Spotlight of Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman

PHOTO SOURCE:
TYPORAMA
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ADULT ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

 ABBI WAXMAN

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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS COURTESY OF TARA O'CONNOR OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE.

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USA Today bestselling author Abbi Waxman returns to the page this spring, offering up a dose of her signature wit and warmth in ADULT ASSEMBLY REQUIRED.

 

Fans of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill (2019) are in for a treat—Waxman’s latest transports readers back to Larchmont, Los Angeles for a welcome reunion with Nina, Polly, and the cast of quirky characters that occupy the quaint and comforting world that Waxman’s hit novel brought to life.

In The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, readers were introduced to Nina, an introverted bookseller living in Los Angeles—a whimsical and fun, yet raw and vulnerable, character who quickly became readers’ book-best-friend. The Washington Post called Nina Hill a “modern-day Elizabeth Bennet.”

Now, in ADULT ASSEMBLY REQUIRED, Waxman’s story is again filled with relatable characters, clever dialogue, and a slew of incredible pop culture references—all while dealing with themes of isolation, connection, and mental health.

 

(Berkley Trade Paperback; on sale May 17, 2022)

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PRAISE FOR ADULT ASSEMBLY REQUIRED:

 

“If you love quirky, heartfelt stories about interesting characters and starting over, then Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman is definitely the book for you."—PopSugar

“Waxman has a talent for creating familiar characters who are flawed in all the ways many of us are but didn't know anyone else was. ... Waxman nimbly describes the normality of anxiety, and readers can count on her to provide comfort and feel-good smiles. Readers of Emily Henry, Linda Holmes, and Beth O'Leary will be delighted.”—Booklist

 

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

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ABOUT ADULT ASSEMBLY REQUIRED:

New York native Laura Costello never expected that a big move to Los Angeles would find her facing homelessness. What started out one week ago as a shiny new adventure and a fresh start has turned into a nightmare: Laura’s apartment is burned to the ground and she has nowhere to live. Not to mention, she’s already running from a breakup and an overbearing family back on the East Coast, and she is hoping to leave a traumatic accident in the dust. Laura quickly learns that this whole “adulting” thing is actually pretty hard, no matter where you are.

But when Laura, at rock bottom (and also soaking wet), steps inside a Larchmont bookstore, she meets a gregarious, quirky bookseller who seems to want to solve all of her problems.

It’s not long before Laura finds herself adopted by said bookseller, installed in a lovely but completely illegal boardinghouse, and challenged to save a losing trivia team from disgrace. Add in a gorgeous housemate and her ex-boyfriend determined to put himself back in the running, and Laura’s life has gotten even more interesting overnight. Could this strange new life be everything she needs to grow?

With each novel, Waxman’s platform continues to soar. Sarah Michelle Gellar will star in a TV dramedy based on Other People’s Houses (2018), to air on Fox. Waxman’s novels are a healing remedy for our troubled times, offering readers a good belly-laugh, a whimsical escape through the pages, and a sprinkling of advice and important messages about wellness and self-care.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Abbi Waxman is a chocolate-loving, dog-loving woman, who lives in Los Angeles and lies down as much as possible.

She worked in advertising for many years, which is how she learned to write fiction.

She has three daughters, three dogs, three cats, and one very patient husband.

**PHOTO AND AUTHOR BIO TAKEN FROM THE AUTHOR'S AMAZON PAGE** 

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Spotlight of Magician of Light by J. Fremont

PHOTO SOURCE:
TYPORAMA
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MAGICIAN OF LIGHT

 

J. FREMONT

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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS COURTESY OF CORRINE PRICHETT OF BOOKS FORWARD.

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Veterinarian turned author weaves magical debut reminiscent of “The Woman in White”

 

Author J. Fremont  makes her authorial debut with an enchanting historical fiction novel that explores the topics of love, the supernatural, art, and insanity. 

