New Books - NewInBooks

Interview with Melanie Benjamin, Author of The Swans of Fifth Avenue

Tell us a little bit about your new release, The Swans of Fifth Avenue.

The Swans of Fifth Avenue is about the unexpected and complicated friendship between Truman Capote and one of the most glamorous fashion icons of her day – and still today – Babe Paley. It’s set in Manhattan in the 50s and 60s, a very glamorous, gossipy time, but the novel also explores the very vulnerable hearts beating beneath the designer gowns and tuxedos. Truman and Babe—and all the other Swans—were devoted to each other. Until Truman stole their stories and secrets, and betrayed them all in a short story. The literary scandal that followed broke all those hearts and sent Truman on a downward spiral from which he never recovered.

What's rocking your world this month?

I’m binge-watching all of the episodes of “Key & Peele” while on the treadmill. I laugh so hard, I nearly fall off!

You’re hosting a literary dinner party. Which three writers are invited?

Truman Capote, naturally! And Isak Dinesen. And Ernest Hemingway, because I simply can’t imagine Hemingway and Capote in a room together without someone taking a swing.

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

Reading, of course.

What's your favorite quote or scene from The Swans of Fifth Avenue?

I really love the quiet scene between Truman and his lover, Jack Dunphy. It’s a domestic little scene, the writer at home working, then cooking dinner with his partner, then going to bed. I think I love this because it’s so quiet and tender in the midst of so much glitter; it gives the reader a chance to catch her breath, and also it shows the serious side of Truman that few ever glimpsed. It’s also a scene of the writer at work, which I naturally identified with.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Don’t look back. I only look forward. It’s kind of a pathological thing, to tell the truth. My husband is the one always keeping things—reviews, clippings, memories—because I would throw them all out. I don’t like to dwell on the past at all. I think this has served me well, though, in my career.

Melanie Benjamin is the author of the new book The Swans of Fifth Avenue.

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Books to Read if you Love NPR

The wonderful thing about NPR is the vastness of content available. There's truly something for everyone, which means lots of different people find content to love on public radio.

The shows you listen to and enjoy the most say something about your tastes, and we think that translates well from audio to the written word. We've pulled together a set of recommendations of books to read for people who love NPR based on the specific shows they enjoy. All of these recommendations make fantastic gifts for book lovers and audiophiles alike. Happy listening - and reading!

Books for People Who Love All Things Considered

All Things Considered is one of NPR's many news programs. It debuted in 1971 and is now the most listened-to afternoon news program in the United States. As the name implies, the topics discussed are incredibly diverse. The well-known and undiscussed are both, well, considered in All Things Considered, making this show a go-to for the curious.

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Books for People Who Love Fresh Air

Fresh Air is technically categorized as a talk show, but this incredibly popular program hosted by Terry Gross is anything but typical. Perhaps the most beloved feature of Fresh Air is the interviews, which take exactly as long as they should (rather than constrained to a set amount of air time). We're particular fans of Maureen Corrigan's segment on books.

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Books for People Who Love Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! is a hilarious quiz show that happens once a week on NPR. Peter Sagal et al compile the week's news and entertainment and mix it with a bunch of fake pieces of information. Guests are tested on the answers to the real news, all while trying to work out what's fake.

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Books for People Who Love The Diane Rehm Show

Diane Rehm is a true staple in the world of radio. She has hosted this program since 1979 and draws more than 2.4 million listeners weekly. Diane Rehm's program is famous for on-air listener dialogue. Famous influencers like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former president Bill Clinton, and Toni Morrison have spoken with Diane Rehm on-air, which speaks to Rehm's incredible reputation.

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Books for People Who Love TED Radio Hour

TED Radio Hour is a show about new perspectives, inventions, ideas, and ways of thinking. Guy Raz hosts this incredibly popular show and interviews speakers from the TED stage to learn about how they think about the world and uncover new solutions to old problems. TED is devoted to 'Ideas Worth Spreading' - and Guy Raz certainly spreads those ideas in this fantastic program.

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Books for People Who Love Planet Money

This one's for the people who love thinking about economics. Planet Money integrates stories from history, personal anecdotes, discussions on behavioral psychology, and explorations of consumer behavior into this show about what's happening in the economy. It's sort of a chat with a friend at a bar, wherein you suddenly delve into the big questions and come away with an insightful discussion.

