Take a look at this month’s selection of bestsellers now in paperback! July had a great selection of bestselling books to check out from thrilling mysteries to enthralling literary reads, and insightful biographies. Pick up these latest paperback books by bestselling authors John Grisham, J.D> Robb, Clive Cussler, Karin SlaughterKevin Kwan, Brandon Sanderson, and many more!
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Literary Fiction Books For Your Summer Reading List | 2020
Literary Fiction Books For Your Summer Reading List | 2020
Literary fiction readers are in for a treat thanks to these amazing new literary fiction books hitting stores! Don't miss our summer reading list recommendations from bestselling authors Sam Harris, Lee Conell, Leigh Stein, Julia Spiro, Maggie O'Farrell, and Barbara Davis. Enjoy!
The Substance of All Things
by Sam Harris
Release Date: July 1, 2020
"Poignant and devastatingly evocative, this story about faith, frauds, fear, and finding peace will win over any fan of heartbreaking and heartwarming 20th-century Americana literature. A mesmerizing novel."... It tells the story of Theo Dalton, who at six years old, has his hands irreparably damaged in a car accident that also takes his mother's life. Six years later he meets Frank, a Native American outcast, and learns that he has the ability to heal through his disfigured hands.
The Party Upstairs
by Lee Conell
Release Date: July 7, 2020
The debut novel from author Lee Connell... Ruby has an odd relationship with privilege. As the daughter of a super, she grew up in the basement of an Upper East Side co-op that gets more gentrified with each passing year. She is not economically privileged in any way, but living in such a wealthy neighborhood brought her certain advantages, even expectations.
Self Care
by Leigh Stein
Release Date: June 30, 2020
Highbrow, brilliant."... Maren Gelb is on a company-imposed digital detox after she tweeted something terrible about the President's daughter. As the COO of Richual, an inclusive online community for women to cultivate the practice of self-care and change the world, it is a PR disaster.
Someone Else's Secret
by Julia Spiro
Release Date: July 1, 2020
Lindsay and Georgie have high hopes for their summer at Martha's Vineyard. In the wake of the recession, Lindsay accepts a job as a nanny for an influential family who may help her land a position in Boston's exclusive art world. Georgie is the eldest child in that family, is fifteen, and years for his first love.
Hamnet
by Maggie O'Farrell
Release Date: July 21, 2020
Agnes is an eccentric creature who walks her family's land with a falcon on her glove. She is known throughout the countryside for her unusual gifts as a healer. Agnes understands plants and potions better than she does people. Once she settles with her husband on Henley Street in Stratford-upon-Avon she quickly becomes a fiercely protective mother.
The Last of the Moon Girls
by Barbara Davis
Release Date: August 1, 2020
The new novel from the bestselling author of When Never Comes... Eight years ago, Lizzy Moon left Moon Girl Farm. She never wanted the land that nine generations of gifted healers had tended. She wanted to distance herself from the whispers about her family's strange legacy.
Literary Organizations You Can Donate to Now to Support Black Lives Matter
Here at NewinBooks, we are committed to making a positive difference in our community and the world around us. To continue on from our recent posts Black Authors to Support in Your Favorite Genres and Black-Owned Bookstores You Can Support Right Now, we've made a list of some literary organizations you can donate to in order to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
“In 1990, author Marita Golden and bibliophile Clyde McElvene created this foundation to nurture Black writers and diversify the literary arts. They named it in honor of two writers who displayed enormous talent, remarkable drive, and rare intellectual prowess, and then they began to build a community that provided training, mentorship, recognition, and financial resources. Today, the foundation conducts writing workshops, public readings, writing competitions and an annual awards ceremony – all to encourage excellence.”
“A 501(c)(3) non-profit and a grassroots organization of children’s book lovers that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people.”
“Kimbilio means “safe haven” in Swahili. We are a community of writers and scholars committed to developing, empowering and sustaining fiction writers from the African diaspora and their stories.”
“Young, Black & Lit was started by book lovers who understand the critical importance of reading and representation in the lives of children. Our mission is simple, to increase access to children's books that center, reflect, and affirm the experiences of Black children.”
