Thursday, October 17, 2024

Spotlight of Lightning in Her Hands by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

PHOTO SOURCE:
TYPORAMA
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LIGHTNING IN HER HANDS
RaqueL Vasquez Gilliland
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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS COURTESY OF CHELSEA PASCOE| BERKLEY | SENIOR PUBLICIST
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This fall, a witch must embrace her wild heart in the next electric romance from the author of Witch of Wild Things. 


Perfect for fans of Sangu Mandanna and Silvia Moreno-Garcia, LIGHTNING IN HER HANDS is an enchanting full of fan-favorite tropes like fake dating, marriage of convenience, and forced proximity.

 

Teal Flores, a witch whose emotions control the weather, enters a fake marriage for mutual benefit, only to be blindsided by a truly electrifying attraction. 

Gilliland’s debut novel, Witch of Wild Things, received major national attention and rave reviews from People MagazineThe New York Times, and Good Housekeeping. 

The Washington Post named it one of their “best romance novels of 2023” and praised, “Filled with beautiful prose and vivid imagery, along with plant magic and early-2000s instant-messenger nostalgia, this story of heartbreak and healing is one to savor.” 

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October 15, 2024

Berkley Trade Paperback Original

Paranormal Romance

Witches

Multicultural & Interracial

Contemporary Fantasy

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PRAISE FOR LIGHTNING IN HER HANDS:


“Beautiful, sexy and witty, this story had me hold my breath, laughing, and tearing up all at once. An electrifying romance!"—Ashley Herring Blake, USA Today bestselling author of Iris Kelly Doesn't Date

“The protagonists are well-developed, with backstories that explain their present actions and reactions. Their Mexican American heritage is a significant part of the story and is woven in skillfully.”—
Library Journal (starred review)

“Gilliland weaves a touching story about loss and letting go with the idea of being worthy of love, even on the bad days.”—
Booklist

“Lush and beautifully written,
 Lightning in Her Hands is a gorgeous novel full of heart, magic and family.”—Bookpage

 
**PRAISE TAKEN FROM THE BOOK'S AMAZON PAGE**

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ABOUT LIGHTNING IN HER HANDS:

The story: Gifted—or cursed—with the power to influence the weather, one woman must embrace her wild heart in the next electric romance from the author of Witch of Wild Things.

 

Teal Flores is desperate for two things—control over her gift of weather, and a date to her ex’s wedding. The first isn’t possible until she finds her long-lost mother, but the second has a very handsome last-ditch solution: Carter Velasquez.

 

Carter needs Teal too. His chance at receiving an inheritance is dependent on him being married by age thirty (blame his traditional Cuban grandmother), so who better to pose as his wife than Teal? But fake marriage and cohabitation prove tricky when mutual attraction charges the atmosphere—quite literally for Teal, whose volatile emotions cause lightning strikes.

Together, Teal and Carter embark on a quest to find her mother and the answers she’s searching for. But along the way, they’ll discover something even better: a love that can weather any storm.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



I'm a Mexican American poet, painter, wife, mother and aspiring micro-farmer.

In my work, I explore myths and folklore as well as motherhood, plants and the lineages of all things.

I was born in West Palm Beach, Florida and I grew up there with my parents, brother and sister.

I studied fine art for many years, specializing in painting, both in high school and college.

I have a B.A. in cultural anthropology from the University of West Florida and an M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Alaska, Anchorage.

My work has been published or is forthcoming in Rattle, Luna Luna and Fairy Tale Review, among others.

My first collection, Dirt and Honey, is available from Green Writers Press.

My chapbook, Tales From the House of Vasquez, is the winner of the 2018 Rattle Chapbook Prize and is available from the Rattle website.

**AUTHOR INFORMATION TAKEN FROM THE BOOK'S AMAZON PAGE - AUTHOR'S PHOTO TAKEN FROM HER GOODREADS PAGE**

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TAKEN FROM HER GOODREADS PAGE:

She’s most inspired by fog and seeds and the lineages of all things. 

When not writing, Raquel tells stories to her plants and they tell her stories back. 

She lives in Tennessee with her beloved family and mountains. 

Raquel has published two books of poetry. Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything is her first novel.
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Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Showcase of Autumn Embers by Tina deBellegarde and A Giveaway of TWO $20 Amazon Gift Cards

Autumn Embers by Tina deBellegarde Banner

AUTUMN EMBERS

by Tina deBellegarde

October 14 - November 8, 2024 

Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

A Batavia-on-Hudson Mystery

Bianca St. Denis travels to Kyoto to return a priceless artifact recovered in Batavia-on-Hudson during last summer’s flood. It’s late October and the city of 2,000 shrines is in full autumn splendor. While she’s in Japan’s ancient capital, Bianca visits with her son, a student at Kyoto University. Ian shows her the sights and introduces her to his circle of friends—his chosen family.

