Showing posts with label One Night (Book) Stand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label One Night (Book) Stand. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
What are our favorite authors reading? Find out in our One Night (Book) Stand feature! Today's guest is Julie C. Gardner, author of Letters for Scarlet.
Reading has been my favorite pastime since I picked up a copy of Nancy Drew and The Secret of the Old Clock on a road trip to Texas in third grade. Over the years my tastes have changed, but I still love a juicy mystery (Girl on the Train, anyone?) and I can't resist a candid memoir like Wild. Here are two titles I've recently enjoyed, and two I plan to add to my collection soon:
The Nest
by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
The four Plumb siblings spent their adult lives banking on an inheritance they've dubbed "The Nest." When the money is drained to cover up a scandal caused by Leo Plumb, the rest of the family handles the threat to their financial futures with varying degrees of dysfunction. I admire an author brave enough to write unlikeable characters and this book is full of them. Despite their numerous flaws, however, I found myself rooting for the Plumbs and the people tangled up in their lives. I read late into the night to learn their fates and was deeply satisfied by the ending.
We Were Liars
by E. Lockhart
This book was marketed as a YA novel, but the spare and sophisticated writing immediately drew me in. Each summer the four ‘liars'—Cadence (Cady) Sinclair, her cousins Mirren and Johnny, and Johnny's friend Gat—gather with their families on an island off Martha's Vineyard. Theirs is a life of complicated privilege overshadowed by a mystery unraveling in the memory of a confused and haunted Cady. I'll admit I didn't see the jaw-dropping climax coming. Heartbreaking and raw, this story stuck with me long after I read the last page.
The Art of Memoir
by Marry Karr
This is on my TBR list and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. I loved Liar's Club and am hoping Karr's latest memoir will offer more insight into the author's private life and her writing process. I love reading about the craft of writing (Stephen King's On Writing, Anne Lamotte's Bird by Bird, and Dani Shapiro's Still Writing) and when a book pairs practical advice with deeply personal stories, it hits the top of the stack on my nightstand.
The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah
I've seen this book recommended (seemingly) everywhere by (seemingly) everyone. As a general rule I'm wary of titles this popular, but a story about two sisters that takes place in Paris during World War II is going to get my attention. (Sisters. Paris. World War II. To quote The Sound of Music, these are a few of my favorite things… to read about in a book, that is.) I just ordered the paperback edition and hope this novel lives up to its hype. Fingers crossed!
About Julie C. Gardner:
Julie's books:
Reading has been my favorite pastime since I picked up a copy of Nancy Drew and The Secret of the Old Clock on a road trip to Texas in third grade. Over the years my tastes have changed, but I still love a juicy mystery (Girl on the Train, anyone?) and I can't resist a candid memoir like Wild. Here are two titles I've recently enjoyed, and two I plan to add to my collection soon:
The Nestby Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
The four Plumb siblings spent their adult lives banking on an inheritance they've dubbed "The Nest." When the money is drained to cover up a scandal caused by Leo Plumb, the rest of the family handles the threat to their financial futures with varying degrees of dysfunction. I admire an author brave enough to write unlikeable characters and this book is full of them. Despite their numerous flaws, however, I found myself rooting for the Plumbs and the people tangled up in their lives. I read late into the night to learn their fates and was deeply satisfied by the ending.
We Were Liarsby E. Lockhart
This book was marketed as a YA novel, but the spare and sophisticated writing immediately drew me in. Each summer the four ‘liars'—Cadence (Cady) Sinclair, her cousins Mirren and Johnny, and Johnny's friend Gat—gather with their families on an island off Martha's Vineyard. Theirs is a life of complicated privilege overshadowed by a mystery unraveling in the memory of a confused and haunted Cady. I'll admit I didn't see the jaw-dropping climax coming. Heartbreaking and raw, this story stuck with me long after I read the last page.