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Books for People Who Love StoryCorps

StoryCorps tells the story of the everyman. People of all walks of life, beliefs, and backgrounds have a voice on StoryCorps to remind all of us that we are a shared race. StoryCorps aims to strengthen human connection, reinforce listening as a core value, and tell the narrative of people you wouldn't otherwise know or hear or understand. This show is for people who love reading and learning about people.

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Books for People Who Love Hidden Brain

Shankar Vedantam hosts this exploration of patterns in the world. Hidden Brain is for people who are curious about the world around them and want a scientific approach to an explanation. Perspectives, human bias, unconscious choices, and habits that reveal more than you realize are discussed in this show about what makes people tick and how that impacts absolutely everything.

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Books for People Who Love Pop Culture Happy Hour

This show is pure fun, and features spirited explorations of happenings in pop culture. Television, movies, books, and more are discussed with a truly happy and upbeat lens. This is a show to make you smile and get you excited about what's new and now. Sounds like a great fit for NewInBooks!

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Books for People Who Love Only A Game

We see you, sports fans. Only A Game blends the world of sports with the rest of the world and is a highly-accesible show for lifelong sports addicts and lifelog "sports avoiders" alike. We've confined our picks to recommendations for people who really love the world of athletics, as quintessential Only A Game fans are certainly avid sports watchers.

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Books for People Who Love Invisibilia

Invisibilia is the new kid in town in NPR-land, and we couldn't be happier to welcome this brilliant newcomer. Lulu Miller and Alix Spiegel explore the intangible and invisible factors that shape the way humans interact with each other and the world in this show about behavioral psychology. Invisibilia tackles how our intimacy with technology impacts our species, what categories mean to us, and the role of fear - among tons of other topics.

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Books for People Who Love How to Do Everything

How to Do Everything tackles big questions and tiny questions in a show for optimizers, tinkerers, and curious-minded people. Ian Chillag and Mike Danforth take audience questions like "how do I stay awake during meetings" and "how do I distract someone I love." The hosts give thoughtful, scientific, and sometimes funny answers to the queries we all share.

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Looking for more gifts for book lovers? Check out our entire collection here.

Interview with Sawyer Bennett, Author of Hawke

Tell us a little bit about your new release, Hawke.

Hawke is a second chance romance. Hawke Therrien has found himself face-to-face with Vale Campbell, the girl that broke his heart years before. As we’ve all learned in life, there are two sides to every story, and he finds that he isn’t the only one that has been carrying hurt and anger all this time. This book is about not only his career with the Cold Fury, but also their journey of learning to let go of the hurt, and finding a way to trust one another again.

Which books would we be surprised to find on your shelves?

You’d find every book by Dean Koontz on my shelf.

What is a typical day like for you?

Anyone with a two-year-old will tell you that no matter what you think your day might be like, it won’t. Tiny schedule destroyers, that’s what they are (and I wouldn’t want it any other way). If things go according to plan, I start my mornings by dropping the peanut off at school, then hitting the gym where I do either strength training or mixed martial arts. Once I’m home, breakfast and shower (in that order, because the gym works up a serious appetite!), then off to my writing cave. My time there is a mix of admin type things, social media, and actual writing. I’m there until school pick-up, then time with my favorite girl, dinner, and bath/bedtime for her. I might hop back on the computer for a bit more work, or I’ll spend my evening relaxing with a little reading or TV time.

What are you currently craving?

Chocolate. Any time of day you ask that question, it’s always chocolate!

What makes your world go round? Why does it bring you joy?

My daugther by far brings me the most joy. She is a hilarious bundle of energy! Her laugh can cure just about anything.

What's on your writing desk?

Laptop, glasses, pen and papers, random things I’ve saved from an untimely demise at the jaws of either of my dogs. You know, the usual.

What's your favorite quote or scene from Hawke?

“I’ve always loved you. Even when I thought I hated you, I always loved you.”

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

“If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” – Peter Marshall

Sawyer Bennett is the author of the new book Hawke.

