spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img
Home Blog Page 227

SNEAK PEEK: Beneath The Bending Skies by Jane Kirkpatrick

0

Beneath The Bending Skies by Jane Kirkpatrick

Bestselling and award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick has brought the West to life in her inspiring novels based upon true events. Each tale looks at the hidden lives of women whose universal struggles, bravery, indominable spirit, and ingenuity helped form the American West. In Beneath the Bending Skies, Kirkpatrick uses her signature style to delve into the life of Mollie Sheehan, who had to forgo her father’s blessing in order to seek her happily ever after. Her life-altering decision became the catalyst for her movement to aid the Nez Perce tribe during the mid-1800s.

Mollie Sheehan had spent much of her life striving to be a dutiful daughter, even when doing so led to her own heartbreak. But when romance blooms between her and Peter Ronan, Mollie finally allows herself to hope for a brighter future—until her father moves her to California to ensure the breakup.

Yet, time and circumstances work to reconnect her with her former fiancé. Together they weather the challenges of marriage and settlement until Peter assumes the position of a lifetime—Indian Agent among the Flathead People. Mollie’s language skills, her desire to make everyone feel welcome, and her overarching sense of justice lead her to stand beside her husband and the People during the turbulent Nez Perce War and beyond.

Beneath the Bending Skies is a sweeping story of hospitality, destiny, and the bonds of family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jane Kirkpatrick is the New York Times and CBA bestselling and award winning author of 40 books, including The Healing of Natalie Curtis, Something Worth Doing, One More River to Cross, Everything She Didn’t Say, All Together in One Place, A Light in the Wilderness, The Memory Weaver, This Road We Traveled, and A Sweetness to the Soul, which won the prestigious Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center. Her works have won the WILLA Literary Award, the Carol Award for Historical Fiction, and the 2016 Will Rogers Gold Medallion Award. Jane divides her time between Central Oregon and California with her husband, Jerry, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Caesar. Learn more at www.jkbooks.com.

MINOR THREATS CHRISTIAN WARD FOC VARIANT ANNOUNCED!

0

From Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum, the showrunners behind the hit Hulu series Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K., comes their first creator-owned series Minor Threats. Featuring superstar artist Scott Hepburn (M.O.D.O.K.: Head Games), with colors by Ian Herring, and letters by Nate Piekos, Minor Threats is a genre-bending crime drama about superheroes and villains and the last gasp of the colorful innocent days of the silver and bronze era of comics before they are dragged into the grit-soaked modern times.

Times are tough for costumed crooks… and they’re about to get much worse. The psychotic Stickman has done the unthinkable and murdered Kid Dusk, sidekick to Twilight City’s premier crime-fighter, The Insomniac. The Insomniac’s teammates, The Continuum, are tearing Twilight apart, turning it into a terrifying police state–desperate to capture the Stickman and stop the Insomniac from “crossing that final line” in which he may never come back from. Caught in the middle are the small-time c-list villains, finding it impossible to pull jobs or even walk down the street without being harassed by these heroes. With a bounty on the Stickman’s head, former villain Playtime decides to put together a ragtag team of equally disgruntled supervillains to take down the Stickman and kill him themselves. Leading her on a dark journey into the criminal underbelly she’s tried so hard to escape.

Talk with your local comics retailer for more information about the Minor Threats #1 FOC variant cover, drawn by Christian Ward on sale August 24th!

Dark Horse Comics

SNEAK PEEK: PHOTO FINISHED By Christin Brecher

0

PHOTO FINISHED By Christin Brecher
(Pre-order available)

With biting wit, a young lens, and satisfying sleuthing, the first in Christin Brecher’s brand new Snapshot of NYC Cozy Mystery series introduces aspiring photographer Liv Spyer, as she juggles rent on her postage stamp-sized Manhattan apartment, part time work at her grandparent’s Greenwich Village key shop, her #lovelife with a guy who just might be FBI, posting to her thousands of Instagram fans, AND solving the odd murder!

While some people escape into books or music, Liv Spyers escapes through her camera’s lens, which inspires her to jump into things she might otherwise have no business tackling—like moving to New York City. Hustling to make her dreams come true as a portrait photographer, she runs a pocket-sized studio below her grandparents’ West Village brownstone and key shop, where she also lives and works part-time. All of which still has her down to the end of her savings as the holidays approach. Everything changes in a flash, however, when elite events photographer, Regina Montague, invites Liv to shoot with her at New York City’s most exclusive socialite event of the year—the Holiday Debutante Ball! Liv snaps at the opportunity, convinced that a job with Regina will launch her career. But when her fabulous new gig ends with the murder of billionaire Charlie Archibald, her dream job may never develop with Regina framed for murder. Once Liv begins to focus on her photos from the ball, she’s convinced they reveal Charlie Archibald’s real killer. Now, between cracking the world of high society—and the attentions of a handsome stranger—Liv must hustle once again to expose the killer…before she gets cropped from the picture!

