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 novels from Sally Field, Reese Witherspoon Bradley Hope, Tom Wright, and more. Enjoy your new biography and memoir books. Happy reading!
What can you tell us about your new release, Lost Arrow?
Lost Arrow is the first book in The Kalelah Series, a twisted story of how we got here, who we are, and the dangers of dogma. It’s also a war story, a love story and, squint one eye and close the other, a hope story. The series gets its name from the interstellar ark, Kalelah, the ship at heart of the story.
It’s sci-fi, but something I hear from readers a lot is, “I thought I hated sci-fi. But after reading Lost Arrow maybe I don’t.” I love that because I think the range of writing in sci-fi is really misunderstood. So, if this story can change a few minds about the genre that would feel like a success.
What or who inspired you to become an author?
I’ve been writing advertising for thirty years. It’s a load of fun and I’ve been lucky to work with some of the world’s most fascinating brands doing things that have taken me all over the world. But that writing, appropriately, revolves around the stories of my clients. And I have my own stories to tell.
What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?
I know, there’s only one science fiction book on that list. But when someone says, top five, you have to take it seriously. There are a hundred great sci-fi books I love. But that list above made me want to become a writer. Or stay one.
Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?
I’d want to talk with the person, or team, who wrote the Bible. And I’d like to ask him, her or them, if things have turned out like they had hoped.
What's your favorite thing about writing?
The puzzle solving. And it’s funny because I actually don’t like crosswords or picture puzzles. But there’s something about putting the pieces of a story together that I find addicting. And thanks to my work in advertising, I’ve had the opportunity to write in what seems like a thousand, different media (when I first started, I worked on the McDonald’s account writing the panels of jokes, games and stories for Happy Meal boxes), but the buzz has always been the same: How am I going to make things fit so they just … click?
What is a typical day like for you?
Depends on whether I’m at the agency office or my home office. The ad world is blindingly fast. Deadlines are tight and there’s really never a slow season. I’m also doing a dozen different kinds of things a day. Some right brained, some left brained. Back and forth, back and forth. So those days tend to be packed and feel packed.
I try to make the days at home writing much slower and far more single-minded. I always start with exercise and make sure I’m at my desk by nine. I don’t make lunch plans with others and I keep the distractions to a minimum. I’ll check email at just three points in the day: 7:00AM, lunch and then 3:00PM. Music is a constant. And I always set a concrete goal and I don’t call it quits until I’ve met it. Not exactly the plot of a movie there. But those are the best days of the week.
What scene in Lost Arrow was your favorite to write?
Trin’s Waking. This is the scene when we meet a character that helps drive the whole series. It’s also our first real look at the ship from the inside. Trin awakes after being in a kind of hypo-metabolic deep sleep, called a Skip. A Skip is typically thousands of years long. And a Waking is typically a joyous occasion. But instead of finding a happy reunion on the other side of his pod door, Trin finds a dark, seemingly empty ghost ship. His fearful journey to his post is the first detailed description of the Kalelah’s design and character. It was big fun walking in Trin’s shoes down those corridors and transforming my notes and sketches to the brooding, cinematic imagery that set the visual tone for the book.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I wouldn’t put it on a T-shirt, but I think there are very few things a determined person can’t learn to do reasonably well. And perhaps the whole point of this crazy journey called life is to learn as much as you can. In fact, I probably define life as learning.
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By Kat & Stone Bastion
When penning a fictional novel, “write what you know” is the predominant sage advice. It’s certainly worked well for us in the past. But while fleshing out the characters and adventures within Lawbreaker, we sprinkled it with more of our experiences than any other novel we’ve created.
Ben’s control-measure quirk to leave a quarter-inch of scotch in his glass? His alcoholic father? Torn straight from the pages of Stone’s life—well, except for the federal crimes part.
Homeless overtaking a nearly hundred-million-dollar renovated crown-jewel city library? Their underground networks taking care of one another? Ripped from real-world headlines we’d recently been affected by.
But the charity-scramble chapter? Immortalized our inaugural golf experience.
Kat was the first to shout “Birdie, baby!” when the ringer of our ragtag scramble foursome sank a phenomenal putt. And the fox-theft thing? Yep. That’s true too.
In fact, much of runaway Shay’s dry-humor attitude toward golf came from our own newbie antics on the fairways and greens.
And the whole naughty golf-shirt idea? Total discussion we had about how someone needed to shake up the country-club set.
Don’t get us wrong; we love golf. Sort of.
Ever play an exhausting, challenging eighteen holes? No wonder there’s a nineteenth.
In Lawbreaker, Shay and Ben come from vastly different worlds, but when they overcome distrust of one another and cynicism about their respective stereotypes, they not only find common ground...but seize the opportunity to become heroes to many. Our kind of heroes.
Through their whirlwind romance, they find that true family are those you trust to have your back. Ditto.
Want to dive into a modern-day fairy tale of Robin Hood, Peter Pan, and Cinderella...filled with adventure, dry humor, quick-witted banter, a touch of mystery, and a hard-earned happily ever after? We did. And had a blast with Lawbreaker. We hope you do too.
