New Booklist Reviews, December and January Realeases

The December 15th edition of Booklist has positive words for the second titles from both Lesley Livingston (WONDROUS STRANGE) and Jillian Cantor (SEPTEMBER SISTERS).

After the "action-packed" DARKLIGHT, the sequel to Livingston's WONDROUS STRANGE, coming next week from Harper Teen, Booklist has no doubt that "readers will anxiously await the concluding volume."

DARKLIGHT, Harper Teen December 2009



As for Cantor's LIFE OF GLASS, coming January 2010 from Harper Teen, Booklist states that the talented Cantor succeeds in painting "a gentle portrait of a girl growing through her grief."

LIFE OF GLASS, Harper Teen January 2009

Happy Holidays from JVNLA!!

Click here to see the animated card!!!

Upcoming December 2009 Releases

Book Two of the WONDROUS STRANGE Series

Praise for WONDROUS STRANGE:

"Readers will revel in the hints of Shakespeare within the text . . . Set against the backdrop of present-day New York City, this enchanting first novel weaves together worlds of theater and magic in a way that is sure to please fans of both." -- School Library Journal

Stands out with a balanced mix of folklore and authorial invention . . . Kelley is appealingly feisty and stubborn, and her romance in Sonny develops quickly but believably . . . [Wondrous Strange] will capture readers eager for romance, magic and suspense." --Booklist

HarperTeen December 2009

Upcoming November 2009 Releases

This rich work will be well received by Faulknerian students and scholars. Highly recommended." --Library Journal

William Faulkner is often cited as the greatest American novelist of the 20th century, yet he lived a life marked by a pervasive sense of failure. Repeatedly, he failed to master the challenges that erupted upon him in charged moments: crises involving love, war, and race, as well as family, Hollywood, and alcohol. In this imaginative biography, Philip Weinstein, a leading authority on Faulkner, targets Faulkner's sense of unpreparedness as central to both his life and his work.

Oxford University Press November 2009

Lisa Cook's JAPAN TOOK THE JAP OUT OF ME Out Now!!!

"Cook digs deep beyond the trials and tribulation of a Yank in Japan into how she feels about aspects of the Japanese culture . . . profound passages" -- Harriet Klausner, Genre Go Round Reviews

Downtown Press, October 2009

Upcoming October 2009 Releases

From oy vey to arigato . . .

A hilarious and heartwarming memoir about a nice Jewish girl from the West Coast who learns to negotiate a new marriage, a new culture, and a new outlook on life when she moves to the far east.

Downtown Press October 2009

Upcoming September 2009 releases

A fresh sardonic twist on sibling rivalry. Warning: may require hippos.

Felix is not happy about his new baby sister. In fact, he thinks she should be sent back to where she came from. That's when a trip to the zoo inspires some creative solutions to his problem--but Felix will need some animal participation for his plan to work. Expertly brought to life by illustrator Larry Day, Richard Morris's quirky, tongue-in-cheek take on the new baby in the house is sure to entertain parents and children alike, and will help any older sibling realize that sometimes, even little sisters can come in handy.

Walker and Co September 2009

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On a treacherous odyssey across the Island of the Dead, where the legend of the zombi looms large, spiders, snakes, booby traps, will prove the least of Indy's challenges. Even with the agents Japanese and German and an infamous voodoo priest hot in pursuit, capturing the fabled black pearl known as the Heart of Darkness will be child’s play compared to confronting an enemy unlike any other, whose numbers are legion and nearly impossible to kill–-because they’re already dead . . .

Del Rey September 2009

Not-to-Miss April 2009 Releases

"Morris pumps [the story of a wronged woman] full of adrenaline by running a wicked psychological thriller in the background . . . painfully insightful . . . It all leads to a propulsive climax that makes this sensitive work of literary fiction also incredibly exciting . . . Don't wait for the inevitable movie version." --Washington Post.

"Skillfully paced, its characters engrossingly snared in complicated relationships . . . Intense, urgent feelings . . . pulse through its pages." --New York Times Book Review

Shaye Areheart April 2009

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Going through a breakup? Stressed out? Looking for inspiration or romance? Hoping to reinvent yourself or give back? Emmy award-winning travel writer Karen Schaler highlights more than 100 vacation option, complete with chapter-specific quizzes and insights from therapists and other travelers to help you pick the right trip.

Seal Press April 2009

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A razor-sharp, darkly satirical and warped novel about murder, love, torture, art, ninjas, ambition, drugs...and everything in between.

Leigh Tiller has just been kidnapped. The beautiful, ineffably cool New York socialite is being held by a bunch of stylish, but imbecilic terrorists who've demanded millions in ransom from Leigh's wealthy father. There's just one problem: Kip Tiller doesn't want Leigh back. He wants her dead. And he's hired the Serologist—a psychotic, patchwork-scarred hit man—to make sure it happens.

Kensington April 2009

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"Very, very good . . . so smooth a telling of a rough ride that you'd think it was the author's fourth, fifth, or sixth book, not her first . . . a major accomplishment. Ginnah Howard is a writer to watch." --Washington Times

"A wrenching . . . tragic family drama . . . Howard is a graceful, spare, and fluid writer, and her somber and bleak novel has the power to lift and inspire." --Publishers Weekly

"Harrowing . . . unflinching . . . Stark scenarios [that] will be cathartic for readers who have dealt with them firsthand and cautionary for those who haven't." --Kirkus, starred review

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt April 2009

Reviews Roundup: Phillip Margolin's FUGITIVE

A strong, smart and attractive heroine . . . Pay close attention when reading Phillip Margolin's latest thriller." --Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"This terrific thriller writer outdoes himself . . . superbly clean, fluid style, which seems so effortless it's rarely noticed . . . I guarantee you'll enjoy it." --The Sullivan County Democrat

"Sit in your favorite chair, get some iced tea and take this page-turner with you . . . Phillip Margolin is a master of his craft who deserves the highest rating he can get. the constant action, danger, and evil villians in the book are so compelling you will not put it down until the end." --OnceUponARomance.net

Smart, spunky, and young trial lawyer Amanda Jaffe is now becoming synonymous with smart and young lady lawyers- in and outside of fiction . . . Margolin action at its ultimate best that culminates in a finish that only he could have thought of. A highly suspenseful and quick-paced read, this latest comes highly recommended." --New Mystery Reader

"A sizzling international thriller." --National Examiner

HarperCollins June 2009

Not-to-Miss May 2009 releases

Man Booker nominated!!!

