Looking for some new biography and memoir books for your library? There are so many new releases this week that you’re bound to find a new favorite. You can pick up new books from Matt Pike, Emily Jane, Joshua James, and many more. Enjoy your new biography and memoir books. Happy reading!
What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Collecting Can Be Murder?
After finishing book nine of my second mystery series, I decided to try and start writing a new art-focused mystery series that would be, qua setting and feel, a mashup of Antiques Roadshow and the Thomas Crown Affair. The idea of combining those high- and low-brow worlds fascinated me!
The lead character, Carmen De Luca, is an art sleuth who hunts down priceless objects stolen from media-shy owners and cultural organizations located around the world. Her employer, The Rosewood Agency, is a private organization funded by a reclusive billionaire who encourages his operatives to do whatever is necessary to complete their assignment – even if it means breaking a few laws along the way. However, Carmen is not allowed to use weapons, but instead has to rely on her wits, black belt in martial arts, and a bottle of chloroform to get the job done.
I’m a trained art historian and love to create plotlines that revolve around the arts or cultural experiences. My first series of four art thrillers are faster-paced and heavy on history. With this one, I wanted to keep the tone lighter, and the mysteries a bit sillier. So far, reviewers really seem to appreciate the witty heroine and complex storylines, which is a relief!
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Collecting Can Be Murder, what would they be?
“Don’t Stop (thinking about tomorrow)” by Fleetwood Mac is Carmen’s anthem in life. At the beginning of this series, she’s working through several personal crises and is feeling lost. However, she refuses to give in to her depression but instead chooses to keep looking forward, which is why she steps out of retirement to help her former partner recover an illuminated manuscript from an eccentric collector in France.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Traditional and cozy mysteries, which are also the genres I write in!
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
"Hidden Agemda" by Leighann Dobbs, "Killers of a Certain Age" by Deanna Raybourn, and "Murder in Tuscany" by T.A. Williams.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The first scene because it was so much fun to write, and it was the first time Carmen and the rest of this new cast of characters really came to life for me!
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I write my initial draft in longhand, and in a very specific sort of notebook you can only buy at one store here in the Netherlands. It’s the perfect size for my purse, and thickness for my wrist. I’ve tried writing behind a desktop, laptop, and even iPad, but the words don’t flow as easily without that pen in my hand!
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Life is an adventure and it’s what’s happening along the way that counts – not the final destination. I find it inspiring to try new experiences, sample different cuisines, and travel to other countries.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I hope they are entertained by the story and remember the characters with a certain level of fondness.
Jennifer S. Alderson is the author of the new book Collecting Can Be Murder
Connect with Jennifer S. Alderson
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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Duke Is Always Intrigued?
I have always had a vivid imagination that allowed me to create these different worlds or scenes and sometimes those stories inspire me to put them on paper in the hope that others will enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed creating them. While creating this series, I wanted to include a Scottish duke and when I introduced him in book two of the series, A Duke Always Has a Secret, I knew Ian had to have his own story. His character developed more in book three, A Duke Always Breaks the Rules. Ian was a fun character with a strong personality. When writing A Duke Is Always Intrigued, I wanted Ian to meet a lady that was just as bold and vivacious as he was. Emma was a perfect match for him, and I loved writing their story and seeing their love unfold.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of A Duke Is Always Intrigued, what would they be?
This was a hard one for me. I suppose I would pick Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top for Ian. I can just picture him wearing his kilt and looking very stylish.