The Art of Memoirby Marry Karr
This is on my TBR list and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. I loved Liar's Club and am hoping Karr's latest memoir will offer more insight into the author's private life and her writing process. I love reading about the craft of writing (Stephen King's On Writing, Anne Lamotte's Bird by Bird, and Dani Shapiro's Still Writing) and when a book pairs practical advice with deeply personal stories, it hits the top of the stack on my nightstand.
The Nightingaleby Kristin Hannah
I've seen this book recommended (seemingly) everywhere by (seemingly) everyone. As a general rule I'm wary of titles this popular, but a story about two sisters that takes place in Paris during World War II is going to get my attention. (Sisters. Paris. World War II. To quote The Sound of Music, these are a few of my favorite things… to read about in a book, that is.) I just ordered the paperback edition and hope this novel lives up to its hype. Fingers crossed!
Julie C. Gardner is a former English teacher and lapsed marathon runner who traded in the classroom for a writing nook. Now she rarely changes out of her pajamas. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two children, and three dogs.
Connect with Julie on social media:
Julie's books:
  Letters for Scarlet |   Guest List |
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
What are our favorite authors reading? Find out in our One Night (Book) Stand feature! Today's guests are Penny Watson and Julia Barrett, co-authors of Culinary Delights, a foodie romance.
From Penny Watson: I am always looking for quirky and unusual well-written treasures. Here's what I'm reading now…
The Introvert's Guide to Drinking Alone
by Tasha Brandstatter
This adorable guide is snarky, clever, and chock full of important cocktail-y information. It includes historical facts, some serious observations, and plenty of hilarious commentary about drinking alone. (I approve, by the way!)
Hunting The Merrow
by Heather Rigney
After devouring Waking the Merrow (Rigney's debut novel) last year, I couldn't wait to read the follow-up. This author manages to combine horrifying fantasy (think evil mermaid) and fascinating Rhode Island history into her one-of-a-kind novels. I just started this one, and I'm already biting my nails. Fun summer reading!
From Julia Barrett:
Kill and Tell
by Linda Howard
Kill and Tell is why I began writing romance. It's the first actual romance I read, and it is the reason I fell in love with the genre. It's a smart, super sexy, character-driven work of romantic suspense. The hero, Marc Chastain, is to die for. The best re-read ever!
Shogun
by James Clavell
This author of numerous works of literary fiction created a classic romance when he penned Shogun. I've read a great deal. No love story compares to the beautiful and tragic love story at the heart of this book. I read Shogun twice a year for inspiration, and twice a year I cry my eyes out.
About Penny Watson:
Award-winning author Penny Watson writes feel-good fiction with a side of quirk. She loves to blend genres, push limits, and try new things. No matter what she writes, it always has a happy ending.
Penny was a botanist in her former life and began her publishing career with scientific journals. Now she lets her muse run wild, penning quirky love stories, North Pole adventures, and even childrens' books about a superhero weenie dog.
She currently resides outside of Boston with a fly-fishing obsessed husband, two spirited Filipino kids, and Lucy, the Original Wonder Weenie.
Connect on social media:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter |
Lucy the Wonder Weenie Blog
About Julia Barrett:
If one word describes her, it's eclectic. Or so her friends say. She's a lover of books, poetry, art, history, baseball, barbecue, chocolate, coffee, children, animals and the great outdoors. She's a hospice nurse as well as a writer, but she got my first job at the age of twelve so believe her when she tells you if her heroines are doing it, she's probably done it. At the heart of every one of her stories is a real life event.
Connect on social media:
Website | Twitter | Blog | Amazon Author Page
Their book:
Culinary Delights: Four Delectable Foodie Romances
From Penny Watson: I am always looking for quirky and unusual well-written treasures. Here's what I'm reading now…
The Introvert's Guide to Drinking Aloneby Tasha Brandstatter
This adorable guide is snarky, clever, and chock full of important cocktail-y information. It includes historical facts, some serious observations, and plenty of hilarious commentary about drinking alone. (I approve, by the way!)
