Family life fiction / Stories about family

Book SynopsisBerlin, 1989. Siblings Rune and Lotte are shaken awake by Mama and told to follow her quietly into the night. Last time they snuck away from Papa, with Mama bruised and broken, they were back within a week. But this time they are starting a new life, Mama says—where nobody can ever hurt them again. Ten years later, the memories of their escape are blurry; Mama is long gone and the siblings are back at Papa’s house. But when they receive a mysterious notebook that seems to have come from Mama, Papa tears it apart. Could there be more to their past than they’ve been led to believe? With Rune paralysed by fear, Lotte takes their fate into her own hands. When she learns about the ‘Puzzle Women’ working tirelessly to reconstruct files shredded by the former secret police, she begs them to help her piece Mama’s story back together. But as Papa’s threats against both siblings escalate, can they unite to learn the full, brutal truth in Mama’s own words at last?Trade Review“Both heartbreaking and life-affirming.” —Heat Magazine “Rune’s love of his little sister is touching, while his secret guilt and a heart-stopping climax held me gripped.” —Saga Magazine “A moving tale.” —My Weekly “I loved it. A shocking and powerful story that moved me profoundly. Ellory deals with dark and difficult subjects, yet turns them into an extraordinary uplifting tale of love and loyalty. A very special talent. This book will grip your heart and not let go.” —Kate Furnivall, author of The Guardian of Lies “I have never been so moved by a story, so astounded anyone could tear my heart out with her words and then make it whole again with the wonderful ending…a masterpiece I’ll never forget.” —Lesley Pearse, Sunday Times bestselling author “I was utterly blown away by The Puzzle Women. It’s easily one of the most stunning books I can remember reading! On every level it’s beautiful, delicate, devastating and I’ve been thinking about it almost solidly ever since. Voicing it was such a genuine honour. Thank you so much for your astonishing words.” —Kristen Atherton, actress

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes a story that asks: how do you forgive the family that lied to you, and love the mum you never had? When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient—she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead. As the two women get to know each other and Victoria begins to learn more about her past, it becomes clear that her beloved grandmother had been keeping life-changing secrets from her. Desperate for answers, she still struggles to trust anyone to tell her the truth. To live a full and happy life, Victoria knows she must not only uncover the truth, but find a way to forgive her family. But after so many years, is trusting them even possible?

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Book SynopsisAfter their lives fly off the rails, getting back on track takes everything they have left. Davis Winger has it all. A respected engineer who designs roller coasters in theme parks across the country, he is deeply in love with his wife and has a beautiful young daughter and a happy home. Until an accident strikes on one of his rides. Nothing fatal—except to his career. And to his marriage, when a betrayal from his past inadvertently comes to light. In one cosmically bad day, Davis loses it all. His sister, Molly, is at a crossroads herself. She’s coasting through a dire relationship with an incompatible man-child. And she’s a journalist whose deeply personal columns about mothers and daughters are forcing her to confront the truth about her own mother, who abandoned Molly and Davis years ago and disappeared. For these two siblings, it’s just a matter of bracing themselves for one turbulent summer in this redemptive and painfully funny family drama about making the best of the sharp turns in life—those we choose to take and those beyond our control.Trade Review“At once hilarious and poignant, A Beginner’s Guide to Free Fall explores the ups and downs of love, marriage, family, and all that life encompasses with such wit and incision, you’ll wish you hadn’t read the whole book so quickly.” —Allison Winn Scotch, New York Times bestselling author of In Twenty Years “Childhood wounds often linger long into adulthood, as siblings Davis and Molly discover in Andy Abramowitz’s wry, compelling new novel. A story about second chances and the power of family, A Beginner’s Guide to Free Fall is a potent reminder that as long as we’re alive, it’s never too late to make a change.” —Camille Pagán, bestselling author “A Beginner’s Guide to Free Fall has all the thrills, emotions, and unexpected turns of the best roller coasters. I immediately connected with these characters and couldn’t wait to see what was around each bend in the track of their story. Take a seat, pull down the safety bar, and settle in, because you are not going to want to get off this ride until you turn that last page. This is a great book!” —Elizabeth LaBan, bestselling author of The Restaurant Critic’s Wife, Not Perfect, and Beside Herself

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Book SynopsisAn ingeniously witty novel about the risks—and rewards—of opening your life to new people by Amazon Charts bestselling author Camille Pagán. No new people: that’s Annie Mercer’s vow. It’s bad enough that her boss sabotaged her chemistry career and her best friend tried to cure her with crystals. But after her fiancé, Jon, asks for space while he’s gallivanting around Paris, Annie decides she needs space too—from everyone. Yet when Harper moves in next door, Annie can’t help but train a watchful eye on the glamorous but fragile young woman. And if keeping Harper safe requires teaming up with Mo, a maddeningly optimistic amateur detective, who is she to mind her own business? Soon Annie has let not one but two new people into her life. Then Jon reappears—and he wants her to join him in France. She’s pretty sure letting anyone get close won’t end well. So she must decide: Is another shot at happiness worth the risk?Trade Review“…witty and delightful…A touching story that is perfect for fans of Maria Semple’s Where’d You Go, Bernadette and the humor of Jennifer Weiner’s novels, this book is for those who understand the difficulties of tackling life, work, and love as a millennial.” —Library Journal (starred) “The book’s format includes diary entries, texts, and emails, giving the reader a glimpse of Annie’s robust inner life—she may seem standoffish and distant, but there’s a lot going on behind the scenes…[Annie’s] journey takes unexpected, poignant turns, delving into deeper issues while maintaining a positive tone and peppy pace. Fans of Sarah Haywood and Gail Honeyman will appreciate the quirky, yet thoughtfully presented, characters.” —Booklist “This is a funny and heartfelt book about taking charge of your life and relationships that will give lots of reasons to cheer for Annie.” —The Parkersburg News & Sentinel “Quirky and lovable. Buy this one for all of your friends!” —Frolic “I’m a big fan of quirky characters and this book delivers with some laugh-out-loud moments…This was such a sweet story and had so many funny moments that I found myself reading portions out loud to my husband.” —MomAdvice “A main character you can relate to, side characters you end up loving more than you thought you would, some humor, some sadness, some intrigue, and some tough decisions.” —Anything Goes Lifestyle “…a must-read for anyone who knows the value of some me-time…Whether it’s a laugh you crave or a story with true heart and transformation, This Won’t End Well does in fact end brilliantly for the reader.” —BookTrib “Never has a quirky lead character been so lovable or well drawn as Annie, the lovelorn chemist who carries This Won’t End Well. Though she pretends to be closed off to the world, in fact she can’t stop caring—and that push-pull of who to let into her life, and under what terms, is something we all understand at a soul-deep level. Annie’s journey from oblivious in love to aware and empowered had me cheering and turning the pages madly, unable to tear myself away. If you want to laugh and lose yourself in a great read, this is the one for you!” —Kelly Harms, bestselling author of The Overdue Life of Amy Byler “Witty, wise, and of the moment, This Won’t End Well is a story of unlikely friendships, calculated risks, and taking a stand—even when it’s easier to maintain the status quo. Charmingly flawed and endearingly real characters combine with a unique format to make Camille Pagán’s latest page-turner her best book yet.” —Kristy Woodson Harvey, bestselling author of Slightly South of Simple “Camille Pagán writes with deep compassion for her characters and for all of us who try so hard to do the right thing by the people we love. Annie, the protagonist at the center of her latest novel, is no exception. Quirky and occasionally clueless, charming and vulnerable, Annie’s so real that you’ll want to make her your best friend by the time you’ve reached the last page. This Won’t End Well is Pagán at her finest—capturing readers with warmth, honesty, and keen observations about keeping love simple in a complicated world.” —Ann Garvin, USA TODAY bestselling author of I Like You Just Fine When You’re Not Around

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Book SynopsisJoin the millions who have fallen in love with New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown in her landmark hundredth novel. At the end of her rope, single mom Lily Anderson is determined to move her rebellious children in the right direction. That means taking away their cell phones, tablets, and computers—at least temporarily—and moving to the house where Lily grew up in the rural town of Comfort, Texas. But Lily has a bigger challenge than two sulking kids. The house comes with Mack Cooper, high school teacher and handsome longtime renter. The arrangement: just housemates. But Mack’s devoted attention to the kids starts to warm Lily’s resistant heart. Then Lily finds an old leather-bound book in which five generations of her female ancestors shared their struggles and dreams. To Lily, it’s a bracing reminder about the importance of family…and love. Now it’s time for Lily to add an adventurous new chapter to the cherished family journal—by embracing a fresh start and taking a chance on a man who could make her house a home.Trade Review“This first-rate romance will delight readers young and old.” —Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of The Ingredients of Us comes a moving story about true love and heartbreak, mistakes and redemption, forgiveness and second chances. Five years ago, marine biologist Abby Fisher made a mistake that cost her everything. Rather than face the consequences, she fled home to start anew—and built the career she’d always dreamed of. But when her research program runs out of funding, she’s adrift once again and decides to return to the safe harbor of her family and friends. Except nothing at home is how she remembered. Her friendships are strained, her normally affectionate parents seem distant, and her once-great love story is now just a painful memory. What’s worse, she keeps running into the people she hurt years ago—and they aren’t ready to forgive her. Abby is determined to atone for her mistakes, but she can’t seem to move beyond her guilt for a chance of future happiness. Can Abby learn to sail through the storm, or will she remain lost at sea? Poignant and heartfelt, Keep Me Afloat asks the question: How can you expect forgiveness from others if you can’t even forgive yourself?Trade Review“Achingly beautiful and emotionally rich, Keep Me Afloat explores the heartache of stifling self to put family first. When a marine biologist—broke, jobless, alone—drifts home with a U-Haul of guilt, her past and present merge to reveal her truth in unexpected ways. A stunning novel of love, redemption, and whales.” —Barbara Claypole White, bestselling author of The Perfect Son and The Promise Between Us “Keep Me Afloat is a rich ebb and flow of human emotion, offering an intimate look at a young marine biologist’s journey to finding herself. Set against the extraordinary backdrop of the Pacific Northwest coastline, this engaging story will leave readers buoyant with hope.” —Nicole Meier, author of The Second Chance Supper Club

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Book SynopsisWife. Mother. Liar. At first glance Emma and Lucie seem very different, but they share an unspeakable vice. Beautiful, wealthy Emma appears to have it all with a loving husband and a seemingly successful life, but a restless craving has driven her to foolish actions. Meanwhile, young widow Lucie is struggling to make ends meet while coping with a troubled five-year-old. When the law catches up with them they soon discover what they have in common: they lie. A lot. Punished with community service, Emma and Lucie form an intense friendship, finding an unlikely third ally in Florrie, a septuagenarian who offers wise words and a shoulder to cry on. But the lies don’t stop. They are hiding their misdemeanours from their loved ones and neither want their shame to come to light. As these unhealthy relationships drive them towards destruction, can they survive the fallout from their deceptions or will their lies destroy everything they love the most? Revised edition: This edition of Everyday Lies includes editorial revisions.

