Saturday, April 11, 2026

Spotlight of The Write Off by Kara McDowell


PHOTO SOURCE:

TYPORAMA
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 THE WRITE OFF
KARA MCDOWELL
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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS COURTESY OF TARA O'CONNOR | SENIOR PUBLICIST | BERKLEY, AN IMPRINT OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE AND THE PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE

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Told in alternating timelines...McDowell’s adult debut captures both the messy magic of young, first love, and its tension-filled aftermath.


Filled with heartache and yearning, but also plenty of classic romance tropes, THE WRITE OFF is a rom-com that’s perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Rachel Lynn Solomon.

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April 7, 2026
Berkley Trade Original
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PRAISE FOR THE WRITE OFF:

The Write Off is the perfect romance for anyone with a love for books! Kara McDowell has crafted a second chance romance that captures not just a beautiful love story, but an honest look at relationships in the bookish community and how they impact authors. I found myself applauding the relatability just as often as I was swooning! If you have ever wondered what it’s like to be an author, The Write Off is a must read!”—Falon Ballard, USA Today bestselling author of Toe to Toe

The Write Off is a second chance love story that is just as swoony as it is beautifully devastating. I was hooked from the very first page, and I couldn’t put it down for a single second. Let it be known: Kara McDowell is creating absolute art.”—Julie Olivia, USA Today bestselling author of If It Makes You Happy

“Some couples are just written in the stars, and that’s Mars and West in Kara McDowell’s The Write Off. I love all their tension when they’re rival authors both nursing broken hearts and resentments from their first draft at a relationship, and then I love their history and tenderness toward each other as they work their way through a revision a full decade later. There’s pining and then there’s next-level pining (writing thinly veiled references to how much you love each other into your books). I was rooting for their happily ever after from page one!”—Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of Never Been Shipped

“Laced with nostalgia and electric chemistry, The Write Off is an intimate second-chance romance that captures the delicious ache of two beautifully flawed people who can’t help but orbit each other. Kara McDowell deftly weaves past and present into a story pulsing with yearning and forgiveness, delivering a hard-won love you can’t help but root for.”—Ali Brady, USA Today bestselling author of Battle of the Bookstores

“An exquisitely told story about the lasting power of first loves, the magic of storytelling, and the power of forgiveness. Between the beautiful writing, one-of-a-kind characters, and propelling storyline, I couldn’t put this one down.”—Sarah T. Dubb, author of Birding with Benefits

“Witty and writerly, McDowell’s romance debut crackles with enemies-to-lovers sparks and charges every page with Mars and West’s undeniable tension. Unraveling their dual timelines with deft insight, The Write Off is the bookish rom-com our shelves needed.”—Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of The Roughest Draft

The Write Off is heartfelt, honest, and beautifully written. The love story between Mars and West is whimsical and aspirational, while also masterfully realistic. This is second chance at its best!”—Neely Tubati Alexander, USA Today bestselling author of Courtroom Drama

“[Mars and West’s] chemistry is intense, even as their own stubbornness keeps them apart. Their very human flaws are on display as West struggles with feelings of inadequacy and Mars places her sense of self-worth solely on her success as a writer. Their youthful foibles make it easy to see why their relationship struggled, and McDowell expertly shows how they’ve grown and changed over the years. A delightfully bookish second-chance romance with plenty of angst.”—Kirkus, starred review

“[West and Mars’] chemistry is undeniable, and readers will pine just as hard as they have for a second chance, even as each attempt seems to push them further and further from lovers to enemies. She and he are equally complex, the romance is messy, and the behind-the-scenes world of authors, books, and fandom feels genuine. Mars’ backstory and West’s betrayal are both heartbreaking and tender, capturing all the emotion of the very best rom-coms. Highly recommended for fans of Emily Henry and Emma Lord.”—Booklist, starred review

**PRAISE TAKEN FROM 

THE PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE**

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ABOUT THE WRITE OFF:

Mars Darling has always dreamed of being a novelist. She talks to imaginary people and creates fantasy worlds (with sexy immortal heroes) in her head. She takes her undergraduate writing class very seriously.