On the night of her welcome party, Bianca thinks she witnesses a struggle in the garden, perhaps even a murder. When the police investigate and find no body, she is stumped yet alarm bells won’t stop ringing. She knows she’s witnessed something.

Autumn Embers by Tina deBellegarde

When a dead body surfaces and suspicion falls on her son, Bianca’s maternal instincts spring to action to protect Ian and clear his name. Meanwhile, things in Batavia-on-Hudson are tense. Sheriff Mike Riley is losing his re-election while tackling devastating news about his dead partner, and wavering about his troubled marriage.

Autumn Embers explores the malleable nature of our identities and reminds us that chosen families can be stronger than we think, and that true friendship can bridge any distance.

Praise for AUTUMN EMBERS:

"A beautiful novel that seamlessly embraces past and present, east and west, mystery and resolution, all the contradictions that make us human. This is the rare book that leaves its reader feeling balanced and whole."
~ Carol Goodman, two-time winner of the Mary Higgins Clark prize and author of Return to Wyldecliff Heights

"Tina deBellegarde expertly captures the details of two very disparate worlds, reminding us that at the heart of these experiences is our shared humanity. I’ve become a new fan!"
~ Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award-winning author of the Mas Arai mystery series and the Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning Clark and Division

"Get ready for another thrilling ride with Tina deBellegarde's mystery series, this time in our own Kyoto backyard."
~ Amy Chavez, Author of The Widow, the Priest and the Octopus Hunter

"Fans of Louise Penny and Crazy Rich Asians will adore Autumn Embers...Heartful and human, an intriguing mystery, and filled to the brim with rich descriptions, this love letter to Japan is Tina de Bellegarde at her finest."
~ Jen Collin Moore, Author of the captivating Roman Holiday Mysteries

'This is a scrumptious book...Autumn Embers will have you reaching for your passport and booking a ticket to "the land of the rising sun."'
~ Carol Pouliot, Author of the Blackwell and Watson Time-Travel Mysteries

"Like a richly woven tapestry, this immersive tale has it all...With vivid descriptions and an unhurried writing style, Autumn Embers is thoroughly engrossing!"
~ Lida Sideris, Author of the Southern California Mysteries

Book Details:

Genre: Female Amateur Sleuth
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: September 17, 2024
Number of Pages: 321
Series: A Batavia-on-Hudson Mystery, 3
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

CHAPTER SEVEN

Bianca removed her shoes and found a pair of slippers approximately her size. She tucked her shoes in a cubby and followed Ian up the stairs of the ramen house. They settled into a spot at the counter in the far corner. She looked at the menu out of habit, but knew she couldn’t read it, nor did she need to. This was her favorite ramen place, and she knew exactly what she wanted. In fact, tired or not, this place had been on her mind all day. If she couldn’t sleep, she could at least have her black sesame ramen.

Across the counter, the server brought them each a small beer and took their orders. Bianca looked around and realized that nothing had changed at all. It was as if she had never left. She wondered what it must be like to live in a world where the movement of change could be at once imperceptible and monumental. Kyoto was remarkable in its ability to modernize dramatically while remaining steadfastly traditional.

Bianca’s mouth watered as a steaming bowl was placed before her. The handmade noodles beckoned, submerged in a rich dark broth of spicy black sesame.

Itadakimasu,” they said before they started their meal.

She took a slurp of broth first, the spice clearing her sinuses immediately, then with her chopsticks she gathered up some long strands of ramen and did her best not to make a mess.

They barely spoke as they ate. The food was too delicious and demanding of their attention, and they had talked for hours already. They were content in the sounds of their eating and the sounds of the fellow diners having a fun night out.

When Ian excused himself to find the men’s room, Bianca continued spooning the last of her broth then was surprised by a nudge. She opened her eyes and slowly realized that she had nodded off to sleep at the counter with her spoon still resting in her hands. The last strands of noodles had never made it to her mouth.

“Time to go, Mom.”

Bianca used all her energy to stand up with some dignity and followed him back to the shoe cubby and then out the door, but not before they called out to the ramen chefs to thank them for the meal.

Gochisousamadeshita!”

