"The Plot"

"The Plot" by Jean Hanff Korelitz

There was a time when Jacob Finch Bonner basked in the

spotlight of penning a popular novel that earned him the

honor of being called an up-and-coming, promising, new author. 

But writers are only as good as their next book in progress.

Jacob hit writer's block a long time ago, and now finds himself 

teaching in the MFA program of  a mediocre college in northern

Vermont, living the monotonous life of a has-been, always hoping

inspiration will strike him when he least expects it.  

His job is to guide and mentor students who aspire to excel in his 

creative writing class. He reads and critiques their submissions,

then encourages others to provide honest, constructive advice. 

Most days, Jacob can barely do what his paycheck requires, but he's

good at pretending, and a smiling face pays the rent.

Then arrogant Evan Parker arrives for the requisite meeting with his

once illustrious professor, scoffing at any help Jacob gives him, insisting

that his novel-to-be has a plot that will sell millions and make him

famous. 

When Jacob finally reads the rough draft, he knows Evan is right. How could

an amateur with a lousy attitude and raw talent come up with a winner like this?

And so Jacob waits for the book to be published, but it never happens, spurring

him to find out why. A little research reveals that Evan Parker met an untimely

death, undoubtedly taking that incredible story with him to his grave. 

So, three years later, Jacob takes the story and makes it his own. Crib brings him

a level of success he always dreamed of, with packed book signings, radio

interviews, and adulation from fellow writers. When a silver-haired beauty later 

becomes his wife, life seems to be pretty close to perfection. He justifies what he's

done by telling himself that he, and he alone, took a fascinating story and turned 

it into a tale that millions are flocking to read. 

But then comes the day when Jacob receives a cryptic message saying 

"You are a thief", that suddenly changes everything. He continues to enjoy fame,

and the whirlwind of meeting admiring fans, while experiencing the pressure to 

grind out another hit release. A persisting, nagging feeling that the past is catching 

up to him just won't go away. Secretly, he begins to delve into the tumultuous life 

of Evan Parker in an attempt to learn who is behind what appears to be extortion. 

And as the pieces begin to fall into place, a chilling discovery turns Jacob's 

uneasiness into terrifying fear. 

This gripping thriller takes the reader on a suspense-filled ride that is truly hard

to put down, especially as the "Plot" begins to slowly unravel with its brilliantly

shrewd twists and turns. It's an incredibly good summer read. 

Kirkus Reviews predicts this one will be flying off the shelves, and I couldn't agree

more. 

 

"The Soulmate Equation"

"The Soulmate Equation" by Christina Lauren

Meet Jess Davis, a soon-to-be thirty, lonely, single mom with a harried

lifestyle. She's been self-sufficient for a long time now, ever since her parents

shirked family responsibilities years ago. But that doesn't stop her partying

mother from showing up at her doorstep for a hand-out now and then. And the

father of her child? He opted to leave, too, as soon as Jess decided to keep

the baby. 

Needless to say, there's little room for romance in Jess's life. In fact, with her 

dubious track record for meeting eligible men, she's not even sure she wants

to try. 

Yet Jess is grateful for so many things in her mundane life. The doting grandparents

that raised her, are now lovingly involved in doing the same with her 

seven-year-old, precocious daughter, Juno. Then there's the flexibility of her

freelance job that showcases what a genius Jess is with data and statistics.

And what would she do without quirky best friend, Fizzy, a successful romance

novelist who finds inspiration from the challenges Jess faces every day? Fizzy 

constantly encourages Jess to venture outside of her protective bubble of laundry,

school projects, and ballet lessons. 

Maybe that's why Jess agrees to be a part of GeneticAlly, a new match-making app 

that pairs prospective partners based on DNA results. Cold, scientific facts have a

certain logical appeal for a numbers guru like Jess. 

Imagine her surprise, when the test results show that Jess and the smug, aloof,

and incredibly attractive founder of the company, Dr. River Pena, 

are an unheard of 98% compatibility match. Considering Jess doesn't like the man

from previous encounters with him at the local coffee shop, it's a hard sell to 

explore a possible budding relationship with him. But when the company offers

to pay her a hefty amount of money to get to know him better, she reluctantly

agrees, fully aware of the growing attraction between them. 

