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Interview with Mandy Smith, author of Cabin Fever

Tell us a little bit about your new release, Cabin Fever.

Its a personal account of my life as a Virgin Atlantic Air Hostess, Searching the world for my Mr Right. A little bit like a memoir - as its all true stories but written in a 'chic lit' style to make it more of a light hearted, fun read.  There are stories from my 6 week training, dating escapades and snippets from parties set all around the world.  If you are of a delicate nature then this book is not really for you as it does have some pretty graphic sex scenes in it.  I've been pretty honest and up front in every chapter, as I am in life.

What is the one movie that you can quote the most?

Grease I know every word & every song off by heart and can still be found singing my heart out to them when they come on the radio in the car - Love it!

What are you currently craving?

Cake - Im normally such health freak with my Nutribullet crammed full of spinach/coconut water /seeds & fruit, but its my husbands, daughters and my own birthday this weekend, so I've made the most yummy chocolate fudge cake covered in pink chocolate ganache' which I just cant stop eating!

If you had to pick one place to vacation for the rest of your life, where would you choose?

That is a very difficult question as each place is wonderful for many different reasons, but I'd have to say Thailand as it is the most amazing country to explore & backpack. (If I were to pick somewhere for 5 Star luxury I'd have to say - Cape Town in South Africa as it is my favourite of all the Virgin Destinations we used to fly to)

BAM. You're a superhero. What's your superpower?

To control the four elements (similar to storm from Xmen) - Id make it rain more where its needed so more countries could grow their own crops, I'd be able to fly by controlling air pressure and use my Superpowers to try to restore world peace!!

You wouldn’t be caught dead, where?

At any 'Anti-gay' establishment - I'm so happy about the Supreme court judges demanding Gay marriage be legal across the USA - everyone should have equal rights.

What's your favorite story from Cabin Fever?

The Flower girls chapter - where my friends and I are partying and having fun in Barbados!  Its full of sex, skinny dipping and room parties. This kind of depicts our silliness and I love my girls so much. We don't get to see each other as much nowadays - so I miss them dearly as we all live so far apart now.  I think most of my reminiscing means more to me because of my relationship with my girls - Laura/Felicity & Suzy (these are not their real names - they each picked the names themselves).

Do you have a favorite local bookstore we can give a shoutout to?

The Book Nook in Hove UK they are an independent book store where children can go to listen to readings everyday as well as read them before buying.  My daughter absolutely adores books and Im so proud that she can almost read and write at the age of three - http://www.booknookuk.com

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

Yes!  This one is the one I live my life by and has stayed with me since College:  "Practice Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty"  x x x


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Mandy Smith is the author of the new book Cabin Fever.

Connect with Mandy
Author Website
 Twitter

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Joyce Carol Oates Books: New Book Releases for 2015

Joyce Carol Oates books are highly acclaimed, and for good reason. Joyce Carol Oates is the winner of countless literary awards, including the National Book Award, the O. Henry Award, and the Bram Stoker Award. She is a 5-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and Joyce Carol Oates books are nothing short of adored. This masterful literary author is a must-read for all fans of American literature. There are several new Joyce Carol Oates books for 2015, and we've compiled a book list for you below.

Also check out our list of books to read if you like Joyce Carol Oates. Happy reading!

Joyce Carol Oates Books to Read in 2015



The Lost Landscape: A Writer's Coming of Age

Joyce Carol Oates

Longtime readers of Joyce Carol Oates books will be enthralled by her just-released memoir, The Lost Landscape. In this new book, Joyce Carol Oates talks about her childhood in rural New York and gives us a beautiful look at the romantic world of a child. If you're looking for a candid look into the early life of a favorite author, look no further.

Release Date: 9/8/15

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Lovely, Dark, Deep: Stories

Joyce Carol Oates

If you've been waiting to read Joyce Carol Oates' book of short stories, now is your chance to pick up Lovely, Dark, Deep. Though it was published in 2014, Lovely, Dark, Deep is newly available in paperback. O, the Oprah Magazine, calls this Joyce Carol Oates work "a virtuosic collection."

New in Paperback: 5/12/15

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Jack of Spades: A Tale of Suspense

Joyce Carol Oates

One of our favorite things about Joyce Carol Oates: she can transcend genres seamlessly. Jack of Spades is a psychological thriller that is defined by suspense, but incorporates the incredibly captivating literary elements for which Oates is famed. It explores the line of genius and madness in a tale that will thrill you.

Release Date: 5/5/15

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The Sacrifice: A Novel

Joyce Carol Oates

In January, Joyce Carol Oates released a brand-new novel that deals with the issues of sexual violence, racial tension, and problems in society that simmer (and sometimes boil over). The Sacrifice brings trauma to a masterful literary piece sure to resonante with loyal readers.