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Mao Dun Literature Prize. From one of China’s most celebrated authors comes a masterful novel about modernity and tradition, love and obsession, and economic change and quixotic dreams—all set against the backdrop of a rapidly urbanizing China. In post–Cultural Revolution China, in the fading village of Freshwind, the fates of two households are shifting. The Bais, once the most powerful family in the region, have fallen from status. Their beautiful daughter, Snow Bai, an embodiment of tradition, pursues a career in a vanishing art form. The Xias, enthusiastic members of the Party, are on the rise. Their favorite son, Wind Xia, is a citified politician whose marriage to Snow Bai could unite the two families. But in a village casting about for a new road to prosperity, fortunes can change. Watching it all unfold is a local outcast named Spark. The inveterate busybody is given to strange visions and flights of fancy, and is motivated by the only constant in Freshwind: his mad love for Snow Bai. Expansive, funny, monumental, and deeply poignant, Jia Pingwa’s The Shaanxi Opera is a keenly observant portrait of China in an era of globalization, societal upheaval, and the growing influence of popular culture.

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Book SynopsisAn unforgettable and breathtaking novel of love, loss, and the unexpected routes that life takes from Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kerry Lonsdale. With her deceased sister’s Route 66 bucket list in hand, California girl Joy Evers sets out on a cross-country road trip to meet up with her fiancé, checking off the bullets along the way. Singer-songwriter Dylan Westfield has a serious case of wanderlust and a broken-down car. Stuck at a diner between LA and Flagstaff, he meets Joy, his complete opposite. She’s energetic. He’s moody. She’s by the book. He’s spontaneous. She believes in love at first sight. He thinks love is a complicated mess. But Joy has a brand-new convertible. They strike a deal. She’ll drive him to New York. He’ll pay for gas. Only three rules apply: no exchanging of last names; what happens on the road, stays on the road; and if one of them wants to take a side trip, they both must agree. A heart-stirring love story that spans a decade, Side Trip explores what-if. What if Joy and Dylan had exchanged last names? What if he’d told her she made him believe love was worth the risk? And what if they hadn’t made that second deal when they couldn’t say goodbye?Trade Review“Exploring a series of what-if scenarios, readers will thoroughly enjoy this road trip along Route 66 with two curious strangers.” —Travel & Leisure “Swoon-worthy moments and heart-stirring drama…A romantic ride!” —Woman’s World “Lonsdale keeps the reader guessing right to the very end…with a twist you don’t see coming. A great summer read.” —Red Carpet Crash “Lonsdale again takes us on quite a ride through love, loss, and life. Her groupie following will devour this one!” —Frolic “Smart, sexy, and unexpected—Side Trip is everything that makes a novel unputdownable, which is why I devoured it in two days. Kerry Lonsdale’s latest demonstrates what fans like me already know: she just keeps getting better and better.” —Camille Pagán, bestselling author of I’m Fine and Neither Are You “Route 66, a convertible, a folk singer, and fate combine to make a confection of a novel in Kerry Lonsdale’s Side Trip. Scoot into the back seat to watch what happens. What a wild ride!” —J.P. Monninger, international bestselling author “Kerry Lonsdale’s Side Trip is an absorbing, poignant exploration of the road not taken and the pitfalls of failing to follow one’s heart.” —Jamie Beck, bestselling author of The Cabots and Sanctuary Sound series “Strap in for a fun, musical, and magical ride with characters you won’t soon forget. This is easily my favorite of Lonsdale’s books. The ending…it is one of the most jaw-dropping conclusions I’ve ever read.” —Rochelle Weinstein, USA Today and Amazon bestselling author “A highly romantic and heart-wrenching story by a writer who rarely takes the expected route.” —Barbara O’ Neal, Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author

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Book SynopsisHer children have a deadly secret. Can she uncover it before the police do? Melissa Byatt’s life in Forest Grove seems as perfect as can be: a doting husband, three loving children and a beautiful house in a close-knit community. But appearances can be deceiving. One evening, Melissa arrives home to the unimaginable: her husband lies stabbed on the kitchen floor, their children standing calmly around him…With horror, she realises that one of them is to blame. But which one? And why would they attack their own father? Her loyalties torn, in a split second she decides to protect her children at all costs—even if that means lying to the police. But when someone in the neighbourhood claims to know more than they should, Melissa discovers that some secrets are beyond her control… Can she find out the truth of what happened before the rumours spread? And can the family unite to escape the spotlight of scandal—or are none of them as innocent as Melissa insists?Trade Review“Wall of Silence is wild, a ‘who-dun-it’ rollercoaster. The story launches with a bang with one of the most original openings I’ve read. Tracy Buchanan has crafted a novel where the plot literally thickens with every page turned and new secrets simmer as the reader is pulled deeper into her cast of characters’ web of lies and silence. I was captivated from page one, entertained throughout, and shocked over the final reveal. Loved it!” —Kerry Lonsdale, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post bestselling author “Secrets and lies abound in this complex and chilling mystery. I was totally shocked by the ending!” —Lesley Kara, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Rumour “A darkly addictive read that draws you deep into the tangled web of secrets that lie at the heart of the Byatt family.” —Lucy Clarke, bestselling author of The Sea Sisters, a Richard and Judy Book Club choice

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Book SynopsisA powerful novel about the expectations of family—and the risks and liberation of defying them—by the Washington Post bestselling author of One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow. 1975. In the town of Rexburg, Idaho, aspiring artist Aran Rigby, his younger sister, Tamsin, and their two brothers are locked in orbit around their emotionally abusive father. Gad is the kind of man who soothes the failures of his own life by controlling the lives of others. But Aran and Tamsin are united in rebellion against their father. They understand each other. They have dreams beyond their small town. Arriving in Rexburg is Linda Duff, an outsider from Seattle hoping to plant new roots far from the bitter ones of her childhood. She’s quickly taken with Aran, in no small part because of his talent. But when they fall in love, Linda is drawn into a family more damaged than the one she left behind. She also becomes privy to a secret Aran and Tamsin share that could dismantle everything everyone holds dear. Upsetting the precarious balance in the Rigby home, Linda becomes an unwitting catalyst for the upheaval of Gad’s oppression. Now it’s time for them all to break free of the past, overcome the unforgivable, and find a new way forward—whatever the price.

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Book SynopsisFrom the Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author comes the first book in a trilogy about love, betrayal, and the secrets families keep. Forced to choose between abortion or adoption, Olivia Carson’s younger sister, Lily, runs away from home. Sixteen and pregnant, she never returns. But she writes. Once a year, Lily mails a picture of her son, Josh, to Olivia until his thirteenth year. Then it’s Josh himself who arrives at Olivia’s house, alone, terrified, and in possession of a notarized declaration from Lily. It begins, “In the event I go missing…” Josh has difficulty talking. He can’t read or write, but he’s a prolific artist, exhibiting skill beyond his age. His drawings are as detailed as they are horrific. Olivia soon realizes Josh’s artwork tells a story. There’s more to his arrival and to Lily’s untimely disappearance than it seems. Using the drawings as a road map, Olivia traces Josh’s path back to his mom. Each drawing sheds light on Lily’s past and reveals a darkness that forces Olivia to question everything she thought she knew about her family.Trade Review“Lonsdale expertly maintains suspense throughout. Psychological thriller fans will be well satisfied.” —Publishers Weekly “A perfect summer read.” —Red Carpet Crash “[A] mesmerizing first installment in her newest No More series…No More Words simmers with drama and secrets, sure to dazzle readers as an unmissable summer read.” —The Nerd Daily “Lonsdale’s first book in a new trilogy about love, betrayal, and the secrets families keep. Read in one sitting!” —Frolic “[Lonsdale] creates stories that readers will want to read again and again.” —Write-Read-Life “Lonsdale is at her best with this multilayered story about three dysfunctional siblings and the secrets they keep. What a ride. I’m still a little breathless. This one was an addictive page-turner—impossible to put down. Fans of domestic suspense will EAT THIS UP.” —Sally Hepworth, bestselling author of The Good Sister and The Mother-in-Law “Kerry Lonsdale is back and better than ever with this multilayered tale about three siblings torn apart by a series of tragic events. Nuanced and smart, filled with characters with real emotion and depth, No More Words is everything you’ve come to love from the master of domestic drama. A mesmerizing beginning to a new trilogy that will have you one-clicking the next in the series.” —Kimberly Belle, internationally bestselling author of Stranger in the Lake “Full of suspense, romance, and drama, No More Words is a powerful story about what it means to be a family. Emotional and honest, it tells the story of three siblings each dealing with demons from the past. I fell in love with all three Carson children and look forward to the second and third installments of this series. Kerry Lonsdale is a master storyteller of family drama, and this is Lonsdale at her best.” —Suzanne Redfearn, #1 Amazon bestselling author of In an Instant “Kerry Lonsdale starts her latest trilogy off with a bang! Brimming with drama, suspense, and family secrets galore, No More Words will have you tearing through the pages to figure out what really happened to this broken family, and who is playing whom. With beautifully drawn, complex characters, and a twisted plot that reveals itself layer by layer, No More Words is a stunning thriller that deserves a top spot on your ‘to be read’ list.” —Hannah Mary McKinnon, bestselling author of Sister Dear and You Will Remember Me “No More Words burns and smolders with the tension of a lit cigarette. Kerry Lonsdale has created a page-turning story of family secrets and assumed truths that forces readers to ask what they would do if the buried past came calling at their door. Nothing and no one can stay hidden forever.” —Amber Cowie, author of Rapid Falls “Every family has its secrets, and the way Kerry Lonsdale twists the truths in No More Words, you’re guaranteed to lose sleep over this perfectly blended tale of suspense, intrigue, and emotional betrayal. Lonsdale has done it again, gripping the hearts of readers with her complex characters and layered storylines. This is a must-read thriller that will leave you stunned at the end!” —Steena Holmes, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Lies We Tell Ourselves

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Book SynopsisSecrets and lies shadow a woman on the run in the second novel in the No More trilogy by Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kerry Lonsdale. Jenna Mason’s life seems perfect: a successful career as an animator, a town house near the beach, and an adoring son, Josh, whose artistic talent looks as promising as his mother’s. But there’s something nobody realizes about Jenna. She used to be Lily Carson, a young mother on the run from a secret no one must ever know. After years of constantly relocating, Jenna concedes to her son’s request to settle down. He wants to make friends. He wants some stability. He wants to feel normal. She convinces herself they’re safe. Until a reporter discovers who Jenna really is, bringing her estranged father to her doorstep. When he threatens to expose her carefully fabricated life for the lie that it is, Jenna has no choice but to run again. But just as she’s about to go off the grid, Josh disappears, forcing Jenna to seek out the one person she never thought she’d see again: Josh’s father.

