FOUR! Book two in the Highwayman series By MJ Preston!

23 February 2020

FOUR!
Book two in the Highwayman series
The series finale By Canada’s own, MJ Preston!

Having abstained from killing for almost a year, the Highwayman is coming unglued.

Unsure if the FBI is watching, Lance Belanger spends his days and nights in a paranoid malaise, longing to kill again. Meanwhile, in Bucharest, Romania, an Interpol raid leads to clues and a witness who can identify the Highwayman. Armed with new evidence, newly promoted SAC FBI Agent, Dave Maxwell heads for Bucharest, as his team of investigators redeploys their investigation on their original suspect, Lance Belanger. It would appear, the net is closing.

But the Highwayman has other ideas.

Just after dusk, outside of Pittsburgh, four strangers exit a service van and perpetrate the mass murder of four families in their suburban homes. It doesn’t take long for the FBI to connect the killings to Highwayman, and when they raid Belanger’s properties, they are left a parting gift.

Another murder and a message for Maxwell from the Highwayman himself.

Come and find me!

As the killing ramps up, Maxwell leads a posse of investigators across two states, north to Canada to try and thwart the Highwayman in his endgame, that involves kidnapping, mass murder, and betrayal.

The predator is now the prey.

But can they stop him before he disappears for good?

HIGHWAYMAN: Book One Highwayman Series
The most terrifying monsters are real and walk among us every day!

Meet Lance Belanger, he has only one ambition, to be the most infamous killer of all time. After murdering a single mom and her toddler child, Lance indoctrinates himself into the world of serial murder. Before long, the bodies start turning up all over the country. Each victim is incapacitated by a puncture wound to the spine, then, while still alive, they are dismembered, their arms, legs, and head are severed from the torso.

FBI investigators call their killer “Highwayman.” But beyond the multi-state dumping of staged victims, the killer has left them little else to go on. With no DNA or forensic evidence, veteran FBI agent Lewis Ash is in a race against retirement as he tracks the elusive murderer.

Meanwhile, Lance has other plans that will up his game and increase his body count. In a web of murder that reaches from the United States to Bucharest, Romania, a diabolical plan is set into motion to attract the most dangerous predators the world has to offer.

Can the FBI stop this killer before he sets his plan into motion?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

M.J. Preston’s debut novel: THE EQUINOX, published in 2012, was a quarterfinalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Awards and rated a solid straight horror novel by a reviewer at Publisher’s Weekly.

His second novel: ACADIA EVENT, published in 2015, was inspired by his time running the world longest ice road, as an ice road trucker, in the Canada’s Northwest Territories. It is set to be re-released with his publisher, WildBlue Press.

His third novel: HIGHWAYMAN, a thriller, was published July 02, 2019 with WildBlue Press. He has also published scores of short stories in anthologies around the world. In addition to writing, MJ is an artist and an amateur photographer.

The sequel to Highwayman, titled: FOUR, will be available for purchase on the 25^th of February 2020. More information can be found about MJ at: http://mjpreston.net

To request additional review copies or an interview with MJ Preston, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925. We look forward to the coverage!

Author Dan Brown to Publish Debut Picture Book

Jocie McKade

22 February 2020

Rodale Kids, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, will publish WILD SYMPHONY, a picture book by Dan Brown, author of the New York Times bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code, it was announced by Barbara Marcus, President & Publisher, Random House Children’s Books. Brown’s debut picture book will be accompanied by his first official music release since his writing career began—a children’s classical music album that enhances the read-aloud into a multisensory experience for children and adults to listen to and read together. WILD SYMPHONY will release on September 1, 2020, with a first printing of 150,000 copies, and is set to publish in 27 countries and counting.

Brown

Mallory Loehr, SVP, Publisher, Random House Books for Young Readers Group, acquired North American rights to WILD SYMPHONY from Heide Lange at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. Dani Valladares, Editor at Rodale Kids, will edit. Classical music publisher Boosey & Hawkes will distribute the printed music, performed by the renowned Zagreb Festival Orchestra in Croatia, and recorded by PARMA Recordings. Additionally, the full WILD SYMPHONY album will be released simultaneously with the book in September and available via all major digital platforms.