“The Conscious Kid is an education, research and policy organization dedicated to reducing bias and promoting positive identity development in youth. We partner with organizations, children’s museums, schools, and families across the country to promote access to children’s books centering underrepresented and oppressed groups.”
“Book Harvest provides an abundance of books and ongoing literacy support to families and their children from birth and serves as a model for communities committed to ensuring that children are lifelong readers and learners. Our vision is of a world in which reading, learning, and access to information are considered rights, not privileges, so that all children thrive.”
Don't miss our latest post on Black Authors to Support in Your Favorite Genres. Click here to learn more.
Looking for a local Black-owned bookstore? Click here for some of our favorites!
Interview with Dre Carlan, Author of A Mother's Tears
What can you tell us about your new release, A Mother’s Tears?
It’s a very personal story wrought with mistakes, misfortune, and more than a couple of mountains both my mom and I have had to climb. I’m extremely proud of her as a person and wanted to share her strength and willpower with the world.
What or who inspired you to become an author?
My mother. She always encouraged me to follow my bliss and dream no small dreams. Therefore, I dreamt of becoming a published author.
What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?
-The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz
-Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez
-Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis
-Siddhartha, Herman Hesse
-Madame Bovary, Gustave Flaubert
Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask
Edgar Allan Poe. I’d want to ask him out of all the stories and poetry he wrote, which was his favorite piece of writing and why?
What's your favorite thing about writing?
The ability to express my innermost thoughts and hopefully have someone understand and empathize with them.
What is a typical day like for you?
Wake up and make coffee. That’s key to having a good day. I then check and answer emails or phone calls—, the usual morning routine. Afterwards, and throughout the day, I do my caregiver duties. In between that, I find time to write, read, and listen to Audible.
What scene from A Mother’s Tears was your favorite to write?
The vision of my mother and future daughter knowing each other and holding hands.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Dream no small dreams.
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Interview with Tamie Dearen, One of the Authors of Sweet Kisses
What can you tell us about your new release, Sweet Kisses?
Sweet Kisses is a limited edition boxed set with twenty-one brand new sweet contemporary romances by twenty-one amazing authors. We're donating 100% of pre-order proceeds to Pets for Vets, a wonderful organization that pairs veterans with the pets they need and deserve.
What or who inspired you to become an author?
My daughter encouraged me to try my hand at writing books. But the person who first inspired me to write was my third grade teacher, Ann Vassallo, who helped me publish my first poem.
What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?
Pride and Prejudice, Lord of the Rings, Anne of Green Gables, Redeeming Love, Princess Bride.
Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask
Brené Brown. I would ask her if she prefers communicating orally or through the written word, and why.
What's your favorite thing about writing?
My favorite part of being an author is when readers write to tell me how much one of my books meant to them.
What is a typical day like for you?
I'm a practicing dentist, so a typical writing day starts at six thirty a.m. with a little writing before work. When I get home, I try to squeeze in as much writing as possible before my other obligations. If I'm really lucky, I'll sometimes have an entire day to devote to writing and all the accompanying work of being a self-published author. But family time always takes precedence.
What scene in your title, The Billionaire's Practice Kiss included in Sweet Kisses was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene is when Logan first kisses Ellery--supposedly to make his ex-fianceé jealous.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Since I happen to be married to the world's most romantic man, this is my favorite quote, by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings. “I would rather spend one lifetime with you, than face all the ages of this world alone.”
Tamie Dearen is one of the authors of the new book Sweet Kisses.
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Interview with Tijan, Author of Rich Prick
What can you tell us about your new release, Rich Prick?
It's a mature young adult book that expands over a summer and it becomes a new adult romance towards the end. Aspen is the invisible/shy girl, and Blaise is everything except that. The book is aptly named, but there's a sweetness within the book and also there's a lot of layers that unfold from each character.
What or who inspired you to become an author?
No one, to be honest. I never thought about writing, even though I was a voracious reader. I just had to get these storylines and characters out of my head one day, so I booted up a computer and started typing away. Once I did, everything clicked in place and I knew that's what I wanted to do for the rest of my life (whether I got paid or not.)
What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?