BOOK REVIEW: When Grace Found Me: Real-Life Stories of Women of Faith

0

When Grace Found Me: Real-Life Stories of Women of Faith

Author Kim Lengling is a freelance writer and author who had a spiritual moment of awakening that urged her to write this trilogy WHEN GRACE FOUND ME, a source of continuing inspiration for women. This is Volume Two of this inspiring series.

Kim has collected stories from twenty women whose testimonies are an inspiration to read. In her Introduction she offers, ‘There are times in life when you realize that you have something more you are to be working on or giving to the world. Yes, the world. Have you had those nudges?…Over the past five years, I have found myself feeling those nudges more and more. When I do, I follow His lead…I have been blessed by giving my time, resources, or simply offering a prayer. The blessings that I experience from following God’s nudges are worth any bit of discomfort I may feel initially.’ The collection of stories that follow share both Kim’s own story with other women’s moments of finding Grace.

The various stories are interspersed with scriptural passages from the Bible that reflect the tone of each of the women’s stories, enhancing the experiences shared, and making them charismatic. Supportive, reassuring, enlightening, and satisfying, this second volume of the trilogy will likely encourage readers to follow the provided path to find Grace. Grady Harp

Cheers to These Book and Drink Pairings

0

What’s summer without booze and books? It’s the perfect time to sprawl out at the pool with a good cocktail in hand and a new book in the other. That’s why we’ve put together the perfect book recommendation list for all of our 21+ readers! Find your favorite cocktail below and check out a new read!

The Girl Who Survived by Lisa Jackson

Like a trendy margarita, the latest thriller from Lisa Jackson is a spicy one. Edgy, electric, and exciting, this book will have all your senses tingling and your heart racing as you follow a woman’s desperate struggle to escape her family’s killer.

The Nurse’s Secret by Amanda Skenandore

Fans of the classic Manhattan will enjoy tasting the dark side of Gilded Age New York City alongside a smooth and cunning con woman. But to uncover a bitter conspiracy, she’s in danger of revealing her true identity…

The Wife Before by Shanora Williams

Similar to the iconic cosmopolitan, Shanora Williams’ newest thriller starts off sweet, but quickly turns sour when a passionate marriage takes a deadly turn. Sexy, scandalous, and striking, this twist-filled psychodrama, like a cosmo, is definitely worth the hype.

Lethal Game by John Gilstrap

Whiskey sours are both bold and intense, just like any high-octane thriller from John Gilstrap. Jump straight into Johnathan Grave’s latest mission in the cutting winds of the Montana mountains, as a group of assassins track his trail…

Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary by Amy Lillard

If you love the light and delicious taste of White Russians, we know you’ll enjoy a new dairy-licious cozy mystery from Amy Lillard. Journey to small-town Kansas and help Sissy churn out a milk deliveryman’s killer!

The Neighbors by Nancy Bush

We see why the delicious bloody mary is a cult classic among brunch goers. Fans of the tantalizingly spicy and complex drink will enjoy unraveling the dark, deadly secrets of the picturesque families that live in the Villages…

A Bride’s Guide to Marriage and Murder by Dianne Freeman

Like a tasty mimosa, the wedding of George and Frances is best enjoyed with bubbly champagne. This light and fun mystery will transport you back to Victorian England to solve another murder case. But this time, Frances’ brother is being framed for the crime!

Reprinted with permission from Kensington Books

The World of Eric Carle to Donate VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR Bilingual Editions to Ukrainian Refugees

0

Penguin Young Readers and The World of Eric Carle have granted publishing rights to local publishers in Poland and Romania to print and donate 12,000 bilingual charity editions of Carle’s picture book, THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR. The Romanian publisher, Portocala Albastra, is working with local NGO OvidiuRO, to print 10,000 paperback copies and the Polish publisher, Tatarak, is printing 2,000 paperback copies.

These editions, translated into Ukrainian as well as the local language, will be donated to Ukrainian child refugees in their territories.

 

SNEAK PEEK: A Trace of Poison by Colleen Cambridge

0

A Trace of Poison by Colleen Cambridge
(Available for pre-order)

Phyllida Bright, housekeeper to the grand dame of murder mysteries, Agatha Christie, must uncover the killer among a throng of crime writers in this sparkling new historical mystery from acclaimed writer Colleen Cambridge.