WILD SYMPHONY is a uniquely entertaining picture book experience in which the playful Maestro Mouse, trusty baton in hand, brings readers along as he visits a variety of animal friends, from cheetahs and kangaroos to elephants and blue whales. Each beautifully illustrated spread is dedicated to a different animal and offers a piece of mindful wisdom for navigating life. These bits of wisdom will inspire conversations around themes of compassion, patience, respect, and confidence, as well as mindfulness, taking life slowly, and community. Susan Batori’s illustrations add kid-friendly humor, and additional clues and puzzles are hidden in the detailed backgrounds for interested readers of all ages.

Children and adults can enjoy this timeless picture book as a traditional read-along, or can choose to listen to the original musical compositions as they read—one for each animal—using a free interactive smartphone app, which uses augmented reality to instantly play the appropriate song for each page when the camera of a mobile device is held over it. A preview of the music and behind-the-scenes footage is available now at wildsymphony.com. At publication, the accompanying music app will be available for free download via the website and the QR code in WILD SYMPHONY.

A lifelong musician, Brown was inspired by children’s classical works such as Peter and the Wolf, along with picture books from his childhood. In WILD SYMPHONY, he combines music and writing for a new generation of young people using cutting-edge technology to help them engage with his work.

“I love storytelling, and my novels always attempt to weave together varied themes,” Brown explains. “With WILD SYMPHONY, I was excited to build on this idea and create a truly layered experience by using three different languages simultaneously—art, music, and words. In the same way that an opera captivates its audience by presenting beautiful sets, dramatic music, and lyrical drama, WILD SYMPHONY strives to be an immersive feast for eyes, ears, and mind, all at the same time.”

Says editor Valladares: “From the first read, it was clear to me that WILD SYMPHONY was far more than a children’s book—it is filled with the natural kindness and playful spirit that defines childhood. Though there are many reasons why this book is extraordinary, one remains close to my heart. Our Maestro Mouse never lets us lose sight of what’s important: that we all feel united in caring for each other, and ourselves. He becomes the voice inside all our heads, for a lifetime of mindfulness. I am so excited for readers to experience WILD SYMPHONY and for it to bring as many smiles to readers around the world as it has to all of us.”

Bob Lord, CEO of PARMA Recordings and music producer of WILD SYMPHONY, expressed enthusiasm for working with Brown, saying, “WILD SYMPHONY combines tradition and tech in signature Dan Brown fashion. The concert hall needs a new classic, and WILD SYMPHONY is a fresh, vivacious journey for children and parents alike.”

The world premiere concert of WILD SYMPHONY will be announced. Additional WILD SYMPHONY concerts with live symphony orchestra will take place in dozens of countries worldwide, dates to be shared in the near future.

Dan Brown is the author of numerous #1 international bestsellers, including The Da Vinci Code, Inferno, The Lost Symbol, Angels & Demons, Deception Point, Digital Fortress, and Origin, with over 220 million copies in print. He is a graduate of Amherst College and Phillips Exeter Academy, where he spent time as an English teacher before turning his efforts fully to writing. He lives in New England. You can follow Dan at danbrown.com and @authordanbrown. Brown is currently working on a tantalizing new Robert Langdon thriller.

Susan Batori is a Hungarian illustrator, graphic designer, and character design addict. She studied graphic design at the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest.

SNEAK PEEK: Sedona Seduction by Lisa Kessler

Jocie McKade

19 February 2020

Sedona Seduction by Lisa Kessler

Jaguar shifter, Vance Park used to be one of the Nero Organization’s top assassins, but today he calls the Sedona Pack his family, and Sedona, Arizona, his home. He’s no longer a hired gun, but a new senate candidate with insider secrets into Nero’s shifter experiments, may change all that. Campaign promises could put targets on the backs of all the people Vance cares about, especially Kaya. He may have one last job after all.

