Fiction: literary and general non-genre

Book SynopsisMeet Grace, who is actually excited about turning 40 in a few months, that is, until her job, marriage, and personal life take a dizzying downhill spiral. Can she recover from the most devastating time in her life, right before it's supposed to be one of the best? Fans of Emily Giffin will love Susie Orman Schnall's debut, which is all about rediscovering yourself--with grace--well after you think it's even possible anymore. On Grace deals with themes such as divorce, infidelity, re-entering the workforce after children, breast cancer, and of course, turning 40. This novel is sure to hit a chord with many women readers.

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Book SynopsisOne amazing year in a remarkable woman¹s life journey becomes the inspiration for generations when she takes a huge risk, follows her heart, embraces forbidden love, and unwittingly becomes the champion of a winged world that is on the brink of extinction. It’s 1903, the world is poised for drastic change, and Julia Briton is a naive, beautiful Boston socialite who suffers a series of devastating losses and discovers that her beloved husband is involved in the plume trade—the massive slaughter of birds for use in the fashion industry. When Julia is secretly ushered into the early 20th century by a group of brazen female activists, she boldly risks everything and embarks on a perilous journey to the wilds of untamed Florida, a place of great danger where men will stop at nothing to get what they want and where one man, and a faithful friend, force her to make yet more life-changing decisions. Years later, when Julia’s great-granddaughter, Kelly, discovers some hidden tape recordings in her famous great-grandmother¹s dresser and learns the real truth about Julia’s year, a year that changed the course of history, she must decide what to do with her grandmother¹s incredible legacy. Will she keep the real “secret of the year”, or will she be brave enough to follow her own heart? USA Best Book Awards: Fiction: Historical, FinalistTrade Review2016 International Book Awards: Finalist, Historical Fiction 2015 USA Book Awards: Finalist, Historical Fiction “As in her previous best-selling novels (A Grand Day To Get Lost), Radish weaves an engaging story of inspiring women who discover the importance of being true to one’s ideal” —Library Journal "The Year of Necessary Lies is a memorable and beautifully written story about reinvention, standing up for your beliefs, and staying true to yourself, no matter what the cost.” —Kristin Contino, author of The Legacy of Us "Feminism and activism go hand in hand in this romantic novel about women’s empowerment and living life to the fullest. Kris Radish's tenth novel, The Year of Necessary Lies, highlights women's role in the Audubon Society campaign to eradicate feathers from ladies’ hats. Her fictional heroine is a composite portrait of the many courageous women who stood up to plume hunters and the fashion industry alike in the early years of the twentieth century. Radish creates an authentic Southern atmosphere dripping with sweat and packed with rattlesnakes and egrets. Julia’s raucous boat journey, punctuated by an erroneous stop at a Savannah brothel, is a highlight. She is a compelling protagonist, ably supported by an eccentric cast of ex-hunters and coastal hermits. Cameos from historical figures ranging from William Randolph Hearst to Mark Twain help place Julia in a convincing turn-of-the-century context of change and creativity. Recommended to fans of Anita Diamant's The Boston Girl and Sue Monk Kidd’s The Invention of Wings." —Foreword Reviews Praise for Kris Radish “Radish unrolls a rollicking yet reflective read that adds to her robust repertoire of beloved fiction. What’s a reader to do but relish the ride.” —BookPage on Searching for Paradise in Parker, PA “Kris Radish creates characters that seek and then celebrate the discovery of women’s innate power.” —The Denver Post “Radish’s characters know how to have a good time on their way to matriarchal nirvana.” —Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisFeatured as a top read in Buzzfeed, PopSugar, YourTango, and San Francisco Book Review TV weatherman Owen Martin is relieved to leave Southern California—the monotonously mild climate and the holistically hip trends—and head home to Iowa, back to the four seasons and the simple life he knew before his father died. But he can’t predict the atmospheric pressure awaiting him: The town his family founded has become the center of the Transcendental Meditation movement and