I can't speak on top five books because they tend to change with me, but I love Jennifer Armentrout, Debra Anastasia, Helena Hunting, Kristen Ashley, and Joanna Wylde and pretty much anything any of them write.
Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask
Ha! I'd try to get Will Ferrell on because I'm an embarrassing fan of his. Then I'd ask him about writing materials and what/who he reads. I know. Not a typical writer here.
What's your favorite thing about writing?
I love the writing part, of living these lives and being a part of their worlds while I'm writing the book. I also love seeing the finished product in paperback form. It still amazes me, and I get ridiculously excited when a new book comes in the mail.
What is a typical day like for you?
Work! Lol!
I take care of my dog, get coffee, boot up the computer and I go from there. Half the day is spent on business matters, and the rest is either writing, editing, promotion, or outlining. I work a lot.
What scene from Rich Prick was your favorite to write?
The scene where Blaise confronts someone from his old life. There's a lot of dynamics within that scene, and I didn't know myself as the writer until I began typing it so I was shocked, but I loved it.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Just be better, in all aspects of your life.
Tijan is the author of the new book Rich Prick.
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Interview with Sam Harris, Author of The Substance of All Things
What can you tell us about your new release, The Substance of All Things?
This novel is 4 years in the writing/making. It is the story of Theo Dalton, when, at six years old, his hands are irreparably damaged in a horrific car accident that takes his mother’s life. Six years later, during the sweltering summer of 1968 in rural Oklahoma, Theo meets Frank, a Native American outcast, and learns that he has the ability to heal through his disfigured hands.
As he explores the extraordinary, Theo desperately attempts to remain an ordinary boy. But when word of his gift spreads, Theo is shunned by the church for doing “the devil’s work.” He is immediately swept away by his Auntie Li, and into a world which ultimately threatens his life as he saves others’.
Told from Theo’s perspective some fifty years later, it is through his work as a therapist with a broken woman that he musters the courage to relive the summer that haunts him.
What or who inspired you to become an author?
I’ve always written. But as a playwright, television writer, essayist and author of the memoir, “HAM: Slices of a Life” which became a musical performed in NY and Los Angeles and was filmed for television. But this foray into fiction is a whole new experience. It is the most personal and investigative. And it requires an entirely different level of soul than any previous work I’ve done in other medium. I love to make stuff up. But, of course, it’s always grounded in my own experience.
What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?
Tough. Tough. Tough. “She’s Come Undone” – Wally Lamb. “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” – David Wroblewski. “A Prayer for Owen Meany” – John Irving. “Of Mice and Men” – John Steinbeck. “The Grapes of Wrath” – John Steinbeck. “Fire From Heaven” – Mary Renault.
Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask
Presuming the author has to be alive… John Irving. I’d ask him to talk about the inspiration for his work and how he remains so prolific. I’d ask him about his process, his discipline, and who inspires him.
What's your favorite thing about writing?
The feeling of starting with writing a character and then letting the character write me. The feeling of being inside the book to the degree than I don’t know what’s going to happen even as I write it. And the wonderful experience of looking back at the work and not remember writing it.
What is a typical day like for you?
I have a 12 year old son, so much of my day is about him – especially in Covid. I do what everyone does: I deal with the house, shopping, cleaning, laundry, answering 4000 emails, being available to my child and husband. I always have 3 or 4 projects going at the same time in different entertainment medium and also as an actor/performer, so it’s about a lot of juggling. I’m always tired…
What scene from The Substance of All Things was your favorite to write?
Hard question. Probably the chapter where adult Theo is dealing with his therapy patient about the admittance of the sexual abuse by her father, and the confusion that was for her, as she felt she was healing the very person who abused her, and felt complicit in her own victimization.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Say yes.
Sam Harris is the author of the new book The Substance of All Things.
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Interview with Barbara Freethy, Author of Fearless Pursuit
What can you tell us about your new release, Fearless Pursuit?
Fearless Pursuit is the newest book in my Off the Grid: FBI Series. It's a page-turning, fast-paced, twisting romantic suspense that features two mysteries and a lot of romantic action and adventure. It's set in the world of Hollywood and spies. What could be more fun? I loved writing this book, because I got to use some of my own personal background in the story.