 

Drawing inspiration from a dream she had about her characters and her personal love of glass fusing, her labor of love has come to fruition with Magician of Light. 

 

Compelling historical fiction novel explores relationship between glass making artist, spirits and insanity.

 

(May 17, 2022, She Writes Press) 

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PRAISE FOR MAGICIAN OF LIGHT:

 

Reminiscent of Wilkie Collins’ ‘The Woman in White’, Fremont weaves a gripping tale of spirits, hallucinations, insanity and betrayal to take the reader into the life of the famous Rene Lalique."  —Lucinda Jackson – Author of Just a Girl: Growing Up Female and Ambitious and Project Escape: Lessons for an Unscripted Life

“With each stroke of the pen, Dr. J Fremont gives us an in-depth view of the masterful art of René Lalique. The settings, art medium, and process Lalique used to create his art was so intricately described that it placed you into the scene of each chapter. Fremont so eloquently details the imagery of Lalique’s work in Magician of Light that it connects you as if you were an observer at a Fine Art Exhibition.”—M. Bernard Edmonds, (BerniE.) – Author, Artist, Sculptor, Song Writer

 

“Fremont’s detailed account of Lalique’s life takes the reader on a fascinating journey as he seeks to find his place in the world of art. She captures the atmosphere of Paris and London, where the mystical lived side by side with the rational. Reminiscent of 19th Century gothic novels, this fictional account of the artist's life is both engaging and informative.”

—Susan Speranza, author of The City of Light, The Tale of LuciaGrandi – The Early Years and Ice Out

“Subtle, smart, compelling, and blessed with an intelligent storyline and top-notch writing, MAGICIAN OF LIGHT transports us to European life at the end of the 19th Century. Through Fremont’s sensory descriptions, readers practically live—smell, taste, see, touch, and hear—the life and art of René Lalique.”—Laurie Buchanan, author of Note to Self: A Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth, The Business of Being: Soul Purpose In and Out of the Workplace, and the Sean McPherson novels

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ABOUT MAGICIAN OF LIGHT:

One of the most innovative designers of his time, René Lalique was a leader in the decorative arts. Magician of Light begins in his adolescent years in Paris as a striving apprentice. Meanwhile, across the channel, Lucinda Haliburton is facing her own struggles, including a dysfunctional family and history of mental illness. Her grandfather, Lord Haliburton, suggests a visit to his archeological dig in Egypt in an effort to help her escape her difficulties at home—but the trip ends in disaster, and Lucinda returns to England with the belief that she is being preyed upon by ancient Egyptian spirits.

Rene and Lucinda’s paths cross when he leaves Paris to continue his studies at a nearby art college. His fascination with Egypt sparks a connection with Lucinda, and romance blooms—but is complicated by her mental condition. Overactive imagination, insanity, or a real haunting? Will their love see them through?

Magician of Light touches on the truth of Lalique’s illustrious life, the people most important to him, and the anguish of some of those personal relationships, creating a unique view of his real life and a compelling storybook love story.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

J. Fremont is an author and veterinarian. 

 

For more than twenty-five years, she practiced small animal veterinary medicine in addition to serving as an adjunct professor at a local university and community college. 

 

The mother of two adult sons, she lives in Southern California with her husband of thirty years. 

 

Retired from veterinary medicine, J now spends her time developing her artistic side. In addition to writing, she is a passionate practitioner of the decorative arts, including jewelry making, glass fusing, sewing, and creating mixed media for fun. 

 

She enjoys photography, gardening, and posting on Instagram, as well as building gorgeous Pinterest boards. 

 

You can find her on her website: https://drjfremont.com/

Facebook: @jfremont | Instagram: @insidetheegg 

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Spotlight and Excerpt of Hostile Intent by Don Bentley

PHOTO SOURCE:
TYPORAMA
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HOSTILE INTENT

DON BENTLEY

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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS COURTESY OF YAZMINE HASSAN OF BERKLEY | PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE.

