HarperCollins Focus launches new Fiction imprint Harper Muse

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27 February 2021

HarperCollins Focus announced today the launch of its new book imprint, Harper Muse. Expanding the publishing company’s footprint into general market adult fiction, Harper Muse will be under the direction of vice president and publisher, Amanda Bostic. Based in HarperCollins Focus’ Nashville location, the imprint will focus on women’s fiction, historical fiction and southern fiction categories with stories that resonate with Millennial and Generation X readers.

“Stories have a profound ability to connect people—especially in the fragmented world we find ourselves in today, and I could not be more thrilled to be launching HarperCollins Focus’ first fiction imprint, Harper Muse,” said Bostic. “We want Harper Muse to be a place where readers can escape with novels that offer hope and encouragement throughout the day—the kind of stories that continue to run through your mind days after you have put the book down.”

The imprint’s debut novel is set to release in the fall of 2021 by New York Times bestselling author and beloved novelist, Patti Callahan. Once Upon a Wardrobe, a historical novel set in 1950 will be Callahan’s sixteenth published novel.

“The power of story to impact and change us, to connect us to each other and to open our hearts, is not only the inspiration for the new HarperCollins imprint Harper Musebut also for my new novel Once Upon a Wardrobe,” said Callahan. “I am endlessly fascinated by the stories that captivate our collective imagination, and I’m delighted that my newest novel, a story inspired by Narnia’s ability to captivate and enchant us the world over, will be the debut for this visionary new imprint.”

In addition to Callahan, Harper Muse has signed other well-known authors like New York Times bestselling authors Ariel Lawhon (I Was Anastasia, Doubleday Books) and Kristina McMorris (Sold on a Monday, Sourcebooks Landmark), and Susan Meissner (The Last Year of the War, Berkley).

The imprint is set to release three titles in 2021 and seven in 2022. Harper Muse is part of HarperCollins Focus’ key objectives to connect with great writers and readers who rely on the global reach and distribution network of HarperCollins Worldwide. For more information and to sign up for the imprint’s newsletter, please visit www.harpermuse.com.

#HarperCollinsFocus

PODCAST: Meet the Littlest Cowgirls with USAT Best Seller Melinda Curtis on Book Lights

By

Jocie McKade

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27 February 2021

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Meet the Littlest Cowgirls with USAT Best Seller Melinda Curtis on Book Lights

LISTEN HERE!!

Melinda Curtis is the USA Today bestselling author of light‐hearted contemporary romance. In addition to her Sunshine Valley series from Forever, she’s published independently and with Harlequin Heartwarming, including her book Dandelion Wishes, which was made into a TV movie – Love in Harmony Valley, starring Amber Marshall. She lives in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley with her husband – her basketball-playing college sweetheart. While raising three kids, the couple did the soccer thing, the karate thing, the dance thing, the Little League thing and, of course, the basketball thing. Now when Melinda isn’t writing and Mr. Curtis isn’t watching college basketball, they do the DIY thing. You can find out more at: https://www.melindacurtis.net/

Here’s a look at Melinda’s latest release:

The Littlest Cowgirls: A Clean Romance (The Mountain Monroes Book 7)

This soon-to-be dad…
Is getting a double surprise

Wyatt Halford’s kept his cool as one of Hollywood’s hottest action stars. But coming to Second Chance and discovering he’s about to be a father to twins? Now he’s definitely off-kilter. He certainly can’t afford any complications—like falling for spirited, redheaded actress Ashley Monroe. Wyatt’s dealing with the biggest plot twist of his life. But can he do the right thing…and still find his happy ending?

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com

Book Lights – shining a light on good books!

SNEAK PEEK: Of One Blood by Pauline Hopkins

By

Jocie McKade

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27 February 2021

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Of One Blood: or, The Hidden Self (Haunted Library Horror Classics) by Pauline Hopkins

A groundbreaking tale of racism, identity, and spirituality by African American author Pauline Hopkins

When Reuel Briggs, a medical student at Harvard, witnesses the performance of the beautiful singer Dianthe Lusk at a concert, he’s infatuated by her talent and beauty. That next morning, Reuel is called to treat the victims of a train accident. Among them is Dianthe, seemingly dead, but he revives her using a form of mesmerism.

Reuel falls in love with her and proposes marriage. Wanting to provide for his fiancee, he undertakes a dangerous but lucrative archaeological expedition to Ethiopia, where he discovers more than treasure. Now his special abilities begin to make sense as he learns the truth about his ancestors.