Back when I was a teenager, I worked at Universal Studios as a tour guide, and the best part of that job was going down to the sound stages on my days off and watching various shows and movies film. I also had to know a lot of history of the movies, the old time movie stars, all the cool tricks they used when filming some iconic movies like Alfred Hitchcock's the Birds, where they sewed bird seed into the clothes of the actors so that the birds would look like they were attacking. I remember the first time I saw that film, I had nightmares.
Anyway, in Fearless Pursuit, my intrepid heroine, Maya Ashton, wanted to make a movie about her grandmother, a famous Russian movie star, who died under mysterious circumstances. When her quest takes her to the Firebird Club in the Hollywood Hills, she runs into a sexy bartender, who seems to have a lot of secrets. Of course, that bartender is my hero Jax Kenin, working undercover. Their missions are on a thrilling collision course but they also find connections they never expected.
What or who inspired you to become an author?
My mother was my inspiration. She introduced the world of books to me when I was probably five years old. She filled my house with books and my favorite trip as a kid was going to the library or the bookstore to get a new book. I probably read every single one of the Nancy Drew books, which shows that I had a love of romance and suspense even when I was younger. My mom also started writing her own book, and that inspired me to give it a shot as well. At the time, I was in my twenties, and I was working in the public relations field. I was writing rather boring articles about semiconductors, that I barely understood, and thought if I could write about something I knew nothing about, maybe I should be writing fiction. So I sat down and started with that blank page...and sixty-eight books later, I still love being a writer.
What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?
This is such a difficult question as I've been reading most of my life, so I'm going to stick with more recent books in the last 5-10 years. Some titles that stand out in my head are: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware, Shattered Secrets by Karen Harper, Hideaway by Nora Roberts, When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O'Neal.
Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask
Nora Roberts! I have followed her career for twenty years. I've read a ton of her books, and I've always been so impressed by her consistency in delivering amazing stories. I love the way she writes. She's one of the best storytellers I've ever seen. And she likes to write lots of different things, which I also admire. I believe she has a tremendous work ethic, too, that I'd love to hear about.
What's your favorite thing about writing?
I get to discover and tell myself a cool story every single day! I'm not a huge plotter. I know several of my main plot points, but then I spend a lot of time in the story, just listening to my characters, thinking about where they'd go, what they'd do next. My approach usually results in a lot of rewriting, but that's also fun. I won't say that writing is easy. It's always a challenge to bring the story that's in my head out on paper in exactly the way I want, but I have one of the best jobs in the world!
What is a typical day like for you?
I'm not sure there is a typical day anymore with the pandemic, but these days I'm probably up around eight. My young adult son has come back from New York for a few months, so we try to get a long walk in every morning before he does his work from home and I get into my book. He hasn't lived at home in several years, so it's fun to have him around at least for a short time, although that time seems to be getting longer. I generally do the business of writing stuff in the morning. I write much better from noon to five and sometimes I'll write at night or on the weekends. But writing is my full-time job. I release 3-4 books a year, so I'm pretty busy at the computer most days. I do occasionally get in a game of tennis, which gives me some social interaction from a safe physical distance.
What scene from Fearless Pursuit was your favorite to write?
I love the really emotional scenes where truths are suddenly revealed and the hero/heroine are just completely shocked that they're going down a path they never ever expected to travel. I love to surprise readers. Hopefully, it works!
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
I'm a worrier by nature and I have a big imagination, obviously, which doesn't help the worrying. But I try to remind myself to stay in the present and appreciate the good, focus on the positive. Luckily, I'm married to a very easygoing guy, so he's a good reminder.
Barbara Freethy is the author of the new book Fearless Pursuit.
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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | July 21
Hold on to the edge of your seat as we hunt for clues and solve the case with these exciting new mystery and thriller books for the week! There are so many bestselling authors with new novels for you to dive into this week including Brad Thor, Jonathan Kellerman, Eve Chase, T.M. Logan, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!
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New Romance Books to Read | July 21
Looking to fall in love with some new romance reads? You’ll adore these exciting new novels! This week you can get your hands on books by bestselling authors Tamie Dearen, Barbara Freethy, Tijan, Jenn McKinlay, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!
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