host to all things alternative. There are mass meditations and dosha discussions, a vegan cafe has replaced the burger joint, and all the doors now face east. Far worse, however, is what the meditating mayor has planned for the Martin family’s farm. In a town divided between “Regulars” and “Roos” (gurus), Owen is sure where he stands—until he falls for a levitating yogi. Before he knows it, he’s caught in a veritable tornado of midwesternness vs. mindfulness. Can he save the farm, get the girl, and reunite the town? Maybe . . . if he’s willing to forecast a change in the weather.Trade Review2017 USA Best Book Award Winner in Fiction: Multicultural 2017 USA Best Book Award Finalist in Best Cover Design: Fiction "Transcendent and down-to-earth all at once, Long has penned an inventive, warm and funny adventure steeped in quirky, very real American history.” —Elise A. Miller, author of Star Craving Mad "A funny, imaginative look at a small Iowa town and what happens when two worlds and cultures collide, Rooville combines meditation, romance, and small-town politics into an enjoyable debut novel from Julie Long." —national bestseller Kamy Wicoff, author of Wishful Thinking "A modern-day tale of Romeo and Juliet with a transcendental twist, Rooville blends fiction with factual tidbits of TM and weather phenomenon to create an enlightening and entertaining story. If you’ve ever longed to seek the truth by returning to your roots, make Rooville your new mantra!” —Andee Reilly, author of Satisfaction “Anyone who has ever longed to go home again will fall madly in love with this us-versus-them, then-versus-now, mindfulness-versus-midwestern love story. Funny, spellbinding, and smart.” —Kristin Bair O’Keeffe, author of The Art of Floating “Long has created a ‘perfect storm’ of a novel: a quirky cast of characters, a town divided, a narrative voice that is wise, witty, and warm. You’ll fall in love with Rooville.” —Meredith Mileti, author of Aftertaste: A Novel in Five Courses “Fast-paced and fun. This heartwarming tale of love and self-discovery is set in a wholly unique locale, with an unexpected hero.” —Kathleen Shoop, author of Love and Other Subjects "Rooville says as much about the laws of attraction as the principles of yoga. Julie Long’s delightful romp will have you “rooting” for Weatherman Owen Martin and the unpredictable storms he faces." —Brigitte Quinn, author of Anchored

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Book SynopsisDying wasn’t on seventeen-year-old Xander Hemlock’s summer to-do-list. Finding ways to spend more time with his girlfriend, Lila, was the most critical thinking he planned on doing. But that was before he found himself trapped in a realm of only darkness with thirty days to convince Lila he’s not actually dead—well, not completely, anyway. As Xan tries to show Lila she isn't alone, she struggles to comprehend how her life has changed so completely. Six months ago her life was perfect: she was on her way to becoming a professional dancer, her parents were still married, and her boyfriend was alive. But now, with her anorexic tendencies stronger than ever, she must decide which is the lesser of two evils: letting go to be with a boy she doesn't love, or holding on to the unreasonable, yet overpowering, feeling that Xan is still within reach...and trying to show her something. Improbable and endearing, Within Reach is a story of two soulmates discovering that sometimes it takes more than one lifetime to get it right.Trade Review2016 Best Book Awards: YA Fiction, Finalist 2017 USA Best Book Awards Finalist in Fiction: Young Adult 2018 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist in Young Adult (12 years to 16 years) "In alternating chapters, the present-tense, frequently purple narrative of the vividly drawn Xan and Lila is urgent, keeping the intensity taught. An intense, at-times overwrought romance for genre fans.” ―Kirkus Reviews “A powerful love story, Within Reach grips the reader from page one as two soul mates fight against all odds to rediscover each other and prove that death is only temporary.” —James Marsden, actor of The Notebook, Enchanted, and more “Within Reach is an elegant and sometimes painful story of teenagers struggling with love, loss, and redemption. Jessica Stevens’s unique portrayal of misguided souls finding their way through darkness dances confidently off the page. The story’s ending lingers reflectively long after the music stops.” —Brady G. Stefani, author of The Alienation of Courtney Hoffman “Ms. Stevens's first novel is so intriguing . . . a romantic fantasy between two separate