date : August 21, 2020


A man wakes up in present-day Alaskan wilderness with no idea who he is, nothing on him save an empty journal with the date 1898 and a mirror. He sees another man hunting nearby, astounded that they look exactly alike except for his own beard. After following this other man home, he witnesses a wife and child that brings forth a rush of memories of his own wife and child, except he’s certain they do not exist in modern times—but from his life in the late 1800s.

After recalling his name is Wyatt, he worms his way into his doppelganger Travis Barlow’s life. Memories become unearthed the more time he spends, making him believe that he’d been frozen after coming to Alaska during the Gold Rush and that Travis is his great-great grandson. Wyatt is certain gold still exists in the area and finding it with Travis will ingratiate himself to the family, especially with Travis’s wife Callie, once Wyatt falls in love. This turns into a dangerous obsession affecting the Barlows and everyone in their small town, since Wyatt can’t be tamed until he also discovers the meaning of why he was able to be preserved on ice for over a century.

A meditation on love lost and unfulfilled dreams, The Ancestor is a thrilling page-turner in present day Alaska and a historical adventure about the perilous Gold Rush expeditions where prospectors left behind their lives for the promise of hope and a better future.

The question remains whether it was all worth the sacrifice…



Praise for THE ANCESTOR:

"Lee Matthew Goldberg is an animal--there is no other way to say it. His prose is heavyweight ambitious, as visceral as a sweaty-toothed dog at your throat. He evokes Robert Louis Stevenson as much as he does a modern thriller novelist. And I'll be honest: I expected a crime novel, but I got a spell-binding epic, an epistolary revelation, a tale as rich as a paying gold mine. --Matt Phillips, author of Countdown and Know Me from Smoke

"In The Ancestor, Lee Matthew Goldberg masterfully weaves together a story involving family and violence set against the backdrop of an unforgiving Alaska of both past and present." --Andrew Davie, author of Pavement and Ouroboros

"From the icy opening battle of man vs. wolf, you feel yourself in the hands of a master storyteller and that feeling never lets up." --SJ Rozan, bestselling author of Paper Son

"This thrilling novel is rich in descriptions of the vast, snowy, and deadly wilderness of Alaska; it ably captures the type of person who chases gold." --Foreword Reviews

"A story that blends the familiar and the supernatural in a manner that calls Stephen King's work to mind. That said, Goldberg's book possesses a flavor all its own--a distinctive mélange of the sincere and the strange." --Kirkus Reviews

"Beautifully written, and capturing the unforgiving grit of Gold Rush Alaska, Lee Matthew Goldberg's The Ancestor is a thrilling page-turner with an ache in its heart. I'm a huge fan." --Roz Nay, author of Hurry Home and Our Little Secret

"A suspenseful historical thriller." --Indie Reader

"One of the year's best thrillers. Blake Crouch fans will love Goldberg's Alaskan opus." --BestThrillers.com

REVIEW:

What a fascinating premise which I loved! The writing was suspenseful and thrilling, always kept you wanting more and more. Goldberg’s writing was immersive with characters that draws you in to the story - lots of drama and intense scenes - a truly atmospheric read I enjoyed. This was a truly creative plot that will hook you right from the start. I loved it!


AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:

Lee Matthew Goldberg is the author of THE DESIRE CARD, SLOW DOWN and THE MENTOR from St. Martin's Press. He has been published in multiple languages and nominated for the 2018 Prix du Polar. The second novel in The Desire Card series, PREY NO MORE, is forthcoming. THE ANCESTOR will be out from All Due Respect books in 2020 along with a reissue of his debut novel. His pilots and screenplays have been finalists in Script Pipeline, Book Pipeline, Stage 32, We Screenplay, the New York Screenplay, Screencraft, and the Hollywood Screenplay contests. After graduating with an MFA from the New School, his writing has also appeared in the anthology DIRTY BOULEVARD, The Millions, The Montreal Review, The Adirondack Review, Essays & Fictions, The New Plains Review, and others. He is the co-curator of The Guerrilla Lit Reading Series (guerrillalit.wordpress.com). He lives in New York City. Follow him at leematthewgoldberg.com and @LeeMatthewG

His favorite authors are classic writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Hermann Hesse, Emily Bronte, W. Somerset Maugham and Raymond Chandler. For modern authors, he's been influenced by Jay McInerney, Bret Easton Ellis, Denis Johnson, John Irving, and Paul Auster.