Kaya Blackwing has always been a loner, but through a twist of fate, she’s finally found her Pack, and a place to belong. When she discovers her one true mate is a man with a deathwish, and more secrets than she can count, she struggles to redirect her wolf’s primal instincts, but one kiss from Vance seduces her to dream of a future together, and she won’t give it up without a fight.

You can purchase SEDONA SEDUCTION at:

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NPZBNC5/

iBooks – https://books.apple.com/us/book/sedona-seduction/id1482804664?mt=11&app=itunes&at=1001lce2

B&N – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130576743?ean=2940161315170

KOBO – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sedona-seduction

EXCERPT:

I stared through the glass, taking in Kaya’s every move, and even though I had no right to it, pride swelled in my chest. She was a force of nature.

“I’ll grab your drinks.” Brody hustled back inside while I patted the chair to my right. Abigail hopped up and sat like the lady she was, her ears up, ready for her close up.

I stroked her forehead until the glass door opened.

“Hey, stranger.” Kaya had a dimple in her right cheek that made me ache to keep her smiling.

“Hi. Didn’t mean to intrude. Brody told me you’re entertaining the press inside.” I tipped my head toward the main dining room. “How’s it going?”

She shrugged. “They seem to like the food so far, but you never know how they’ll edit the segment.” Her dark eyes met mine. “Is everything all right?”

Since the Sedona Pack had finally gotten behind Asher as their new Alpha, he had brought me into the fold, too. It was a bumpy beginning since everyone in the pack, including Kaya, knew I had spent most of my life working for Nero, which also meant killing for them. But I earned their trust, walked away from being a hired gun, and bought a gem and rock shop . I also stepped into my role as Asher’s right hand when it came to protecting the pack which meant every time I showed up, the others tended to think there was trouble on the horizon.

“Yeah, I have a rugby scrimmage with the Black Sheep tonight. Just wanted to get some food first.” All true, I had just left out the main reason for my visit: Kaya herself.

She knelt down beside my chair, massaging Abby’s ears and kissing the top of her head. Damn, I’d never been so jealous of a dog.

Abby ate up the attention, giving Kaya a wet kiss on the chin. Kaya laughed, and her eyes sparkled as she looked up at me. “Carnitas de Coyote and pollo for the puppy?”

“Sounds like heaven.” And I meant it. Kaya’s food meshed traditional Mexican cuisine with her Navajo roots in a perfect harmony of flavor. It was tough to go back to a flat tortilla after you had carnitas with her freshly made fry bread.

“I better get back to the team inside. Brody will bring your food right out.”

“Thanks, Kaya.” We stared at each other for a second longer than we should have. It was our usual awkward pause. I took responsibility for it. Although I yearned to touch her, to tell her how much of my day I spent imagining kissing her full lips, one secret held me back.

It was torture. But I couldn’t keep myself away, either.

She finally smiled and opened the door, leaving me and Abby behind. I turned to my date and sighed. “Abigail, what the fuck am I doing?”

Abby chuffed and resumed sniffing the table for any crumbs that had been left behind.

Everyone in the pack believed their previous Alpha hadn’t known that Kaya had been a skin walker before she was bitten. She became a rare hybrid of shifter species, able to shift into her lynx at will, and into a werewolf during the full moon.

They also had no idea that she was not the only one.

One of my final missions for Nero was to sniff out skin walkers—men and women born with the genetic ability to shift into animal form at will. Nero scientists wanted to perform experiments on them—just another step in their constant mission to create super soldiers who could shapeshift and heal quickly.

If we ever found proof of vampires, I had no doubt Nero would’ve been injecting us in the hopes we’d become immortal super soldiers.

Kaya had been my final assignment. Three years ago, I’d been the one to deliver Nero’s command for Caldwell to have her bitten during the full moon . But something had happened while I watched her from a distance, and when the time had come for her to be shipped to Nero for experiments, I wasn’t able to do it. Instead, I helped my friend Sebastian destroy Nero.