worlds. Full of imagination, mystery, and possibility, it leaves you with a sense of danger, fear, and hope all at the same time—and keeps you thinking, 'what if . . . ‘” —Rene Steven, primary school librarian, Brookfield Academy “Jessica Stevens has written a gem of a first novel. With relatable, believable characters, carefully crafted dialogue, and a compelling story, this novel is truly a work of art. All at once it is a ghost story, a mystery, and most of all, a love story—a love story spanning lifetimes. If this book is any indication, I’d say that Ms. Stevens has found her calling, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.” —Abigail Jensen Waugh, Librarian "Don’t pick up Jessica’s debut novel unless you have cleared your schedule because you aren’t going to be able to put Within Reach down. It has something for everyone: a phantom boyfriend with something to prove, a beautifully broken ex-ballerina, and a sexy All-American with a dark secret.” —Emily Norris, blogger at www.godsknot.com "Within Reach is an intoxicating, heart-pounding tale of love, loss, and two souls forever bound by their choices. Xan and Lila are the modern-day Romeo and Juliet—proving that nothing will keep true love apart.” —Kristen Hunt, author of Blonde Eskimo

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Book SynopsisMaddy Braverman, thirty and single, has taught first grade at an uber-elite private school in Greenwich Village for the past six years, a hip downtown school lauded as much for its progressive pedagogy as its privileged progeny-and its multitude of sex-crazed staff-including the headmaster, AKA the Head Molester. Angry at herself for not moving on, Maddy gets distracted from her pity party with a new student-Lola Magdalena, daughter of A-list celebrities Nic and Shelby Seabolt-a last-minute addition to her class roster. When tragedy strikes Lola, Maddy has the chance to meet with Nic in his TriBeCa apartment. Maddy’s sexy celebrity fantasies turn to reality, leaving her breathless and spellbound. But from her front-row vantage point, Maddy learns the hard way that celebrity is not all it seems, and gets dealt a devastating blow that could leave her jobless, loveless and alone. If she could just see things clearly she could save herself from going Star Craving Mad.Trade Review"Stars, they’re just like us. Or maybe not. In her fast-paced debut novel, Elise Miller explores the fascination we have with celebrity and brings it back down to earth. Star Craving Mad is a story of finding love where you least expect it, true friends, and discovering that it’s always better to just be yourself.” —Susie Orman Schnall, author of The Balance Project and On Grace "In Star Craving Mad, Maddy Braverman searches for her happily-ever-after in Hollywood’s leading heartthrob only to find him as vacant as the latest tabloid magazine. Written with precision and wit, Elise Miller examines our obsession with celebrity in this big, warm-hearted novel.” —Andee Reilly, author of Satisfaction "Star Craving Mad is a superb example of humor with heart." —Bookloons.com "Elise Abrams Miller’s debut novel, Star Craving Mad, is this year’s best guilty pleasure." —Cindy Elavsky for King Features Syndicate "Absurdly entertaining. Romantic but not the least bit gooey. Perceptive and often hilarious. Just read it already." —Darin Strauss, author of Half a Life "Up-front funny, sexy fiction. A hilarious comedy that manages to be outlandishly satirical, weirdly plausible, and deliciously steamy all at the same time. Our extremely dumb, celebrity-soaked culture has been asking for a good parody—and here it is!" —Mike Albo, author of The Junket "Elise Miller's debut shines. Prepare to read Star Craving Mad in a 24-hour period." —Ned Vizzini, author of It's Kind of a Funny Story

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Book SynopsisAs seen on RedbookElle * Yahoo! News * Bustle * Popsugar * and more Newly divorced Rhonda, haunted by her sister Evelyn’s ghost, travels to an old palazzo in Rome to confront Marco, the man who stole her sister’s heart—only to find out he’s vanished in the wake of Evelyn’s death. Meanwhile, Rhonda’s nineteen-year-old daughter Olivia, adopted by Rhonda at birth, travels to the mysterious and lush waters of northern Vietnam, where she’s been summoned by the missing Marco—a man she only knows from her parents’ whispers, a man she has never met or seen. Soon, truths are exposed and lives unraveled, and the real journey begins. Four lives in all, spanning three continents, are now bound together in an unfathomable way—and they tell a powerful story about