The other song that I would pick is really more for both Ian and Emma, I’ve Got You Under My Skin by the great Frank Sinatra. I think it sums up how Ian feels about Emma. No matter how much he tries to resist her, he simply can’t get her out of his mind. She is just one of those ladies a man has a hard time resisting.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Regency romances have always been my favorite since I was a teen, staying up long into the night reading by flashlight. The first romances I read were by Barbara Cartland, and I have been an avid reader of the genre ever since. I also enjoy contemporary romances with strong male characters and a bit of danger. While regency is my favorite to read as well as to write, I am exploring other genres.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
There are so many great authors of the genre out there and my list is incredibly long, but here are a few in my queue. Secrets of a Duke’s Daughter by Samantha Holt, A Wager with a Duke by Tamara Gill, and The Heiress Bride by Madeline Hunter. I am also rereading the Effington family series by Victoria Alexander.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I love the beginning scene where Ian and Emma meet. It set the stage for her personality and was just a fun scene to write. I also love the ending. I don’t want to give too much away but Ian shows us how far he will go for the woman he loves, and I can’t help but find him totally swoon worthy.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
While I would enjoy writing in a secluded quiet library with soft classical music playing in the background, my sweet dog Monster laying at my feet begging for Cheetos, and a cup of hot English breakfast tea steeping before me, that is not my life. Instead, I find myself squeezing in writing time between my dogs barking constantly, my kids visiting from college, and my husband inquiring about the next book’s progress.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Striving for perfection is ok, but don’t let yourself get so hung up on everything being perfect and being successful that you don’t take chances, or you pass up on an experience because you are afraid of failing.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
When I write it’s like being transported to a different world or a different time. It’s my escape and that is what I would want for my readers, to have an escape from their everyday lives, to smile or laugh and develop a love for the characters.
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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Casanova Cowboy?
Well, technically, there are two stories. The book itself and me writing it. It all started with book one of the series. After having taken a trip with my husband to Montana, I started thinking about writing a contemporary, small-town romance. I wanted it to be a series about the rugged men of Montana. I wanted the books to all be standalones that had intertwined characters and beautiful Montana landscapes. I was inspired by other authors who have done this well, like Tessa Layne and Maisey Yates.
Having spent time in small towns in many different places, including Montana, I had an idea of how I would build it and was excited about the project. “Broken Cowboy” was the first book and it introduced Zack MacEntier. He only had a brief part in that book, but he seemed bigger than life to me. He stayed with me for months and when bits and pieces of scenes started filling my head, I decided Zack’s story would be next. He’s a very loveable guy but doesn’t see it himself. It made me sad that he was so alone, so I wanted him to find someone great. A strong woman who could see through the rumors and his charming facade. Izabel Silva was that woman. I really like her–which is ironic, since I didn’t like her at first and thought I’d have to rewrite her. I hope the readers will see what I do now, and root for her and Zack as much as I did.
The other personal story behind this book is that I had planned to finish it in June of 2022. Unfortunately, despite all my attempts to avoid it, I caught Covid at the end of May and I still had a dozen or so chapters to finish. Needless to say, I didn’t finish on time. In fact, the effects of long-Covid had me dragging for months. I had a hard time just hauling myself out of bed to go to my day job. I felt so drained, I couldn’t concentrate or think much beyond wanting to lie down and go back to sleep. It was awful, but the characters wouldn’t let me be. In December of 2022, the brain fog and confusion, not to mention the lack of energy, seemed to finally clear up and I was able to slam out a whole bunch of chapters over my Christmas vacation. Man was that a relief! I decided to give myself time to launch this book right and scheduled it for a June release.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Casanova Cowboy, what would they be?
Well, for Zack, I want to say “Cowboy Casanova” by Carrie Underwood because that’s what he was before Izabel comes along. By the end of the story, I think Trisha Yearwood’s “How do I Live” is a good definition of how he feels.
After leaving a disastrous relationship, Izabel wants love, faithfulness, and respect, so I think Madonna’s “Express Yourself” defines her–as in “I ain’t staying around if you don’t treat me right.” But, just like the song, by the end, he realized what he has, and she got what she wanted.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Romance for both questions. I switch around to different types. Lately, it’s been historical romance and sci-fi romance, but I like westerns, contemporary, paranormal, and other types as well. I do briefly branch out to other types of books, but always come back to the romances. I like the emotional interactions found in them.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I really don’t know. There are so many. Usually, when I finish one book, I go through my hundreds (yes, hundreds) of books on my Kindle or on my huge bookshelves to decide what I feel like reading next. Sometimes it’s the next book in the series. Sometimes it’s a completely different sub-genre. Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of historical romance, but just the other day I started back into sci-fi romances with gladiators. Very opposite sub-genres; rakishly polite vs. muscle-bound warriors. Next week it might be dragon shifters or something else. It just depends on what strikes my fancy.