9/29/2020 FAR FROM NORMAL BY BECKY WALLACE

 

Hi everyone! Today I’m excited to participate in the Bookstagram & Creative Blog Tour for Far From Normal by Becky Wallace! 

From author Becky Wallace comes a Devil Wears Prada-inspired YA romance, in which “normal girl” Maddie must repair the image of Major League Soccer’s bad boy to ace her internship. Far from Normal releases on September 22nd, 2020 from Page Street Publishing!

Title: Far From Normal

Author: Becky Wallace

Publisher: Page Street Publishing

Publishing Date: September 22nd, 2020
Genres: YA Contemporary

Purchase a copy: Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository

Add on Goodreads!




Maddie McPherson is sick of Normal—both her hometown of Normal, Illinois and being the ‘normal’ sibling. But when she lands a summer internship with a sports marketing firm, she finally has a chance to crawl out of her genius brother’s shadow. Not to mention, a glowing letter of recommendation could land her the scholarship she needs to get into her dream college.



But Maddie’s nickname is “Calamaddie” for a reason, and when the company assigns her to work with nineteen-year-old MLS star Gabriel Fortuna—who’s famous for crashing a Maserati after flubbing Italy’s World Cup hopes—she wonders if she’s set herself up for another embarrassment.



She takes the brooding soccer star to his appointments, and it’s going well—a bit too well. The more time they spend together, the more Maddie wonders if Gabriel’s lack of catastrophe has more to do with his flirtations than her abilities. Falling for a footballer is exactly how “Calamaddie” would botch this internship. But with the firm calling her a miracle worker for keeping Gabriel out of the tabloids, is her heart worth risking?



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Thoughts/Review

Far From Normal is a fantastic read I loved for the relatable characters I enjoyed reading about, the laugh out loud moments, and that perfect dialogue and banter that just had my sides aching.

Maddie is a complete mess and your heart will just endear to her.

Gabe is a bad boy heartthrob who will steal your heart.

The story had great pacing and grabbed me right from the first chapter. Far from Normal is a fun, quick read to swoon over with all the feels.

About Becky Wallace:

In second grade, Becky Wallace had to sit in the corner because she refused to write anything besides princess stories and fairy tales (and because she talked too much). Her time in isolation gave her plenty of opportunities to dream up the fantasy worlds she's been dabbling with ever since. She was lucky enough to find her own, real-life prince charming. They have four munchkins and live in a happy little town outside Houston, Texas.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

 

INTL Tour-wide Giveaway!

Head over to my Instagram account where you can enter the tour-wide giveaway to win a hardcover copy of Far From Normal by Becky Wallace! Open internationally.

Tour Schedule:

September 21
@paperfury - Bookstagram + Blog

September 22
@epochnovels - Bookstagram

September 23
@thereaderandthechef - Bookstagram + Blog

September 24
@book_bound_ - Bookstagram

September 25
@per_fictionist - Bookstagram + Blog

September 26
@findherreading - Bookstagram

September 27
@shelflifechronicles - Bookstagram + Blog

September 28
@theladysparks - Bookstagram

September 29
@nurse_bookie - Bookstagram + Blog

September 30
@storybookend - Bookstagram

9.25.2020 STUCK ON YOU By: Portia Macintosh BOLDWOOD BOOKS

 

Stuck On You 

Could a post-it note really lead to love...?

Sadie doesn't have time for finding love. She's too busy as PA for famous artist Damian Banks. When she's not arranging exhibitions, she's organising his dry cleaning or dumping his never ending stream of girlfriends.

But when she strikes up an unusual friendship with her desk share buddy, she finds a confidante and a new potential love interest. Problem is, they've never actually met...

With Christmas just around the corner, can Sadie put herself first for a change and find what she's been looking for all along?

The brand new romantic comedy from top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh. Perfect for fans of Sophie Ranald, Mhairi McFarlane and Zara Stoneley.

Purchase Link - buff.ly/3f9Yy8M

REVIEW;

Portia Macintosh is a brilliant writer that left me in such a great mood days after reading this book which I could not put down. I was swooning, laughing and enjoying this fun read. 

Stuck On You was not only a heartwarming, fun, sexy, and a romantic read, but it was also so adorable and so creative. Macintosh wrote such amazing characters in this story - I loved each one of them from Sadie to Adam and Damien, their meet cute through post-it notes, and the whole cast of characters - they were absolutely endearing and so enjoyable to read. This book was so well written and the plot so amazing. 

This book had me longing for a British Christmas holiday which was a great escape from the heat and fires here in California. 

I highly recommend this book for a fabulous rom-com with a fun twist you will love and swoon over.