love in all its incarnations, filial and amorous, healing and destructive.Trade Review2017 Next Generation Indie Awards: Finalist, General Fiction 2017 International Book Awards: Finalist, Women's Lit 2017 USA Best Book Awards Finalist in Chick Lit/Women's Fiction “A globalized family tale of love, redemption, and healing, The Absence of Evelyn will challenge every reader’s understanding of what it truly means to love. Jackie Townsend’s staggering adventure proves that nothing – not time, heartbreak, distance or danger – stands a chance against the power of the heart.” —Redbook "20 Books By Women You Must Read This Spring" "A careful examination of family ties with an international flavor.” —Kirkus "A compellingly crafted story…filled with psychological insights into the actions of diverse, entwined lives...the absent Evelyn the pivot point of their dance.” —Midwest Book Review "The Absence of Evelyn is an enjoyable read for fans of coming-of-age stories and contemporary women’s fiction. It is a quick escapist read that is heartwarming and often inspiring.” — Foreword Reviews "The Absence of Evelyn is a powerful testimony to the value of love, in all its forms, but also a testimony to the need to let go, whether of one’s own carefully-laid plans or of a loved one. One by one, the characters see their masks, their old comfortable behavior patterns, and their secrets stripped away, leaving only the core of who they really are and what they really want . . . an engaging book, with well-drawn characters set in vivid context, and an engrossing and thought-provoking plot." —IndieReader "The Absence of Evelyn is a compelling testimony of the diversity of love and family ties." —Buzzfeed, "6 Books To Bring On Your Girls-Only Weekend Getaway" "Finish off cuffing season with the literary fireworks found in every single page of this magnificently told tale of love and every form it comes in." —PopSugar, "11 Reads to Get You Through Cuffing Season" "Townsend has a gift for propelling her quirky yet realistic, mostly lovable characters into unique settings and storylines. Reflecting today’s messy, modern families, The Absence of Evelyn captures—and keeps—your attention." —Curled Up "our lives intertwine and unravel — and a story of the healing power of love begins." —Bustle, "15 Spring Releases About New Beginnings To Kick Start The New Season"

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Book SynopsisOn a rainy night in Philadelphia's Ninth Street Market, sixteen-year-old Fiora, newly-orphaned by the 1918 influenza epidemic, is dumped at an old man's door. Daughter of the local fortune teller, Fiora arrives with a little money, a lot of attitude, and her mother's formidable reputation. The old man, a widowed shoemaker ticking down his clock, is the only person in their superstitious immigrant community brave enough to stand between Fiora and an orphanage. Fiora's a modern, forward-thinking young woman, uninterested in using old-world magic to make a way for herself—but when her mother's magical curtain shows her that the old man will shortly die of a heart attack, Fiora panics, and casts her entire neighborhood into a stagnant bubble of time. A bubble where everything continues but nothing progresses—tomatoes won't ripen, babies refuse to be born, and the sick suffer under the weight of a never-ending stream of unspent seconds. Not everything in the bubble is bad. Love, fresh and fascinating, ignites. Friendships take root. But as day drags into interminable day, the pressure inside the bubble world builds. Fiora must accept that not everything found can be kept, not everything saved will remain, and unless Fiora finds the courage to collapse the bubble, every one of her hopes will be trapped inside an unbearable, unyielding, unpredictable, and infinite Now.Trade Review2017 Foreword Indies Gold Medal Winner in Adult Fiction—Fantasy 2017 USA Best Book Awards Winner, Fiction: LGBT 2017 INDIES Book of the Year Finalist 2017 USA Best Book Awards Finalist, Fiction: Fantasy 2017 Foreword Indies Finalist in Adult Fiction—LGBT 2017 Today Show winter book selection "Replete with poignant details, Mindy Tarquini’s The Infinite Now is an engrossing tightrope walk over the relational lines that connect human beings to each other and to time itself…The Infinite Now‘s potent sorcery doesn’t lie primarily in its forays into fantasy and myth, but rather in the humanity of its characters and the energy of its storytelling.” —Foreword Reviews, 5 out of 5 stars “This book offers a well-researched and engagingly drawn portrait of a displaced Italian community in one of America’s most