There’s a Book for That: Library Lovers Month

By

Jocie McKade

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26 February 2021

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“Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.” – Walter Cronkite

Don’t we love our libraries? Did you know February is designated Library Lovers Month? As for so many things we cherish and may have taken for granted, the pandemic has proven just how vital libraries are to communities. With their established digital circulation, libraries were at the ready for patrons and have stepped up with curbside pickup, virtual events, story times, and some are safely open. Each library has its own charm, each librarian their own expertise. Check out the following books about libraries!

The Absolute Book by Elizabeth Knox THE ABSOLUTE BOOK: A NOVEL by Elizabeth Knox

A bewitching epic fantasy about a revenge killing, a mysterious scroll box that has survived centuries of fires, and the book that changed everything…

Taryn Cornick believes that the past—her sister’s violent death, and her own ill-conceived revenge—is behind her, and she can get on with her life. She has written a successful book about the things that threaten libraries: insects, damp, light, fire, carelessness and uncaring…but not all of the attention it brings her is good.

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes THE GIVER OF STARS: A NOVEL by Jojo Moyes

SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE!

Set in Depression-era America and based on a true story, The Giver of Stars is a breathtaking story of five extraordinary women, known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky, and their remarkable journey.

The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai THE BORROWER: A NOVEL by Rebecca Makkai

The first novel from the acclaimed author of The Great Believers

Lucy Hull, a children’s librarian in Hannibal, Missouri, finds herself both kidnapper and kidnapped when her favorite patron, ten-year-old Ian Drake, runs away from home. Ian needs Lucy’s help to smuggle books past his overbearing mother, who has enrolled Ian in weekly antigay classes. Desperate to save him from the Drakes, Lucy allows herself to be hijacked by Ian when she finds him camped out in the library after hours, and the odd pair embarks on a crazy road trip. But is it just Ian who is running away? And should Lucy be trying to save a boy from his own parents?

The Broken Spine by Dorothy St. James THE BROKEN SPINE by Dorothy St. James

The first in an exciting new series featuring Trudell Becket, a spunky librarian who will stop at nothing to save her beloved books and catch a killer!

Series Overview: When small-town librarian Trudell Beckett sets up a secret book room in her newly modernized library, she discovers that protecting the printed word is harder than she’d ever imagined. In fact, it’s murder.

The Sixteen Pleasures by Robert Hellenga THE SIXTEEN PLEASURES: A NOVEL by Robert Hellenga

Margot Harrington, an American volunteer in Florence, is an expert at book conservancy. While struggling to save a waterlogged convent library, she comes across a fabulous volume of sixteen erotic drawings by Giulio Romano, accompanying sixteen steamy sonnets by Pietro Aretino. When first published over four centuries ago, the Vatican ordered all copies destroyed. This one—now unique—volume has survived. The abbess prevails upon Margot to save the order’s finances by selling the magnificently illustrated erotica discreetly—meaning without the bishop’s knowledge.

FOR YOUNGER READERS

Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome FINDING LANGSTON by Lesa Cline-Ransome

A Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book

Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

It’s 1946 when eleven-year-old Langston Hughes’ father moves them from their home in Alabama to Chicago’s Bronzeville district after Langston’s mother dies. It feels like he’s giving up everything he loves. But Langston’s new home has one fantastic thing. Unlike the whites-only library in Alabama, the Chicago Public Library welcomes everyone. There, hiding out after school, Langston discovers another Langston–a poet whom he learns inspired his mother enough to name her only son after him.

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine INK AND BONE: THE GREAT LIBRARY by Rachel Caine

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

In this first book in her exhilarating series for young adults, Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.…

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library Movie Tie-In Edition by Chris Grabenstein ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO’S LIBRARY by Chris Grabenstein

When Kyle Keeley learns that the world’s world’s most famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, has designed the town’s new library and is having an invitation-only lock-in on opening night, Kyle is determined to be there! But the tricky part isn’t getting into the library—it’s getting out. Because when morning comes, the doors stay locked. Kyle and the other kids must catch every clue and solve every puzzle to find the hidden escape route!

Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn LOLA AT THE LIBRARY WITH MOMMY by Anna McQuinn, Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Learn about the library, checking out books, and story time with Lola. Every Tuesday Lola and her mommy go to the library. Lola meets her friends there. They share books and don’t have to be quiet all the time. The nice librarian tells stories. There is a big machine that buzzes Lola’s books in and out, and she can take any books she wants home with her. Lola and her mommy always stop for a treat on the way home. No wonder Lola loves the library. For the Spanish edition click here.