Hunting The Merrowby Heather Rigney
After devouring Waking the Merrow (Rigney's debut novel) last year, I couldn't wait to read the follow-up. This author manages to combine horrifying fantasy (think evil mermaid) and fascinating Rhode Island history into her one-of-a-kind novels. I just started this one, and I'm already biting my nails. Fun summer reading!
From Julia Barrett:
Kill and Tellby Linda Howard
Kill and Tell is why I began writing romance. It's the first actual romance I read, and it is the reason I fell in love with the genre. It's a smart, super sexy, character-driven work of romantic suspense. The hero, Marc Chastain, is to die for. The best re-read ever!
Shogunby James Clavell
This author of numerous works of literary fiction created a classic romance when he penned Shogun. I've read a great deal. No love story compares to the beautiful and tragic love story at the heart of this book. I read Shogun twice a year for inspiration, and twice a year I cry my eyes out.
Award-winning author Penny Watson writes feel-good fiction with a side of quirk. She loves to blend genres, push limits, and try new things. No matter what she writes, it always has a happy ending.
Penny was a botanist in her former life and began her publishing career with scientific journals. Now she lets her muse run wild, penning quirky love stories, North Pole adventures, and even childrens' books about a superhero weenie dog.
She currently resides outside of Boston with a fly-fishing obsessed husband, two spirited Filipino kids, and Lucy, the Original Wonder Weenie.
Connect on social media:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter |
Lucy the Wonder Weenie Blog
If one word describes her, it's eclectic. Or so her friends say. She's a lover of books, poetry, art, history, baseball, barbecue, chocolate, coffee, children, animals and the great outdoors. She's a hospice nurse as well as a writer, but she got my first job at the age of twelve so believe her when she tells you if her heroines are doing it, she's probably done it. At the heart of every one of her stories is a real life event.
Connect on social media:
Website | Twitter | Blog | Amazon Author Page
Their book:
Culinary Delights: Four Delectable Foodie Romances
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
What are our favorite authors reading? Find out in our One Night (Book) Stand feature! Today's guest is Amy Impellizzeri, author of Lemongrass Hope.
I am often reading two or three books at the same time, but some books are so good, I stay true to them, and only them, until the end. Here are a few recent reads I could not tear myself away from—beginning to end.
BIGLAW
by Lindsay Cameron
OK, this book makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up just thinking about it. BIGLAW took me right back to my decade in the trenches as an associate at the largest law firm in Manhattan. On the surface, BIGLAW appears to be a fictional tale about the Manhattan law firm scene. Only it's all true. Author Lindsay Cameron—herself a BigLaw survivor—has cast fictional heroine Mackenzie Corbett in the role of a lifetime: associate at one of the most prestigious law firms in the world, gunning for a coveted secondment assignment, but caught up in an insider trading scandal. Mackenzie's harassment and abuse at the hands of colleagues and senior partners at the firm read like an unbelievable horror story unless you've lived it. Here's the thing. I wrote a NONFICTION book about leaving BigLaw and this book is STILL the most true account of modern life at a big law firm that I've ever read.
Disgruntled
by Asali Solomon
This coming of age tale follows Kenya Curtis as she seeks to find her place and her self. First in 1980s West Philadelphia, eight-year-old Kenya —who celebrates Kwanzaa and hails from activist parents—stands out among her black classmates as different. Later, in the 1990s, when life brings Kenya and her mother to an affluent suburb and a mostly white private school, Kenya struggles with a whole new kind of otherness. A fresh, witty, and compelling story, Disgruntled surprises and grips you, with a complicated and unpredictable portrait of American racism and one young woman's struggle to transcend.