turbulent years. Fiora is a forceful, determined protagonist among an intriguing cast of supporting characters. The first-person descriptions of her life are both vivid and tender…A well-woven tapestry of history, character, and charming mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews "Historical fiction is portrayed in a new way . . . Told in first-person prose, this novel blends history with science fiction. Those who enjoy a story that appeals to the mind (and STEM topics) will gravitate to this work. Teens will be immersed in the intricate world-building and pulled in by the fast pace . . .Twists and turns in the plot are unpredictable but still believable and will leave readers gasping for air each time the story changes course. Give this to teens interested in health and medicine, in addition to time travel and history buffs. VERDICT This is a title not to be missed.” —School Library Journal "Mindy Tarquini beautifully weaves a tapestry of superstition, time, and hope in her most recent novel, The Infinite Now…Those who enjoy magical realism mixed with a bit of mystery will find themselves highly entertained by The Infinite Now, and the story reminds readers that hope and love are always good guides when we feel we've lost our way.” — Manhattan Book Review (4 out of 5 stars) "Mindy Tarquini does a phenomenal job at capturing not only the feel of the time but the feel of people who would have lived there…This book reached out and struck right at my heart. I found myself falling in love – falling hard – with the story, at times nearly crying. If you want to lose yourself in a fantasy that feels all too real, look no further than The Infinite Now.” —San Francisco Book Review (5 out of 5 stars) "Take a break from reality with this whimsical plot set in flu-ravaged 1918 Philadelphia for some spellbinding magic at your fingertips.” —Working Mother "After wowing us in her debut offering, Mindy Tarquini impresses with The Infinite Now. With her second novel, Tarquini has established herself as a writer who excels with precise prose that creates a rich setting filled with feisty and unforgettable characters you wont want to part with when the story ends." —Sandra Ruttan, Spinetingler Magazine "A young woman's dreams for a modern future clash with old-fashioned expectations in Mindy Tarquini's The Infinite Now. Set in a lushly illustrated, stateside, Italian-immigrant community during the first world war, Tarquini's sophomore novel reconnects readers to her signature spunky characters, settings simmering with magic, wry humor, and meticulous research. The cast of The Infinite Now carefully unravels the gamut of consequences of self-preservation, from superstition to protection to sacrifice, leaving readers with a renewed perspective on time, family, and, above all, hope." —Camille Griep, author of Letters to Zell and New Charity Blues "Tarquini weaves a captivating tale that pulls you in from the very first page, eager to know the secrets the curious characters keep. Readers will enjoy Fiora, the witty, strong-willed lead, and aspire to use a few of her one liners in their own lives. The brilliant and thought-provoking story reminds us that family can be formed between the unlikeliest of souls, love can emerge amidst the most dismal backdrop of struggle, and miracles abound if we keep our hearts open to the possibilities waiting in the infinite now." —Stacey L. Tucker, author of Ocean’s Fire “An enchanting cast of characters and an intricately woven plot come together to create the masterpiece that is The Infinite Now.” —Buzzfeed (5 Reads for Fans of Erin Morgenstern) “Tarquini uses words like a composer. Her word choices crescendo into sentences that read like majestic musical scores and artfully explore the angst, fears, and emotional struggles of a confused teenage girl…Overall, though, this is a beautifully written book with heart, humor, and just enough magic to make things a bit dangerous. Unexpected and poignant: I recommend it.” —Historical Novel Society “An easy read with likable characters and a story about love and acceptance, Tarquini’s latest…will captivate readers until the very end.” —BookList “Swathed in layers of the unexpected, the seamless narration and multidimensional story delivers an endearing and powerful look at life and the choices we make.” —Books, Vertigo, and Tea Past Praise for Mindy Tarqini's Hindsight: "Tarquini charms her audience with heady wit and laugh-out-loud humor . . . This is a fast-reading, enjoyable journey through past and present that many readers will enjoy." —Booklist "Hindsight is an evocative and inventive