Once outside, they lingered briefly at the window watching as the chefs rolled and cut the fresh noodles. Bianca was mesmerized by their actions. They worked so effortlessly as if they had no need to think about these motions.

Bianca leaned on Ian as they made their way through the alley known as Ponto-chō, the traditional bar district. Too small for cars, the cobble- stone walkways were lined with tiny restaurants and clubs, their entrances illuminated by glowing paper lanterns. A different aroma escaped each establishment. Some scents Bianca could identify—ginger, garlic, grilling meats. Other delectable fragrances she couldn’t. Despite having eaten enough, her appetite was reawakened.

They walked slowly, enjoying the cool autumn night. Just as they were leaving the quiet street, they saw a geisha walking beside a businessman. The rich fabric of her amber kimono shimmered in the light of the lanterns and her hair was perfectly coiffed with a burgundy hairpin. As the lovely girl passed them, Bianca turned to catch a better look. She admired the elaborate knot of the brocade obi belt and the delicate end points of the white makeup on the young woman’s neck.

Bianca considered it a good omen to spot a geisha on her first day in Kyoto. They were a rare sight. Some tourists could spend their entire vacation in Kyoto and never see one.

Arriving at the apartment close to 9:30, Ian unlocked the gate and led her to the front door of the guest house. As he opened the door to the darkened room he whispered, “Tadaima.” I’m home.

He showed Bianca to her room where Jiro had already deposited her bags. She hugged Ian, turned to her futon, and crawled into it without changing into pajamas. Ian turned to close the door.

“Ian, wait.”

He turned back.

“You’re happy here.”

He nodded.

“You feel at home, don’t you?”

He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them. He nodded again.

She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

***

Excerpt from Autumn Embers by Tina deBellegarde. Copyright 2024 by Tina deBellegarde. Reproduced with permission from Tina deBellegarde. All rights reserved. 


Author Bio:

Tina deBellegarde

Tina deBellegarde’s debut novel, Winter Witness, was nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Dead Man’s Leap, her second book in the Batavia-on-Hudson Mystery series, was nominated for an Agatha Award for Best Contemporary Novel. Reviewers have called Tina “the Louise Penny of the Catskills.” Tina also writes short stories and flash fiction. Her story “Tokyo Stranger,” nominated for a Derringer Award, appears in the Mystery Writers of America anthology When a Stranger Comes to Town edited by Michael Koryta. Tina co-chairs the Murderous March Conference and is a founding member of Sleuths and Sidekicks, where she blogs, tours virtually, and teaches writing workshops. She is a member of Writers in Kyoto and reviews books for BooksOnAsia.net. She lives in Catskill, New York with her husband Denis and their cat Shelby. She travels frequently to Japan to visit her son and daughter-in-law and to do research. Tina is currently working on a collection of interconnected short stories based in Japan.

Catch Up With Tina deBellegarde:


www.TinadeBellegarde.com
www.SleuthsAndSidekicks.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @tinadebellegarde
Instagram - @tdb_writes
Threads - @tdb_writes
Twitter/X - @tdbwrites
Facebook - @tinadebellegardeauthor

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Tina deBellegarde. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

Can't see the giveaway? Click Here!

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours


 

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Who Loves You Best by Marilyn Simon Rothstein

 

You want me to watch Macallan while you are out of town?


Absolutely.


When Jodi agreed, her husband had some bad news. The place he worked for fired him via an email, and he was devastated.


Should she leave him home since he is so upset?


He told her to go without him.


Everything was great until she got there.


Lisa was distant, and there were two other grannies there.


Jodi was not happy, but Lisa asked her to keep the peace.


How could she keep the peace when one of the grannies was treating her terribly.


And…on top of all of this, Jodi knows something is going on with her daughter.


She came here to enjoy time with her granddaughter…what goes on here when she isn’t here.


Plenty goes on, and Jodi was ready to get back to her own life and not the whirlwind life of her daughter.


WHO LOVES YOU THE BEST is funny as well as heartbreaking, and is Ms. Rothstein’s signature enjoyable read with some advice on life.


It also has you realizing what's important in life...your family and more importantly YOUR own happiness.  5/5


Thank you to the author for a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.



Monday, October 14, 2024

Showcase of Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush and TWO Trade Paperback Copies of the Book

FROZEN LIVES

by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush

October 7 - November 1, 2024 

Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

A Coroner's Daughter Mystery

Dr. Emily Hartford is back in Frozen Lives, the next thrilling mystery from Jennifer Graeser Dornbush.
Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush

Chicago surgeon Emily Hartford has never quite shaken off the dust of her hometown in Michigan. She may be a professional success and have a princely boyfriend in the Windy City, but she can’t seem to let go of being “the coroner’s daughter” from Freeport.