Release Date: 1/25/15

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More Joyce Carol Oates Books to Read: NewInBooks' Favorites


As an aside, if you love Joyce Carol Oates books, consider following her on Twitter. She tweets beautiful gems like this one:

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Brenda Novak Book List: New Books to Read in 2015

Readers love Brenda Novak books, and for good reason - they're captivating. Brenda Novak's books are perfect additions to any beach bag, day in the park, or evening on the couch. Brenda Novak is a staple in every contemporary romance reader's library, and she has wowed us with books that are more literary and have a little more mystery in them as well. We've put together a Brenda Novak Book List so that you can get a look at what Brenda Novak books are coming out in 2015.

We recently interviewed Brenda Novak about her new book The Secret Sister, and could wait to see what other books Brenda Novak would release this year.

NewInBooks' Brenda Novak Book List for 2015



Whiskey Creek Series Vol One

Brenda Novak

Brenda Novak's Whiskey Creek Series is set in the heart of Northern California. This boxed set is a great deal for contemporary romance fans - you get three ebooks for a discounted price.

Release Date: March 16, 2015

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This Heart of Mine

Brenda Novak

This is a new release in the Whiskey Creek series - it's Book 8, in fact. We love the Whiskey Creek books because they're all set in the same universe, with overlapping characters, but each books reads like a standalone. You don't need to be familiar with any of the other books in this series to enjoy one of them wholeheartedly.

Release Date: March 31, 2015

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Love That! Brenda Novak's Every Occasion Cookbook

Brenda Novak and Jan Coad

Brenda Novak holds an auction for diabetes research every year. In 2015, she released a cookbook with Jan Coad to benefit the cause. All proceeds from this book go to diabetes research!

Release Date: May 1, 2015

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The Secret Sister

Brenda Novak

The Secret Sister is a compelling mystery, but it also has a heartwarming romance in the storyline. If you're anxious to read something a bit different (but still touchingly familiar) from Brenda Novak, pick up this new release.

Release Date: July 28, 2015

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Hanover House

Brenda Novak

This is the prequel to a brand new series by Brenda Novak. Hanover House is true Romantic Suspense - a beautiful blend of solving mysteries and falling in love.  The Hanover House Chronicles will officially begin with Whiteout, a release slated for 2016. Dive in early with this 200-page story.

Release Date: September 1, 2015

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Whiskey Creek Series Vol Two

Brenda Novak

This is another great deal for Whiskey Creek series readers! Once again, Brenda Novak has our back - she bundled three more Whiskey Creek books at a discount for people who just can't get enough of her books.

Release Date: September 14, 2015

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A Winter Wedding

Brenda Novak

A Winter Wedding is a Christmas-themed Whiskey Creek novel about healing and, of course, loving. A country music artist comes to Northern California and finds more than just a house to rent.

Release Date: October 27, 2015

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News in Books | Book News Week of September 11

This week's book news is full of new surprises, international expansions, and our favorite celebrities.

The Humble Book Bundle is Here

Like the idea of paying money to charity and getting more than just a happier conscience out of it? We don't actually expect any of you to say yes to this, but, Neil Gaiman has released this year's Humble Book Bundle, a pay what you want collection of digital content, the revenue from which is split between charity and the creator, in percentages of your choice.  So, if you thought yes, but didn't say it out loud, now is your chance to download a bunch of rare, quality, bookish content which supporting a good cause. Read More ↦

Amazon's Tendrils Continue to Expand Internationally 

Sometimes we picture Amazon as the smoke monster from the TV show Lost. We don't really know if it's good or bad, it's bigand somewhat amorphous, it makes a lot of noise and is always on the fringes of our awareness. This week, the smoke monster, we mean Amazon, floated over seas, as it expanded it's Kindle Scout program, a program through which authors can upload their books to be voted on by readers, and hopefully get picked up for a publishing deal, internationally. Now authors in Europe, Canada, India, and more can upload their novel length manuscripts with the hopes of being published. Read More ↦

drew

 

Old News is Great News

Drew Barrymore has a memoir coming out. This news is about a month old, but we just found out today and we love the cover SO MUCH so we want to share it with you. Our excitement for this celebrity memoir is second only to our excitement concerning Mindy Kaling's new memoir.   Read More ↦ 

Speaking of Mindy Kaling's New Memoir...