I Like You Just Fine When You're Not Around
by Ann Garvin
If you are a fan of Ann Garvin like I am, you will absolutely love this story. And if you're not yet a fan of Ann Garvin (wait, why not?), you will be after you get a hold of this book. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of I Like You Just Fine When You're Not Around (lucky me!). It's available for pre-order, releasing in June 2016. Like Ann's earlier books, there is something so poignant and familiar about this story, and yet it still sneaks up on you and unfolds in a way you did not expect. The characters are colorful and flawed, complicated and relatable. The story is so moving and is paced almost too perfectly—it's impossible to find a good place to put this book down!
In Another Life
by Julie Christine Johnson
If you love historical fiction, you can't miss this stunning debut from Julie Christine Johnson. The language alone is so lush and sensual. But the story is just fabulous. Taking place in the South of France over a span of 800 years, the novel unravels a mystical mystery that will have you comparing the book to a kind of Da Vinci Code meets The Time Traveler's Wife. I absolutely loved this book!
About Amy Impellizzeri:
Amy's book:
Lemongrass Hope
I am often reading two or three books at the same time, but some books are so good, I stay true to them, and only them, until the end. Here are a few recent reads I could not tear myself away from—beginning to end.
BIGLAWby Lindsay Cameron
OK, this book makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up just thinking about it. BIGLAW took me right back to my decade in the trenches as an associate at the largest law firm in Manhattan. On the surface, BIGLAW appears to be a fictional tale about the Manhattan law firm scene. Only it's all true. Author Lindsay Cameron—herself a BigLaw survivor—has cast fictional heroine Mackenzie Corbett in the role of a lifetime: associate at one of the most prestigious law firms in the world, gunning for a coveted secondment assignment, but caught up in an insider trading scandal. Mackenzie's harassment and abuse at the hands of colleagues and senior partners at the firm read like an unbelievable horror story unless you've lived it. Here's the thing. I wrote a NONFICTION book about leaving BigLaw and this book is STILL the most true account of modern life at a big law firm that I've ever read.
Disgruntledby Asali Solomon
This coming of age tale follows Kenya Curtis as she seeks to find her place and her self. First in 1980s West Philadelphia, eight-year-old Kenya —who celebrates Kwanzaa and hails from activist parents—stands out among her black classmates as different. Later, in the 1990s, when life brings Kenya and her mother to an affluent suburb and a mostly white private school, Kenya struggles with a whole new kind of otherness. A fresh, witty, and compelling story, Disgruntled surprises and grips you, with a complicated and unpredictable portrait of American racism and one young woman's struggle to transcend.
I Like You Just Fine When You're Not Aroundby Ann Garvin
If you are a fan of Ann Garvin like I am, you will absolutely love this story. And if you're not yet a fan of Ann Garvin (wait, why not?), you will be after you get a hold of this book. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of I Like You Just Fine When You're Not Around (lucky me!). It's available for pre-order, releasing in June 2016. Like Ann's earlier books, there is something so poignant and familiar about this story, and yet it still sneaks up on you and unfolds in a way you did not expect. The characters are colorful and flawed, complicated and relatable. The story is so moving and is paced almost too perfectly—it's impossible to find a good place to put this book down!
In Another Lifeby Julie Christine Johnson
If you love historical fiction, you can't miss this stunning debut from Julie Christine Johnson. The language alone is so lush and sensual. But the story is just fabulous. Taking place in the South of France over a span of 800 years, the novel unravels a mystical mystery that will have you comparing the book to a kind of Da Vinci Code meets The Time Traveler's Wife. I absolutely loved this book!
Amy is a reformed corporate litigator, former start-up executive, and award-winning author of Lemongrass Hope (Wyatt-MacKenzie 2014) and Lawyer Interrupted (ABA Publishing 2015). Amy is a Tall Poppy Writer and President of the Women's Fiction Writers Association. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, three kids, and one energetic weimaraner, where she keeps up on the latest research confirming that large volumes of caffeine are indeed good for you.
Connect with Amy on social media:
Amy's book:
Lemongrass Hope
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