I do have some favorite authors that I’ve discovered recently though, here are just a few of them: Jill Barnett (primarily the Victorians series–loved it!–especially book 2, though book 1 was the reason I was so exited to read book 2), Sabrina Jefferies, Erica Ridley, Darcy Burke, K.J. Jackson, Adele Clee, Stacy Reid, Merry Farmer, Sadie Bosque, Sally Britton (especially the Inglewood books), Jessie Clever, Kristy McCaffrey, Jo Goodman, Peggy L. Henderson (particularly the Second Chances Time Travel Romance Series–Book 3 is my favorite), Anna Lowe, and so many others. I did say I’ve been reading a lot of historical romances lately, but there were some Westerns and shifters in there too.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I liked the movie-night scene. Especially his sister’s teasing and his mom showing up at just the wrong time. But I also like the scene where Zack breaks down and bares his soul. I just wanted to hug him.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I like to have my cat sit with me. I used to have an older kitty that would sit in my lap and purr while I wrote and another who used to talk through my scenarios with me. 🙂 He was very chatty. Lately though, it’s just been me and my cup of tea.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Treat others the way I would like to be treated.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Authors need reviews, so please consider leaving one, especially if you really liked the book–but use kind words whether you liked it or not.
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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write I Am Austin?
Challenging beliefs in society, dealing with real issues, and allowing persons to escape for a few moments.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of I Am Austin, what would they be?
Climb Every Mountain (Love Song of Music).
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Romance (Believe it or not I like billionaire, age-gap and mafia)!
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Restrain Me by Michelle Heard & How to Grow Your Small Business by Donald Miller.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
So many... but my favorite will give away a twist.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Have a writing laptop. Only for writing.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
A mistake is only a mistake, if you don't learn from it.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
The power of love and forgiveness.
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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Shot Through Time?
I always wondered how a British soldier, fighting in the American Revolutionary War, if transported into the future would respond to the fact that Britain lost the war and learn that it is now a strong ally of the USA. I enjoy writing historical fiction. Adding time travel to the scenario, created a major challenge. Could I write this kind of story? I made the attempt and wrote Shot Through Time. Whether I’ve been successful, will be up to the readers to decide.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Historical fiction, mystery thrillers, nature and travel memoirs.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
The Wager by David Grann, and The Cuckoo's Calling Book 1 by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling).
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I most enjoy writing scenes where I can put my protagonist in a confrontation. There are two confrontational scenes in Shot Through Time that are my favorites. 1) Where Sergeant Black saves Dr. Morris from a mugger. And 2), when Sergeant Black is wandering on his own in Charlestown and comes face to face with the dangers and wonders of a modern city.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I write in our sunroom where I’m constantly being entertained by birds, squirrels and by other wildlife. These creatures have become my muses.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Don't worry! Everything will be okay.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
The historical facts that apply to the two time periods. How these are viewed by those on both sides of the aggression and how the impressions of these realities change through time.
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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Praeceps?
I was down for the count with a bad belly and watching the weather out of a hotel window in Hué, Vietnam. I started daydreaming about a world where it never stops raining and that time between the computer minds of today and those of some super future Iain Banks future. I wanted to explore my version of the awkward in between time in an awkward place.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Praeceps, what would they be?
Panza's is definitely "Monkey Chant" by drummer Glenn Kotche. Rubii's would be "My Machines" by the band Battles.
For Precips City, a character in its own right, something like "Gravity Drops" by Chemical Brothers would fit.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
The last seven or eight years it's what people call Science Fiction. But I make plenty of room for literary stuff that dips into that genre as well as more surreal literature. And non-fiction is the stuff that feeds my imagination. But I'll read just about anything.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Children of Ruin, the third in the Adrian Tchaikovsky's Children of Time series. A Brief History of Equality by Thomas Piketty. And basically all of Marlon James' stuff - I've dipped in enough to know I could burn some days in it.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I enjoyed everything with Scipio. He wasn't in the original outline and, much as he appears in the book, kind of wangled his way into the middle of everything with a good wit and high level ass-kickery.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Nope. None. I type my first drafts blindfolded while chewing chili peppers and crying like everyone else.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Live by? Maybe not. But I keep this one on my desk, "Where it is the duty to worship the sun, it is pretty sure to be a crime to examine the laws of heat." John Morley said that.
I don’t know much about him except that quote and that he was against the eight hour day, which qualifies him as a bit of a turd. Just goes to show that wisdom and foolishness mingle more freely than we like to imagine.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
All of us conscious beings are in this together and that's probably the point.