Author Bio –

Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of 12 novels, including It's Not You, It's Them and Honeymoon For One. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real life experiences.

Social Media Links –

Newsletter sign up: http://bit.ly/PortiaMacIntoshNewsletter

https://portiamacintosh.com/

https://www.facebook.com/macintoshportia

https://twitter.com/PortiaMacIntosh

http://instagram.com/portiamacintoshauthor

http://bookbub.com/authors/portia-macintosh

9/19/2020 A TRACE OF DECEIT BY: Karen Odden @HFVBT TOURS

 

A Trace of Deceit by Karen Odden

Publication Date: December 17, 2019

William Morrow

Paperback & eBook; 416 pages

Genre: Historical Mystery/Victorian

From the author of A Dangerous Duet comes the next book in her Victorian mystery series, this time following a daring female painter and the Scotland Yard detective who is investigating her brother’s suspicious death. A young painter digs beneath the veneer of Victorian London’s art world to learn the truth behind her brother’s murder... Edwin is dead. That’s what Inspector Matthew Hallam of Scotland Yard tells Annabel Rowe when she discovers him searching her brother’s flat for clues. While the news is shocking, Annabel can’t say it’s wholly unexpected, given Edwin’s past as a dissolute risk-taker and art forger, although he swore he’d reformed. After years spent blaming his reckless behavior for their parents’ deaths, Annabel is now faced with the question of who murdered him—because Edwin’s death was both violent and deliberate. A valuable French painting he’d been restoring for an auction house is missing from his studio: find the painting, find the murderer. But the owner of the artwork claims it was destroyed in a warehouse fire years ago. As a painter at the prestigious Slade School of Art and as Edwin’s closest relative, Annabel makes the case that she is crucial to Matthew’s investigation. But in their search for the painting, Matthew and Annabel trace a path of deceit and viciousness that reaches far beyond the elegant rooms of the auction house, into an underworld of politics, corruption, and secrets someone will kill to keep.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound

Praise for A Trace of Deceit

"Odden's third effort injects a refreshing level of complexity, both in character development and plotting, into what one typically expects to find in historical cozies. This will appeal to fans of Victorian mysteries, as well as those interested in art history." -Booklist (starred review) "Odden keenly evokes the physical as well as cultural milieu of Victorian England, and peoples her setting with fully realized and intriguing characters. This book will delight readers who like their mysteries cloaked in well-researched history." -Publishers Weekly "...this thrilling, action-packed story [is] an absolute delight to read." -Historical Novel Society "Odden’s literary brushstrokes vividly portray the misogyny and gender bias experienced by women in Victorian society, especially a woman battling to exercise her artistic talent. " -Washington Independent Review of Books "Fans of Anne Perry, Deanna Rayborn, and Tasha Alexander will root for Karen Odden’s newest heroine, Annabel Rowe—aspiring painter and now amateur sleuth—investigating the murder of her art forger brother. The novel's a delightful mix of mystery, history, and romance, served with a delicious helping of lush period detail, while chemistry between Annabel and the investigating Scotland Yard detective add spice to the adventure." -Susan Elia MacNeal, New York Times bestselling author of the Maggie Hope series "A darkly thrilling story filled with suspense and secrets, a courageous heroine, an edgy climax, and an atmospheric setting that perfectly captures the underbelly of London’s art world in the Victorian era. A Trace of Deceit is an absolute winner!" -Stefanie Pintoff, Edgar Award winning author

Review 

I was so excited to be a part of this blog tour and with another great book from one of my favorite authors, Karen Odden since reading A Dangerous Duet which was unbelievably fantastic read, I highly recommend - check it out if you haven't read it already and then come back and thank me later. Though A Trace of Deceit is the second book in the series, this works as a stand alone mystery novel and a fantastic read full of mysteries to solve and 

In Odden's third book, A Trace of Deceit, a Victorian murder mystery set in London's art world, it had everything I loved in a murder mystery. for the daring and strong female lead Annabel Rowe, a painter and whose brother Edwin - once an art forger, was violently murdered while a valuable French painting has now gone missing. leading the investigation is Scotland Yard Inspector, Matthew Hallam who is digging into the bottom of this very suspicious turn of events. 

I loved learning about the underground art world and this definitely was well researched providing a rich tapestry of detail during Victorian England, the people at the time and alongside a suspenseful and thrilling plot. 

The characters were a delight to read about most especially a strong woman who was well ahead of her time, and a passion to resolve her brothers' death as an amateur sleuth courageous enough to deep dive into the treacherous dark secrets of the London art scene. 