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Book SynopsisA young artist forges a path of self-discovery in an enriching novel about forgiving the past and embracing second chances, from the bestselling author of An Unfinished Story. Maine, 1969. After losing her parents in a car accident, aspiring artist Annalisa Mancuso lives with her grandmother and their large Italian family in the stifling factory town of Payton Mills. Inspired by her mother, whose own artistic dreams disappeared in a damaged marriage, Annalisa is dedicated only to painting. Closed off to love, and driven as much by her innate talent as she is the disillusionment of her past, Annalisa just wants to come into her own. The first step is leaving Payton Mills and everything it represents. The next, the inspiring opportunities in the city of Portland and a thriving New England art scene where Annalisa hopes to find her voice. But she meets Thomas, an Ivy League student whose attentions—and troubled family—upend her pursuits in ways she never imagined possible. As their relationship deepens, Annalisa must balance her dreams against an unexpected love. Until the unraveling of an unforgivable lie. For Annalisa, opening herself up to life and to love is a risk. It might also be the chance she needs to finally become the person and the artist she’s meant to be.Trade Review“Walker’s (An Unfinished Story) beautifully written coming-of-age novel is set during the Vietnam War…Ideal for book groups and for readers who enjoyed Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones & the Six, Susan Elizabeth Phillips’s Dance Away with Me, or Nicholas Sparks’s novels.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “The Singing Trees is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story set in working class Maine during the seventies, a time of intense turmoil and transformation in America. It is a heartfelt, complex tale of chasing your dreams without forsaking your roots, and I was swept away by Boo Walker’s deft storytelling and incredibly complex characters. Soulful but also full of sharp dialog and humor, The Singing Trees is exactly the sort of book you get lost in then mourn when it is over.” —Suzanne Redfearn, #1 Amazon bestselling author of In an Instant “The Singing Trees is more than a poignant coming-of-age story; it is a deep exploration of the intricacies of personal growth, family ties, and that most elusive and extraordinary of human gifts, forgiveness. Walker’s lively cast of characters centers around the young artist, Annalisa, whose vibrant, yearning nature lights up this story. I cared for her from the first page as she struggles, as we all do, to protect herself from heartbreak only to find that an open heart is a necessary condition for her art, and, ultimately, for happiness. Book clubs will enjoy second-guessing Annalisa’s choices, and readers everywhere will be enthralled by this clear-eyed journey into the lessons of the heart.” —Sonja Yoerg, Washington Post bestselling author of True Places and The Family Ship “Boo Walker is that rare writer who is both a master storyteller and wordsmith all at once. Set against the backdrop of small-town Maine, The Singing Trees is an uplifting story about the juxtaposition of love and great art, and the possibility of second chances. This is a book to bring you to tears but leave you with a light in your heart.” —Eoin Dempsey, bestselling author of White Rose, Black Forest “Boo Walker’s The Singing Trees filled my heart with a song that echoed inside me long after I’d read the last sentence. With his skill at storytelling on display, Walker deftly takes the reader on a journey through the choices and sacrifices facing those who are caught in creativity’s siren call in this tale of love, sacrifice, and ultimately forgiveness. Bring tissues because there will be tears, but the good kind—the kind that let you know you are alive.” —Emily Bleeker, Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author

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Book SynopsisA grieving widow and a disenchanted writer form an unexpected bond in a novel about second chances and finding the courage to let go of the past. It’s been three years since Claire Kite lost her husband, David, an aspiring novelist, in a tragic car accident. Claire finally finds the courage to move on; then she discovers among the remnants of her shattered world her husband’s last manuscript. It’s intimate, stirring—and unfinished. An idea comes to her…What if she can find someone to give David’s novel the ending it deserves? Whitaker Grant is famous for his one and only bestselling novel—a masterpiece that became a hit film. But after being crippled by the pressure of success and his failed marriage, Whitaker retreated from the public eye in his native St. Petersburg, Florida. Years later, he’s struggling through a deep midlife crisis. Until he receives an intriguing request from a lonely widow. To honor David’s story, Whitaker must understand, heart and soul, the man who wrote it and the woman he left behind. There’s more to the novel than anyone dreamed. Something personal. Something true. Maybe, in bringing a chapter of David’s life to a close, Claire and Whitaker can find hope for a new beginning.Trade Review“Walker’s attention-grabbing and surprising plot highlights the engaging characters in this tale of second chances. For fans of women’s fiction such as Nicholas Sparks’s and Kristin Hannah’s work.” —Library Journal “An Unfinished Story is an immersive tale about a quest to find something real and true after life turns upside down. Boo Walker has written a book with a tender heart, cast against the soft background of coastal Florida, a setting rendered with a hand for delicate detail. A great story of redemption that carted me away.” —Barbara O’Neal, bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids “An Unfinished Story is the perfect mix of character-driven, heartstring-pulling drama and sharp-witted humor. I was thoroughly entertained and found myself in awe of Walker’s talent as a writer. I’m not even sure where to begin…His storyline was poignant and meaningful. His prose was masterful and full of gorgeous imagery that made the setting come alive for me. His pacing was spot-on. The dialogue was brilliant—deep and soulful at times, witty and amusing at others. On top of all that, he has created a complex and marvelously memorable character in Whitaker Grant, who charmed and amused me at every turn. I could go on and on. At the end of the day, this was a wonderfully enjoyable book. Clearly, Boo Walker is an author whose time has come.” —USA Today bestselling author Julianne MacLean “I love books with breathing characters you can root for, a narrative of human life to which you can relate, a conclusion that can stop the heart, and an author who can bind them all together with passion and soul. Boo Walker proves he’s that kind of writer with An Unfinished Story.” —Leila Meacham, bestselling author of Roses and Titans “Grieving widow Claire Kite and frustrated writer Whitaker Grant cross paths in Boo Walker’s moving novel, An Unfinished Story. Accurately conveying the complexity of human emotions, this story of love and healing kept me turning pages and tugged at my heart. Not to be missed.” —Karen McQuestion, bestselling author of Hello Love “If Nicholas Sparks and Maeve Binchy had a baby, he might sound a lot like Boo Walker. An Unfinished Story strikes a perfect balance between humor, warm-heartedness, and the daily pathos of being human.” —Jodi Daynard, bestselling author of The Midwife’s Revolt

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Book SynopsisOut of love. Out of protection. Out of fear. Everyone has a reason to lie. Everyone in Raleigh, North Carolina, is talking about Norah Ramsey, the single mother accused of being a suburban madam. But Norah’s not the only one keeping secrets. After her mother’s arrest, Norah’s teenage daughter, Violet, is devastated and alone. She has no one to turn to until her grandmother Polly arrives. Polly, long estranged from Norah, is running from her own troubles. Down the street, Bess, once Norah’s best friend, desperately tries to hide secrets while Casey, Bess’s daughter, flees college after a traumatic event, only to find that home isn’t the safe haven she expected. And Nico, the detective who has doggedly pursued Norah Ramsey in hopes that she will lead him to his missing brother, is drawn further into these women’s lives while facing his own domestic disturbance. Scandal has brought each of them to a crossroads. Now, as they delve into Norah’s secrets, they must come to terms with secrets of their own—ones that still have the power to hurt or to heal.Trade Review“This Secret Thing is intricate and contains several subplots with multidimensional characters. It is incredible that a small neighborhood could hold so much secrecy and mystery, but one never knows what goes on behind closed doors. Reading like a modern-day Peyton Place, this page-turner offers juicy gossip and mounting suspense, keeping one captivated up to the welcome and satisfying conclusion.” —New York Journal of Books “[Whalen] provides readers with more juicy plot than two full weeks of the average soap opera…Beyond a critique of gated-community values and keeping up with the Joneses, This Secret Thing resolves into a celebration of women’s friendships and family laws.” —StarNews “A deeply satisfying story of secrets, scandal, and the repercussions of the decisions we make, This Secret Thing is brimming with menace and hope, and showcases Whalen’s talent for bringing her multi-layered characters to life. An impressive page-turner with heart and soul.” —J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of Good Girls Lie “In her new novel This Secret Thing, Marybeth Mayhew Whalen deftly plumbs the depths of the hidden life of a seemingly placid suburb. With surgical precision and rare insight into the inner lives of her subjects, the author peels away layer upon layers of half-truths, secrets, and lies to reveal the shocking truth at the heart of this story. Marybeth Whalen is the new mistress of the suburban thriller.” —Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of Hello, Summer, Sunset Beach, and The High Tide Club “When a suburban mom is arrested and jailed for prostitution, the emotional fallout is devastating to her shocked friends and neighbors, her family members, even the detective investigating the case. But no one is hit harder than her teenage daughter, who must figure out a way to cope. In This Secret Thing, Marybeth Mayhew Whalen has written a psychological thriller, with engaging characters and plot twists that kept me turning the pages long past my bedtime. I read it in one sitting because I simply couldn’t stop!” —Maddie Dawson, bestselling author of Matchmaking for Beginners “If you love fiercely and believe it’s possible to make your own fate, you’ll treasure every moment of This Secret Thing. Whalen’s characters may be living in a chaos of their own making, but guided by her gentle, skilled hands, they turn their vulnerabilities into their greatest strengths, and emerge transformed. Exquisite, emotionally-charged storytelling.” —Laura Benedict, author of The Stranger Inside

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Book SynopsisSundara Ramaswamy’s modern classic, translated from Tamil, is a simply stunning reflection about shared histories, loss, an affinity for nature, and a near-mythic center of life in a village in India. While it lived, the tamarind tree stood at the crossroads of a small village in Southern India. For more than fifty years it was a benevolent observer, offering shade without discrimination. It bore witness to laughter and tears, to tragedy and simple pleasures, and to the history of the village itself as it transformed from the old ways of bullock-led carts to a bustling community of social, political, economic, and ecological change. And for Damodara Asan, an enigmatic philosopher, memory keeper, and master storyteller, the tamarind tree—and everything it inspired—was an endless source of tales that enthralled generations. Unfolding through the bittersweet remembrances of an unnamed narrator who was once beguiled by Asan, The Tamarind Tree is a beautiful and universal story about transition, the compromises of progress, and a long-gone though undying symbol of indestructible dignity, culture, and life.