 

West Emerson can’t quite relate to Mars’s enthusiasm for the course. West is just here for class credit. But it isn’t long until Mars learns that West can writeso well, in fact, that he beats Mars out of a spot in a coveted creative writing seminar.

 

What starts out as a friendly rivalry in the classroom turns into a best friendship. And then—for a time that felt all too brief—a romance.

 

Thirteen years later, Mars and West aren’t on speaking terms. Until they find themselves face-to-face, back on their old college campus. Mars became the YA romantasy writer she always dreamed she would be. And West is a literary fiction powerhouse. Is a reunion at an on-campus literary festival some form of poetic justice? Is it the perfect setting for a second draft? Can the pair rewrite their love story, or is this the end of the book?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Photo: © Kendyl Hawkins


Kara McDowell is the author of romantic comedies for adults and teens.


She lives with her husband and three sons in Mesa, Arizona. 


When she’s not at a baseball game, she divides her time between writing, baking, and wishing for rain.


**PHOTO AND AUTHOR INFORMATION TAKEN 
FROM THE PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE**

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FOLLOW THE AUTHOR:





Friday, April 10, 2026

Spotlight of The Museum of Unusual Occurrence by Erica Wright


PHOTO SOURCE:
TYPORAMA

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THE MUSEUM OF UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE
ERICA WRIGHT
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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS COURTESY OF KATELYNN DREYER | PUBLICIST | KAYE PUBLICITY AND THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE.
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Welcome to the Museum of Unusual Occurrence - a place full of strange exhibits and even stranger murders.


Twisty, darkly atmospheric, and full of wry humor, this is a must-read for fans of Agatha Christie & Ruth Ware.


The first in the new Psychic City mystery series by talented author Erica Wright.

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April 7, 2026
Severn House
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PRAISE FOR THE MUSEUM OF UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE:

Ingenious . . . A promising series debut that will have cozy lovers and occult fans begging for more ― Kirkus Reviews

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ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE:

“Every small town thinks it’s special―That might be true, but this one actually is.”

Rational and cynical Aly Orlean’s life in her psychic hometown of Wyndale, Florida couldn’t be more hectic. It’s all about running her business, raising a teenage sister, sending out holiday greetings―and her new task: finding a killer.

For her Museum of Unusual Occurrence not only houses odd curiosities but now has a brand-new display: The body of Rose Dempsey, a local twenty-year-old, set up in one of the exhibits as if she has been ritually sacrificed.

With the police clueless, Aly is worried that this is a vicious warning for her and her solitary way of life. Fearing for her sister Merope’s well-being, she’s determined to find out why the killer murdered Rose and how her body was placed in Aly’s museum . . . But might the killer be someone hiding in plain sight?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Photo Credit:  Paula Wright

Erica Wright is the author of eight books, including the essay collection Snake and the crime novels Famous in Cedarville and Hollow Bones.


For more than a decade, she was the Poetry Editor at Guernica Magazine and currently teaches at Bellevue University.


She holds degrees from New York University and Columbia University.


She lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with her family.

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FOLLOW AUTHOR ON SOCIAL MEDIA:




Thursday, April 9, 2026

Spotlight of Dog Person by Camille Pagan


PHOTO SOURCE:

TYPORAMA
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DOG PERSON
CAMILLE PAGAN
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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS TAKEN FROM AN E-MAIL FROM MEGAN WHALEN | ASSOCIATE MARKET MANAGER | RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING GROUP |AND THE PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE.
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In this delightfully heartwarming novel, an elderly dog named Harold is determined to help his grieving owner, Miguel, find a reason to go on after loss. Now if only Miguel would stop getting in Harold’s way by being so very . . . human.
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April 7, 2026

Delacorte Press

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PRAISE FOR DOG PERSON:

“Heartwarming and life-affirming . . . an utterly delightful novel of second chances, bookstores, and that inexplicable connection between people and their pets. Harold is the fluffy, wise, and completely charming protagonist we all need right now, who will stay with readers long, long after the final page (and tissue).”—Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of Beach House Rules (and her dog, Salt, too!)