I am so delighted to have had the chance to read this amazing book! I highly recommend!

 

About the Author

Karen Odden received her Ph.D. in English literature from New York University and taught at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has contributed essays and chapters to books and journals, including Studies in the Novel, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and Victorian Crime, Madness, and Sensation; she has written introductions for Barnes and Noble editions of books by Dickens and Trollope; and she edited for the academic journal Victorian Literature and Culture. She freely admits she might be more at home in nineteenth-century London than today, especially when she tries to do anything complicated on her iPhone. Her first novel, A Lady in the Smoke, was a USA Today bestseller and won the New Mexico-Arizona 2016 Book Award for e-Book Fiction. Her second novel, A Dangerous Duet, about a young pianist who stumbles on a notorious crime ring while playing in a Soho music hall in 1870s London, won the New Mexico-Arizona 2019 Book Award for Best Historical Fiction. A Trace of Deceit is her third novel. She resides in Arizona with her family and a ridiculously cute beagle named Rosy.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | BookBub | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, September 7 Review at Books and Backroads Review at WTF Are You Reading? Tuesday, September 8 Feature at I'm All About Books Wednesday, September 9 Review at Hallie Reads Thursday, September 10 Review at Gwendalyn's Books Friday, September 11 Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit Monday, September 14 Review at Pursuing Stacie Tuesday, September 15 Review at Faery Tales Are Real Wednesday, September 16 Review at Into the Hall of Books Thursday, September 17 Review at Novels Alive Friday, September 18 Review at A Darn Good Read Saturday, September 19 Review at Nursebookie Monday, September 21 Review at Books and Zebras Tuesday, September 22 Review at Passages to the Past Thursday, September 24 Guest Post at Novels Alive Friday, September 25 Review at The Lit Bitch Monday, September 28 Review at Amy's Booket List Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals Tuesday, September 29 Review at Impressions In Ink Review at Writing the Renaissance Wednesday, September 30 Review at Probably at the Library Guest Post at Writing the Renaissance Thursday, October 1 Excerpt at Books In Their Natural Habitat Review at History from a Woman’s Perspective Friday, October 2 Review at Jessica Belmont Review at Jorie Loves A Story Review at View from the Birdhouse

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away one paperback copy of A Trace of Deceit! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on October 2nd. You must be 18 or older to enter. A Trace of Deceit

9.23.2020 SISTERS OF WAR BY Lana Kortchik

 

About Sisters of War

Paperback: 384 pages 

Publisher: HQ Digital 

PUB DATE: September 22, 2020

  *The USA Today bestseller!*

Can their bond survive under the shadow of occupation?

For fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The German Midwife comes this unforgettable tale of love, loss, family, and the power of hope. Kiev, 1941: Watching the Red Army withdraw from Ukraine in the face of Hitler’s relentless advance, sisters Natasha and Lisa Smirnova realise their lives are about to change forever. As the German army occupies their beloved city, the sisters are tested in ways they never thought possible. Lisa’s fiancé Alexei is taken by the invading army, whilst Natasha falls in love with Mark – a Hungarian soldier, enlisted against all his principles on the side of the Nazis. But as Natasha and Lisa fight to protect the friends and family they hold dear, they must face up to the dark horrors of war and the pain of betrayal. Will they be strong enough to overcome the forces which threaten to tear their family apart? Why readers love Sisters of War: ‘Captivating from the first page’ ‘Powerful and heart wrenching’ ‘A touching story, beautifully written’ ‘Well-researched and fascinating’ Originally published as The Story of Us. Social Media Please use the hashtag 

REVIEW:

I love reading historical fiction set during WWII. This time, the story is set in Kiev, Ukraine around three months after Hitler attacked the Soviet Union - September 1941. The occupation that lasted a little over two years caused Kievans nightmarish terror and suffering, hunger and difficulties, prosecution and death. I was completely captivated right from the first page with the rich and detailed descriptions of the daily lives of the people in Kiev - as they live in fear, full of anxiety and unease.

Kortchik's writing was immersive, touching and truly captivating. I was drawn into the story and felt every pain suffered by the sisters and their family. What people have gone through were harrowing as they suffer through Hitler's evil. Though difficult, I found the story hopeful as well, and I really enjoyed this captivating read.

I highly recommend this book for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and The Lost Girls of Paris. A wonderful read not to be missed.

