Tuesday, September 27, 2022

NO ONE CROSSES THE WOLF By Lisa Nikolidakis



I have a great memoir today, that has received a lot of attention for the brace account of Lisa Nikolidakis' childhood, traumas, and redemption that leads to hope and healing. 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little A (September 1, 2022)


A powerful memoir about the traumas of a perilous childhood, a shattering murder-suicide, and a healing journey from escape to survival to recovery.
Growing up, Lisa Nikolidakis tried to make sense of her childhood, which was scarred by abuse, violence, and psychological terrors so extreme that her relationship with her father was cleaved beyond repair. Having finally been able to leave that relationship behind, surviving meant forgetting. For years, “I’m fine” was a lie Nikolidakis repeated.

Then, on her twenty-seventh birthday, Nikolidakis’s father murdered his girlfriend and her daughter, and turned the gun on himself. Nikolidakis’s world cracked open, followed by conflicted emotions: shock, grief, mourning for the innocent victims, and relief that she had escaped the same fate. In the tragedy’s wake, questions lingered: Who was this man, and why had he inflicted such horrors on her and his last victims? For answers, Nikolidakis embarked on a quest to Greece to find her father’s estranged family and a reckoning with the past she never expected.

In her gripping and moving memoir, Nikolidakis explores not only the making of a killer but her own liberation from the demons that haunted her and her profound self-restoration in the face of unimaginable crimes.


Review


“In this frank and often searing narrative, Nikolidakis examines what she describes as monstrous abuses perpetrated by her father, who, after leaving her family, murdered his new girlfriend and her daughter before committing suicide…With compelling clarity and eloquence, she anatomizes his ability to manipulate…A brave and inspiring account of a movement through pain to a complex reckoning and self-recovery.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A gripping, brutally honest memoir that deals with some heavy themes but will leave readers feeling hopeful and reflective by the end. Readers who enjoy examining the human spirit will be drawn to this book.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“…the best of the [true crime] genre seeks to answer questions more complex than whodunnit. In No One Crosses the Wolf, out from Little A, Lisa Nikolidakis recounts her father’s murder of his girlfriend and her daughter, followed by his suicide, and traces a family history of psychological manipulation.” —Vanity Fair

“Prepare yourself: reading Lisa Nikolidakis is a revelation, the kind that makes you gasp and call your best friend and say, ‘Listen to this sentence, this paragraph, this chapter. Listen to how she has made sense of the parts of us we ran from.’” —Mira Jacob, author of Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversation and The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing

“No One Crosses the Wolf is a striking, thoughtful, and engaging exploration of the inheritance of abuse—the way it passes through generations, the way it echoes through the lives of survivors.” —Dan Chaon, author of Sleepwalk

“This is a benediction as much as a book, a plea for, as Lisa Nikolidakis so beautifully puts it, the cradle of someone else’s tongue. No One Crosses the Wolf is for anyone who has ever been silenced, anyone who has ever had to learn to be a soft cradle to themselves. As a reader, as a writer, and as someone else who lives in this broken and beautiful world, I honor what Nikolidakis has made. This book will mean so much to so many.” —Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, author of The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir

“When a woman tells the truth by beginning with her body, she cracks open the world. Lisa Nikolidakis’s memoir, No One Crosses the Wolf, is a force of nature, a story unearthed from under the weight of a father that brings a woman back to life. Sometimes we carry generational burdens that nearly crush us. Sometimes we run like the wind. This book is a triumph and soul song.” —Lidia Yuknavitch, author of The Chronology of Water and Thrust

“Lisa Nikolidakis’s memoir illuminates the dark and unspeakable, in ourselves, in others. Her story is crucial, and her tenacious exploration of the farthest reaches of her life’s difficult corners leaves readers with a fascinating portrait of violence and survival, as well as insight into and comfort around shadows in their own.” —Gabriel Mac, author of Irritable Hearts: A PTSD Love Story

“No One Crosses the Wolf is an insightful, brutally honest, and gripping portrait of a family marked by violence, murder, and suicide. This is a voyage fueled by hope, the desire to know the truth, and incredible resilience. Lisa’s is a beautiful, fast-paced, deeply emotional journey readers won’t soon forget.” —Julianna Baggott, author of The Seventh Book of Wonders


About the Author





Lisa Nikolidakis is an associate professor of creative writing and faculty adviser of P.R.I.D.E. Her essay “Family Tradition” was selected by Jonathan Franzen for inclusion in The Best American Essays 2016, and she won Bellingham Review’s Annie Dillard Prize for Creative Nonfiction 2021 for her essay “Whale Song for the Weary.” Other writing of hers has won various prizes and mentions, including the Gulf Coast Prize, Indiana Review’s Fiction Prize, the Tobias Wolff Award for Fiction, the Calvino Prize, A Room of Her Own’s Orlando Prize, Cincinnati Review’s Robert and Adele Schiff Award for Prose, Hunger Mountain’s Howard Frank Mosher Short Fiction Prize, Briar Cliff Review’s annual nonfiction contest, and Chattahoochee Review’s Lamar York Prize. For more information, visit www.lisanikolidakis.com.