“Tender, heartwarming and true, Dog Person captures the devoted, unconditional love of a dog for their human and a human for their dog, and all the ways that love can both break us apart and put us back together.”—Allison Winn Scotch, New York Times bestselling author of The Rewind

“Not since A Dog’s Purpose have I been so besotted by a novel’s canine. Just like a good dog, Harold and this beautiful book will break your heart open and mend it all at once.”—Colleen OakleyUSA Today bestselling author of Jane and Dan at the End of the World

Dog Person by Camille Pagán broke me in the best possible way. It’s a story that understands that a happy ending can hold sadness, too, and that moving on isn’t the same as letting go. Harold is an incredible narrator—tender, sharp, and unforgettable—the best animal voice since Marcellus the octopus in Remarkably Bright Creatures. A beautiful reminder that broken hearts can learn to love again.”—Ali Brady, USA Today bestselling author of Battle of the Bookstores

“Told from a dog’s perspective, in the vein of The Art of Racing in the Rain, Dog Person captures the richest emotions: love, loss, found families, healing, and the warm wit of a precious dog . . . all set at a bookstore! Love stories don’t come any bigger than this.”—Rochelle Weinstein, bestselling author of This Is Not How It Ends

“Filled with tender moments and lighthearted humor, Camille Pagán’s Dog Person offers a relatable story via the perspective of a man’s best friend that is utterly refreshing and clever.”—Suzanne Park, author of One Last Word

“Poignant . . . Romance fans will want to read this one with tissues at the ready.”Publishers Weekly

“A story of grief, healing, unexpected love, and the magic of books . . . Recommended to readers who loved The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein or A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron.”Library Journal

“An emotional story of love and grief, perfect for dog lovers and book lovers alike.”Kirkus Reviews

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ABOUT DOG PERSON:


Harold may be an aging mutt—but Amelia May, the romance novelist who adopted him, taught him a thing or two about the human heart before she died. And she left Harold with a final task: to help her partner, Miguel, find love again.


Trouble is, the grief-ridden recluse rarely goes out, not even to the bookstore he and Amelia owned together. Now it’s in danger of going under, and when a renowned author doesn’t show up for his event, it pushes the store’s already precarious finances into the red. In a final attempt to save the bookstore, Miguel and Harold set out to find the no-show and insist he fulfill his obligation. But instead they’re greeted by Fiona, his sunny yet secretive sister.


Fiona is intent on protecting her brother’s privacy—and to Harold’s horror, she doesn’t like dogs. But her precocious eleven-year-old daughter, who’s also named Amelia, immediately befriends Harold . . . and he can’t help but wonder if his Amelia was right when she said there are no coincidences in life.


Harold is quickly running out of time to accomplish his mission, but if he can just convince his infuriatingly stubborn person to let Fiona in, he’s certain Miguel will find something far more important than a missing author: his own happy ending.


Uplifting, smartly observed, and hilariously insightful, Dog Person is as undeniably charming as its beloved narrator, Harold, and offers a much-needed reminder that while not all love is unconditional, it is still always worthwhile.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Photo:  © Liv in the Moment Photography


Camille Pagán is the bestselling author of numerous novels about love and life’s what-ifs, including Dog PersonGood for You, and Life and Other Near-Death Experiences.


She has written for The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parade, Real Simple, Time, and many others.


When she’s not working on her next story, you’ll find Camille talking shop with writers, hanging out with her two kids, or trying to convince her husband they should adopt yet another animal. 


She and her family live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and spend as much time in Puerto Rico as possible.

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CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR


Instagram


Facebook


Website


Goodreads

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Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Whatever Happened To Eddy Crane by Kate Crane


I had never heard of Eddy Crane.

This book was very informative and interesting.

I enjoyed how Kate took us into the family's life before and after Eddy.  I didn't like her mother.  

Kate did a marvelous job of telling the story.  I normally do not read memoirs or nonfiction, but this one kept my attention.

If you like historical fiction and memoirs, this book will be an excellent read for you.  5/4

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


Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Spotlight of Love By The Book by Jessica George

PHOTO SOURCE:

TYPORAMA
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LOVE BY THE BOOK

JESSICA GEORGE
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ALL INFORMATION IN THIS POST IS COURTESY OF THE PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE, AUTHOR'S WEBPAGE, NETGALLEY, AND AMAZON.