 

Purchase Links

HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About Lana Kortchik

Lana Kortchik grew up in two opposite corners of the Soviet Union – the snow-white Siberian town of Tomsk and the golden-domed Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. At the age of sixteen, she moved to Australia with her mother. Lana and her family live on the Central Coast of NSW, where it never snows and is always summer-warm. Lana studied IT at university and, as a student, wrote poetry in Russian that she hid from everyone. For over a decade after graduating, she worked as a computer programmer. When she returned to university to complete her history degree, her favourite lecturer encouraged her to write fiction. She hasn’t looked back, and never goes anywhere without her favourite pen because you never know when the inspiration might strike. Lana’s short stories appeared in many magazines and anthologies, and she was the winner of the Historical Novel Society Autumn 2012 Short Fiction competition. Her first novel, Sisters of War, was acquired by HQ Digital, an imprint of Harper Collins UK, in 2018 and later became the USA Today bestseller. Lana also writes psychological thrillers under the pen name of Lana Newton. Find out more about Lana at her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

9/21/20 A STAR GAZY NIGHT by Laura Briggs

 Pub date: 8.5.2020

A Stargazy Night Sky

Starry autumn nights are bringing a rare celestial event and exciting new guests to the shores of the sleepy hotel Penmarrow.

Maisie is happy to be back among its staff, even with the question of its future ownership still in the air and the fate of her unpublished manuscript soon to be in the hands of London acquisitions editors. More than anything else, she’s happy to finally be in a relationship with Sidney Daniels, the sparks between them no longer denied. She’s excited for the future and things couldn’t be better with regards to romance … except for those lingering little questions about Sidney’s uncertain past, that is.

Meanwhile, the staff at the Penmarrow is tasked with hosting a special celestial conference where stargazers are gathering for a glimpse of the much-anticipated comet. The ever-timid maid Molly is flustered by the return of charming astronomer George and seems to need a little advice on how to rekindle the spark they shared last autumn. Hotel porters Gomez and Riley vie for the attentions of a mysterious female guest, the eccentric ‘Megs’ Buntly pays another visit, and a dramatic revelation about someone on staff will leave Maisie and everyone else reeling from the unexpected news. Is this the moment for the revelation Maisie has been waiting for since her Cornish journey began?

Brimming with humor, romance, and the kind of surprises its fans have come to expect, the seventh book in the series brings a twist at the end that’s sure to leave readers excited — and anxious — for the conclusion of Maisie’s original gorgeous Cornish adventure.

Purchase Link - https://smarturl.it/stargazynight 

REVIEW: 

So happy to be back in Cornwall and to know that this is the second to the last in this series, my heart breaks a little bit and also very much look forward to the final chapters.

Maisie is back at the hotel Penmarrow and her future dreams is about to come true. My heart is swooning for Maisie and Sidney and I am so happy for them to finally find each other and settle in somewhat, though I imagine some rocky road lies ahead, at least I can foresee some sort of a happily every after for their relationship.

As usual, Penmarrow is always bustling with excitement and this time, the event is for stargazers and to glimpse the much anticipated comet. The motley hotel staff and the very interesting and exciting guests some new and old, have come to visit and it is just a fun read to see the hustle and bustle, with all the excitement looming in the hotel.

As always, Laura Briggs never disappoint with her beautiful writing of the Cornish village, the hotels, staff and Maisie my favorite of them all. I loved seeing the wonderful twists that Briggs brings tot he plot which brings some excitement and unexpected surprises. This book 7 is definitely seventh heaven for me and loved it! I highly recommend this series. 

Author Bio – 

Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller 'A Wedding in Cornwall'. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.

Social Media Links –

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1ME9ivJ

Author Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1JjeMoI

9/15/20 A BETTER MAN: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son BY MICHAEL IAN BLACK - ALGONQUIN BOOKS

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Hardcover : 304 pages
Publisher : Algonquin Books
PUB DATE: September 15, 2020

A poignant look at boyhood, in the form of a heartfelt letter from comedian Michael Ian Black to his teenage son before he leaves for college, and a radical plea for rethinking masculinity and teaching young men to give and receive love.

In a world in which the word masculinity now often goes hand in hand with toxic, comedian, actor, and father Michael Ian Black offers up a way forward for boys, men, and anyone who loves them. Part memoir, part advice book, and written as a heartfelt letter to his college-bound son, A Better Man reveals Black’s own complicated relationship with his father, explores the damage and rising violence caused by the expectations placed on boys to “man up,” and searches for the best way to help young men be part of the solution, not the problem. “If we cannot allow ourselves vulnerability,” he writes, “how are we supposed to experience wonder, fear, tenderness?”