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Book SynopsisOne of Travel + Leisure’s most anticipated books of summer 2020. From the Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids comes a story of four generations of women grappling with family betrayals and long-buried secrets. It’s been years since Zoe Fairchild has been to the small Devon village of her birth, but the wounds she suffered there still ache. When she learns that her old friend and grandmother’s caretaker has gone missing, Zoe and her fifteen-year-old daughter return to England to help. Zoe dreads seeing her estranged mother, who left when Zoe was seven to travel the world. As the four generations of women reunite, the emotional pain of the past is awakened. And to complicate matters further, Zoe must also confront the ex-boyfriend she betrayed many years before. Anxieties spike when tragedy befalls another woman in the village. As the mystery turns more sinister, new grief melds with old betrayal. Now the four Fairchild women will be tested in ways they couldn’t imagine as they contend with dangers within and without, desperate to heal themselves and their relationships with each other.Trade Review“A woman’s strange disappearance brings together four strong women who struggle with their relationships, despite their need for one another. Fans of Sarah Addison Allen will appreciate the emphasis on nature and these women’s unique gifts in this latest by the author of When We Believed in Mermaids.” —Library Journal (starred review) “The Lost Girls of Devon draws us into the lives of four generations of women as they come to terms with their relationships and a mysterious tragedy that brings them together. Written in exquisite prose with the added bonus of the small Devon village as a setting, Barbara O’Neal’s book will ensnare the reader from the first page, taking us on an emotional journey of love, loss, and betrayal.” —Rhys Bowen, New York Times and #1 Kindle bestselling author of The Tuscan Child, In Farleigh Field, and the Royal Spyness series “The Lost Girls of Devon is one of those novels that grabs you at the beginning with its imagery and rich language and won’t let you go. Four generations of women deal with the pain and betrayal of the past, and Barbara O’Neal skillfully leads us to understand all of their deepest needs and fears. To read a Barbara O’Neal novel is to fall into a different world—a world of beauty and suspense, of tragedy and redemption. This one, like her others, is spellbinding.” —Maddie Dawson, bestselling author of A Happy Catastrophe

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Book SynopsisA sudden departure. A story decades in the making. The chaotic but happy equilibrium of the Nightingale family is thrown into disarray when Cecily—whose children can’t remember her ever being remotely spontaneous—disappears to a Greek island with no warning or explanation. Her reasons for doing something so out of character are a total mystery to her three daughters, high-powered executive Felicity, unfulfilled GP Julia and organised mother-of-five Lily. What connection could she possibly have with Kefalonia? But Cecily has gone to continue a story she thought ended decades ago—one that could have a huge impact on her family. And when she returns, she’ll have to tell them the truth. Will Cecily be able to hold her family together once she reveals her big secret? And might she discover that she’s not the only one with a story to tell?Trade Review“This is a wonderful novel about the secrets we keep from the ones we love the most. Imogen Clark has a real talent for shining a light on the idiosyncrasies of family life and revealing past traumas, present hurts, and future hopes.” —Victoria Connelly, author of The Rose Girls and Love in an English Garden “The Last Piece is a beautifully crafted, insightful tale about family and the cracks below the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Clark’s characters, with their various secrets and flaws, leap off the page. A most enjoyable and riveting read.” —S.D. Robertson, author of My Sister’s Lies and Time to Say Goodbye “I couldn’t resist going on this journey with the Nightingale family. With emotion on every page and mystery swirling around each character, The Last Piece explores how the past can be as unpredictable as the future. I raced through this life-affirming book, which left me buoyed with the promise of second chances.” —Jo Furniss, author of The Last to Know

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of Where the Story Starts comes a tale about dealing with the past—and finally facing the future. Pip Appleby seems to have it all, with her prestigious job as a human rights lawyer and her enviable London home. But then a tragic accident stops her life in its tracks, and in an instant everything changes. Retreating to her family’s rural farm and the humble origins she has been trying to hide, Pip is haunted by what she has done. When she discovers the diary of actress Evelyn Mountcastle in a box of old books, Pip revels in the opportunity to lose herself in someone else’s life rather than focus on the disaster that is her own. But soon she sees parallels—Evelyn’s life was also beset by tragedy, and, like Pip, she returned to Southwold under a dark cloud. When Pip and Evelyn’s paths cross in real life they slowly begin to reveal the hidden stories that are holding them back. Can they help each other forgive what happened in the past and, perhaps, find happiness in the future?Trade Review“Connected by loss, a friendship blooms across the generations in this compassionate and nuanced story of endings and new beginnings.” —Fiona Valpy, bestselling author of The Skylark’s Secret “Imogen Clark is a master at creating flawed, real, loveable characters and exploring their emotions. This novel cleverly weaves together the past and present, and will leave you thinking about the story long after you finish the final page.” —Soraya M. Lane, bestselling author of Wives of War and The Last Correspondent

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Book SynopsisA sweet and hopeful novel about loss, connection, and the many ways to make a family from the bestselling author of The Other Family. Single mother Roxy Novak works days at a dentist’s office and delivers food at night, making the best life she can for herself and her son, Aero. When her wealthy ex-husband decides to ask for full custody, telling her Aero will be better off living with him and his Instagram-famous new wife, Roxy is stunned and scared. How can she possibly get the money to fight back? Meanwhile, Nora and Owen Finnegan have been trying to have a child for years without success. After their latest surrogate suffers a miscarriage, they start the search again—and find Roxy, who sees a chance to salvage her own dreams of family by fulfilling theirs. But family is never simple, and neither are dreams. Nora, Owen, and Roxy hope that their surrogacy journey will lead them to what they want most in the world. All three will get more than they expected.Trade Review“Told from alternating points of view, Nyhan’s fifth novel thoroughly charms, thanks to a lovable, late-blooming heroine who deserves a break. Readers will stay with her, hoping she gets one.” —Booklist

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Book SynopsisA heart-stirring novel about the joy that comes from finding love in unexpected places by the New York Times and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author. Thirteen-year-old Abby Hubble lives in an unhappy home in the Sierra Nevada foothills where her father makes life miserable for her and her mother, Mary. One day Abby witnesses a man dump a litter of puppies into the nearby river. Diving in to rescue all seven, she knows she won’t be able to bring them home. Afraid for their fate at the pound, she takes them to an abandoned cabin, where all she can offer is a promise that she’ll be back the next day. To grieving widower Elliot Colvin, life has lost meaning. Looking for solace, he retreats to the hunting cabin he last visited years ago, before his wife’s illness. What he discovers is not at all what he expected: seven puppies and one determined girl with an indomitable heart. As Abby and Elliot’s friendship deepens, Abby imagines how much better her life—and the puppies’ lives—would be if her mother were married to Elliot instead of her father. But when Abby’s father moves the family hundreds of miles away, Abby and her mother must decide how long they’re willing to defer happiness. Seven Perfect Things is a story about joy, where to find it, how to know it when you see it, and the courage it takes to hang on to it once you have it.Trade Review“Multilayered and heartwarming.” —Booklist “Hyde clearly demonstrates her uncanny ability to show human nature at both its best and worst, in ordinary people who sometimes do extraordinary things.” —Bookreporter

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Book SynopsisDuring WWII, a teenage boy finds his voice, the courage of his convictions, and friends for life in an emotional and uplifting novel by the New York Times and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author. 1941. Steven Katz is the son of prosperous landowners in rural California. Although his parents don’t approve, he’s found true friends in Nick, Suki, and Ollie, sons of field workers. The group is inseparable. But Steven is in turmoil. He’s beginning to acknowledge that his feelings for Nick amount to more than friendship. When the bombing of Pearl Harbor draws the US into World War II, Suki and his family are forced to leave their home for the internment camp at Manzanar. Ollie enlists in the army and ships out. And Nick must flee. Betrayed by his own father and accused of a crime he didn’t commit, he turns to Steven for help. Hiding Nick in a root cellar on his family’s farm, Steven acts as Nick’s protector and lifeline to the outside world. As the war escalates, bonds deepen and the fear of being different falls away. But after Nick unexpectedly disappears one day, Steven’s life focus is to find him. On the way, Steven finds a place he belongs and a lesson about love that will last him his lifetime.Trade Review“Fans of Homer H. Hickham Jr.’s Rocket Boys, Andrew J. Graff’s Raft of Stars, and Hyde’s substantial backlist will savor this heart-opening and meticulously researched coming-of-age tale.” —Booklist

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Book SynopsisThe USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids returns with a tale of two generations of women reconciling family secrets and past regrets. Life’s beautiful for seventysomething influencer Gloria Rose, in her Upper West Side loft with rooftop garden and scores of Instagram followers—until she gets word that her old flame has been arrested for art theft and forgery, and, knowing her own involvement in his misdeeds decades earlier, decides to flee. But that plan is complicated when the nieces she raised are thrown into crises of their own. Willow, overshadowed by her notorious singer-songwriter mother, has come home to lick her wounds on the heels of a failed album and yet another disastrous relationship. Sam, prickly and fiercely independent, is on the verge of losing not only her beloved video game company but the man she loves, thanks to her inability to keep her always-simmering anger in check. With the FBI closing in, Willow’s career in shambles, and Sam’s tribulations reaching a peak, each of the three woman will have to reckon with and reconcile their interwoven traumas, past loves, and the looming consequences that could either destroy their futures or bring them closer than ever.Trade Review“Barbara O’Neal weaves an irresistible tale of creativity, forgery, family, and the FBI in Write My Name Across the Sky. Willow and Sam are fascinating, and their aunt Gloria is my dream of an incorrigible, glamorous older woman.” —Nancy Thayer, bestselling author of Family Reunion “Write My Name Across the Sky is an exquisitely crafted novel of three remarkable women from two generations grappling with decisions of the past and the consequences of where those young, impetuous choices have led. A heartfelt story of passion, devotion, and family told as only Barbara O’Neal can.” —Suzanne Redfearn, #1 Amazon bestselling author of In an Instant “With its themes of creativity and art, Write My Name Across the Sky is itself like a masterfully executed painting. Using refined brushstrokes, O’Neal builds her vivid, complex characters: three independent women in one family who can’t quite come to terms with their fierce feelings of love for one another. O’Neal deftly switches between three points of view, adding layers of family history into this intimate and satisfying study of how women make tough choices between love and creativity and family and freedom.” —Glendy Vanderah, Washington Post bestselling author of Where the Forest Meets the Stars