This is another fun-filled, charming selection from a duo that knows how to

write romance with humor and style. Smoldering and steamy with many genuinely

tender moments, the reader will undoubtedly finish this love story with a satisfying

smile. 

 

"The Summer of Lost and Found"

"The Summer of Lost and Found" by Mary Alice Monroe 

Resilient, strong, and determined aptly describe the Rutledge

family. With their fierce sense of commitment and loyalty

to one another, they've survived many challenges and setbacks 

over the years. 

But, like so many others, that toughness of spirit will be tested

in ways they never imagined, as a global pandemic spreads havoc 

around the world. 

For Linnea Rutledge, being furloughed from her dream job at 

the South Carolina Aquarium is a huge disappointment, and a

financial nightmare. It means giving up her privacy to look for 

a roommate to share expenses at Primrose Cottage, a home filled

with  rich, Rutledge history that she cherishes and adores. Emotions 

run high when Linnea discovers that John, the man who rejected

her after an impulsive move to California, is now living next door under 

quarantine with his mother. Their relationship ended with some 

soul-searching on her part, so why is Linnea finding his clever 

overtures to rekindle their romance, increasingly hard to ignore? 

To complicate things, Linnea's new British love interest, Gordon,

is set to return to the Isle of Palms after spending time in England.

Sparks are about to ignite, as Linnea finds herself in an unanticipated

love triangle, with both men vying for her affections. Fearful of making 

the wrong decision only adds to the uncertainty in her already

tumultuous life. 

As always, her Aunt Cara is a solid, soothing source of comfort.

But Cara is facing troubles of her own. Husband David is stricken

with Covid, and must remain in quarantine within their home, 

leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness for Cara. She fears

what exposure could mean for her immune-compromised young

daughter. Her strong marriage is showing the strain of living together,

yet so far apart.  

With a little ingenuity and creativity, this small circle of friends and family

finally unite to overcome the obstacles only a crisis like the pandemic can

bring. 

Mary Alice Monroe's signature style of writing is evident in every chapter of

her newest release. Whether it be the return of the sea turtles, heart-

wrenching family drama, sprinkles of humor, or environmental awareness, 

the message of the healing power of love, always comes shining through.

But this time, the author writes of forgiveness, compassion, and hope

in a more self-reflective, introspective way. We welcome the next Rutledge

generation as they take center stage in this current, compelling story 

showcasing warm, familiar characters we know so well.

"The Newcomer"

"The Newcomer" by Mary Kay Andrews 

Letty Carnahan feels like a fugitive on the run, and that's 

exactly what she is.

It was just hours ago, that Letty found the body of her sister, Tanya,

sprawled on the floor of her swanky New York City townhouse, dead 

from a brutal blow to the head. Panic and fear sets in as Letty vividly

recalls Tanya's recent, uncanny instructions, "if something happens

to me, promise me you'll take Maya and run". Tanya implied that her 

demise would be at the hands of an ex-boyfriend, Evan Wingfield, an

unsavory character with tons of money and power, a man Letty knows 

all too well. 

Wary of Evan's retaliation, and scared that she could be considered 

a suspect, Letty hurriedly leaves NYC with her innocent, precious 

cargo in tow, four-year-old, niece Maya. Letty's eyes are constantly 

checking the rear-view mirror of the battered, cramped Kia that's

taking them to a far away destination where anonymity might save their

lives. 

The duo are headed South, to sunny Florida, after finding a tattered

magazine article featuring The Murmuring Surf Motel, a place Letty thinks

holds the clues to Tanya's former life. Armed with Tanya's hidden "go-bag" 

of cash, and her sister's monstrous, diamond ring, Letty sets out on a 

risky, perilous trip, hoping to stay one step ahead of those who are determined

to find her. 