reincarnation tale. Drawing on snippets of wisdom from long-gone literary giants, including Chaucer, Dante, Goethe, and Kipling, Tarquini illustrates the eternal universality of human behavior . . . the narrative emphasizes the importance of acting in the here and now: saying what should be said, forgiving what needs to be forgiven, embracing opportunities to deepen connections with others, and seizing moments of happiness when they?re presented. Consequently, Hindsight is a sustaining and deeply personal reading experience." —Foreword Reviews, FIVE STARS, Book of the Day Selection "Tarquini's innovative concept is paired with realistic characters and sparkling wit, making this enjoyable novel a keeper." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review "This contemporary jewel is a literary parade that reminds us to live life fully in the now." —Working Mother, "21 New Books to Fall for This Autumn" "A unique and innovative reminder to enjoy life like it's the only one you'll have." —Bookstr "Witty and thought-provoking, Mindy Tarquini's debut is a must-read for lovers of Chaucer, magical realism and literary ingenuity." —Buzzfeed "Funny and irreverent, this modern fable is a good reminder to love the life you have." —Real Simple "This quirky and often funny novel is a satisfying debut and will pique readers' interests right off the bat." —RT Book Reviews "This charming contemporary fable marks a fabulous debut for author Mindy Tarquini." —SheKnows, "The best books written by women you need to read this fall" "Debut author Mindy Tarquini's rollicking prose wends the reader through a hybrid contemporary, historical, and speculative tale of karma, past lives, and the capacity to forgive and forget. Equal parts tender and hilarious, Hindsight will leave readers wanting another meatball, another life, and whatever Tarquini serves up next." —Camille Griep, author of Letters to Zell "Author Mindy Tarquini glues readers to the page with her insight into character and her signature irreverent humor. Hindsight is a debut you don't want to miss." —Stephen Parrish, editor of the The Lascaux Review "In Eugenia Panisporchi, Mindy Tarquini gives us a heroine for the ages and for right now, combining the concept of past lives with a witty and entertaining take on the timeless task of being true to ourselves." —Kamy Wicoff, author of Wishful Thinking "Deliciously original with a quirky voice that sets Mindy Tarquini in a league of her own?Hindsight blends comedy and insight into an engaging story with a brave, yet satisfying, conclusion." —Sandra Ruttan, Spinetingler Magazine "The Infinite Now's combination of suspense, tragedy, and coming of age is sure to be the next book on your TBR pile." — PopSugar "Swathed in layers of the unexpected, the seamless narration and multidimensional story delivers an endearing and powerful look at life and the choices we make.” —Books, Vertigo and Tea "As an original and deftly written novel that is a consistently and absorbing read from beginning to end, The Infinite Now reveals author Mindy Tarquini's genuine gift as a narrative driven storyteller….Unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended, especially for community library collections.” —Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisSkylar Southmartin is not the naïve girl she was a short year ago. She’s made some mistakes and learned a few secrets to life, all the while clinging to the faith her mother instilled in her as a child . . . in herself. And now that she has discovered her life’s purpose within the pages of the ancient Book of Sophia, she knows what she must do: restore a vital memory to the Akashic Library, located deep within the Underworld of Earth. This library is sought after by many who are aware of its existence, for they know the future of human potential rests at its core. Meanwhile, Devlin Grayer has been elected as the 46th President of the United States and his wife, Milicent, is miserable in her new role as First Lady—especially because the Great Mothers have asked Milicent to use her new status to help their cause, and she has no interest in tackling that task. With the help of friends in the unlikeliest of places, Skylar’s journey reveals the significance of the darkness within all of us, and its potential to save or destroy the most precious part of us all: our soul.Trade ReviewPraise for the Equal Night Trilogy: “Tucker’s gift for dialogue asserts itself often… A romantic fantasy series starter full of intriguing concepts from science and spirituality.” —Kirkus Reviews

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