I was no hero, but she had reminded me of what it felt like to care about someone other than myself. But if she ever discovered my secret, my betrayal, she’d have every reason to hate me. The whole pack would disown me, and I was so fucking sick of being alone, of being on the run. For once, I’d found a home and a family, and I wanted to keep it.

So as much as I ached for more, Kaya was off-limits. I could keep secrets, but I couldn’t lie to her.

Not to Kaya.

About the Author:

If we’ve never met before, I write dark, passionate, paranormal tales that I hope will help you leave the real world behind.I also host the Book Lights podcast for Reader’s Entertainment Radio, and I have such a blast chatting about books of all genres. Be sure to click the Book Lights tab to hear some of your favorite authors, and maybe find a few new favorites.My book list and blog are updated and ready for visitors too… My next release is coming in February, SEDONA SEDUCTION, book 2 in the Sedona Pack series. Can’t wait for you to read it! You can subscribe to my newsletter here for more information and sneak peeks into upcoming books.

Find out more about Lisa at:

Her website: http://www.authorlisakessler.com/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44448447-sedona-seduction

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/ldydisney/scenes-from-sedona-seduction/

Jeanine Cummins’ American Dirt as February 2020 National Book Club Selection

Jocie McKade

18 February 2020

9781250772404_p0_v2_s550x406 American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins as the February 2020 selection for the Barnes & Noble Book Club, a monthly book club designed to bring readers in communities across the country together to discuss the most compelling books. Barnes & Noble is selling a special, exclusive Book Club edition of American Dirt as well as hosting a free Book Club night for customers to discuss the novel in stores across the country on March 10, at 7 PM local time. Customers can purchase the exclusive edition at Barnes & Noble stores or at BN.com.

“With Jeanine Cummins’ American Dirt, we have a selected a book that will resonate with our customers and stay with them long after they turn the final page,” said Liz Harwell, Senior Director of Merchandising, Trade Books at Barnes & Noble. “American Dirt is a heart-racing page turner that takes readers into the heart of the migrant crisis.”

“I’m thrilled that Barnes & Noble has chosen American Dirt for their book club,” said author Jeanine Cummins. “This story came about because I felt there was a dueling narrative about migrants from each side of the political spectrum where the actual people involved were forgotten. I wanted to write a novel to hopefully start a new conversation about migrants as human beings, and so I am delighted to know that book clubs around the country will be discussing American Dirt. I hope it generates lots of conversation, and I can’t wait to hear the discussions.”

Barnes & Noble holds Book Club discussions about one month after the Company’s Book Club pick is published. The Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition of American Dirt includes a personal essay from Jeanine Cummins, as well as a discussion guide.

Previous Barnes & Noble Book Club selections include: The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer, Clock Dance by Anne Tyler, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green, The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict, The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin, The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See, Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly, The Guest Book by Sarah Blake, Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner, The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, Inland by Téa Obreht, The Testaments by Margaret Atwood, Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo and The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell, and Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano.

For more details, customers can ask one of their local, knowledgeable Barnes & Noble booksellers, or check the Barnes & Noble Store Locator for event information. They can also join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat (bnsnaps) and Facebook, using hashtag #BNBookClub.

Harlequin Love Inspired Now Accepting Submissions

Jocie McKade

17 February 2020

Love Inspired, Harlequin’s inspirational romance imprint, announces the launch of a new trade paperback fiction publishing program, starting spring 2021.

The Love Inspired trade paperback program will feature a variety of genres, such as romantic suspense, historical fiction, historical romance, Amish fiction and contemporary women’s fiction. The new program will continue to have the key elements that appeal to Love Inspired readers, including strong Christian characters whose faith enables them to overcome challenges, and wholesome, entertaining stories that will leave readers with hope.

Love Inspired’s category romance lines, Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense, offer readers contemporary inspirational romances where characters of faith face complicated issues of life and love in today’s world.