In England’s stately manor houses, murder is not generally a topic for polite conversation. Mallowan Hall, home to Agatha Christie and her husband, Max, is the exception. And housekeeper Phyllida Bright delights in discussing gory plot details with her friend and employer . . .

The neighboring village of Listleigh has also become a hub of grisly goings-on, thanks to a Murder Fête organized to benefit a local orphanage. Members of The Detection Club—a group of celebrated authors such as G.K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Agatha herself—will congregate for charitable events, including a writing contest for aspiring authors. The winner gets an international publishing contract, and entrants have gathered for a cocktail party—managed by the inimitable Phyllida—when murder strikes too close even for her comfort.

It seems the victim imbibed a poisoned cocktail intended for Alastair Whittlesby, president of the local writers’ club. The insufferable Whittlesby is thought to be a shoo-in for the prize, and ambition is certainly a worthy motive. But narrowing down these suspects could leave even Phyllida’s favorite fictional detective, M. Poirot, twirling his mustache in frustration.

It’s a mystery too intriguing for Phyllida to resist, but one fraught with duplicity and danger, for every guest is an expert in murder—and how to get away with it . . .

DARK HORSE MANGA PRESENTS: PSYCHO-PASS: INSPECTOR SHINYA KOGAMI VOLUME 6

0
Witness the final act to the hit anime prequel

The epic finale to the Psycho-Pass: Inspector Shinya Kogami saga arrives in Volume 6. The hit manga is a prequel to the popular anime series Psycho-Pass, starring a younger version of the eponymous protagonist. It features writing by Midori Gotou with art by Natsuo Sai and story by Gen Urobuchi (Fate/Zero, Puella Magi Madoka Magica) with translation by Kumar Sivasubramanian.

In the 22nd century, the Psycho-Pass is a system that measures emotional health, making crime not only rare, but strange and dangerous—and the only “safe” job for a person on the borderline is as a cop, kept on a virtual leash as they hunt down the criminals they may soon become themselves!

This is the explosive conclusion to the series! As Division 3 races to try to save the life of Professor Toshi, they find that the trauma unit within the Special Sector has become a deadly trap. But in this high-tech underground complex, it’s a hidden cache of a very obsolete information storage format—handwritten letters—that may provide the last clue that must be understood by Inspector Kogami…before the elders behind this hidden kingdom of guilt decide to carry out their final act of atonement!

Psycho-Pass: Inspector Shinya Kogami Volume 6 will be in comic shops February, 22, 2023 and bookstores March 7, 2023. The trade paperback is available for pre-order now at your local comic book shop for $11.99.

Praise for Psycho-Pass:

“Makes good use of the dystopian future genre, good foils and parallels throughout. Some neat visuals…” —Anime News Network

“Psycho-Pass is a compelling cyberpunk mystery…” —Kotaku

“Psycho Pass is the best crime-thriller-science fiction anime I have watched and will definitely be recommending to others as well as watching again in the future.” —IGN

ABIGAIL! Science Fiction and Horror From Daemon Manx

0

ABIGAIL! Science Fiction and Horror From Daemon Manx

A book that combines Science Fiction and Horror into a place of twists and turns unimaginable by critically acclaimed horror author, Daemon Manx!

At the beginning of the third decade of the twenty-first century, being gay wasn’t supposed to be that big of a deal. It wasn’t supposed to be something you needed to hide in a closet, and it wasn’t supposed to be something that made you feel any less than the guy next door—certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Sadly, Adrian knew differently. He had experienced what it was like to grow up in the south in the “so-called” time of equality. He had known what it was like not to fit in. He had been called all those awful names, and he had felt the fists of acceptance. The horrible truth was that despite how progressive the world might have become, things caught on a whole lot slower in the south.”

Adrian has given up on the chance of ever finding true love, what with on-line dating and living in the bible belt, then he meets Dr. Mike. On what should be the happiest night of Adrian’s life, his world is turned upside down by a strange package left on his doorstep. A baby-like no other baby he has ever seen stares up at him from the tangle of pink blankets.
“A wide pair of violet eyes looked up at him. Silver flecks around the reptilian pupils flashed in the pale glow of the porch light. A hypnotic chimera washed over him as he fixed on the strange gaze. Suddenly, he felt weightless and out of the body; the sense that he was floating several feet above
the ground was consuming. Adrian found himself face to face with the most peculiar vision. A small note accompanies the odd little girl.”