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In the espionage community, Vienna is known as the City of Spies, and Matt Drake is about to learn why in the latest electrifying thriller from the New York Times Bestselling author of Tom Clancy Target Acquired and The Outside Man.

 

 Berkley Hardcover; on sale May 3, 2022

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ABOUT HOSTILE INTENT:

When a mysterious walk-in to the US embassy in Vienna claims to have critical information about a Russian intelligence operation, he raises eyebrows. 

 

But when he asks for Matt Drake by name and calls himself the Irishman, he gets the DIA’s premier case officer on a one-way flight. Matt arrives to find Austria’s charming capital lousy with intelligence officers, all swirling around Nolan Burke—a onetime member of the real IRA.  But before Matt can debrief Nolan, the Irishman is kidnapped by a Russian direct action team.  

 

Now Matt must find a way to repay the debt of honor he owes Nolan while stopping World War III in the process. 

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EXCERPT OF HOSTILE INTENT:

 
Matthew? Is that you?"
 
"Yep," I said, holding the phone between my ear and shoulder as I packed my shooting gear into my range bag.
 
Even though our range time had been nearly complete before the interrupting phone call, Laila had been less than thrilled with our abrupt departure. She was now in the gun store attached to the range, expressing her annoyance in a manner designed to get my attention.
 
Shopping.
 
Shopping for a baby Glock to carry in her purse.
 
What a woman.
 
"Then use your man voice. I can barely hear you over this racket."
 
I paused in the middle of zipping the bag closed. The check-in guy had been kind, or terrified, enough to let me take the call in his office. The soundproofing in the door and walls rendered a silence absolute enough to hear my heartbeat.
 
"Where are you, Chief?" I said, dreading the answer.
 
"At a slam-poetry reading. At least, that's what the sign says. But none of it even rhymes. And don't get me started on the audience full of hipster jackasses. Cups of fufu coffee are the only thing slamming in this joint."
 
I could hear the disappointment in his voice even as I took a seat in the flimsy chair opposite the metal desk. Defense Intelligence Agency Branch Chief James Scott Glass, former Army Special Forces team sergeant and current night terror to jihadis everywhere, was attending a slam-poetry reading.
 
If this wasn't a sign of the apocalypse, I wasn't sure what was.
 
"Can you hear me now?" I said, shouting into the phone.
 
"No," James said. "Between the screaming from the stage and the yapping audience, I've been in firefights that were quieter. Wait one. QUIET."
 
The silence that greeted James's outburst made my soundproof room seem loud.
 
My boss certainly knew how to work a room.
 
"Speak, Matthew," James said, coming back on the line.
 
"Still here, Chief," I said.
 
I debated barking, but didn't. Mostly because I was an adult and whatever had James desperate enough to call me from a slam-poetry session probably wasn't a laughing matter. But also because even ten years into forced medical retirement, my boss was not a man to be trifled with.
 
"Good," James said. "I need you to come in. Now."
 
"I just landed last night. I haven't even been home for twelve hours. I'd remind you that I'm on vacation, but I suspect you're not familiar with the term. It's Sunday. Give me twenty-four hours with my wife, and I'll grab the direct to Washington Reagan tomorrow. I'll be in the office before lunch. The world's not gonna end today."
 
I thought it was a pretty good argument.
 
James didn't agree.
 
"You're not going to DC," James said. "Our embassy in Vienna had a walk-in."
 
Walk-in was slang for someone who came in off the street purporting to have information of interest to the US government. The vast majority of these folks were people hoping to trade something of minimal value for the ultimate prize-US citizenship. As such, walk-ins were normally relegated to the most junior CIA or DIA officer. But occasionally something of value did stroll in the door. If James was calling, I had to think the Vienna walk-in fell into this category.
 
"Can you give me any specifics?"
 
"Not over an open line. But I will say this-the walk-in asked for you. By name."
 