Despite the yellow "No Vacancy" sign outside the dated motel that surely 

has seen better days, Letty pulls into the parking lot, and manages to talk

her way into staying. At first, the snow-bird regulars find the newcomer to be 

mysterious and offbeat. But in a matter of time, Letty and Maya ingratiate 

themselves with the senior citizens, and become part of this lovable, motley

community.

And all the while, Letty continues to investigate the agonizing murder of her sister,

hoping to find enough evidence to uncover the real killer, before her own world

comes crashing down. Complications arise when Letty finds herself fiercely 

attracted to Joe, a local cop, who just happens to be the son of the motel owner. 

His mission is to find out the real story behind Letty's puzzling arrival, and the

truth about what she's clearly hiding from the authorities. 

Will Joe betray her confidence and turn her in, or will he find it impossible to

deny the growing chemistry he feels when he's around Letty?

A summer without a Mary Kay Andrews beach read is hard to imagine. Luckily, 

her fans won't have to wait long, until this May 4th intriguing, romantic escapade 

is released, just in time for those balmy, leisurely days of relaxation we've all

been waiting for.....

 

  

"Lost in Paris"

"Lost in Paris" by Elizabeth Thompson

Hannah Bond cherishes the quiet, sedate life she's created for herself in

London. Her expertise as a guide for Jane Austen-themed tours in the 

picturesque countryside, is the ideal career to showcase her love of books. 

After a chaotic childhood in Florida, with her flamboyant, alcoholic mother, 

this calm, peaceful life suits her just fine. 

So imagine Hannah's surprise and dismay, when she finds her estranged

mother, Marla, at her flat on New Year's Eve, making easy, casual 

conversation with two affable roommates hanging on her every word.

Other than sporting a beauty of a black eye from her latest boyfriend, 

Marla hasn't changed at all. With her gorgeous, auburn hair, and glittering 

knock-off jewelry, that magnetic charisma is on full display. 

How can Hannah begin to explain that her often absent mother was the

reason she fled the United States to start anew? It was the stabilizing 

influence of her grandmother and great-grandmother, that molded her 

into the woman she is today, and those memories can never be erased.  

Marla soon reveals her compelling reason for showing up unannounced

at her daughter's doorstep. She has uncovered a long-lost, mysterious deed

to an apartment in Paris, an eclectic, valuable piece of real estate the duo 

has unexpectedly inherited. Along with an ancient key, and an assortment

of yellowed, newspaper clippings, Marla and Hannah have quite suddenly

become part of a mystery just waiting to enfold.

With meticulous research, Hannah and Marla begin to piece together the 

secret, unabashedly exciting, and sometimes dangerous life, of Hannah's

great-grandmother, Ivy. Fascinating, diary entries starting in the 1920s, 

speak of raucous, bygone years that are a window into the feisty matriarch's 

life in Paris as a young girl. She writes of keeping company with literary, 

eccentric giants like Hemingway, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, and her undying

devotion to a famous writer. 

Why then, was she so intent on never revealing this bold and enticing part of 

her life, and how did she become the epitome of decorum in Florida, after 

experiencing the exhilaration of Paris? 

Perhaps you've visited the City of Lights in person, or just closed your eyes

and envisioned the thrill of seeing the beauty of vibrant Paris in your dreams. 

This mellow, debut novel, will take you there by simply turning the pages.  

Set to be released on April 13th, it's a romantic, historical fiction story about 

a mother and daughter putting aside the bitter past to seize upon an amazing

gift bestowed upon them, from a heart filled with love. 

 

"Surviving Savannah"

"Surviving Savannah" by Patti Callahan 

With all the splendor of royalty, the rich and 

elite of Savannah board the luxury steamship,

The Pulaski, on June 13th, 1838, for its maiden

voyage to Baltimore. Some of these aristocrats, 

with their priceless belongings, and humble 

servants trailing behind, will travel on to refreshing

Saratoga Springs, New York, to begin what promises 

to be a much-anticipated trip far away from the

sweltering, oppressive, summer heat of the deep South. 