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

CHRISTMAS IN BLUE DOG VALLEY By Annie England Noblin @avonbooks @aenoblin @WmMorrowBooks @harpercollins


Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avon (September 20, 2022)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 20, 2022

For anyone who ever loved All Creatures Great and Small, Annie England Noblin’s newest novel—about a big city vet transplanted to a small Wisconsin town—is pure delight as we meet aging alpacas, stump-tailed cats, goats in tutus, a vagabond border collie named Kevin, and the people who think they own them. And through it all, Goldie McKenzie, DVM, navigating the small town of Blue Dog, Wisconsin.


Welcome to Blue Dog Valley. Home of the Fighting Elk. Population 3,411.

When Goldie McKenzie, DVM, vet to the L.A. pet stars, arrives from Los Angeles to Blue Dog Valley she realizes three things.Never agree to upend your life when you’re hungover
Pot-belly pigs are not true farm animals
She’s going to need a warmer coat

At first Goldie is nothing more than a fish out of water, with few clients and few friends. But after a less than pleasant encounter with a man whose dog is suffering from a possibly fatal case of bloat, she’s finally earning the trust and goodwill from her fellow Blue Dog Valley citizens. Her clientele grows to include the many farm animals in the town, including a horse named Large Marge, a cape-wearing therapy alpaca, and a yardful of sweater-wearing goats. Add in Kevin, the “worst sheepdog in Blue Dog Valley,” and a Sphinx cat named Airport, and Goldie is having the best time a vet can have. . . aside from the annoying attractive town grump, Cohen, who seems intent on making sure she always feels like an outsider.

With her newfound goodwill, Goldie comes up with an idea to reinvigorate the once flourishing Blue Dog Valley: a Christmas carnival. A petting zoo, pictures with Santa, a baking contest, what more could they want? After only some brief resistance from Cohen and his father, they begin the great plan to reinvigorate Blue Dog Valley.

Will Christmas be enough to salvage this dying town—and be enough to bring Goldie closer to a certain grumpy man?


MY REVIEW:

Picking up an Annie England Noblin novel is like getting embraced by the warmest and softest blanket during a cold winter's night. I love this immersive and escape feel-good read perfect for a nice week-end read or for winding down after a stressful day.

I picked up my very first Noblin book, St Francis Society for Wayward Pets two years ago, and Maps for the Getaway last year, both of which I loved and warmed my soul. I had been looking forward to reading CHRISTMAS IN BLUE DOG VALLEY, and I absolutely loved it!

I am from Los Angeles and a city girl and often wondered what it would be like to live and relocate in a small town. So the premise of this story intrigued me. Noblin wrote a romance read that had all the feels and write the character of veterinarian Marigold "Goldie" McKenzie so well, along with the funky residents of small town Blue Dog Valley - the alpacas, potbelly pig, goats in sweaters, and of course, Cohen. 

I adored how Goldie acclimated to the town and how slowly but surely, the town enveloped her with love and affection. The story is so heartwarming, complete with a bit of Christmas magic and the motley crew of animals that will surely bring a delightful smile to your face. Fantastic!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:





Annie England Noblin lives with her son, husband, and three dogs in the Missouri Ozarks. She graduated with an M.A. in creative writing from Missouri State University and currently teaches English and communications for Arkansas State University in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She spends her free time playing make-believe, feeding stray cats, and working with animal shelters across the country to save homeless dogs.

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

DRUNK ON LOVE by Jasmine Guillory


    Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (September 20, 2022)
    Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 20, 2022
    Language ‏ : ‎ English


An intoxicating and sparkling new romance by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory.


Margot Noble needs some relief from the stress of running the family winery with her brother. Enter Luke: sexy, charming, and best of all in the too-small world of Napa, a stranger. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and Margot is delighted that she lucked into the perfect one-night stand she'll never have to see again. That is, until the winery's newest hire, Luke, walks in the next morning. Margot is determined to keep things purely professional, but when their every interaction reminds her of the attraction still bubbling between them, it proves to be much more challenging than she expects.

Luke Williams had it all, but when he quits his high-salary tech job in Silicon Valley in a blaze of burnout and moves back to Napa to help a friend, he realizes he doesn't want to tell the world--or his mom--why he's now working at a winery. His mom loves bragging about her successful son--how can he admit that the job she's so proud of broke him? Luke has no idea what is next for him, but one thing is certain: he wants more from the incredibly smart and sexy woman he hooked up with--even after he learns she's his new boss. But even if they can find a way to be together that wouldn't be an ethical nightmare, would such a successful woman really want a tech-world dropout?

Set against a lush backdrop of Napa Valley wine country, nothing goes to your head as fast as a taste of love--even if it means changing all your plans.