“Please take care of my daughter. Her name is Abigail.”
A wash of emotion overcomes Adrian as he looks into the eyes of the strange but perfectly beautiful child. He is overcome by a sense of belong, a feeling of contentment, and the overpowering emotion of love. Abigail is the singular most perfect creature he has ever seen. He knows in an instant that he has been chosen to care for and protect this wonderful blessing. But there is something very different about Abigail…
How can Adrian care for a child on his own? He is a single, gay man who knows how difficult life can be when you are different … and Abigail is different indeed.
He decides he must do whatever it takes to ensure the safety and well-being of little Abigail. And as the days and the weeks pass by, Adrian learns more about himself then he ever thought possible. He has been struggling with the ridicule and abuse he himself faced as a child and has suppressed those feelings for so long. But Abigail has a strange effect on anyone who comes in contact with her. Whoever sees her is overcome with joy and a sense of unconditional love.
“When all the projections of the unforeseeable future were reduced to one moment and all the pretentiousness of the “so-called” modern world were stripped away, the beauty of acceptance and unconditional love was all that mattered. The ability to love one of God’s creatures unencumbered by prejudice or fear was a quality that Adrian had seen little of in his lifetime. It was also an attribute he had no idea he might possess. But now he thought, maybe… just maybe.

The continuing story of Abigail follows the family through their life experiences. Part one is the telling of Abigail’s introduction into Adrian Billard’s life and the initial problem that creates. Part two, due out early next year, takes place fifteen years later and follows our family though those very trying times in a young girl’s life: The Wonder Years. High school, puberty, and dating … oh my!

BUY LINKS:

Abigail: A Science Fiction Horror Story with a Surprise Twist Ending – Kindle edition by Manx, Daemon. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Abigail: Manx, Daemon: 9798542682549: Books – Amazon.ca

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Daemon Manx is an award-winning American author who writes horror, suspense, supernatural, and speculative fiction. Daemon has recently been nominated for the 2021 Splatterpunk awards for his debut, Abigail in the best short story category. In 2021 he received a HAG award for his story The Dead Girl. He is a member of the Horror Writers Association (HWA), and the Horror Authors Guild (HAG) and has been featured in magazines in both the U.S. and the U.K. Daemon lives with his sister, author Danielle Manx and their narcoleptic cat, Sydney where the patiently prepare for the apocalypse. There is a good chance they will runout of coffee far too soon.

Barnes & Noble Announces Anthony Marra’s Mercury Pictures August 2022 as National Book Club Selection

0
Readers are Invited to a Free Virtual Book Club Event Featuring Anthony Marra on Thursday, September 8th

Barnes & Noble has selected Mercury Pictures Presents by Anthony Marra as their August 2022 National Book Club pick.  The bookseller will be selling an exclusive Book Club Edition which features bonus content from the author.

Each month Barnes & Noble selects a newly published novel full of engaging storytelling that encourages lively book club discussions with its readers.  B&N Booksellers across the country champion these Book Club selections, elevating them to bestselling books that garner word-of-mouth attention.

“Anthony Marra captivated us with his debut, A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, which won our Discover Prize a few years back, and has given us another stellar novel with Mercury Pictures Presents,” said Shannon DeVito, Director of Books at Barnes & Noble.  “Encapsulated in these pages is everything you’d want in a really great movie, but on the page – sweeping, yet intimate, heartfelt, but full of wit and humor, and powerful.  Marra moves from Mussolini’s Italy to 1940s Los Angeles, and spectacularly chronicles the story of an exceptional woman who must reinvent herself to survive.  This is pure book club catnip which I know our readers will thoroughly enjoy!”

“I am beyond thrilled that Mercury Pictures Presents has been selected for the Barnes & Noble Book Club,” said author Anthony Marra.  “So many of the novels that have enlarged my life and shaped my writing I discovered thanks to Barnes & Noble, so this honor means the world to me personally.  I’m profoundly grateful to B&N for their steadfast advocacy of writers, and I can’t wait to connect with my fellow B&N readers throughout August.”

Barnes & Noble will be hosting a free live event with Anthony Marra on Thursday, September 8th at 7:00 PM Eastern Time in their Union Square New York City flagship store and will also be live streaming the event nationwide.  The Mercury Pictures Presents author will be in a round table conversation with Shannon DeVito, Director of Books at Barnes & Noble, and Miwa Messer, Executive Producer of Poured Over, The B&N Podcast. Virtual registration via Eventbrite is required, (for in-person registration at Union Square only, register here!) and the event will be live streamed on Zoom.

Before the event, customers can share their thoughts and reactions with other readers on social media using the hashtag #BNBookClub.