Honest, funny, and hopeful, Black skillfully navigates the complex gender issues of our time and delivers a poignant answer to an urgent question: How can we be, and raise, better men?


A BuzzFeed Most-Anticipated Book of the Year

“We need this book . . . To read A Better Man now, when the world often seems beyond repair, so many generations of men having steered us into calamity with their brittleness and hubris and idiocy—one could wonder whether even a good book can make a difference. But then you’re snapped back to Black’s simple decency, and intelligence and love for his son, and you think, Oh man, maybe.”
—San Francisco Chronicle

“Surprising, occasionally sappy but often lovely . . . [Black’s] tone is so lovely, his empathy so clear . . . He does wonderful work breaking down the masculine coding surrounding his own behaviors.”
—The New York Times

"Parents will be moved and enlightened by Black’s thoughtful advice."
—Publishers Weekly

"There's something for everyone in these pages. Hand this to anyone who loved David Sedaris's Calypso."
—Booklist, starred review

“Heartfelt lessons for his college-bound son . . . Black lays out his thoughts and feelings with few defenses up and a comic lightness that doesn't belie the book's rather heavy truths . . . Thoughtful ruminations on masculinity in the modern age . . . Whether you're a parent or simply thinking about life choices, there's both melancholy and wisdom to be found here.”
—Kirkus Reviews

"Both thoughtful and lighthearted, this work will appeal to anyone interested in masculinity and modern gender roles."
—Library Journal

“I think about the subject matter of Michael Ian Black's new book all the time. As a parent of both boys and girls, I find myself rebuffing the gender-based cultural assumptions that are foisted on them more frequently than I could have ever imagined. Thank you Michael Ian Black for challenging society's antiquated approach to raising boys, and deepening the conversation about what we actually want for our kids. Sir, you are a good egg.”
—Samantha Bee, host of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee

“Gorgeous, authentic, and deeply thoughtful. This book is the perfect gift for a generation of men and boys desperate for guidance but raised to be afraid to ask for it. The way Michael Ian Black models vulnerability and writes about his own pain gives permission to every man across America to do it too. Michael's voice is necessary now more than ever, to offer men a different path, where they can be curious about their own gender and mount their own revolution for better definition of masculinity. I’m so glad this book exists.”
—Liz Plank, author of For the Love of Men: A New Vision for Mindful Masculinity

“It will never fail to amaze me that the man I best knew as Levon, a crushed velvet suit-wearing, $240 worth of pudding-rubbing smooth talker on ‘The State,’ has written a book that is at once insightful, incisive, deeply kind, urgent and wise (and of course funny as hell.) But that's what A Better Man is. The book isn't so much a call to create a new way of being a man as it to remember our innate and basic goodness.”
—Joshua David Stein, author of To Me He Was Just Dad

“I couldn’t put this down. An important book for anybody with a son. Michael Ian Black tackles the tough subject of masculinity in unexpected, tender, and sometimes funny ways.”
—Alyssa Milano, actor and humanitarian

“Obviously, Michael Ian Black can be funny, but who knew he could write something so raw, intimate, and true? A Better Man cracked me wide open, and it’s a template for the conversation we need to be having with our boys. So, if you have a son, are a son, or know anyone who has ever been a son, just . . . please, read this book.”
—Peggy Orenstein, bestselling author of Boys & Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent, and Navigating the New Masculinity

"[This book] resonated with me like no other book has in years."
—Masked Library 

THOUGHTS/REVIEW:

A Better Man is both a memoir and a heartfelt letter to comedian Michael Ian Black’s college-bound son Elijah, who is entering adulthood. In this honest, raw and emotional tribute, I was touched as a mother to a teen age son. It was the perfect book to read for me and I cannot help but agree and nod a lot about some of the experiences Black shares in this book. Black intimately shares his own life experiences as well as the early death of his father at 39 yo. This is such an important book to read especially for someone raising a son. I am definitely buying more of these books for friends and family as gifts. 

A must read and one I highly recommend.

About the Author

Michael Ian Black is an actor, comedian, and writer who started his career with the sketch comedy show The State, on MTV, and has created and starred in many other television shows. Movie appearances include Wet Hot American Summer, The Baxter, and Sextuplets.

Black is the author of several books for children, including the award-winning I’m Bored, I’m Sad, and I’m Worried, and the parody A Child’s First Book of Trump. His books for adults include the memoirs You’re Not Doing It Right and Navel Gazing, and the essay collection My Custom Van. Black also co-authored with Meghan McCain America, You Sexy Bitch.