That was interesting, but not entirely unexpected. As an officer for the Defense Intelligence Agency, I ran and recruited assets the world over. While the goal of every recruitment was to snare an asset who produced meaningful intelligence for the duration of their career, this wasn't always the case. Sometimes an asset transitioned to a job without the requisite access. Sometimes they just stopped producing. When this happened, the asset was formally closed, but I always tried to part ways on good terms.
 
Every now and then, dormant assets found themselves in a position where they could again become useful. This was why I always provided mine with an email address and a phrase to employ if they needed to reestablish contact. These instructions didn't include plans to visit the American embassy, but the assets I ran were, by and large, intelligent men and women. If they believed that a crash meeting at the embassy was necessary, I wasn't going to second-guess them.
 
As embassies went, Vienna was one of the most crucial. Although the Cold War had ended more than thirty years ago, Vienna was still a city of spies. Its central European location made the Austrian capital a geographical crossroads between East and West. Vienna would be an ideal venue for a spy on the run to contact an old handler.
 
"Which of my aliases did the walk-in use?" I said.
 
"You're not listening, Matthew," James said. "He asked for you by name. Your true name."
 
I sucked in a breath, contemplating James's answer. Like any sane handler, I never operated under true name. If this man knew my identity, he merited my attention.
 
"What's his name?" I said.
 
"Wouldn't give one. Just a message. He said to tell you the Irishman was calling in a favor. Ring a bell?"
 
It did.
 
"I'm booking a ticket to Vienna," I said.
 
"No need. A Gulfstream's sitting on the tarmac at Austin-Bergstrom. Get moving."

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Excerpted from HOSTILE INTENT by Don Bentley, published by Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2022

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Copyright Robin Winkles Photography

Don Bentley is the New York Times bestselling author of Tom Clancy Target Acquired and the Matt Drake series (Without Sanction & The Outside Man). Don is a former FBI Special Agent, SWAT Team member, and Army Apache helicopter pilot. 

Learn more at www.donbentleybooks.com.

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It's Monday!! What Are YOU Reading? - 5/16/2022

 

    

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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 GERMAN WIFE by Kelly Rimmer - review will be on July 1.

 

EXCELLENT read...historical fiction fans may learn something new.  I did. 

And that gorgeous cover.

 

 

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 LITTLE SISTER by Gytha Lodge - review will be on June 30.

 

Those readers who “really” enjoy guessing will not want to miss this twisty, creative read.

 

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THE SECOND HUSBAND by Kate White - review will be on June 27.

 

Very, very good...if you like Kate White's books, don't miss this one.

 

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THE NAVIGATOR'S DAUGHTER by Nancy Cole Silverman - review will be on June 7.

 

A lovely, educational, pull-you-in read.

 

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THE LAST DRESS FROM PARIS by Jane Beer - review will be on June 22.

 

A lovely, lovely read....fashion and a mystery to solve.

 

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TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY by Linwood Barclay - review will be on May 30.

 

REALLY GOOD!!  

 

If you are a fan, you won't want to miss this one.

 

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WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BENNETTS by Lisa Scottoline - review is in the book's title.

 

A bit slow and some things were unrealistic, but still good.

 

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LOCAL GONE MISSING by Fiona Barton - review will be on June 15.

 

I was disappointed...I usually devour her books.  This one was difficult to follow but wrapped up in the end.

 

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UNTIL WE MEET by Camille Di Maio - review will be on May 20.

 

A sweet read with lovely characters.

 

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THE WEDDING DRESS SEWING CIRCLE by Jennifer Ryan - review will be on June 1.

 

A lovely, heartwarming read.

 

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 THE FAVOR by Nora Murphy - review will be on May 31.

 

An amazing debut....well written and a great storyline.

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NEVER COMING HOME by Hannah Mary McKinnon - review will be on May 24.

 

It is a GOOD one...don't miss it!!

 

 

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THE LIES I TELL by Julie Clark - review will be on June 21.

 

This is GOOD!!

 

 

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THE SHADOW OF MEMORY by Connie Berry - review is in the book's title.