Kat Bastion and Stone Bastion are the authors of the new book Lawbreaker.
Connect with Kat and Stone Bastion:
Author Website
Facebook
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What can you tell us about your new release, The Good Samaritan?
The Good Samaritan is a story about redemption, love, and hope. The main character, who is homeless by choice, is determined to pay penance for what he sees as his past sins by [anonymously] helping those who cannot help themselves.
What or who inspired you to become an author?
I had always been an avid reader and loved to write my own stories growing up. A few years ago, after speaking with a few authors I'd read and admired, I decided I would try my hand at it. I can hardly believe that was nearly three years ago and twelve books later.
What fictional literary world would you most like to visit?
The KGI series by Maya Banks. They are the most compelling bunch of individuals—both family and friends.
Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?
Oooh, that's a tough one. I think I'd have to say Katy Regnery since I consider her my mentor. As far as questions I'd ask, I would be boring and ask her if she has any tricks of the trade regarding outlining a book or helpful tools/strategies she uses.
BAM. You're a superhero. What's your superpower?
Speed. I think that would be tremendously cool.
What is a typical day like for you?
Until I wrote my answer to this question, I didn't realize how lame I sound. Ha ha! A typical day includes me getting my daughter ready for school and dropping her off before I head back home to my office to write. I normally write until it's time to go pick her up.
What scene inThe Good Samaritan was your favorite to write?
Hmmm. This is a tough one. I have a few, but perhaps my most favorite is where a piece of Jude's past makes an appearance in the story.
R.C. Boldt is the author of the new book The Good Samaritan.
Connect with R.C:
Author Website
Twitter
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What can you tell us about your new release, Queen of Swords?
Queen of Swords is a mystery about star-crossed lovers, murder, and a jewel theft that take place at an antebellum plantation in 1850. 168 years later a group of architects and designers go in to restore the mansion to its former beauty to turn it into an exclusive retreat for the wealthy and politically connected. Georganne, the interior designer, accidentally uncovers the mystery of the nearly two century old murder and theft. She begins to encounter a man who perhaps isn’t really even there. Her own troubled past comes back to haunt her and the handsome young architect whose family is bankrolling the project.
What or who inspired you to become an author?
A lifetime of reading. I love the medium for its dependence on imagination. I grew up in the country without cable or movies, so books were very important to me. I think most people who are serious readers think about writing at one time or another.
What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?
Drood by Dan Simmons
As Meat Loves Salt by Maria McCann
The Rifter Series by Ginn Hale
The Stand by Stephen King
Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice
Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?
Dan Simmons. I’d like to ask him how he manages to be so prolific and brilliant at the same time. I would love to know more about his editing process.
What's your favorite thing about writing?
Creating worlds and characters and then seeing how they react to their environments. I believe that once you have created fully fleshed out characters they will take on a life of their own and direct the action along the plot lines you have set. Creating detailed biographies of imaginary people is the fun part.
What is a typical day like for you?
I like to write first thing in the morning. Breakfast for the pups, coffee for husband and myself, and then I write. I own a business outside of writing and after a couple hours of writing I head to work myself.
What scene in Queen of Swords was your favorite to write?
There are several mysteries entwined in the plot of Queen of Swords and the revelation of each of those was great fun to write. Resolution is the release of bits of dramatic tension you have built into your story, so the final unraveling is satisfying.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I just believe that life is short and unpredictable, so make every moment count. Your life is a Choose Your Own Adventure, so choose wisely.
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J. A. Jance is the New York Times Bestselling Author of mystery and thriller novels. She is best known for her popular Joanna Brady, J. P. Beaumont, and Ali Reynolds series. If you are searching for a thrilling new read, you won't want to miss these exciting new books to read if you like J. A. Jance!
Release Date: September 10, 2018
Francis Scott-Wren seems like just another rich socialite - tailored suits, old world charm, and significant wealth. That is all on the surface though, as Scott-Wren has a secret: he uses his wealth and influence to rid the world of greed and selfishness. Now his sights are set on George Schwartz, a ruthless power broker.
Release Date: August 29, 2018
Detective Jill Jennson has been called to a scene of a double homicide that took place during a wealthy family's vacation. It is immediately apparent that this case will be like any other. The victims were found brutally murdered in a locked bathroom. There was seemingly no way for a killer to enter or leave undetected. The list of suspects is endless.
Release Date: September 1, 2018
Georganne Blaylock has taken the gamble of a lifetime. The young and successful interior designer and her business partner, Jeffrey Hutson, are leaving the Big Easy to renovate an antebellum mansion in bayou country. Georganne fights her feelings for Jeffrey, even when ghosts from the past begin to reemerge. Soon she uncovers a century-old mystery. Will she find fortune or become collateral damage in someone else's game.
Release Date: September 11, 2018
Jane Hawk was one of the FBI's top agents. Then she became the nation's most-wanted fugitive... Suddenly Jane is all that stands between a free nation and its enslavement by a powerful secret society that uses terrifying mind control. She could not save her husband but she has struck a major blow against the insidious cabal.