Once again, she finds herself pulled back upstate during a wintery late March when Jeremiah, the eleven year-old son of her best friend, Jo, goes missing on the frigid shores of Lake Michigan. Emily immediately joins the search for the boy.

To everyone’s relief, Jeremiah turns up days later, alive and unharmed. But tensions remain high, and suspicions of every sort continue to grow. Jeremiah’s account of his abduction doesn’t add up and Emily worries about Jo’s unraveling marriage. Jeremiah’s recovery, it turns out, is not the end of their terrifying tale. It’s only the beginning …

For moving among them is a devious, malevolent force. Sowing panic while seeking to fulfill his own twisted needs, this wolf in sheep’s clothing leaves a trail of rack and ruin, negligent to the damages in his wake … and the bodies he leaves behind.

Emily solidifies her role as coroner’s daughter when she puzzles out this madman’s chilling machinations. Risking everything dear to her, Emily goes the icy distance to end his killing spree.

Praise for Frozen Lives:

"Fast paced, engaging, evocative."
~ J.A. Jance

"FROZEN LIVES is what a thriller should be—dark, twisty, and oh so scary. Lock your doors and enjoy."
~ DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Jake Longly and Cain/Harper thriller series and co-creator of the Outliers Writing University

"Jennifer Dornbush scares the living hell out of me. When I want to stay up all night, I just read one of her books, and Frozen Lives doesn’t disappoint. On par with Dennis Lehane’s Mystic River, Frozen Lives weaves a terrifying tale of evil, paranoia and when you go to bed at night make sure your doors are locked tight. A terrific story."
~ Don Bruns, USA Today Best Selling Author

"Chilling! Jennifer Dornbush has crafted a thriller that haunts the mind and can keep you deep in the pages into the wee hours! A not to miss psychological mystery with twists and turns throughout."
~ Heather Graham

Book Details:

Genre: thriller, suspense, female detective
Published by: Blackstone Publishing
Publication Date: October 29, 2024
Number of Pages: 350
ISBN: 9798212638364
Series: The Coroner's Daughter Mysteries, 4
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Blackstone Publishing

Read an excerpt:

 

Author Bio:

Jennifer Graeser Dornbush









The television or movie screen is the closest most people will ever come to witnessing the forensic world. But Jennifer Dornbush was raised in it. As the daughter of a small-town medical examiner whose office was in their home. There were body parts in the fridge. She investigated her first fatality, an airplane crash, when she was 8 years old. Picking up pieces of skull with her father who simply saw it as an anatomy lesson. The first of many coroner lessons she experienced over two decades.
After exploring journalism and high school teaching, Jennifer turned seriously to screenwriting where she began to connect her coroner world to her writing. She sought out a degree at the Forensic Science Academy in Los Angeles to gain more forensic training and earned a unique kinship with LA’s top CSIs, fingerprint specialists, DNA scientists, and detectives.
To share her love of forensics with the writing world, she authored the top selling non-fiction authoritative book, Forensic Speak, used by not only by show-runners and writers, but also crime investigators and law enforcement.
She created an Amazon top selling mystery novel series, The Coroner’s Daughter, which she is currently developing as a series for TV. Her crime thriller, Hole in the Woods, is currently optioned for screen. She is a contributor to mystery anthologies, Hotel California and Thriller. She has also penned two true crime books.
As a screenwriter Jennifer wrote the theatrically released film and novel, God Bless the Broken Road (2018), adapted a popular YA novel to script, and sold a children’s show. She is currently developing TV drama series and feature films with various productions companies.
As a forensic consultant, she is frequently asked to consult with TV writers on shows such as: Bull, Conviction, Hawaii Five-O, Leverage, Suits, and Rectify. She teaches screenwriting and mentors aspiring writers.
Jennifer is a member of the Writers’ Guild of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers Association, & the FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni.

Catch Up With Jennifer Graeser Dornbush:


www.JenniferDornbush.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @jgdornbush1
Instagram - @jgdornbush
YouTube - @ForensicSpeakJenniferDornbush
Facebook - @JGDornbush

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Jennifer Graeser Dornbush and Blackstone Publishing. 
See the widget for entry terms and conditions. 
Void where prohibited.

Can't see the giveaway? Click Here!