“The popularity of our Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense romance lines has encouraged us to expand in new and exciting ways. The trade imprint’s longer word count will allow for more complex stories and characters, and I’m excited to see the first submissions,” shares Executive Editor Tina James.

Love Inspired trade paperback program is now open to receiving original agented submissions (80,000–100,000 words). Contact Executive Editor Tina James, Tina.James@Harlequin.com, and Senior Editor Melissa Endlich, Melissa.Endlich@Harlequin.com, for submissions or questions.

Harlequin Announces Winning Recipient for Romance Includes You Mentorship

Jocie McKade

15 February 2020

Author Sera Taíno’s debut romance novel to be published in Harlequin Special Edition in 2021

Debut romance author Sera Taíno has been selected for Harlequin’s Romance Includes You Mentorship, an initiative launched in 2019 to reach out to diverse communities of writers and bring more diverse and own voices stories to romance readers. Ms. Taíno’s submission, Incomparable, was selected from among 11 finalists and over 160 submissions Harlequin received.

Incomparable is a contemporary romance set in New Jersey that follows a young woman from a Puerto Rican family who thinks she’s met Mr. Right, only to find out his family’s real estate business has plans that could change her beloved community forever. Ms. Taíno will work with a mentor editor who will offer editorial feedback, help to build relationships across the publishing team, and share knowledge of the romance market and industry.

Ms. Taíno said she learned to love romance novels from her mother, who read them to improve her English. “It wasn’t long until I was writing my own stories with characters like the people I grew up with in places I’ve called home. I am overwhelmed with excitement at the thought of seeing my book published by Harlequin,” said Ms. Taíno.

“Incomparable stood out among many excellent stories because of its engaging characters and vivid portrayal of Latinx life in New York and New Jersey,” said Glenda Howard, Harlequin’s Senior Executive Editor. “We can’t wait to work with Sera and to bring her story to readers next year.”

The Romance Includes You Mentorship includes a $5,000 (U.S.) writing grant and a publishing contract. Ms. Taíno’s book will be published in Harlequin Special Edition in 2021. Harlequin books are available in print and ebook formats through major retailers in North America, UK, Australia and internationally, as well as through Harlequin’s subscription program.

The Romance Includes You Mentorship is part of a range of initiatives to further broaden diversity, representation and inclusion among the authors and stories Harlequin publishes, including support for writers’ conferences and organizations promoting diversity and inclusion in publishing, development of a scholarship program to foster diverse voices, and regular participation in #DVpit and other Twitter story pitch events that connect editors with marginalized voices.

AN INTERVIEW WITH SERA!!!

Harlequin: What inspired you to apply for the Romance Includes You Mentorship?

ST: As an educator, I have seen the value of the mentoring model for creating opportunities and entry points for students. The publishing industry appears inscrutable to those on the outside. More than publishing a book, I could not pass up the chance to try for an opportunity to participate in a structured mentorship program that would allow me to demystify a process I very much want to be a part of.

Harlequin: When did you first know you wanted to become a published romance novelist?

ST: I always knew I wanted to be a writer. I can’t remember when I made the conscious decision to write. I’ve always written in one form or another. However, it was only about five years ago that I began to take concrete steps towards becoming a published writer.

Harlequin: How did it feel to get the call from Harlequin’s editor?

ST: I couldn’t believe it and I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. I had to keep the news to myself because the official announcement hadn’t been made yet so I immediately called my aunt, who is only a few years older than my mother would have been. (Editor’s note: Sera’s mother passed away when she was 14.) My aunt immediately texted me a picture of one of the Harlequins she’d just received in the mail. We were both blown away at the idea that one day, she’d be receiving one of my books in the mail, too.

Harlequin: What do you want to bring to the romance genre for readers?