A New York Times bestseller

A Publishers Weekly Pick of the Week, Summer Reads Pick

"Perfectly calibrated . . . a ghost story as intelligent as it is stylish." --Washington Post

"Waters is an excellent, evocative writer . . . an incredibly gripping and readable novel." --The New York Times

"An astonishing performance, right down to the book's mournful and devastating final sentence." --Salon.com

Riverhead May 2009

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Junior Library Guild Selection, Spring 2009

ALAN Pick, July 2009 (Association on Literature for Adolescents)

“Intriguingly offbeat . . . humorous, suspenseful and poignant . . . fans of Jerry Spinelli and others of his ilk may especially enjoy it and will be held rapt.” --Kirkus

"A sensitive, touching, and sometimes heartbreakingly funny picture of middle school life." --School Library Journal, starred review

Philomel May 2009

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Fifth title in the Edgar-nominated series!!

"Sweet God, how I love these books . . . the best Sherlock Holmes series for kids I've ever been lucky enough to read." --School Library Journal

"From the riveting prologue to the satisfying conclusion . . . The atmospheric setting and the voice of the heroine are so compelling . . . Well done!" --School Library Journal

Philomel May 2009

Out Now: Lynne Barach's FIRST COME THE ZEBRA

Looking for a gorgeous picture book to delight young readers? Check out FIRST COME THE ZEBRA, the newest from the author of HIROMI'S HANDS and ASK ALBERT EINSTEIN!! Two boys from traditional Kenyan tribes learn to share common ground and overcome their differences in this delightful parable.


















"Appealing, expansive ink-and-watercolor illustrations . . . an accessible exploration of the concept of tribal disputes and more general themes of friendship and conflict resolution. A nice choice for classroom use and home reading." --Kirkus Reviews

Lee and Low August 2009

Not-to-Miss June 2009 Releases

The fourteenth New York Times bestseller from the author of EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE and PROOF POSITIVE

"The pages fly in this violent, twisty tale of one man's journey through the legal system, and legal thriller fans will snap up Margolin's latest for their summer beach reads." --Library Journal, starred review!

"Entertaining . . . a plot set on full boil . . . all will enjoy following the resourceful Amanda [Jaffe] as she puts the pieces of the puzzle together." --Publishers Weekly

HarperCollins, June 2009






















You can take the girl out of the geeks . . . but can you take the geek out of the girl?

"Sweet, funny, and heart-warming, The Geek Girl's Guide to Cheerleading truly makes you want to cheer!" --Elizabeth Scott, author of Bloom, Perfect You and Something Maybe

“I thoroughly enjoyed this modern, teenage take on Austen’s Pride and Prejudice . . . This dynamic duo of authors display a dry humor that had me snorting out a laugh on more than one occasion.” --Long and Short Reviews

Simon Pulse, June 2009

Book II in the Chrysalis Queen Quartet, a chronicle the adventures of young Guinevere leading up to her marriage to King Arthur

Excellent period details . . . [McKenzie's] female characters are strong and give advice relevant to contemporary readers." --Publishers Weekly

Knopf Young Readers, June 2009

Be on the lookout for Wendy Webb's THE TALE OF HALCYON CRANE!!

A young woman travels alone to a remote island to uncover a past she never knew was hers in Webb's thrilling modern ghost story, coming April 2009 from the publisher of Darling Jim.

The first blurbs have arrived!!

"Captivating and haunting, this debut proves Wendy Webb is a gifted storyteller." --MJ Rose, author of The Memorist

"The Tale of Halcyon Crane is a wonderfully creepy gothic tale with a distinctly modern sensibility. Ms. Webb has written a hypnotic, twisting, and vividly imagined story about the terrible and lovely ways the past impacts the present, and how one woman's discovery of old family secrets reveals new truths about herself and her life." --Megan Chance, author of The Spiritualist

More quotes and news to come in the months leading up to publication!!

Henry Holt April 2009

Zoe's Klein's DRAWING IN THE DUST is Critical Darling

“A Jewish Da Vinci Code [and] an emotionally rich story of personal and historical discovery . . . love stories past and present—and a balanced, compassionate view of both Israeli and Arab traditions—add to the book's pleasures.” --Publisher Weekly

“[A] suspenseful race against time . . . Overlaying the historical love story is a modern one between Page and an orthodox Jewish man who helps both of them realize the true meaning of celebrating life.” --Booklist, starred review

Now in bookstores!!

Zoe Klein on DRAWING IN THE DUST

Pocket Books July 2009

LAST BRIDGE out tomorrow!!!

Just ONE MORE DAY until Teri Coyne's arresting debut novel hits shelves!!

Cat,

He isn't who you think he is.

Mom xxxooo

So reads the suicide note left for Cat Rucker, forced to return home after her mother has taken her own life.

But who is "he?"


A daughter's search for answers, ten years in the making, will bring her face-to-face with a haunting truth.

Check out the trailer for THE LAST BRIDGE at the Agency Grab Bag page!!!

Ballantine July 2009