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

 

It's Monday!! What Are YOU Reading? - 10/14/2024

                              http://bookdate.blogspot.com/

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I hope you had a great reading week.
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This is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at BOOK DATE!

Post the books completed, the books you are currently reading, and the books you hope to finish at some point.
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Books Completed:

THE JEWEL OF THE BLUES by Monica Chenault-Kilgore - review will be on November 29.

A bit wordy, but entertaining and well-researched.

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THE CHAMPAGNE LETTERS by Kate Macintosh - review will be on December 12.

So good - It's about Veuve Clicquot, the Champagne Queen of Reims.

THE LAST FASHION HOUSE IN PARIS by Renee Ryan - review will be on December 20.

Another well-researched gem by fabulous Renee Ryan.

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THE FRENCH WINEMAKER'S DAUGHTER by Loretta Ellsworth - review will be on December 11.

SO GOOD - LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the storyline and the characters.

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WHAT THE WIFE KNEW by Darby Kane - review will be on December 10.

Another good one by Darby Kane.

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THE SUNFLOWER HOUSE by Adriana Allegri - review will be on November 12.

A marvelous debut - wonderful research, pull-in-writing, and some tender moments despite what was going on in one of the many homes in the Lebensborn Program during WWII.

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CHRISTMAS WITH THE QUEEN by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb - review will be on November 11.

Do NOT miss this one!!  Sweet characters and a great storyline

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THE MEMORY DRESS by Jade Beer - review will be on November 5.

LOVED IT!!

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WHO LOVES YOU BEST by Marilyn Simon Rothstein - review will be on October 15.

A lovely, change-of-pace read...don't miss it.

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THE PRESIDENT'S LAWYER by Lawrence Robbins - review is in the book's title. 

Excellent debut - courtroom drama at its best.

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THE NIGHT WE LOST HIM by Laura Dave - review is in the book's title.

Not a fan - slow, confusing, and not engaging.

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THE RESISTANCE BAKERY by Siobhan Curham - review is in the book's title.

What a wonderful read - a great main character and a great storyline.

LOVED IT!!

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THE LOVE ELIXIR OF AUGUSTA STERN by Lynda Cohen Logiman - review is in the book's title.

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book - don't miss it.

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THE HITCHCOCK HOTEL by Stephanie Wrobel - review is in the book's title.

Slow start, but got better at 50% with an amazing wrapup.

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A PLACE TO HIDE by Ronald H. Balson - review is in the book's title.

Another fabulous read by Mr. Balson - excellent research - just a bit too detailed about the war, but SO GOOD!!

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Book Currently Reading:

THE THREE LIVES OF CATE KAY by Kate Fagan - review will be on January 7.
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Books Up Next:

THE LOST HOUSE by Melissa Larsen - review will be on January 14, 2025.

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THE BUSINESS TRIP by Jessica Garcia - review will be on January 15, 2025.

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CROSS MY HEART by Megan Collins - review will be on January 17.

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A SERIAL KILLER'S GUIDE TO MARRIAGE by Asia MacKay - review will be on January 18.

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THE FAMILY INSIDE by Katie Garner - review will be on January 28, 2025.

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THE WEEKEND GUESTS by Liza North - review will be on January 29.
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THE GIRLS OF THE GLIMMER FACTORY by Jennifer Coburn - review will be on January 30.

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LAST TWILIGHT IN PARIS by Pam Jenoff - review will be on February 4, 2025.

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THE QUEENS OF CRIME by Marie Benedict - review will be on February 11, 2025.

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NOTHING EVER HAPPENS HERE by Seraphina Nova Glass - review will be on February 12.

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EVERY PRECIOUS AND FRAGILE THING by Barbara Davis - review will be on February 18.

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THE LOST PASSENGER by Frances Quinn - review will be on February 25.

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BROKEN COUNTRY by Claire Leslie Hall - review will be on March 4.
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A MAP TO PARADISE by Susan Meissner - review will be on March 18.
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BEACH VIBES by Susan Mallery - review will be on March 19.

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THE FISHERMAN'S GIFT by Julia R. Kelly - review will be on March 20, 2025.
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CORAM HOUSE by Bailey Seybolt - review will be on April 15.
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FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY by Jennifer E. Smith - review will be on April 16.

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THE PAGE TURNER by Viola Shipman - review will be on April 18.
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TOUGH LUCK by Sandra Dallas - review will be on April 29, 2025.

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SUCH A GOOD MOM by Julia Spiro - review will be on April 30, 2025.

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THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD BEACH AND BOOK CLUB by Martha Hall Kelly - review will be on May 27.

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