ST: There are so many amazing writers who are already doing the work of bringing their stories to a wide audience, many of whom I admire and look up to. The experiences of any group are not, by any means, monolithic. I just want the opportunity to bring my flavor of experience to a conversation that is already taking place, one that asserts that everyone deserves a happily ever after, no matter who they are, where they come from, or with whom they are falling in love.

Harlequin: What do you hope to gain from the mentorship?

ST: I’m in student mode! I want to learn all I can about the publishing process and create connections with other professionals. Maybe one day, I’ll have the knowledge base to pay it forward and offer guidance to someone else who is where I am now.

Sera learned to love romance novels from her mother who read them to improve her English. It wasn’t long until she was writing her own stories, with characters like the people she grew up with in places she’s called home. Sera currently lives in central Florida where she teaches high school and runs a creative writing club. When she’s not writing or teaching, she can be found traveling, or wrangling her family. Visit her website at serataino.com.

Please visit Harlequin.com and Facebook.com/HarlequinBooks. Follow Harlequin on Twitter: @HarlequinBooks.

JUST BREATHE: CHIN UP TITS OUT The series finale By Miranda OH!

Jocie McKade

13 February 2020

breathe Continuing the saga of Hadley, recently divorced and wending her way down the path of life in anticipation of her rapidly approaching 30th birthday as a single woman. Testing waters and wantonly accepting new and exhilarating scenarios, Hadley wisely chooses each path carefully before diving into the quagmire which is life. A humorous, oft times sexy, look at life from a young woman’s standpoint, readers will laugh out loud at some scenarios, cry at others and knowingly shake their heads at still others.

Miranda Oh is the author of the successful Chick Lit series, Chin Up Tits Out! Author Miranda Oh, a girl of Metis tradition and descent is your typical girl: She loves the sunset, loves long walks on the beach, world travels, and when not playing the corporate part she can be found sipping wine and spending all her hard-earned money on nice shoes. Among her friends and family, Miranda Oh is known to be the storyteller of the group, always recapping crazy life stories and situations. Her personal experiences, emotions and fantasies are the inspiration for most of her books, so there is a little bit of her in every story. More info can be found about Miranda at https://www.mirandaoh.com/

To request additional review copies or an interview with Miranda OH, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.

Emmy Award Winning Actress Patricia Heaton To Pen Inspirational Book

Jocie McKade

12 February 2020

Simon & Schuster announced today that it will publish YOUR SECOND ACT: INSPIRING STORIES OF REINVENTION by Patricia Heaton, on May 5, 2020, in hardcover, ebook, and audio editions. In her forthcoming book, Heaton, Emmy-winning actress and star of numerous hit sitcoms including Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle, and CBS’s new comedy Carol’s Second Act (from which the book’s title is taken), shares wisdom from her own personal journey as well as insight from stories of numerous people across the country as they sought their true calling. From work to health, to love and more, the results are heartwarming, inspiring, and surprisingly relatable.

Heaton knows something about what it’s like to stage a second act. Just like her portrayal of Carol in Carol’s Second Act, when Heaton’s children left the nest she found herself with an empty house and some space in her calendar. Shortly after, she took a leap in her career and for the first time, Heaton is now both the star of her own show, and the executive producer. Beyond even that, what she really considers her second act is her humanitarian work as an ambassador for World Vision, where she where she travels around the globe to witness firsthand World Vision’s work in developing countries, and brings back these moving stories to raise awareness and funds to support World Vision’s commitment to providing clean water to all 100 countries they serve, along with health, education, maternal support and disaster relief programs.

Heaton writes, “I’m embarking on what I call my second act. I have lived a life beyond my wildest dreams and I’m so grateful. Life wasn’t handed to me on a silver platter by any stretch. I’ve worked hard, skinned my knees, cried my eyes out, regretted, doubted, and second-guessed myself along the way.”

“For me, handing everything over to God changed my life,” Heaton adds. “I’ve gone up and down many different paths; looking back, I see how the seed for my second act was clearly planted in my first act. I think you’ll find the same is true for you, too.”