For more on these and related titles visit: Library Lovers Month

#penguinrandomhouse

SNEAK PEEK: WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER

By

Jocie McKade

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26 February 2021

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Cooperation, helping, and working together are beautifully illustrated in this book that demonstrates the joys of community and teamwork for young readers.

We’re Better Together when we play, when we make music, and when everyone pitches in. This celebration of coming together to solve problems, support communities, and honor everyone’s differences is perfect for young children who are learning about empathy and cooperation. With durable cardstock pages and approachable language, this book will help spark meaningful conversations at home or in the classroom.

Winner, Mom’s Choice Award, Gold

Series Overview: The Highlights Books of Kindness is a three-book series that features a durable hardcover and sturdy cardstock pages—the perfect transition from board books to picture books. This series is one of the few that parents, caregivers, and educators can use as a practical tool to discuss kindness with everyday examples, carefully crafted for the classroom. Each book ends with an empowering message and individual quotes from real children on what kindness means to them.

SCHOLASTIC TO PUBLISH KALEIDESCOPE, A NEW NOVEL BY BRIAN SELZNICK

By

Jocie McKade

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26 February 2021

0

Scholastic to Publish Kaleidescope, a New Novel by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick on September 21, 2021

Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, announced today that it will publish Kaleidoscope, a spellbinding and stunning new novel by Brian Selznick, the #1 New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret which was adapted into an Oscar®-winning film Hugo. Kaleidoscope, for readers ages 10 and up, is a multi-layered story about love and loss and will be published simultaneously in hardcover and ebook formats on September 21, 2021 in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and worldwide thereafter.

A ship. A garden. A library. A key. In Kaleidoscope the incomparable Brian Selznick presents the story of two people bound to each other through time and space, memory and dreams. At the center of their relationship is a mystery about the nature of grief and love which will look different to each reader. Told over the course of twenty-four chapters, each featuring an iconic black and white graphite illustration by Selznick, Kaleidoscope is a feat of storytelling that illuminates how even the wildest tales can help us in the hardest times.

Ellie Berger, President of Scholastic’s Trade Division, said: “Brian Selznick is a boldly innovative storyteller and artist. His latest masterpiece, Kaleidoscope, is both mysterious and moving, haunting and heartwarming—a searing and hopeful tale that will be treasured by readers.”

“Every Brian Selznick book not only tells you a great story, but shows you a compelling new way that a great story can be told. Kaleidoscope beats with a human heart and breathes the oxygen of life itself. And if you want to know what I mean by that, you’ll have to lose yourself in its pages and give yourself to the words and images it offers,” said David Levithan, VP, Publisher, and Editorial Director for Scholastic.

Brian Selznick said, “I’ve been working on Kaleidoscope for the last five years, but the book transformed completely since the pandemic began into something unlike anything else I’ve written or illustrated. Readers of my other books will find familiar elements in it: a trip to the moon, shipwrecks, fires, angels and keys. But, like looking through a kaleidoscope, all these elements have shifted and rearranged into something new. I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

About Brian Selznick

Brian Selznick broke open the novel form with his innovative and genre-breaking books creating an entirely new reading experience. He is the Caldecott Medal-winning creator of the #1 New York Times bestsellers The Invention of Hugo Cabret, adapted into Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning movie Hugo; and Wonderstruck, adapted into the eponymous movie by celebrated filmmaker Todd Haynes, with a screenplay by Selznick; as well as the New York Times bestsellers The Marvels and Baby Monkey, Private Eye co-written by David Serlin. Most recently, he illustrated the 20th anniversary paperback edition covers of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. His books have garnered countless accolades worldwide, and have been translated into more than 35 languages.

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny Team Up to Write Thriller

By

Jocie McKade

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25 February 2021

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STATE OF TERROR to be jointly published by Simon & Schuster and St. Martin’s Press in October

Simon & Schuster and St. Martin’s Press are proud to publish a novel written by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny. A unique collaboration by two long-time friends and thriller aficionados, STATE OF TERROR will be published on October 12, 2021.

The story follows a novice Secretary of State who has joined the administration of her rival, a president inaugurated after four years of American leadership that shrank from the world stage. A series of terrorist attacks throws the global order into disarray, and the Secretary is tasked with assembling a team to unravel the deadly conspiracy, a scheme carefully designed to take advantage of an American government dangerously out of touch and out of power in the places where it counts the most.

This high-stakes thriller of international intrigue features behind-the-scenes global drama informed by details only an insider could know.