As a stand-up comedian, Michael regularly tours the country, and he has released several comedy albums. His podcasts include Mike & Tom Eat Snacks, with Tom Cavanagh; Topics, with Michael Showalter; How to Be Amazing; and Obscure.

He lives in Connecticut with his wife and two children.

9/15/20 REMEMBER ME By Mario Escobar @HFVBT

Remember Me: A Spanish Civil War Novel by Mario Escobar

Publication Date: September 15, 2020 Thomas Nelson Paperback & eBook; 384 pages 

 Genre: Historical Fiction

      

 Amid the shadows of war, one family faces an impossible choice that will change their lives forever. Madrid, 1934. Though the Spanish Civil War has not yet begun, the streets of Madrid have become dangerous for thirteen-year-old Marco Alcalde and his younger sisters, Isabel and Ana. When Marco’s parents align themselves against General Franco and his fascist regime, they have no inkling that their ideals will endanger them and everyone they love—nor do they predict the violence that is to come. When the Mexican government promises protection to the imperiled children of Spain, the Alcaldes do what they believe is best: send their children, unaccompanied, across the ocean to the city of Morelia—a place they’ve never seen or imagined. Marco promises to look after his sisters in Mexico until their family can be reunited in Spain, but what ensues is a harrowing journey and a series of heartbreaking events. As the growing children work to care for themselves and each other, they feel their sense of home, family, and identity slipping further and further away. And as their memories of Spain fade and the news from abroad grows more grim, they begin to wonder if they will ever see their parents again or the glittering streets of the home they once loved. Based upon the true stories of the Children of Morelia, Mario Escobar’s Remember Me—now available for the first time in English—explores the agony of war and paints a poignant portrait of one family’s sacrificial love and endurance.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

THOUGHTS/REVIEW

REMEMBER ME by Mario Escobar is a fantastic historical fiction read I thoroughly enjoyed! This was definitely a heartbreaking read for me but I really enjoyed the historical fiction background of the children of Morelia.

I learned so much about the time period during the Spanish Civil War. It was so heartbreaking whenever I read about children having to give up their childhood to survive, to take on so much responsibility for the family and hardships. Escobar's writing really immersed me into the story and that time period. The well researched story in a time period not so well known or well written about in the historical fiction books I happen to read lately. I could only imagine what the parents must be going through to send their children to another country. The displacement of children and families due to the fascist repression was such an atrocity to learn about. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to learn about this through this amazing book.

I highly recommend this to read more about the Spanish Civil War, the children of Morelia and the struggles of the refugees at that time. Fantastic read!!

About the Author

Mario Escobar Golderos has a degree in History, with an advanced studies diploma in Modern History. He has written numerous books and articles about the Inquisition, the Protestant Reformation, and religious sects. He is the executive director of an NGO and directs the magazine Nueva historia para el debate, in addition to being a contributing columnist in various publications. Passionate about history and its mysteries, Escobar has delved into the depths of church history, the different sectarian groups that have struggled therein, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. He specializes in the lives of unorthodox Spaniards and Americans.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, September 15 Review at Nursebookie Review at WTF Are You Reading? Wednesday, September 16 Review at Amy's Booket List Feature at Let Them Read Books Friday, September 18 Review at 100 Pages a Day Saturday, September 19 Feature at The Green Mockingbird Monday, September 21 Feature at The Lit Bitch Feature at I'm All About Books Wednesday, September 23 Review at Passages to the Past Friday, September 25 Review at View from the Birdhouse Saturday, September 26 Feature at Bookworlder Sunday, September 27 Review at Reading is My Remedy Monday, September 28 Review at Hallie Reads Tuesday, September 29 Feature at What Is That Book About

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away 5 copies of Remember Me by Mario Escobar! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on September 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Remember Me

9/15/20 FURIA by Yamile Saied Méndez Algonquin YR

 

Publication Date: September 15, 2020; Ages 14 - 18; Hardcover; $17.95

One of Buzzfeed’s “30 Books by

Latinx Authors We Can’t Wait to Read in 2020!”

“In this stirring novel by Argentine American author Méndez, passion for sports and personal growth intersect in Camila’s powerful, feminist first-person narrative about her experiences as an ambitious athlete, a teenager deeply in love, the daughter of an abusive father at the point of taking charge of her own life, and a young woman finding her voice in a deeply sexist, patriarchal society… A riveting coming-of-age story.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

A powerful, #ownvoices contemporary YA for fans of The Poet X and I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter set in Argentina, about a rising soccer star who must put everything on the line—even her blooming love story—to follow her dreams.