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Book SynopsisA road trip can drive anyone over the edge—especially two former best friends—in bestselling author Ann Garvin’s funny and poignant novel about broken bonds, messy histories, and the power of forgiveness. Widowed Samantha Arias hasn’t spoken to Holly Dunfee in forever. It’s for the best. Samantha prefers to avoid conflict. The blisteringly honest Holly craves it. What they still have in common puts them both back on speed dial: a mutual love for Katie, their best friend of twenty-five years, now hospitalized with cancer and needing one little errand from her old college roomies. It’s simple: travel cross-country together, steal her loathsome ex-husband’s VW camper, find Katie’s diabetic Great Pyrenees at a Utah rescue, and drive him back home to Wisconsin. If it’ll make Katie happy, no favor is too big (one hundred pounds), too daunting (two thousand miles), or too illegal (ish), even when a boho D-list celebrity hitches a ride and drives the road trip in fresh directions. Samantha and Holly are following every new turn—toward second chances, unexpected romance, and self-discovery—and finally blowing the dust off the secret that broke their friendship. On the open road, they’ll try to put it back together—for themselves, and especially for the love of Katie.Trade Review“Despite dealing with some heavy topics—cancer, widowhood, and the impending birth of a first child—Garvin’s (I Like You Just Fine When You’re Not Around) book is laugh-out-loud funny.” —Library Journal “Both humorous and incredibly heartfelt, [I Thought You Said This Would Work is] a feel-good story that will stay with you long after the final page.” —BookTrib “A charming exploration of female friendship and cancer’s uncanny ability to put perceived slights into perspective…[I Thought You Said This Would Work is] a testament to the power of one’s own voice and the mistruths in the stories we tell ourselves, and an introspective, heartwarming, and witty farce.” —Booklist “It’s a hoot!” —BookTrib “Garvin does excellent work in balancing the heartbreaking realities of illness and the unfair hands we are often dealt with goofy, laugh-out-loud moments that leave readers wanting more.” —Erie Reader “Ann Garvin writes brilliantly about women.” —Good Morning America “Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, I Thought You Said This Would Work kept me reaching for tissues—from laughing so hard. This book is a pure delight.” —Colleen Oakley, USA Today bestselling author of You Were There Too “Ann Garvin navigates the twists and turns of female friendship like few writers working today. I Thought You Said This Would Work is at once profound, hilarious, and ridiculously entertaining. Her best novel yet, I didn’t want it to end!” —Karen Karbo, New York Times bestselling author of Yeah, No. Not Happening. “Laughter, tears, and an unforgettable cast of characters: I Thought You Said This Would Work has everything I love, so it’s no surprise that I adored this novel. Ann Garvin’s latest, about three unlikely allies on the road trip to end all road trips, is the sort of life-affirming story we all need right now. I can’t recommend it highly enough.” —Camille Pagán, bestselling author of This Won’t End Well “Ann Garvin knows how to find the ooey-gooey center of your emotions to make you laugh, cry, and hoot in appreciation. I Thought You Said This Would Work celebrates female friendship in all its complicated glory. Read immediately, curled up with a furry friend and hot cup of coffee.” —Amy E. Reichert, author of The Kindred Spirits Supper Club “Anyone who has ever known the healing power of love—from friends both two-footed and four—will fall hard for Garvin’s latest book. Like the road trip at the heart of its story, I Thought You Said This Would Work surprises [and] thrills at every turn.” —Gretchen Anthony, bestselling author of Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners and The Kids Are Gonna Ask “I Thought You Said This Would Work is a heart-breaking and hilarious story of how we rescue each other. It’s a great, big, generous, warm-hearted page-turner about best friends and love and loss and forgiveness and dogs, told with absolute honesty and humor. You couldn’t ask for more from a novel.” —Lauren Fox, author of Send for Me “Road trip! Three women embark on a breakneck, cross-country adventure in this wholly original story of friendship and old misunderstandings, love and devastating loss. Filled with Garvin’s signature humor and heart, this book takes the reader on a wild ride with rescued pets, romantic possibilities, and one highly-charged secret.” —Amy Poeppel, author of Musical Chairs “No one captures the human condition in all its complexity, humor, and magnificence quite like Ann Garvin. I Thought You Said This Would Work is a relatable story about the complexity of female friendship, its evolution through the years and the people who are always there no matter what. In the pages of her approachable and inspirational new novel, Garvin is at the height of her distinctive, transportive storytelling powers. You will laugh, cry, and find yourself rushing back to the page whenever you have to walk away.” —Kristy Woodson Harvey, USA Today bestselling author of Feels Like Falling “Nobody captures the nuances of friendship like Ann Garvin. I Thought You Said This Would Work features incredibly relatable characters who rely on old friends to help them muddle through the challenges of midlife with humor and grace. Despite long-held grudges and jealousy, this is a tale of sacrifice and devotion (and dogs!), and the importance of feeling truly known.” —Christina Clancy, author of Shoulder Season

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Book SynopsisHere’s the thing about secrets: they change shape over time, become blurry with memory, until the truth is nearly lost. 2009. Lindsey and Georgie have high hopes for their summer on Martha’s Vineyard. In the wake of the recession, ambitious college graduate Lindsey accepts a job as a nanny for an influential family who may help her land a position in Boston’s exclusive art world. Georgie, the eldest child in that family, is nearly fifteen and eager to find herself, dreaming of independence and yearning for first love. Over the course of that formative summer, the two young women develop a close bond. Then, one night by the lighthouse, a shocking act occurs that ensnares them both in the throes of a terrible secret. Their budding friendship is shattered, and neither one can speak of what happened that night for ten long years. Until now. Lindsey and Georgie must confront the past after all this time. Their quest for justice will require costly sacrifices, but it also might give them the closure they need to move on. All they know for sure is that when the truth is revealed, their lives will be forever changed once again. From a fresh voice in fiction, this poignant and timely novel explores the strength and nuance of female friendship, the cost of ambition, and the courage it takes to speak the truth.Trade Review“A plot that keeps you guessing…an ominous trauma that can set your teeth on edge with the tension it creates…Spiro so viscerally renders Georgie’s feeling of awkward adolescent alienation as she tries desperately to be part of the older crowd that you might cringe with memories of what that stage of life felt like.” —Martha’s Vineyard Times “The stage is thus very neatly set for a sweet, sun-drenched summer-on-the-Vineyard novel but Ms. Spiro has other, darker ideas in mind. The combined forces of lust, envy, conspiratorial scheming and townie resentment are churning just under the surface at all times, culminating in an incident at a lighthouse that will reverberate in the lives of both Lindsey and Georgie…There is personal and emotional wreckage between them that needs courage and self-honesty to clear away.” —Vineyard Gazette “From a fresh voice in fiction, this poignant and timely novel explores the strength and nuance of female friendship, the cost of ambition, and the courage it takes to speak the truth…unputdownable!” —Frolic “All the more impressive when considering that Someone Else’s Secret is the debut novel for author Julia Spiro, this deftly crafted and narrative-driven story of the challenging yet enduring friendship between two women is a thoroughly absorbing read. This is the kind of novel that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long after it has been finished and set back upon the shelf.” —Midwest Book Review “Suspenseful and dishy, Someone Else’s Secret exposes the dark underbelly of a moneyed summer town and the lengths one outsider will go to belong. Spiro brings Martha’s Vineyard to life with delicious precision; I felt like I was there with my toes in the sand, a glass of rosé in my hand, and plenty of reasons to look over my shoulder. If the walls in these summer estates could talk, they would say, ‘Trust no one.’” —Jessica Knoll, New York Times bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive “Someone Else’s Secret is a sandy, sun-soaked, character-driven exploration of what happens when there are no good options, when the truth turns out not to be enough, when following your heart proves impossible. It is a novel about being young and very young and then not so young after all and about finding the strength to fight for all those former selves.” —Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of This Is How It Always Is “Someone Else’s Secret explores the realities of young love, coming-of-age, and the traumatic events women often face. Julia Spiro handles these difficult issues gracefully by pulling us into her fictional journey but also elevating the voices of women everywhere who are sure to recognize a part of themselves along the way.” —Wendy Walker, national bestselling author of The Night Before “In Someone Else’s Secret, debut author Julia Spiro has crafted a timely exploration of the weight of secrets and what it takes to tell the truth. When an ambitious recent college graduate lands a ‘cushy’ job among the elite of Martha’s Vineyard, she gets an unwelcome lesson on the dark side of power and privilege. A compelling and cautionary tale that pulses with authenticity.” —Karen Dukess, author of The Last Book Party “Someone Else’s Secret is a gorgeous debut that, from page one, sets itself apart from the rest…Julia Spiro has written a story that is truly a breath of fresh air. The layered plot and rich cast of characters plunge the reader into a masterful story of secrets, ambition, and the fragile bonds of friendship. Someone Else’s Secret is perfect for book clubs and should be on everyone’s summer 2020 list.” —Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke, bestselling authors of The Two Lila Bennetts “In Someone Else’s Secret, Julia Spiro weaves a relatable, heart-wrenching tale full of secrets, lies, denial, and redemption. A dizzying dance with the truth for fans of Kristin Hannah and for women everywhere.” —Rea Frey, author of Not Her Daughter and Because You’re Mine “Someone Else’s Secret is at once an arresting work of storytelling and a page-turning exploration of the violent power dynamics that weave throughout Martha’s Vineyard and other glamorous summertime retreats. I was left haunted, moved, and in awe of Julia Spiro’s taut prose. A propulsive riptide of a book.” —John Glynn, author of Out East: Memoir of a Montauk Summer “Engaging and perceptive, Someone Else’s Secret uses the sunny idyll of Martha’s Vineyard as the backdrop for a coming-of-age story about two women navigating class, desire, and the things that go unspoken.” —Sam Lansky, author of The Gilded Razor

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of A Lily in the Light comes a poignant story of innocence lost and what it means to grow up too fast. It’s 1965, and thirteen-year-old Gia, along with her older brother and cousins, are desperate to escape their sleepy, tree-lined neighborhood where nothing ever happens. The only thing Gia would miss is the surrounding marsh, where she feels at home among sea birds and salt water. But when one of Gia’s cousins brings drugs into their neighborhood, it sets off a chain of events that quickly turn dangerous. Everyone will be caught in the ripples, and some may be swept away entirely. Gia is determined to keep herself and her family afloat while the world is turned upside down around her. Can she find a way to hold on to the life she was so eager to leave behind, or will she have to watch it all disappear beneath the marsh forever? At turns heart-wrenching and hopeful, A Frenzy of Sparks explores a world where survival is the attempt to move forward while leaving pieces of your heart behind.Trade Review“A Frenzy of Sparks is a thoughtful exploration of family, heartache, and ultimately, carrying on. Set in the sixties in Queens—a time and place of intense transformation—Kristin Fields deftly tells the heartrending story of what addiction does to a family and exposes the dark underbelly of suburbia. Powerful and poignant—I didn’t want to leave the pages of this masterfully crafted book.” —Suzanne Redfearn, bestselling author of In an Instant “A deeply atmospheric novel that will have you turning the pages deep into the night, A Frenzy of Sparks is your next must-read.” —Catherine McKenzie, bestselling author of Hidden and I’ll Never Tell “Through the eyes of a naive girl precariously balanced on the brink of womanhood, Fields expertly portrays the brutal and crushing devastation of addiction without ever losing sight of all that is beautiful and good. Profoundly moving and insightful—a book club must-read!” —Kerry Anne King, bestselling author of Whisper Me This and Everything You Are “Kristin Fields evokes the rich historical landscape of Queens in the mid-1960s, then bravely sweeps away the mists of nostalgia to reveal the fragile, unforgettable core of her characters and her story. Both quietly powerful and agonizingly beautiful, A Frenzy of Sparks enchants readers into holding an unquestioning belief in a beautiful facade before stripping it away to allow the unvarnished truth to appear. Devastating, haunting, and poignant, this is one book you will not forget.” —Amber Cowie, author of Raven Lane