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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Sky Like Blood?
Fantasy romance is my greatest love to write. I wanted to immerse myself in a world where the shades of light and dark blur, where power can turn on itself, but where love will always prevail.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of A Sky Like Blood, what would they be?
The theme song for Asha Silverspun would be 'I Will Go To War' by Tessa Thompson; and the theme song for the Vandawolf would be 'What Could Have Been' by Sting.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I love writing fantasy romance and it's also my favorite genre to write.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Supernova by Julie Hall, and Rise of a Warrior by Jessica Wayne.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The final scene, where the threads woven through the story pull together. Although, there are still plenty of twists yet to come!
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Socks 🙂 I can't write a thing if my feet are cold!
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Always believe!
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That if you love someone with all your heart, you’ve already won any battle that comes your way.
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Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of historical fiction! If you're a fan of Madeline Miller's spellbinding storytelling these books will immerse you in richly researched settings and introduce you to unforgettable characters. Prepare to be swept away!
Release Date: May 16, 2023
With treachery and betrayal, power and glory, this mother's tale of love and sacrifice will transport you back to the Dynasty that propelled the once-called Kemet out of the hands of foreign kings and into a golden age of Ancient Egypt. If you loved Michelle Moran's "Nefertiti," you will adore Merewether's "Warrior King." Grab your copy today.
Release Date: May 25, 2023
“An atmospheric, eloquent depiction of teen angst and discovery in the twilight years of California’s counterculture era.” —Kirkus Reviews. Amidst the psychedelic haze and sexual revolution of Southern California in the Sixties, a young soul navigates the edge of innocence and self-discovery.
Release Date: June 6, 2023
This powerful and moving novel from the New York Times bestselling author of A Long Petal of the Sea and Violeta weaves together past and present, tracing the ripple effects of war and immigration on one child in Europe in 1938 and another in the United States in 2019.
Release Date: June 6, 2023
Set in the Arab immigrant enclave of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, following three siblings coming of age over the course of one Ramadan, "a moving look at family, survival, and celebration" (Hanif Abdurraqib, author of A Little Devil in America).
Release Date: June 6, 2023
This incendiary debut of linked stories narrates the everyday lives of Soweto residents, from the early years of apartheid to its dissolution and beyond.
Get ready for a romantic summer getaway! We've handpicked the best romance books to make your vacation sizzle. Whether you're lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun, these romance books are the perfect companions for your summer adventures.
Release Date: June 6, 2023
She's a glitzy, big-city girl, he's all country-boy charm, yet despite the differences, their attraction is nearly instantaneous. But can a man-wary woman truly learn to trust a one-time lady’s man? Find out in the steamy second book from the popular Montana Men series. If you like strong women, cowboy heroes with hidden depths, and slow-burn chemistry, then you’ll love this fiery path to HEA.
Release Date: June 6, 2023
Ian McDonough was a Scottish duke trying to avoid the hassles of the London season. Emma Presley was a beautiful, headstrong lady whose impulsive nature gets her into trouble. While Ian found himself drawn to Emma, keeping the lady out of trouble was a chore. Regardless, Ian was determined to make her his duchess, no matter who objected, even Emma.
Release Date: June 2, 2023
Living a normal life when bigotry lurks around every corner is one stress with which Zara is accustomed to handling. But when a shifter from another world barrels into her life while he's on the brink of death, Zara's life gets a lot more complicated. This is the first in a six-part inclusive LGBTQ+ fantasy romance series written by USA Today Bestselling Author Mary E. Twomey.
Release Date: June 6, 2023
When Victoria's life is turned upside down on the eve of her wedding, the sparks that ignite take her on a journey of self-discovery that she never expected. She wasn't looking for answers, but she found them anyway. All with her top law school rival, Santiago, by her side.
Release Date: June 1, 2023
When a cup of coffee leads to much more... I AM AUSTIN is a billionaire age-gap romance with a twist. Austin and Sapphire are from the same world but yet miles apart. Insecurities... lies... deception... await them at every turn. Will they be able to hold on to find their Happy Ever After? Only time will tell.
Release Date: June 1, 2023
From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Meagan Brandy comes a steamy forbidden romance featuring a possessive hero … who falls first and will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