Editorial Reviews:

"As if we didn't already wish we can live in a Jasmine Guillory novel, the iconic author is back with another romance that will absolutely sweep you off your feet."—Cosmopolitan

"The queen of contemporary romance is back with a new tale and group of characters, this time set against the gorgeous backdrop of Napa, California."—Shondaland

"Suffused with tenderness and delight, this is Guillory's best book yet."—Booklist, starred review

"The lush background and Guillory’s signature blend of sexy, sweet, and funny keep the pages flying. This is a gem."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Guillory’s latest, imbued with her signature heat, wit, and scene-stealing secondary characters, is sure to be popular."—Library Journal, starred review

"Guillory’s latest romance is bursting with mouthwatering sexual tension and desire...Margot is a powerful protagonist, and her dedication to her career, despite the numerous challenges, is absolutely refreshing. An intoxicating romance with a strong lead."—Kirkus Reviews

REVIEW:


Steamy
Romantic
Seductive


I am such a huge fan of Jasmine Guillory's writing and have loved the characters, the Southern California setting, and the light hearted romance that touch the heart, and warms the soul. This time, the setting is in the beautiful vineyards of Napa Valley.


In DRUNK ON LOVE, I was transported to the gorgeous winery of Napa Valley. Having spent a month in Italy and enjoying Tuscany, reading this fun romance eased the longing I had spending time in a winery - and this time it's with the Noble family Vineyards.


I love a workplace romance - this one is a super hot hook-up with what ended up being your future boss. I enjoyed the story immensely and definitely got me drunk on this love story against the beautiful Napa Valley backdrop.


Be sure to check this out. I know this one is one of my favorite Guillory romance.




About Jasmine Guillory



Jasmine Guillory is the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Date, The Proposal, The Wedding Party, Royal Holiday, and Party of Two. Her work has appeared in in O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Real Simple, and Time. She lives in Oakland, California.

Monday, September 12, 2022

The Ladies Guide to Death and Deception By Katherine Cowley @KathyCowley, @TulePublishing, @Austenprose


Title: The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet  

Series: The Secret Life of Mary Bennett

Author: Katherine Cowley

 Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Austenesque

 Publisher: ‎Tule Publishing Group, LLC (September 6, 2022)

 Length: (368) pages

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

What is a spy willing to do when both her heart and her country are at risk?

Life changes once again for British spy Miss Mary Bennet when Napoleon Bonaparte escapes from the Isle of Elba. Mary quickly departs England for Brussels, the city where the Allied forces prepare for war against the French. But shortly after her arrival, one of the Duke of Wellington's best officers is murdered, an event which threatens to break the delicate alliance between the Allies.

Investigating the murder forces Mary into precarious levels of espionage, role-playing, and deception with her new partner, Mr. Withrow-the nephew and heir of her prominent sponsor, and the spy with whom she's often at odds. Together, they court danger and discovery as they play dual roles gathering intelligence for the British. But soon Mary realizes that her growing feelings towards Mr. Withrow put her heart in as much danger as her life. And then there's another murder.

Mary will need to unmask the murderer before more people are killed, but can she do so and remain hidden in the background?



ADVANCE PRAISE



“Cowley manages to turn a little-liked, ignored, and stilted girl into one of my favorites of Austen's characters...This third novel of the series is her best. I laughed and I cried and cheered for Mary to succeed in her endeavors and hopefully find love at last.”— Carol Pratt Bradley, author of The Light of the Candle

“5 STARS. Just a delight!”— Wren, The Zebra Reader

“I really enjoyed this book. It is a great addition to the series. I loved that Mary is finding love in a logical way that fits her character…Highly recommend.”— Mariana, Goodreads

“I absolutely love Katherine Cowley's Mary Bennet series, and I think [The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception] may be the best book in the series.”— Madison, Goodreads


MY REVIEW:


As a Jane Austen fan, there is nothing more thrilling to me than see a favorite character, Mary Bennett reimagined as a spy gathering intelligence, during the time when Napoleon escapes. The writing was suspenseful and really hard to put down. Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception is the third book in this trilogy, and the stories just keep getting better and better.

I love how Cowley incorporates a well plotted mystery, sprinkle in a well deserved romance for Mary, and seeing sisters Lydia and Kitty make an appearance here. The series is quite the read that I highly recommend - it was intriguing, fast paced, and a thrilling historical fiction at its finest. Well don’t Kathy Cowley for on incredible series.

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

AUDIOBOOK PURCHASE LINKS

AUDIBLE | LIBRO.FM | CHIRP BOOKS | APPLE BOOKS

 

AUTHOR BIO

Katherine Cowley read Pride and Prejudice for the first time when she was ten years old, which started a lifelong obsession with Jane Austen. Her debut novel, The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet, was nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark Award. Her Mary Bennet spy series continues with the novels The True Confessions of a London Spy and The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception. Katherine loves history, chocolate, traveling, and playing the piano, and she has taught writing classes at Western Michigan University. She lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan with her husband and three daughters.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

 

EXCLUSIVE AUTHOR INTERVIEW

 

·         Read an in-depth interview with author Katherine Cowley revealing insights into her new historical mystery novel, The Lady’s Guide to Death and Deception.

 

12/5/2022 WITCHA GONA DO By Avery Flynn

  Publisher: Berkley (December 6, 2022) An unlucky witch and her know-it-all nemesis must team up in the first of a new, hot romantic comedy...