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Book SynopsisFor three women with so much to hide, there’s no such thing as a little white lie… All three women who live at 1054 Mockingbird Lane have secrets…and with a body at the bottom of their apartment building’s staircase, those secrets need to stay buried. Sylvia Webb has a plan. And a potential Mr. Right. He’s sweet, simple, and dependably clueless about what she’s up to. The only thing unpredictable about him is his needy ex-girlfriend, who is this close to shattering Sylvia’s dreams. But Sylvia’s not going to let that happen. Riki McFarlan has a good career and an amazing boyfriend who wants to settle down. If only she didn’t have feelings for her neighbor—who happens to be her close friend’s husband. With everything going so right, why is Riki flirting with something so wrong, so…dangerous? Embry Taylor is as devoted to her children as she is to her husband, who’s a bartender by night, an aspiring actor by day. She is his biggest fan. But with his career not taking off and tensions high, even sweet Embry has something she’s desperate to keep hidden. Lies, secrets, and revenge. For three neighbors with stakes so high, someone is headed for a downfall.Trade Review“Wise masterfully captures the tension between appearances and reality, spinning a fast-paced and darkly funny tale of three young women each with her own secrets, each reaching for her dreams. I loved it!” —Kaira Rouda, international and USA Today bestselling author “Stacy Wise writes characters who get under your skin; whose secrets and lies set off land mines beneath seemingly ordinary lives; and who will stay with you long after you finish the last page of this clever, satisfying, and ultimately hopeful book.” —Carol Goodman, New York Times bestselling author of The Lake of Dead Languages and The Sea of Lost Girls “Lie, Lie Again starts with a bang—a body at the bottom of the staircase! And it’s a wild ride—filled with wild lies—until the very last page. Stacy Wise writes with intensity, emotion, and just the right amount of humor as she tells the story of three women whose lives intersect at an apartment complex on Mockingbird Lane. Their secrets bubbling below the surface, threatening to be revealed…unless they lie. Lie, Lie Again is a must-read!” —Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, authors of How to Save a Life “On Mockingbird Lane everyone has a compelling reason to lie. For three young women, all neighbors in a cozy apartment complex, secret yearnings and dark desires become the ties that bind them tightly together. Mistrust and misunderstandings thicken the plot—with fatal consequences. Readers who enjoy claustrophobic tension with a sexy sizzle will find themselves racing to finish Lie, Lie Again.” —Linda Keir, author of Drowning with Others

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Book SynopsisThree generations of women—and the love, loss, sacrifice, and secrets that can bind them forever or tear them apart. Millicent Glenn is self-sufficient and contentedly alone in the Cincinnati suburbs. As she nears her ninety-first birthday, her daughter Jane, with whom she’s weathered a shaky relationship, suddenly moves back home. Then Millie’s granddaughter shares the thrilling surprise that she’s pregnant. But for Millie, the news stirs heartbreaking memories of a past she’s kept hidden for too long. Maybe it’s time she shared something, too. Millie’s last wish? For Jane to forgive her. Sixty years ago Millie was living a dream. She had a husband she adored, a job of her own, a precious baby girl, and another child on the way. They were the perfect family. All it took was one irreversible moment to shatter everything, reshaping Millie’s life and the lives of generations to come. As Millie’s old wounds are exposed, so are the secrets she’s kept for so long. Finally revealing them to her daughter might be the greatest risk a mother could take in the name of love.Trade ReviewFinalist in the Fiction: Historical category of the 2020 International Book Awards “This touching story of the love and forgiveness between mothers and daughters will win fans.” —Library Journal “If you love midcentury nostalgia and novels that delve deep into family relationships, you’ll enjoy this well-crafted, historical tale.” —The Augusta Chronicle “This is a heart-warming story of three generations of strong, independent women. The love of Millie for her family is at the core of the story and some well-placed twists and turns keep the reader engaged to the very end.” —Red Carpet Crash “The book explores how one moment can shape a person’s life forever.” —STYLECASTER “This tenderly written, fast-moving tale of marriage, women’s friendships, and family reconciliation is satisfying and extremely moving.” —Historical Novel Society “A heartwarming and affecting novel centered around the love between mothers and daughters, of what we share and the secrets we keep…Whitaker brings us back to the 1950s, highlighting the old gender norms and the cost paid by those who tried to shake them…an engaging and illuminating walk through the not-so-distant past…with a worthy heroine to lead readers through a life full of loss, love, heartbreak, and, ultimately, of forgiveness.” —Karen White, New York Times bestselling author of A Long Time Gone and the Tradd Street Series “A novel about the legacies women pass to their daughters—and the price of the secrets they keep. Millie is a heroine to cheer for as she makes her journey from…working wife and mom to grandmother seeking forgiveness for her decisions—made because of jaw-dropping challenges you will never forget. You’ll miss her long after the book’s cover is closed.” —Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Family and Those Who Save Us “Get ready to meet your new favorite author as Tori Whitaker moves deftly forward and back in time in a lyrical exploration of motherhood and longing, secrets and regrets, mistakes and, ultimately, absolution. This is an author with great insight into both history and the female heart, and I highly recommend this heartfelt, beautifully written debut.” —Joshilyn Jackson, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Never Have I Ever and The Almost Sisters “Tenderly told and full of heart, Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish is a deeply satisfying story that hooked me from the first page. Tori Whitaker’s debut offers a fresh and poignant perspective on motherhood, loss, and, ultimately, forgiveness.” —Lynda Cohen Loigman, bestselling author of The Two-Family House and The Wartime Sisters “Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish is a delight of a book that explores how one long-held secret can shape a family. Tori Whitaker’s characters sparkle with warmth and humanity, especially ninety-year-old Mil, whose voice rings clear and true throughout these charming pages.” —Tara Conklin, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Romantics “Written with compassion and grace, Tori Whitaker’s Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish is a nuanced debut illuminating the multigenerational strength of love, loss, survival, and the limitless power of family. I dare you to read without shedding a tear. Readers will think on these characters long after turning the last page.” —Sarah McCoy, New York Times and international bestselling author of Marilla of Green Gables “Tori Whitaker explores the depths of mother-love with insight, care, and heart-wrenching honesty in this post–World War II story brimming with exceptional historical detail. A moving and emotionally charged debut by a writer to watch.” —Susan Meissner, bestselling author of The Last Year of the War “I loved this story. Tori Whitaker has created characters who are irresistibly real and hard to leave behind! A meticulously crafted debut.” —Lynn Cullen, bestselling author of The Sisters of Summit Avenue and Mrs. Poe “Attend the debut of a bright new talent…It’s alternately joyous and sad, scary and hopeful, but always wise and warm and overflowing with the wonder of being human.” —William Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Cape Cod and Bound for Gold “A poignant and touching story of three generations of women and the secret family tragedy that unwittingly binds them. With rich settings and fully realized characters that you’ll root for, this book broke my heart—and then stitched it back together again.” —Colleen Oakley, author of You Were There Too “Tori Whitaker’s moving novel…offers a clear-eyed look at how ‘the good old days’ were not always so good, particularly when it came to women’s reproductive health and autonomy. This well-researched and timely novel made me thankful for past generations of women, who, like the titular character, fought hard for the rights I hold so dear today. An impressive debut.” —Susan Rebecca White, author of We Are All Good People Here “A beautifully told and astonishing tale of the mysterious ties that hold a family together…Rich in detail and imbued with compassion, these characters struggle toward necessary forgiveness of a shocking maternity ward tragedy that feels all too relevant, even today. Whitaker cuts close to the bone from page one!” —Kimberly Brock, award-winning author of The River Witch “Packed with midcentury nostalgia and Cincinnati local interest, Whitaker’s dual-timeline debut walks a tightrope between a mother’s yearning to be truly known with what makes her eminently unknowable: a desire to protect her daughter that was born of love. Mothers and daughters alike will not soon forget Millicent Glenn’s last wish; they’ll recognize it as their own.” —Kathryn Craft, award-winning author of The Far End of Happy and The Art of Falling “Readers, meet Millicent Glenn, a tough, savvy lady who has survived many challenges in her ninety-one years. But now she’s facing her biggest one yet…I rooted for Millicent and found the tenderness and complexity of the mother-daughter relationship so lovingly woven through this emotional and gripping story.” —Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, author of This Secret Thing and cofounder of She Reads “A page-turner…of the lives of three generations of women, spanning the post–WWII baby boom into the modern age. Each has experienced life at a different phase of emerging feminism. As the layered revelation of long-held secrets peels away, these women discover healing for years of misunderstanding, grief, and betrayal…a masterwork.” —Diane C. McPhail, author of The Abolitionist’s Daughter

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Book SynopsisFrom a bold new voice in literary fiction comes a compelling story of three mothers whose lives intersect during a generation-defining period in South Africa’s history. The year is 1994, and South Africa is in political turmoil as its first democratic election looms. Against a backdrop of apartheid and racial violence, traumatized artist Yolanda Petersen returns from the Appalachian foothills to the land of her youth at the behest of her mother. While there Yolanda longs to reconnect with her estranged daughter, Ingrid, the product of an illegal mixed-race affair with a white man. But Ingrid is missing, and as Yolanda quickly discovers, she isn’t the only woman in Cape Town desperate to protect her own. Ingrid’s very existence is proof of a white man’s crime, and that man’s mother will do anything—even kill—to ensure the truth remains buried. An evocative debut novel set during a defining period in history, A Conspiracy of Mothers tells a gripping story of love and betrayal from multiple perspectives while deftly balancing the painful legacy of apartheid with the trials of motherhood.Trade Review“The fierce maternal instincts of an entire community of women drive this unforgettable debut novel. Van Niekerk paints a vivid portrait of how the political was personal, and often tangled to the point of rot, in this time and place. These characters, their resilience, and van Niekerk’s reverence for her native South Africa make for an unforgettable read.” —Booklist (starred review) “Reading Colleen van Niekerk’s A Conspiracy of Mothers was a gut-wrenching, emotional roller-coaster experience, with many lines resonating with my own belief that for South Africans to attain restorative justice, we first need to experience restorative memory. Colleen captures all this so well in cameos of captured time, which closely touched many a raw nerve of yet-unhealed wounds that are part of many of our lives. The world of lies and secrets and the pain that goes with it are vividly brought to life.” —Patric Tariq Mellet, author of The Lie of 1652: A decolonized history of land “Deeply affecting and beautifully rendered, A Conspiracy of Mothers is a tapestry woven with sacrifice, suffering, and loss but also with a love between generations of women so deep it invokes ancestral magic that defies the laws of space and time. This story of pilgrimage and reckoning amid the unraveling of apartheid should resonate with anyone interested in breaking down systems of racism and oppression, wherever they exist. A brilliant novel to be read alongside Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime and Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste.” —Susan Bernhard, author of Winter Loon

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Book SynopsisA life-affirming story from million-copy bestselling author Amanda Prowse about having it all, losing it all, and how new friends can show each other the way back to happiness. With kids to look after, an ailing mother and a neglected husband, life is full for Emma Fountain—too full, she realises, when she wakes up in IKEA after falling asleep in one of the show beds. Only her crazy, funny best friend Roz keeps her sane. But when Roz climbs in through her bathroom window one day to deliver terrible news, Emma’s belief that she can find a way around any obstacle crumbles in the face of a problem she just can’t fix. For recently widowed Thurston, life without his beloved wife of sixty-two years has lost all its joy and sense of purpose. That is until he finds himself driving his niece to work one day and meets Emma, whose busy days are the opposite of his own. As Thurston is drawn into the whirlwind of Emma’s chaotic life, and as his calming influence starts to bring her troubles into perspective, an unlikely friendship grows. In a world where grief is the price we pay for love, can two very different people realise that the little things in life are precious, that love is all around us, and that, even after all, they might still be very, very lucky?