 

An enjoyable, non-violent mystery.

 

 

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MY WIFE IS MISSING by D. J. Palmer - review is in the book's title.

 

Another good D. J. Palmer read with good twists.

 

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THE HOMEWRECKERS by Mary Kay Andrews - review is in the book's title.

LOVED this book.  Do NOT miss it.

 

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THE HALF-LIFE OF RUBY FIELDING by Lydia Kang - review is in the book's title.

A twisty read for historical fiction and mystery fans.

 

 

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AN HONEST LIE by Tarryn Fisher - review is in the book's title.

 

It is well written, but intense, chilling, and disturbing.   A difficult read.

 

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THE SCHOOL FOR GERMAN BRIDES by Aimie K. Runyan - review is in the book's title.

 

Heartbreaking but very good....you will be anxious to get back to this book.

 

 

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I'LL BE YOU by Janelle Brown - review is in the book's title.

 

A different story line...secrets, lies, bad decisions, and unbelievable surprises.  It was a bit intense because there was a cult in the book.

 

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LITTLE SOULS by Sandra Dallas - review is in the book's title.

About the pandemic of 1918 and includes a murder and kidnapping.

 

 

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Book Currently Reading:

MISS ALDRIDGE REGRETS by Louise Hare - review will be on July 5.

 

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Books Up Next:

COUNTERFEIT by Kristin Chen - review will be on June 9.

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THE FINALISTS by David Bell - review will be on July 6.

 

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THE HIDDEN ONE by Linda Castillo - review will be on July 7.

 

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THE PERFECT NEIGHBORHOOD by Liz Alterman - review will be on July 12.

 

 

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DIRTY MARTINI by Daco S. Auffenorde - review will be on July 13.

 

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THE LITTLEST LIBRARY by Poppy Alexander - review will be on July 19.

 

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THE NEW NEIGHBOR by Karen Cleveland - review will be on July 26.

 

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THE LIBRARIAN SPY by Madeleine Martin - review will be on July 27.

 

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SUGAR AND SALT by Susan Wiggs - review will be on July 29.

 

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THE CODE BREAKERS by Sara Ackerman - review will be on August 2.

 

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YOU'RE INVITED by Amanda Jayatissa - review will be on August 8.

 

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THE ORPHANS OF MERSEA HOUSE by Marty Wingate - review will be on August 9.

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THE WAR LIBRARIAN by Addison Armstrong - review will be on August 10.

 

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STAY AWAKE by Megan Goldin - review will be on August 11.

 

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LONG GONE by Joanna Schaffhausen - review will be on August 12.

 

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THE FORGOTTEN COTTAGE by Courtney Ellis - review will be on August 13.

 

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THE BLAME GAME by Sandie Jones - review will be on August 16.

 

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 THE LOST TICKET by Freya Sampson - review will be on August 30.

 

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THE LOST GIRLS OF WILLOWBROOK by Ellen Marie Wiseman - review will be on August 31. 

 

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TWO QUESTIONS by Danielle Murray - review will be on September 1.

 

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THE THREAD COLLECTORS by Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman - review will be on September 2.

 

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THE OPERA SISTER by Marianne Monson - review will be on September 6.

 

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ALL DRESSED UP by Jilly Gagnon - review will be on September 7.

 

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AN AFFAIR OF SPIES by Ronald H. Balson - review will be on September 13.

 

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THE MATCHMAKER'S GIFT by Lynda Cohen Loigman - review will be on September 20.

 

Gorgeous Cover!!

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HESTER by Laurie Lico Albanese - review will be on October 4.

 

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MAD HONEY by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan - review will be on October 5.

 

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THE CRADLES OF THE REICH by Jennifer Coburn - review will be on October 11.

 

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THAT SUMMER IN BERLIN by Lecia Cornwall - review will be on October 12.

 

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THE WIDOW by Kaira Rouda - review will be on November 15.

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