Camila Hassan lives a double life. 

At home, she is a careful daughter, living within her mother’s narrow expectations, in her rising-soccer-star brother’s shadow, and under the abusive rule of her short-tempered father. 

On the field, she is La Furia, a powerhouse of skill and talent. 

When her team qualifies for the South American tournament, Camila gets the chance to see just how far her talents can take her. In her wildest dreams, she’d get an athletic scholarship to a North American university, but the path ahead won’t be easy. Her parents, who don’t know about her passion, wouldn’t allow a girl to play fútbol—and she needs their permission to go any farther. 

Meanwhile, the boy she once loved, Diego, is not only back in town, but has also become an international star, playing in Italy for the renowned team Juventus. Things aren’t the same as when he left: Camila has her own fútbol ambitions now, and La Furia cannot be denied. 

As her life becomes more complicated, she is forced to face her secrets and make her way in a world with no place for the dreams and passion of a girl like her.

 Filled with the authentic details and textures of day-to-day life in Argentina, heart-soaring romance, and breathless action, FURIA is the riveting, radiant story of one girl’s struggle to rise above the expectations her family and society have for her.

 THOUGHTS/REVIEW:

There is nothing more I enjoy reading than a powerful #OWNVOICES novel about a young woman who is able to rise above societal expectations to navigate her own path to adulthood. This book was written in a first person narrative that was completely relatable that many young adults and many readers will find themselves immersed within this amazing story of strength, resilience, coming-of-age, in a society that is deeply patriarchal and sexist. 

Camilla is an obedient daughter at home under her abusive father and a brother who is  rising soccer star. In the field and in futbol, Camilla is knows as LA FURIA - she is an amazing talent and a powerhouse! With this talent her doors open to many opportunities and one of which is a chance for an athletic scholarship in North America. 

Mendez wrote this fantastic novel with the delightful details of everyday life in Argentina. I myself was immersed into Camila's life, her struggles, her secrets, dreams and passion - the unfairness, and what she had to do to rise above it all. This book brought tears to my eyes as I see how certain societies still think women as a second class citizens and not given all the opportunities and chances. This was truly a powerful read that resonated and stayed with me long after I finished reading. I highly recommend this fantastic book. 

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:

Yamile (sha-MEE-lay) Saied Méndez is a fútbol-obsessed Argentine American who loves meteor showers, summer, astrology, and pizza. She lives in Utah with her Puerto Rican husband and their five kids, two adorable dogs, and one majestic cat. An inaugural Walter Dean Myers Grant recipient, she’s a graduate of Voices of Our Nations (VONA) and the MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Méndez is also part of Las Musas, the first collective of women and nonbinary Latinx middle grade and young adult authors. Furia is her first novel for young adult readers.


Born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, the cradle of the some of the world’s greatest soccer players, Yamile Saied Méndez was destined to fall in love with the sport. Social conventions made it impossible for girls to play at home, but Yamile followed Argentinian fútbol religiously even after emigrating to the United States, celebrating from afar the advancements that led to the 2018 professionalism of soccer for girls. Now, in her first novel for YA readers, Méndez makes her triumphant return to Rosario and to her fútbol-obsessed origins with FURIA



Always a voracious reader, as a child Méndez taught herself English with a Spanish/English dictionary, and at the age of nineteen she emigrated to the United States to pursue a degree at Brigham Young University. “Although FURIA isn’t an autobiographical novel, a lot of the events in the book are based on my own life and experiences,” she explains. “I always wanted to be a professional fútbol player, which was impossible at the time. Instead, I became a student of the sport. I’ve followed the developments in Argentine society and fútbol throughout my years of (self) exile from my country, and a conversation about feminine fútbol is impossible without including the fight of the feminist movement in Argentina throughout our history. FURIA is a love letter to my city, and I hope that readers will fall in love with Rosario and fútbol.” A graduate of Voices of Our Nations (VONA) and the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA, Méndez is also a founding member of Las Musas, a marketing collective of women and non-binary Latinx children’s authors. She has coached and managed multiple youth soccer teams, and she lives in Utah with her Puerto Rican husband and their five kids, two dogs, and one cat.

Furia

By Yamile Saied Méndez

Algonquin Young Readers

Publication Date: September 15, 2020 | ISBN: 9781616209919

$17.95 | 368 pages

www.algonquinyoungreaders.com

https://yamilesmendez.com/