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Book SynopsisAn endearing novel of friendship, forgiveness, and second chances by New York Times bestselling author Mariah Stewart. It was a lifetime ago that recently widowed Maggie Flynn was in Wyndham Beach. Now, on the occasion of her fortieth high school reunion, she returns to her hometown on the Massachusetts coast, picking up right where she left off with dear friends Lydia and Emma. But seeing Brett Crawford again stirs other emotions. Once, they were the town’s golden couple destined for one another. He shared Maggie’s dreams—and eventually, a shattering secret that drove them apart. Buying her old family home and resettling in Wyndham Beach means a chance to start over for Maggie and her two daughters, but it also means facing her rekindled feelings for her first love and finally confronting—and embracing—the past in ways she never thought possible. Maggie won’t be alone. With her family and friends around her, she can weather this stormy turning point in her life and open her heart to the future. As for that dream shared and lost years ago? If Maggie can forgive herself, it still might come true.Trade Review“Through events that involve a major rock star, a failing bookstore, DNA testing and much more, the book’s feel-good message comes through: It’s not too late for second chances.” —AARP

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Book SynopsisA novel of explosive family secrets, regret, and all the little decisions that shape our lives and make us who we are. At the age of thirty-nine, Alice Chang suddenly finds herself living in the last place she expected: her mother’s house. But in the face of divorce, eviction, and the recent death of her father, she doesn’t have a choice. Watching as her mother thrives in a new job and meets younger men at the local gym, Alice struggles, reflecting on her parents’ marriage, her relationship with each of them, as she adjusts to being single again for the first time in twenty years. Then she finds her father’s old journal…and uncovers a shocking family secret that forces her to question everything she thought she knew about love, regret, family, and her own path forward. As Alice comes to terms with the man her father really was, she must finally decide who she wants to be and what it will take to get there.Trade Review“Shot through with humor and empathy, this well-crafted novel weaves together the stories of various lives of quiet desperation…compelling intergenerational family drama set in a Korean American community in Southern California. Readers will root for Alice to emerge from a decades-long crisis of confidence and self-doubt to reach her full potential.” —Library Journal

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Book SynopsisFrom the internationally bestselling author of Bonjour Tristesse comes the surprise publication of a novel she never finished—and a story that evokes her greatest works. French literary star Françoise Sagan was just eighteen when she published her first bestseller, Bonjour Tristesse, in 1954. Decades later, this short novel surfaced: an unfinished manuscript that wittily dissects the romantic lives of its bourgeois characters. The glamorous Marie-Laure never expected her wealthy older husband to survive a devastating car accident that left him in a fragile mental and physical condition. But three years later, Ludovic Cresson returns home to the family estate and finds himself in the throes of a tumultuous marriage. Overseeing this tense dynamic is Henri, the patriarch, who wants to see his son recover but detests various members of his own family. When Marie-Laure’s mother visits the estate, the family equilibrium falters spectacularly. As Ludovic’s virility returns, he cannot resist the charms of his mother-in-law—and neither can his father. The story ends abruptly, but it offers a vivid, if open ended, look into some of Sagan’s final undiscovered characters.Trade Review“Despite being unfinished, Sagan’s razor-sharp portrayal of the upper classes is on full display in this fine novel.” —Library Journal “There’s a romantic charm, innocence and otherworldliness to this book of a kind unlikely to be found in a contemporary novel…a curiously pleasing reminder of what a one-off Françoise Sagan was.” —The Spectator

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Book SynopsisUSA Today bestselling author Liz Talley’s emotional and heart-lifting novel about facing the past, unconditional love, and a woman on the verge of a breakthrough. After another all-night bender, one more failed stint at rehab, and a parole violation, self-destructive actress Chase London has to deal with her demons. She’s been written off as a Hollywood casualty by almost everyone, including her own mother. But handsome superstar Spencer Rome has her back. So does an uncompromising stranger determined to start Chase at square one and help her pull her future into focus. If Chase is willing. Life coach Olivia Han is devoted to “adulating” boot camp therapy. It’s not just her professional specialty, though—it’s also one way to avoid focusing on building a life of her own. To escape the pressures of Tinseltown, the two women head to Olivia’s cabin in the wilds of Northern California. There they discover a place in need of TLC. As they work together to rehab the once-charming cabin, they create a refuge where Chase can come to terms with her unsettled past, and where Olivia has an unexpected reckoning with her own troubling history. For two women doing damage control, this is a time for second chances—in life, in finding love, in forgiving family, and in an emerging friendship that might be exactly what each of them needs to heal.Trade Review“The balance of sobering themes and upbeat tone is moving…in this touching tale of female friendship and personal growth.” —Publishers Weekly “For fans of women’s fiction with a little romance thrown in…” —Library Journal “Witty, warm, and engaging, Adulting explores the most unlikely friendship between life coach Olivia Han and her self-destructive client Chase London as each woman—by facing past secrets on a journey of personal growth—discovers a second chance at love.” —Christine Nolfi, bestselling author of The Passing Storm “Adulting is a charming, moving and heartfelt novel about two women—both hot messes—finding out just what they’re truly made of.” —Falguni Kothari, USA Today bestselling author “In Adulting, Liz Talley gives us an uplifting story of second chances and paints a poignant reminder that sometimes in life you have to stop living what others expect of you, and hit restart knowing what you expect of yourself.” —Kay Bratt, international bestselling author of Wish Me Home “Liz Talley’s prose is crisp and clear, her characters achingly flawed and seriously funny in this redemptive story of self-discovery about the families we find and the sisters we keep.” —Virginia Kantra, New York Times bestselling author

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Book SynopsisFrom the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Whisper Me This comes a witty, magical story about improbable connections, difficult gifts, and the unexpected events that heal us and bring us together. Jailbird. Klepto. Spectacular failure to launch. Nicole Wood’s sticky fingers have earned her many names, but it’s not that she’s stealing—some objects just need to be moved elsewhere, and the universe has chosen her to do it. Still, being a relocator of objects isn’t easy. With her marriage on the rocks, no real-world skills, and the threat of prison hanging over her head, Nicole is determined to change her ways. Things seem to be looking up, thanks to a godsent job with her sister’s housecleaning business—until she encounters a seemingly harmless paperback that insists on moving from one client’s home to another’s. Nicole hopes no one will notice, but the action stirs up long-hidden secrets and triggers a series of fateful events that threatens to destroy the life she’s creating and hurt those closest to her. She’ll need to embrace her unwieldy gift and take a chance on love in order to unravel the mystery and fix what’s gone wrong.Trade Review“This is a really well-written book with interesting plots that interwind. The characters of Nicole and Hawk are great and I wouldn’t mind more adventures with these two. Hopefully this will be a potential series of books. A great fall read.” —Red Carpet Crash “Other People’s Things is a mesmerizing novel with an unforgettable, indomitable heroine. Kerry Anne King is at the top of her game, weaving humor and magic and reality into a story that shines with surprise.” —Maddie Dawson, Washington Post bestselling author of Matchmaking for Beginners “Woven with suspense, family drama, magic, and just the right touch of romance, Other People’s Things is an utterly compulsive read. With a compelling cast of characters and a delightfully imaginative plot, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery as a young woman struggles to embrace her unique gifts and find her place in a world that has already made up its mind about her. King’s emotionally honest storytelling and wonderfully flawed protagonist remind us that people aren’t always who we think they are—and that some curses might actually be blessings in disguise.” —Barbara Davis, bestselling author of The Last of the Moon Girls “A funny, unexpected, magic-touched read with plenty of twists and turns, and a Legally Blonde-esque courtroom finish! Loved it!!” —Susan Mallery, #1 New York Times bestselling author “What a fantastic read! A beautifully written novel with a cast of flawed but loveable characters and a plot twist I didn’t see coming. Highly recommended.” —Soraya M. Lane, Kindle bestselling author of The Last Correspondent

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Book SynopsisA freshly funny and heartfelt novel about one woman’s secret life, the stories she tells, and the thrill and notoriety of being noticed. On the same day Bells Walker learns that her IUD has failed, her husband, Harry, is denied tenure at his Manhattan university. So Bells, Harry, their two adolescent children, and her baby bump move to New York’s Hudson Valley, where Harry has landed a job at Dutchess College in the town of Pigkill. When the farm-to-table utopia Bells envisioned is anything but, she turns to the blogosphere. Under the pen name the County Dutchess, she anonymously dishes about life in Pigkill, detailing the activities of hypercompetitive parents and kombucha-drinking hipsters. Suddenly, Bells has a place to say all the things she’s been secretly thinking about being a wife and mother. As Bells turns the focus of her blog on her new neighbors, her readership continues to grow, but her scandalous posts hit closer to home: she puts Harry’s new job in jeopardy, derails her children’s lives, and risks the one real friendship she’s built. When Bells uncovers scandals right under her nose, the Dutchess goes viral, and soon everyone is asking, Who is the County Dutchess? Now Bells has to ask herself if it’s worth losing the people closest to her to finally feel noticed by everyone else.Trade Review“This engrossing romp makes for delightfully voyeuristic commentary on wealthy upstate life.” —Publishers Weekly “A brave, bold, laugh-out-loud, heartwarming, nail-biting story of family life in these uncertain times. Bells Walker is so relatable, I wanted to yell advice to her as I read. A pure delight.” —Shelley Noble, New York Times bestselling author of Lucky’s Beach “What do you do when life throws a bunch of less than welcome surprises your way? If you’re Bells, the plucky protagonist of The Truth and Other Hidden Things, you make a string of questionable (if hilarious) choices…that land you exactly where you were always supposed to be. Lea Geller’s latest novel is a clever, witty, and insightful novel that just may inspire you to look at your own plot twists in a whole new light.” —Camille Pagán, bestselling author of This Won’t End Well “The Truth and Other Hidden Things is a perfect escape, whether you’re a city mouse like the hilarious and lovable narrator, Bells Walker, or used to the bucolic settings that amaze the Walker family so. As Bells navigates a whoops baby, a career tumble, two surly teens, and that PTA lady we all know, you’ll laugh—with and at her—and cheer for her every step of the way. I loved this romp and you will, too!” —Kelly Harms, Washington Post bestselling author of The Overdue Life of Amy Byler “In this humorous, smart novel, Geller brilliantly tackles one woman’s need for approval and the desperate lengths she’ll go to to get there. Bells Walker is the imperfect mom and friend we can all relate to and eventually root for. Readers will devour this book in one sitting. I did.” —Rochelle B. Weinstein, USA Today bestselling author

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Book SynopsisFour people looking for love. Four choices that could be the start of everything. At thirty-three, nurse Heather is desperately waiting for her romantic life to begin. Then she meets handsome, strong Anthony and is sure she’s found the one. Brushing any doubts aside, she projects all her hopes for true love onto him. Meanwhile, at a yoga retreat in Spain, happy-go-lucky Joe can’t believe his luck when he meets vivacious, witty Amy. She’s the sharpest, most beautiful woman he has ever dated, and the fact that she’s interested in him feels like a dream come true. But new love can be blind, and when the two couples meet, the cracks are easy to see. Will their crossed paths lead the way to happiness? Or are they all destined for heartbreak?