“As I read, I felt as though Patricia had taken my hand,” says Emily Graff, editor at Simon & Schuster, who acquired world and audio rights from Ryan Bundra at Talent LINK. “She speaks with honesty, humor, and grace about her second act, and all of the second acts included here. She shows the full scope of possibilities awaiting us, from volunteer work to career changes to even another chance at love. If you are seeking something more from life, this book proves that you can have it, and Patricia shares practical tools to use for when you’re ready to start your second act. I know many will draw inspiration and support from this book.”

Filled with anecdotes and practical steps to help you discover your own path, YOUR SECOND ACT explores incredible stories of reinvention, showing us that midlife doesn’t have to be about crisis when you focus on the opportunity.

If you are in transition, if you feel dissatisfied, or have a stirring inside that there is more, this book is for you. Be encouraged and inspired to step out and follow what’s in your heart because it’s never too late, or too early to stage your second act!

Patricia Heaton is an Emmy-winning actress who has played two beloved TV moms on the long-running sitcoms Everybody Loves Raymond and The Middle. Heaton’s celebrated career continues with her return to CBS in Carol’s Second Act. The sitcom follows divorced 50-year old Carol Kenney (played by Heaton), who upon retiring as a teacher decides to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. In 2001, Heaton cofounded FourBoys Films, a production company which she runs with her husband David Hunt. Heaton recently launched her homewares line “Patricia Heaton Home” with Walmart. Born out of her love for spending quality time with family and friends, this delightful and charming product line was a natural next step after her Emmy Award-winning Food Network series Patricia Heaton Parties and her first cookbook, Patricia Heaton’s Food for Family and Friends. A committed philanthropist, Heaton is the founding member of World Vision’s Celebrity Ambassador Network. She is the author of Your Second Act, and lives in Los Angeles with her husband.

Hachette Book Group Acquires More than 1,000 Disney Book Group Titles

Jocie McKade

11 February 2020

Hachette Book Group (HBG) announced today that they have acquired more than 1,000 titles published under Disney Book Group. The catalog includes Newbery, Caldecott, and Geisel award-winners, bestselling series, and backlist titles by children’s literature luminaries, as well as a number of new books releasing in 2020 and beyond. These titles will begin publishing under HBG’s Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR) division and imprint, effective immediately. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) will focus on acquiring and developing content that can be leveraged beyond books across multiple platforms and media.

Hachette Book Group CEO Michael Pietsch said, “We’re thrilled to be the new home for this extraordinary collection of books. HBG already knows and loves these titles after many years of handling

sales and distribution for Disney Book Group’s imprints, and we are proud now to become their publisher. This acquisition is a natural step in HBG’s plans for growth and backlist expansion. I’m looking forward to seeing LBYR turn its creative and collaborative energies and its market expertise to this superb group of children’s book creators.”

“Hachette, our distributor for many years, is the perfect home for this collection of books and authors,” said Tonya Agurto, senior vice president, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “As part of one of the largest entertainment companies in the world, we look forward to creating and developing content that is so compelling that it can be experienced beyond books across multiple platforms and media.”
Disney Publishing Worldwide and its affiliates will continue to work with its remarkable roster of authors and publish vertically under multiple imprints, including Disney Hyperion, Disney Press, Disney Editions, Marvel Press, and Disney Lucasfilm Press.

Megan Tingley, EVP Publisher, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, added, “We are eager to welcome so many talented authors and illustrators to the Little, Brown family. LBYR has been focused on strategic growth, hiring new editors and expanding into graphic publishing and nonfiction, and this acquisition plays a significant role in this plan. There is exciting potential in this catalog, which includes award-winning and bestselling titles in all categories—board books, picture books, middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels—and which strongly complements our publishing program. A number of these writers and artists are beloved ones we already publish, and we look forward to working with them, as well as with talent new to our list, in the years ahead.”
LBYR will publish print and ebook formats of these additional titles, and they will hire a team to support the transition of these books, managing all aspects of publishing.

1...456457458...937 Page 457 of 937