Little do the unlucky travelers know, that within hours, a

boiler room explosion will rip the ship apart, throwing 

innocent adults and children overboard, where they will

frantically try to save themselves from the sheer terror 

of the dark, churning sea. Many will perish, some 

will astonishingly live, but all will become part of a

tragic disaster few historians dwell upon, until the 

mangled wreckage is discovered 180 years later. 

 In alternating chapters, this true, captivating tale about 

"The Titanic of the South", combines the present day

fascination of uncovering precious relics beneath the

ocean, with the past agonizing experiences of the brave 

souls who were part of an adventure gone terribly wrong.

Everly Winthrop is an enthusiastic, history professor

who decides to accept an invitation to guest curate a 

proposed museum exhibition of recent artifacts from 

The Pulaski. As Everly examines the many treasures

that have remained in the solitary cocoon of the ocean's

depths, painful memories surface about the best friend 

she lost to a tragic, unsolved accident, one that she 

believes falls on her shoulders. Exploring those who 

perished years ago, only intensifies her own profound

guilt and sadness.

Everly's extensive research reveals forsaken details

about those unfortunate enough to be on the doomed

1838 steamer, namely a wealthy, distinguished family

of eleven. Two extraordinary survivors from this 

well-heeled family, were Augusta Longstreet and her 

niece, Lilly Forsyth. Chapter by chapter, readers learn 

of their hidden secrets and desires. But nothing 

compares to being at the mercy of vast, threatening 

waters that challenged their endurance in unimaginable

ways. 

This emotional, historical fiction novel once again 

showcases author Patti Callahan's ability to take a

mesmerizing event in history, and combine it with her

own intriguing plot and rich, tortured characters. 

Especially engaging are the passages about Augusta,

Lilly, and an indentured nursemaid, all of whom possess 

inner strength, loyalty, and unparalleled determination. 

They each overcome fate's overwhelming obstacles 

with fierce fortitude and perseverance. 

March 9th marks the date for Callahan's newest release, 

perhaps one of her finest sagas to date. The author note 

at the end of the book further explains the facts behind 

this miraculous survival at sea at a time in history few

remember, or honor, until now. 

 

 

"The Sanatorium"

"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse

Austere and intimidating, Le Sommet sits high in the 

majestic Swiss Alps, an imposing hotel surrounded

by thick forests and relentless, swirling snow. Years ago, when

it was a sanatorium, tuberculosis patients sought treatment 

there. Persistent rumors plagued the facility until it was

eventually abandoned, never revealing the truth about what 

atrocities occurred behind closed doors. 

Investors renovated the building into a five-star, luxury, getaway,

much to the chagrin and objections of the locals in the nearby town. 

With its clean, modern, and stark accommodations, the sleek hotel

attracts travelers craving to be pampered and secluded.

After a harrowing trip on ice-covered roads, British detective Elin

Warner and her boyfriend, Will Riley, arrive at this destination to

celebrate the engagement of Elin's brother, Isaac, to Laure Strehl,

Elin's estranged friend from childhood days. The strained 

communication between the siblings dates back to the accidental

death of their little brother, Sam, and  Isaac's failure to show up 

at their mother's funeral, only intensifies the chasm in their

relationship.

One day after arriving at the hotel, Laure disappears, and Elin finds

herself taking over the investigation. Treacherous, dangerous weather 

conditions prevent local police from making the dangerous trek to

the scene. But what Elin has failed to disclose, is that she is on leave

from her job due to an emotional breakdown after a terrifying ordeal 

on a previous case.

When Elin discovers Laure isn't the only woman missing, the eerie

vibe she feels from the sinister hotel takes hold of every waking 

moment. What horrors lie behind the maze of rooms and secret

passages of this ominous building? Stranded and vulnerable after

a deadly avalanche, the guests and staff that remain are at the

mercy of their menacing surroundings. 

The vivid imagery of this debut novel takes the reader into a world

of terror and uncertainty. With no possibility of escape from the frigid 

death trap, every character becomes a possible killer. It's a frightening,

macabre scenario with haunting memories from the past, that will

keep the pages turning until the perplexing ending that won't put

your fears to rest.