“When it was suggested my friend Hillary and I write a political thriller together, I could not say yes fast enough,” said Louise Penny. “What an incredible experience, to get inside the State Department. Inside the White House. Inside the mind of the Secretary of State as high stake crises explode. Before we started, we talked about her time as Secretary of State. What was her worst nightmare? STATE OF TERROR is the answer.”

Hillary Clinton added, “Writing a thriller with Louise is a dream come true. I’ve relished every one of her books and their characters as well as her friendship. Now we’re joining our experiences to explore the complex world of high stakes diplomacy and treachery. All is not as it first appears.”

In a joint statement, Jonathan Karp, President and Chief Executive Officer of Simon & Schuster, and Don Weisberg, Chief Executive Officer of Macmillan Trade Publishers, said, “When we read Louise Penny and Hillary Clinton’s outline for STATE OF TERROR, it was immediately clear that when an ingenious novelist goes to work with one of the world’s most knowledgeable leaders, the results are kinetic. We are delighted to be part of this exciting publishing relationship, and we expect STATE OF TERROR to thrill legions of readers throughout the world.”

Simon & Schuster and St. Martin’s acquired World and Audio Rights from Robert B. Barnett of Williams & Connolly, who represented Hillary Clinton, and David Gernert of The Gernert Company, who represented Louise Penny in the deal, with Pan Macmillan publishing in the UK simultaneously. Jennifer Enderlin, President and Publisher of the St. Martin’s Publishing Group, will edit the novel.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Hillary Rodham Clinton is the first woman in US history to become the presidential nominee of a major political party. She served as the 67th Secretary of State after nearly four decades in public service advocating on behalf of children and families as an attorney, First Lady, and US Senator. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author of seven previous books, all published by Simon & Schuster.

Louise Penny is an international award winning and bestselling author whose books have hit #1 on the New York Times, USA Today, and Globe and Mail lists. Her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels, published by Minotaur Books, an imprint of the St. Martin’s Publishing Group, have been translated into 31 languages. In 2017, she received the Order of Canada for her contributions to Canadian culture. Louise Penny lives in a village south of Montréal.

#simonandschuster #stmartinspress

BOOK REVIEW: “THE BITTERROOTS” BY C.J. BOX

By

Jocie McKade

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25 February 2021

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BOOK REVIEW: “THE BITTERROOTS” BY C.J. BOX

After the events of the last book, Cassie Dewell has moved her family (mother, Isabel, and 14 year old son, Ben) back to Montana (Bozeman).

With the desire still strong to uphold the law, even though her law enforcement career is now behind her, Cassie is now a small business owner: Dewell Investigations, Inc.

Money is not a problem as Dewell Investigations has a reputation of being honest, thorough, and, just like Cassie, hardnosed but fair.

Hooking up with an old friend Rachel Mitchell from the woman owned law firm, Mitchell-Estrella as their primary investigator, Cassie is meeting with Rachel about a new client: Blake Kleinsasser.

Blake has recently returned to Montana (from the hated New York) where he was successful in the financial arena.

Problem is….when he left, the Kleinsasser family, disowned him calling him a traitor to the family. Parent, brothers and sister hated him to varying degrees and are not one bit happy that the oldest son has returned, presumably to grab the inheritance now that dear old dad is drooling in a wheel chair after a stroke.

Now Blake sits in jail accused of raping his 15 year old niece (his sister’s daughter)!

The physical evidence is convincing…semen, fingerprints, and sworn testimony from the 15 year old. It looks like a solid foundation of evidence to go to court with…..except Rachel wants Cassie to make sure the evidence is as solid as it looks.

Road trip!

Cassie is off to the backwards Kleinsasser controlled county of Lochsa County at the foot of the Bitterroots Mountain range.

There…..all HELL breaks loose, and Cassie……

Oh, to see what happens, you will have to read the book. 🙂

“The Bitterroots” is a fantastic, enthralling, thriller. I could not put it down and read it in record time. I hope C.J. is working on a 5th Cassie Dewell novel, but, it’s been a couple of years, and the TV show (“Big Sky”) may be hindering his efforts (think R.R. as I wait almost 10 years now…..for the next book).