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New Releases Week of March 15

St. Patrick's Day is just two days away! Luckily, your new book releases are already here! Searching for your next mystery read? Try a new cozy mystery with The Skeleton Garden by Marty Wingate, the fourth installment in the Potting Shed Series. Or pick up James Patterson's coauthored Private Paris, a new release featuring the hunt for a girl kidnapped by a vicious drug dealer. In the mood for something more romantic? Hawke by Sawyer Bennett is the newest releases in the wildly popular Carolina Cold Fury series. Danielle Steel's newest release, Property of a Noblewoman, combines the history of WWII and deep romance. Grab these and many more from today's newest releases!

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Interview with Michelle Madow, Author of Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows

Tell us a little bit about your new release, Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows.

Elementals is about a girl who moves to a new town, and on her first day at her new school, she discovers that she’s a witch descended from the Greek gods. Then the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for the first time in three thousand years, and she and four friends are gifted with mysterious powers over the elements. But the comet has another effect--it opens the portal to the prison world that has contained the Titans for centuries. After an ancient monster escapes, it's up to them to follow the clues from a cryptic prophecy so that they can save their town ... and possibly the world. If you loved the Percy Jackson or Secret Circle series, you’ll love Elementals!

What's your favorite song lyric?

Every moment from the song “Defying Gravity” from Wicked! It’s my absolute favorite musical.

What fictional literary world would you most like to visit?

I know that everyone probably says this, but definitely Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series!

Which book from your childhood or teenage years has stuck with you as an adult?

The Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer — it’s the series that got me started writing fiction again.

What are you currently craving?

It’s pretty much a given that I’ll always eat pizza 🙂

Who are your literary heroes working today? Why do you admire them?

JK Rowling, because I think that what she created with Harry Potter is completely genius.

What's your favorite quote or scene from Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows?

“My world had gone from normal to magical in only a few days. Everything I’d once believed to be true had been turned upside down, and even though it was crazy and possibly dangerous, I loved every second of it.”

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I love quotes! Here are three of my favorites:

"If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything." -Doc Brown, Back to the Future

“You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.” -Albert Einstein

“The greatest gift is a passion for reading. It consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives you knowledge of the world, and experience of a wide kind. It is a moral illumination.”

Michelle Madow is the author of the new book Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows.

Connect with Michelle
Author Website
Twitter

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Books to Read If You Like Jill Shalvis

When contemporary romances combine sassiness, sexiness, and fun, they're sure to make for a great lighthearted read. Jill Shalvis has demonstrated her knack for storytelling with bestselling books such as Second Chance Summer, Then Came You, and Still the One, to name few. Given that she's written more than 50 books, we'd be surprised if you've read them all. Nevertheless, if you still can't get enough, we've got you covered. Take a look at this list of books to read if you like Jill Shalvis, and enjoy a brand new cast of quirky characters.

Books to Read If You Like Jill Shalvis

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Ignite: The Wildwood Series

Karen Erickson

Price: $1.99

Release Date: March 15, 2016

Weston Gallagher is falling hard — for the wrong woman. One night of passion has haunted him for years. Now he’s got a second chance to get the girl of his dreams…but there’s just one problem: She hates him.

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Dare to Seduce

Carly Phillips

Release Date: November 17, 2015

Billionaire Max Savage knows it's time to convince Lucy Dare that she belongs with him — even if she's with another man. He'll have to seduce her to show her they're meant to be together, no matter the consequences. But will Lucy dare give in to her desires?

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The Beach Wedding

Bella Andre

Release Date: February 3, 2016

Liz Wilkinson has finally landed her dream job overseeing Married in Malibu, a new wedding venue for the Hollywood elite. She vows to do whatever it takes to help the company succeed, even if it means working with her ex-fiancé...and pretending to be in love with him again. But will he convince her that she's no longer pretending?

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The Friends We Keep

Susan Mallery

Release Date: February 23, 2016

In this insightful and compelling story from book club favorite Susan Mallery, three close friends test the boundaries of how much a woman can give before she has nothing left. They'll rely on good food, good wine, and each others' support to navigate life's many challenges.

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Never Too Late

Robyn Carr

Release Date: March 31, 2015

Three sisters step beyond the roles of wife, mother, daughter and discover the importance of being a woman first. Clare Wilson is starting over after her marriage to a charming serial cheater. With the support of her sisters and her fortieth birthday nearing, Clare is finally feeling the rush of unadulterated freedom.

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If You Only Knew

Kristan Higgins

Release Date: August 25, 2015

The drama, hilarity, and tears of sisterhood drive this thoroughly captivating novel by New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgans. Wedding-dress designer Jenny Tate offers a funny, frank, and bittersweet look at marriage as she tries to move on from her ex-husband.