Release Date: September 11, 2018
Six days ago, Joe was a happily married man, a devoted father, and a respected teacher. That was all before he saw his wife's car entering a hotel parking garage. Before he saw her in a heated argument with her best friend's husband. Before he confronted the man and left him for dead. Now Joe's life is unraveling.
Release Date: September 4, 2018
Jessie Sloane is rebuilding her life after spending years caring for her mother. It seems things are looking up when she rents a new apartment and applies to college. But when the college informs her that her social security number has raised a red flag, Jessie finds herself embroiled in a bizarre mystery. One that causes her to doubt everything she has ever known.
There have been a plethora of new and insightful memoir novels this month and we thought we'd round up some of our favorites for you to add to your reading list. Our list includes new books from authors Dennis Harrison, Lisa Brennan-Jobs, Reese Witherspoon, Tanya Marquardt, William Shatner, and DeRay McKesson.
Release Date: August 6, 2018
Born in a mental hospital and becoming a man shaped by five key mentors, Dennis Harrison writes frankly about the wisdom and courage he has gained through sport. Dennis' childhood was blighted by his mother's illness but he demonstrates how his path to maturity and success was paved by love, friendship, and the guiding hand of his mentors.
Release Date: September 4, 2018
Daughter to Chrisann Brennan and Apple founder Steve Jobs, Lisa Brennan-Jobs' childhood unfolded in a rapidly changing Silicon Valley. In her early years, Lisa's father was a mythical figure who was rarely present in her life. As she grew older, her father started to take an interest in her and ushered her into a world of mansions, vacations, and private schools. When her relationship with her mother started to strain in high school, she moved in with her father, hoping he'd become the parent she always wanted.
Release Date: September 18, 2018
Reese Witherspoon's grandmother used to always say that southern women were like "whiskey in a teacup." Their combination of beauty and strength meant that they may be delicate on the outside, but are strong and fiery on the inside. This latest memoir brings a little bit of Reece's world and the southern lifestyle into your home.
Release Date: September 1, 2018
On her sixteenth birthday, Tanya Marquardt ran away from a dysfunctional and emotionally abusive home. This was an act of rebellion and betrayal, but it whatever was in front of her, it had to be better than what she was leaving behind. Stray tells the story of Tanya's fight to embrace the vulnerable parts of herself and forge a new path in life.
Release Date: September 4, 2018
A brief health scare in 2016 forced Star Trek legend and author, William Shatner, to take stock. After thinking about the lessons he has learned and the places he has been, he arrived at one simple rule for living a long and good life: don't die. It's the only one-size-fits-all advice he can give, as everyone has a unique life.
Release Date: September 4, 2018
In August 2014, a twenty-nine-year-old activist named DeRay McKesson stood with hundreds of others on the streets of Ferguson, Missouri, to push a message of justice and accountability. This and many other protests like it helped form the Black Lives Matter movement. In On the Other Side of Freedom, DeRay lays down the framework for a new liberation movement and continues the conversation about activism, resistance, and justice that embraces the US and its history.
Barbara Freethy is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women's fiction. If you love romance novels, whether you prefer sweet, steamy, or suspenseful, you've probably fallen head over heels for one of her over 60 novels. If you are looking for a new love story, we think you'll adore these books to read if you like Barbara Freethy!
Release Date: September 3, 2018
Dear Melrose. You were a stranger the first time we met. The second time, you were my roommate. The third time, you made it clear you were about to be a thorn in my side. You make my life complicated, but no matter how hard I try, I can't stop thinking about you. Truthfully... I can't stop wanting you.
Release Date: June 13, 2018
How long can love last against the social unrest of the South Wales mining valleys? In the early 20th century, grueling poverty and the cruelty of mine owners is taking its toll on families and the love within them. Kate is burdened by a shameful secret. Can she find the deep inner strength she needs or will she lose everything? Then she discovers The Rocking Stone.
Release Date: September 9, 2018
I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but I built my successful R&D company from scratch. I am always looking for talent and that's how I met Cherry Bomb, the underground MMA fighting princess. After seeing just one match, I was hooked. I sign her on as my newest investment. There's one problem, I want to do more than just spar with her... I want her.
Release Date: September 11, 2018
Jackson Weathers is a Billionaire CEO that needs a family for a PR boost. I have a contract agreeing to give him one. He will get a doting girlfriend in public, a wedding to invite the socialites to, and a baby for him to parade around. I've tried to remain cynical about the supposed loveless marriage. But his tenderness in private has me hooked.
Release Date: September 4, 2018
Hazel Camille Bradford understands that she is a lot to take. Most men are not up for the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don't scare them off, her lack of filter means she'll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Josh Im has known her since college. He has always thought of her s more of a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after his girlfriend cheated on him, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.
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 Benjamin Bremasi, James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Clive Cussler, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!
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 Winter Renshaw, Alice Ward, Krista Lakes, Jill Rutherford, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!