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Book SynopsisAn enthralling novel of secrets, second chances, and confronting the past by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of When I’m Gone. After a series of devastating losses, Chicago journalist Hannah Williamson has landed in Senatobia, Mississippi, to care for her bedridden grandmother and endure grunt work at a small newspaper. But in cleaning out its archives, Hannah discovers a compelling distraction from her life: a series of rejected articles from the 1930s that illuminate a long-hidden mystery. The articles, penned by a young woman named Evelyn, are haunting accounts of first love, trauma, and surviving a mysterious shooting that left Evelyn paralyzed at the age of fourteen. The articles stir up more questions than answers, and Hannah becomes consumed by what’s left unsaid. Encouraged by Guy Franklin, a local middle school teacher, Hannah’s investigation into Evelyn’s past becomes more personal with each new reveal. For Hannah, as both a journalist and a woman bearing her own emotional wounds, this is a chance to move forward and bring closure to the story of the girl whose secrets are buried in Senatobia. What Hannah’s about to discover next is that, even after nearly a century, the truth she’s been looking for still has the power to change lives. Especially her own.Trade Review“With unexpected twists, a few harrowing adventures, and some thoroughly endearing characters, this book is a great read—a must-have for any beach bag.” —Historical Novels Review “What’s Left Unsaid is a compelling novel about two women from different times both with lives defined by unfathomable losses. A story of love and redemption and staggering on even when it feels impossible. Emily Bleeker is a masterful storyteller, and I found myself completely lost in the pages of this remarkable book.” —Suzanne Redfearn, #1 Amazon bestselling author of In an Instant “Emily Bleeker has once again delivered a heartfelt, emotionally powerful novel, proving that she is an author who knows what her audience loves—a profound journey through the depths of the human heart, and an uplifting ending that reminds us that hope lives on, even after tragedy.” —Julianne MacLean, USA Today bestselling author

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Book SynopsisThree women wake up to the consequences of one impulsive pact in an insightful novel about friendship, love, and fulfillment by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jamie Beck.While at a casino to celebrate her birthday, Jess Clarke proposes a pact to her reserved sister, Liz, and their childhood friend Chloe: the three women will say yes to any adventure that comes their way. Jess is mourning her recent divorce, so the other two reluctantly agree. Twelve hours later, they awaken to the shocking consequences of their behavior.A viral video throws Liz’s career and reputation into question. A major loss at the craps table rocks the foundation of Chloe’s staid marriage. And Jess’s desperate bid to unblock her artistic creativity results in a life-changing choice. Staring down the crossroads, each woman finds her relationships—with herself, with each other, and with loves both old and new—tested. At every turn, they struggle not to let fear decide their fates. Will they give in, or will their misadventures lead to the greatest fulfillment of all?

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of The Aftermath comes the story of a whirlwind friendship—and the dark secrets lurking beneath it. After a tumultuous marriage, Mary Wilson is happy in her uncomplicated life, focusing on her twelve-year-old son. She’s always been content with her little family—but then she finds an old postcard that throws her whole past into question… When an invitation arrives for her high school reunion, Mary jumps at the chance of a distraction from the shock discovery, and meeting her old classmate April feels like a gift. Despite barely remembering April, Mary throws herself into the new friendship and finds her previously quiet social life reinvigorated. But as the bonds between them are forged, Mary finds herself drawn further and further into April’s life and marriage, increasingly fearing that everything is not as perfect as it seems. Is her own painful past clouding her judgement, or is Mary right to suspect that the people she trusts most are the ones with the most to hide?

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Book SynopsisAn inheritance that comes with a warning. Ashley Brooks’s life isn’t working out as planned. After years of struggling to make it in Hollywood, she’s still waiting for her big break. When fate leads her to the doorstep of legendary casting director Louisa Lake George, Ashley thinks her luck is about to change: the prickly old pro knows about a role she’s perfect for. The aspiring actress never gets to thank her, though, because the day after the audition, Louisa is dead. The bigger shock—she left all her money to Ashley. Louisa’s grown children arrive stunned and ready to fight. Her nephew tries to play peacemaker, while Ashley grapples with why Louisa would leave her fortune to a stranger—and whether she should keep it. But Ashley quickly discovers everyone, including the dead woman, is hiding something, and it’s a race to get to the truth before someone else winds up dead.Trade Review“Over Her Dead Body is a psychological thrill ride that takes us into world of Hollywood and the heart of a family with deeply hidden secrets. Susan Walter is a master storyteller with an insider's view of the film business, and her novel glints with danger and brilliant insight into the hopes and dreams of an aspiring actress. I read it in one sitting, guessing the whole way through, stunned by the conclusion.” —Luann Rice, New York Times best-selling author of The Shadow Box and Last Day “A devilishly fun romp, full of eccentric characters and unexpected twists; Over Her Dead Body will keep you turning pages, pulling back the curtains on Hollywood from the point of view of a struggling actress, caught up in a mystery laced with darkly comedic beats. Thoroughly enjoyable!” —Ben Mezrich, New York Times bestselling author of Bringing Down the House, The Accidental Billionaires, and The Midnight Ride “Susan Walter swerves the reader back and forth and around blind corners in a page-turning domestic psychodrama that will twist your sympathies and drop your jaw. An A-list Hollywood thrill ride, right through to the breathtaking end!” —Judy Melinek & T.J. Mitchell, New York Times bestselling authors of Working Stiff, First Cut, and Aftershock “Where there’s a hefty will, there’s a way. With its eccentric ensemble cast and all the family drama of Knives Out, Over Her Dead Body is darkly funny and highly entertaining with more twists than a bus tour through the Hollywood Hills. Fans of Janet Evanovich and Elle Cosimano will be delighted.” —Tessa Wegert, author of Death in the Family “Over Her Dead Body is a whodunnit with more twists and turns than a boardwalk roller coaster, where secrets abound and nothing is what it seems. If you're looking for a book that will keep you turning pages deep into the night, Susan Walter has absolutely written one.” —Barbara Davis, bestselling author of The Keeper of Happy Endings “What a clever, fun, twisty, juicy ride! Over Her Dead Body will keep you guessing over and over with its kaleidoscope of conflicted characters, crisscrossed allegiances and masterful point-of-view shifts. Knives Out has nothing on this quintessential L.A. story of ambition, greed and good intentions gone wrong. You’ve never read a mystery quite like it.” —Gary Goldstein, author of The Last Birthday Party

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Book SynopsisThree women: a mother, a daughter, a friend. Can they save each other from the past? It’s been twenty-six years since the accident, but Helen still lives on autopilot, going through the motions of work and motherhood. Her one wish is for her daughter Julia to settle down with her own family—so Helen can let go. Julia has dealt with her mother’s emotional distance by looking for love in all the wrong places. But when her latest choice drives away her best friend, Claire, Julia realises she’s on her own. Impossibly perfect Claire is so busy caring for everyone—even her cheating ex-husband—that she’s forgotten to look after herself. Reeling from Julia’s betrayal, she doesn’t know who to trust. As their lives unravel, these three women reconnect in unexpected ways. But with a devastating secret still hanging over them, will they ever be able to leave the past behind? Revised edition: Previously published in South Africa as The Accident, this edition of The Aftermath includes editorial revisions.

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Book SynopsisFrom Melissa Payne, bestselling author of Memories in the Drift, comes an emotionally rich, feel-good novel about hope, second chances, and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. Orphaned at a young age and witness to her brother’s decline into addiction, Nora Martinez has every excuse to question the fairness of life. Instead, the openhearted librarian in the small Colorado community of Silver Ridge sees only promise. She holds on to the hope that she’ll be reunited with her missing brother and does what she can at the town library. It’s her home away from home, but it’s also a sanctuary for others who, like her brother, could use a second chance. There’s Marlene, an elderly loner who believes that, apart from her husband, there’s little good left in the world; Jasmine, a troubled teen; Lewis, a homeless man with lost hope and one last wish; and Vlado, the security guard who loves a good book and, from afar, Nora. As a winter storm buries Silver Ridge, this collection of lonely hearts takes shelter in the library. They’ll discover more about each other, and themselves, than they ever knew—and Nora will be forced to question her brother’s disappearance in ways she never could have imagined. No matter how stranded in life they feel, this fateful night could be the new beginning they didn’t think was possible.Trade Review“Payne has crafted an emotional, character-driven novel about addiction, perceptions of others, and learning to let go. The Night of Many Endings is ultimately one of hope as the darkness brings forth the dawn of many beginnings.” —Library Journal “Richly layered and compassionate to its core, this story of genuine friendships transcending age and class, and the power of rebuilding, will move fans of Catherine Ryan Hyde, Jan Karon, and Kristin Hannah.” —Booklist

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Book Synopsis‘My book of the year so far…’ —Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author In this chilling thriller from the bestselling authors of Spare Room, one woman just wants the truth about who she really is. But she’s not the only one looking… It’s twenty years since Eva, a biracial woman, was adopted as an eight-year-old, and Cherry and Carlton ‘Sugar’ McNeil have always been the only parents she’s wanted or needed. But when she’s dealt the double blow of Cherry’s death and her own suspension from work, Eva decides it’s time to discover who she was before she was theirs. Against Sugar’s advice, Eva joins a DNA database, desperate for a match that will unlock her identity. And when a positive hit comes, she’s excited to learn there are relations out there who might hold the key. But the closer Eva gets to uncovering her past, the more it appears someone is trying to stop her finally finding the truth… As she continues to dig, Eva is drawn into a dark and merciless underside to society, where black women disappear without a word. Names erased from history, no search parties, no desperate pleas for their return. Once, someone tried to save Eva from all this. Someone wanted a better life for her. But now that she’s torn down the facade of her life, has she come too far to be spared again?Trade ReviewOne of Crime Monthly’s Top 5 Killer Thrillers of April 2022 “Powerful.” —Crime Monthly “My book of the year so far.” —Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author “A heartfelt and eloquent exploration of the iniquities of racial bias.” —The Guardian “Dreda Say Mitchell has been flying the flag for crime writing for years.” —Bernardine Evaristo, bestselling author of Girl, Woman, Other “A truly original voice.” —Peter James, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author “A strong dose for readers interested in watching racial prejudices play out at every possible opportunity.” —Kirkus Reviews

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