Although Cassie is tough…..I found myself hoping for Joe or Nate (preferably, Nate) to show up to help! Alas, they did not. 😦

2021 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction Longlist Nominees

By

Jocie McKade

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25 February 2021

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The Longlist Titles are:

Bestiary by K-Ming Chang (One World)
Dear Ann by Bobbie Ann Mason (HarperCollins)
Disappear Doppelgänger Disappear by Matthew Salesses (Little A)
The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe (Alfred A. Knopf)
Mother Daughter Widow Wife by Robin Wasserman (Scribner)
Nine Shiny Objects by Brian Castleberry (Custom House)
The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans (Riverhead)
Scattered Lights by Steve Wiegenstein (Cornerpost)
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (West Virginia University Press)
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi (Alfred A. Knopf)

“These extraordinary times have called forth extraordinary art,” said PEN/Faulkner’s Awards Committee Chair, Louis Bayard in a press release, “and the ten titles chosen for our longlist are a powerful reminder that fiction is as essential as ever.”

Follow this link for additional details on the awards ceremony and the nominees.

MEET THE AUTHOR: LAWNA MACKIE

By

Jocie McKade

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24 February 2021

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FEBRUARY IS FOR ROMANCE AUTHORS!

MEET LAWNA MACKIE

My name is Lawna and I’m an avid romance reader and author. I wanted to share something about me that was a bit different and something that my readers may not know.

Well, I’m an animal lover through and through. I love them all and it doesn’t matter what kind. Domestic, wild, feathered, or furred. Whatever I write will always have an animal or fantasy critter bouncing off the pages. I can guarantee they will steal your heart away. Most of my readers will know this, but what some of them don’t know is how I come up with ideas. Okay, hang in there I’ll share that in a moment.

I love outdoors and camping. I’m certain I was born in a tent. I have two cats and a giant Alaskan Malamute, and they love camping with us. The cats do not hang out on leashes. They are free to go wherever they please. They also love going for walks and will literally tag along for miles, and no they are never on a leash.

The other thing I love to do when we go camping is to go swimming. Now bear in mind…in May the ice doesn’t come off the lakes and rivers until the end of the month. I, however, am never discouraged and always find myself in the water. Nobody ever comes with me, but hey I can’t blame them for that.

I have numerous stories regarding the wilderness, some fictional and some not so much. By the time I was five I had my first fishing trophy, had a pet Kingfisher (a bird), saw skunks daily, and at twelve, gained the trust and friendship of a wolf named Scram. Oh, the stories I could tell.

After a wonderful day of camping my favorite snack is Fudgee O cookies and a glass of milk. This is where the magic happens. I close my eyes and dream! Boy do I dream! Aero chocolate bars have the same effect. On one adventure I dreamt of a hippo-dog-burrowing owl and a critter called Storm Cat. My incredible artist girlfriend drew them for me. If you ask, I’d be happy to share the pictures.

There you have it…a little about me that you might not have known. I hope you’ll join me and read a couple of my books. I’m sure there is something for everyone from contemporary, suspense, thrillers, fantasy, paranormal to erotica. Each one with a whole lot of love and romance.

Here’s a look at Lawna’s latest release CAST IN STONE:

Emma Taggart is a headstrong determined woman who knows exactly what she wants. That would be Finn Avery—not because he’s a multimillionaire with a mountain of gold—literally, but because all her life she’s had a crush on him. He also happens to be her best friend’s brother.

When Emma finds herself in the small town of Dawson City, Yukon, for a second time, she realizes the beauty of the wilderness has grown on her. Granted the place is a far cry from the glamorous city of Chicago. Her job was to film and produce a special story for a prominent Chicago fashion magazine. It seemed a perfect way for her to spend time with Finn.

Trouble begins when Finn’s best friend and partner passes away. Finn blames himself for the death and turns away from those who care. Emma knows he cares for her, the heated moments spent together spoke the truth, but now she can’t seem to break through to him.

When a pompous billionaire, Marco Bishop, comes parading into town offering to buy the Charlie Avery Gold Mine, Finn is furious. The man has little respect for the town and its heritage, even worse he has come to fancy Emma and is determined to have her as his next conquest. Not only does Marco want the gold mine, but he’s certain he knows where to find diamonds. Marco persuades Emma to take a day trip with him up into the mountains, but by the time she realizes there is more to his plans, she knows she’s in terrible trouble.

Finn suspects Emma has been taken against her will. He is determined to find her and bring her home. It’s another adventure into the brutal wilderness, where the rivers are as wild as the animals they encounter.

Along the way Emma, Finn and Groot…the baby wolverine…yes, a baby wolverine, discover some interesting clues cast in the stones. Finn refuses to let anything happen to Emma but wonders if it might be too late. His great-great uncle once wrote—true treasures come from the heart.