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Friendship is the love story you can count on.

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April 7, 2026
St. Martin's Press
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PRAISE FOR LOVE BY THE BOOK:

"George has crafted a story here in which friendship is just as important, if not more so, than romantic or sexual partnership...[and] writes with an uncommon degree of care and nuance about complicated topics. In a sea of romances, this novel stands out for asserting that friendship can be a love story, too. A beautiful and all-too-rare look at the importance of platonic love." Kirkus Reviews (starred)

"A fresh perspective on female friendship." —Publishers Weekly

"A captivating and emotionally rich novel exploring sisterhood, friendship, love and betrayal. I was gripped from the outset." —Fiona Williams, author of The House of Broken Bricks

"As ever, Jessica George’s astute eye and wry wit make for a refreshing read that’s equally as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Love by the Book goes deeper than just celebrating friendship—it delves into the challenge of navigating its inevitable shifts as we grow older. An endearing story that's bound to resonate." —Mikki Brammer, USA Today bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover

"Smart, funny, and refreshing...a testament to the power of female friendship and what it means to live a life worth living." —Sarai Johnson, author of Grown Women

"Love by the Book reads like a rom com for platonic friendship. After Maame, Jessica George brings us another fresh look at young women’s lives. Love by the Book offers a charming and nuanced take on contemporary friendships, putting the spotlight on the value of different kinds of love in people’s lives. A celebration of women’s friendships and families, in various configurations." Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake

"Friendships are often the central relationships of our lives; why are they usually treated as storyline B in novels? Not in this transporting new novel by Jessica George. As enveloping, soul-filling and moreish as an evening with a friend, Love by the Book challenges us to take a closer look at adult friendship and platonic love. As is true with the best friend-dates, I couldn’t wait for evening to come so I could hang out with Remy and Simone (and especially with Remy’s mom). This novel might just inspire you to put yourself out there and ask a new friend out to dinner." ―Emma Knight, bestselling author of The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus

"A sparkling triumph, Love by the Book is the love story I didn’t know I needed. Once again, Jessica George delights readers with her charming and unique knack for unfolding a story. As witnesses to the evolution of long-held friendships and the blossoming of new ones, we’re left rooting for her funny, fabulous characters while falling in love with them ourselves. George infuses whimsy and heart into her incredible tale despite touches on weighty topics and pressures placed on the book’s leading ladies." —Diane Marie Brown, author of Black Candle Women

**PRAISE TAKEN FROM THE PUBLISHER'S WEBPAGE**

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ABOUT LOVE BY THE BOOK:

Remy is lucky. Her debut novel, based on her three best friends, became an instant bestseller when it was released, and her agent and publisher are clamoring for a follow-up. But just as Remy’s creative inspiration seems to leave her, so too do her friends: one moves to New York, one gets pregnant, and one gets back together with her (awful) boyfriend. After an ill-advised one-night stand complicates matters further, Remy is left deeply alone—and unable to find her next book idea.

Simone is successful. A Kindergarten teacher with a passion for kids, and a well-paying side hustle that affords her all the material comforts she desires, she doesn't have time for a robust social life. All Simone needs is her close-knit family—but after the true nature of her work is revealed, they cut her off, and she realizes for the first time just how isolated she is.

When Simone and Remy bump into each other (literally) in a bookstore, it isn’t exactly soulmates at first sight. Simone is guarded and prickly, Remy is insecure and heartbroken, and each woman is harboring a secret. And yet they might just be the missing piece the other has been searching for—if only they can let each other in.

Can Simone help Remy make one of the most important decisions of her life—and can Remy help Simone recover all that she’s lost? In Jessica George’s heartwarming, funny, and soulful second novel, she explores the restorative nature of female friendship and the life-changing power of platonic love.

**SUMMARY TAKEN FROM THE PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE**

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jessica George is the New York Times bestselling author of Maame.

She was born and raised in London to Ghanaian parents and studied English Literature at the University of Sheffield.

**AUTHOR BIO TAKEN FROM THE PUBLISHER'S WEBPAGE**

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FIND THE AUTHOR:

Instagram

Goodreads

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