Books to Read If You Like Sports Romance

Sports are definitely entertaining on their own, but it doesn't hurt when the athletes are good looking too. These men know how to score, and not just on the field. If you're looking for a little sports action and a whole lot of romance, look no further. Check out this list of books to read if you like sports romance.

Books to Read If You Like Sports Romance

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Jackson's Trust

Violet Duke

Price: $3.99

Release Date: March 8, 2016

Sports analyst Jackson Gray doesn't do relationships, and no one knows why. When he become friends with sideline reporter Leila Hart, however, all of that changes. Their friendship quickly changes into a workplace romance, and it's a disaster waiting to happen.

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Legend

Katy Evans

Release Date: February 9, 2016

Maverick is training to be the best fighter in the cage, and he has a personal matter to settle with Remington Tate. As he's training, he meets a young girl to whom he develops a strong connection. To his dismay, she ends up being the cousin of Remington's wife, which means he shouldn't be talking to her and she should be rooting against him.

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Pucked

Helena Hunting

Release Date: April 28, 2015

Violet thinks NHL players are all the same— huge flirts who aren't very smart. When she meets Alex Winters, however, he proves her wrong and she becomes intrigued. She thought their fling would be over after one wild night, but Alex continues to contact her and send her gifts. Does he truly care about her, or is he just conforming to the flirtatious hockey player stereotype?

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The Baller

Vi Keeland

Release Date: January 17, 2016

On her first day as a professional sportscaster, Delilah has to deal with Brody Easton, the cocky and flirtatious Super Bowl MVP. He continues to screw with her, but their interactions slowly become more flirty. Delilah says she doesn't date players, but she just might be the right girl for him.

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The Hook Up

Kristen Callihan

Release Date: September 7, 2014

Anna Jones just wants to graduate college, and she definitely didn't plan on falling for star quarterback Drew Baylor. He has been dedicated to football his whole life, but all he wants now is Anna. She shuts him down at first, but they eventually hook up and things get more complicated from there...

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The Score

Elle Kennedy

Release Date: January 11, 2016

With a recently broken heart and graduation looming, Allie is going through a rough patch. A rebound hook-up with hockey star Dean Di-Laurentis may not be the best idea, but it happens anyways. Dean usually gets what he wants, but after their hook-up, Allie just wants to be friends. After being denied by the one woman who is immune to his charm, Dean is ready to "shoot for love."

Books to Read if you Like J.D. Robb

J.D. Robb is known for her suspense riddled police procedurals featuring female detective Eve Dallas. If you're a fan of her Law and Order like plots and straight shooting protagonists, you'll love the following books featuring tough as nails female leads, a bit of psychological suspense, and a touch of vigilante justice. If you're looking for more reads that make your heart race, check out this list of books to read if you like Sandra Brown.

Books to Read if you Like J.D. Robb

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AT Large

John W. Mefford

Price: $3.99

Release Date: March 11, 2016

The level of damage done to the bodies in Agent Alex Troutt's latest case is inconceivable. As the body count rises, the secrets stack up, bringing law enforcement further and further from the truth. When the killer decides to make his victims personal, Alex will have to confront shadows from her past in order to crack the case. As they get closer to the killer, Alex wonders if she is reaching the end of her rope.

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Breakdown

Jonathan Kellerman

Release Date: February 2, 2016

Psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware teams up with LAPD Lieutenant Milo Sturgis when a tragic TV actress is found dead on the lawn of a Bel Air estate. Considering the actress' former mental health issues, the death is initially written off, but Alex and Milo suspect foul play. When more victims arise in the same upper class neighborhood, suspicion turns to terror.

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Pretty Girls

Karin Slaughter

Release Date: September 29, 2015

A psychological thriller that preys on the bonds of family and sisterhood, Pretty Girls is not for the weak of heart. Follow Claire and Lydia, estranged sisters who haven't spoken since the disappearance of their younger sister over 20 years ago, as they reconnect after the murder of Claire's husband.

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Find Her

Lisa Gardner

Release Date: February 9, 2016

Flora Dane was kidnapped 7 years ago and spent over a year enduring things that she wishes she could forget. Now obsessed with the stories of other girls who never made it home, she is a conundrum to her friends and family. While investigating the case of recent kidnapping, detective D.D. Warren begins to wonder if Flora is just a victim... or if she has become a vigilante.