WHY NOT ME is released on September 15th and we are doing endless happy dances while we wait for our preordered copy to show up. Check back next week for our thoughts and all of the feels about this beloved actress' newest book. Until then, check out her highlight in the New York Times Read More ↦

There's a New Kid in Class

Elizabeth R. Koch, of the very wealthy Koch family, has started her own publishing house, based in New York. She describes herself as apolitical (unlike her father) and quite literary, with and MFA in Creative Writing from Syracuse University. We are interested to see what she brings to the printing press. Read More ↦


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Interview with Robyn Carr, author of Wildest Dreams

Robyn Carr's books are beloved amongst contemporary romance fans. We got the chance to interview Robyn Carr about her new book, WILDEST DREAMS.


Tell us a little bit about your new release, WILDEST DREAMS.

Blake Smiley, a professional triathlete, has travelled the world, but Thunder Point has what he needs to put down the roots he’s never had. In the quiet coastal town he can focus on his training without distractions. Until he meets his new neighbors and everything changes.

Lin Su Simmons and her teenage son, Charlie, are fixtures at Winnie Banks’ house as Lin Su nurses Winnie through the realities of ALS. A single mother, Lin Su is proud of taking charge and never showing weakness. But she has her hands full coping with a job, debt and Charlie’s health issues. And Charlie is asking questions about his family history—questions Lin Su doesn’t want to answer.

When Charlie enlists Blake’s help to escape the boy’s overprotective mother, Lin Su resents the interference in her life. But Blake is certain he can break through her barriers and be the man she and Charlie need. When faced with a terrible situation, Blake comes to the rescue, and Lin Su realizes he just might be the man of her dreams. Together, they recognize that family is who you choose them to be.

Who or what inspired you to become an author?

I was inspired by my reading while I was a young Air Force wife. I was in my early twenties, a new mother, and was devouring historical novels and romances. Some memorable ones were Katherine by Anya Seton and The Flame and The Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss. I continue to be inspired by wonderful, entertaining stories for women. My reading isn’t limited to women’s fiction but my writing always seems to head in that direction.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

It is the way of the world that no problems or crises lasts forever or is insurmountable. Take the time to be calm, to think clearly, to treat people with kindness and generosity, work hard, enjoy every day.

What books are currently on your nightstand?

If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins, Not Quite A Husband by Sherry Thomas, Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee.

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

I have lots of happy places and one is my office, which is too small and I’ve outgrown the shelves and file drawers. But I go to my office every morning by seven and only leave it for the occasional appointment or for short periods of time. I quit work at six every day and then I can be found in the family room with my feet up and a book in my lap – it’s perfect.

What's rocking your world this month?

I just finished a book that I love so much, it was hard to let it go and begin another book! The title is Sullivan’s Crossing, it’s the first in a new series and will be published in hardcover in April, 2016. The story takes place in Colorado near the Continental Divide Trail involving some of the most entertaining and complex characters I’ve ever taken on and I love them all!

What's your favorite quote from WILDEST DREAMS?

“Is impossible,” the author said, effecting a Russian accent.

My favorite lines happen between Winnie Banks, who has ALS and is nearly bedridden, and her old friend Mikhail, an old Russian figure skating coach. She constantly reminds him he said he’d be leaving soon and he replies, “What can I say? I am terrible liar. I will stay. Till the end.”

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

One of my favorites lately is from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel -- “Everything will be all right in the end and if it is not yet all right, it is not yet the end.” And I’ve always tried to remember – It doesn’t cost you anything to be nice.


Robyn Carr is the author of the new book Wildest Dreams.

Connect with Robyn
Author Website
 Twitter

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How Many Stephen King Books Have You Read?

Stephen King has written a mind boggling number of books. These books have gone on to inspire musicians, screen play writers, and, of course, terrify all their readers. Stephen King has made hotels scary, exercise equipment scary, laundry machines scary, wind-up teeth scary, toy-soldiers scary, pet cemeteries ("semataries") scary, and clowns even scarier. Even Stephen King's house is beautifully creepy. Knowing our fear of what goes BUMP in the night can be attributed at least a little to his works, it's fitting that this prolific author be awarded the United States National Medal of Arts (the highest achievement awarded by the US Government). Those who have done more watching and less reading can forget film adaptions like Silver Bullet and Bag of Bones, preferring to cherish watching (and rewatching) Stand By Me, The Shining, and The Shawshank Redemption. Still, watchers and readers alike owe many thanks to this wicked wordsmith. But rather than impressing you with his list of books, we figured we'd quiz you on how many Stephen King books you've read. Maybe you'll find you're ready to pick up another one.


So - what did you get? Most of us have read the classic Stephen King books like It, Carrie, and The Stand, but have you delved deep into the Stephen King anthology? Tweet us your results at @NewInBooks.

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