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Fatal Demand

Diane Capri

Release Date: January 15, 2016

When investigative reporter Jess Kimball’s Taboo Magazine assignment reveals a modern Italian crime family operating inside the US, she joins forces with FBI Special Agent Henry Morris to stop the ruthless killers.

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Brotherhood in Death

J. D. Robb

Release Date: February 2, 2016

Last bust certainly not least, fans of J.D. Robb should make sure to pick up her most recent release: Brotherhood in Death. As full of futuristic suspense as the rest of the In Death series, you are sure to enjoy this mystery featuring the whip smart Eve Dallas.

Interview with Violet Duke, Author of Jackson's Trust

Tell us a little bit about your new release, Jackson's Trust.

Jackson’s Trust is a friends-to-lovers romance between a brilliant NFL sports analysist and the new sideline reporter he’s assigned to train. There’s lots of chemistry, lots of sports, lots of great friendship, and just a heartfelt romance between these two kindred football lovers.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a writer – I still have the composition books that I used to pen and draw my first stories as a kid. As my parents always say, I had an insatiable appetite for books (even now, I read about 3-4 books a day). And as an adolescent/teen I went to the public library every day and read literally every book in the entire YA section of the library. So probably my biggest inspiration would be these amazing authors who wrote such beautiful stories for me to fall in love with throughout my life.

Where is your happy place? Why does it bring you joy?

My happy place would be within the pages of my favorite re-reads. Whenever I need rejuvenation or inspiration, I’ll open up these well-worn paperbacks (my “top shelf reads” that I’ve re-read probably a hundred times each) and instantly get transported to where ever the characters are. Being surrounded by the rich, vibrant storytelling is like getting a big, warm literary hug. I’ve never been able to get through one of those re-reads without smiling a lot and sighing a lot in bliss.

What's your favorite thing about living in Hawaii?

I love how everything is laid back here and very in touch with nature. I haven’t worn covered shoes for years (my last year teaching as a professor was probably the last time LOL). It’s just a beautiful place to live with great people and a very island way of life (sometimes me and my hubby will just pack up the kids and head over to go camping near the beach on a whim).

Who is your favorite couple from literature?

That would have to be the couple from my first and favorite romance of all time – Matt Farrell and Meredith Bancroft from Paradise by Judith McNaught.

Say you now host a literary-themed talk show (congrats). Who would be your first guest? What would you ask that person?

Guest: Legendary, brilliant author Elizabeth Lowell
Question: If I promise you an organ I have two of, will you please, please write more Donovan series books? 🙂

What's your favorite quote or scene from Jackson's Trust?

Jackson found his palms flat against the wall on either side of her shoulders before he could stop himself. And yet he did nothing to remedy what was surely a bad decision on his part, work-wise. Instead, he just watched her, and waited for an answer.

Leila’s gaze pulled away from his a moment later, and dropped down to his tie. While her teeth sank into that lush lower lip he’d been fascinated with since yesterday, she reached out her free hand to straighten and smooth out his tie.
Oddly, the unbidden action was a penetrating fist to his chest. He hadn’t been lying about having had more than a few passing thoughts of a wife and kids to spoil. And this tie-straightening? It belonged right there in the vault with all the other untouchable daydreams for his life.
When her lips parted then, instead of an answer, he got another question. “Why do you insist on calling me sunshine?”
“You don’t like it?”
“I’d rather you call me by my name.”
Exhaling slowly, he admitted, “Me too. Which is why I’m sticking to sunshine.”

Eyes still glued to his tie, she resumed her distracting lip biting, looking as reflective
as she did amused. “So does that mean I shouldn’t call you Jackson?”
Holy shit, he liked the sound of his name on her lips. Too damn much. “Call me Jackson.” It wasn’t a reply to her inquiry. It wasn’t even a request. It had edged over to a demand…

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

When one door closes, look for a window. And if there is none, grab your favorite tool and create your own entrance/exit. Every time something terrible has happened in my life (and I’ve had a pretty rough life), I survived by looking for that window, or sledgehammering my way through whatever wall I needed to get past. Each time, that closed door behind me was the best thing I walked away from.