Newly redesigned website!

We are thrilled to introduce our newly redesigned website at www.jvnla.com!  As this website now incorporates all the upcoming titles information that has been featured on this blog, we have stopped maintaining this blog, and it will eventually be deleted.  You can view reviews, covers, and author and publisher information for all our recent and upcoming titles at the below urls:

http://jvnla.com/fiction.html
http://jvnla.com/non-fiction.html
http://jvnla.com/young_readers.html
http://jvnla.com/poetry.html

You can also visit our regularly updated JVNLA blog, which highlights the newest media, news, and reviews for our books, at http://jvnla.com/our_blog.html.

Thanks for reading!
Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, Inc.

July & August 2011 Releases

SECRETS OF THE WOLVES by Dorothy Hearst

The rules of the Wide Valley wolves were clear: Never consort with humans; never kill a human unprovoked; never allow a mixed-blood wolf to live. But they were rules destined to be broken. Now, in the second riveting installment of The Wolf Chronicles the stakes are higher than ever. Young Kaala of the Swift River pack shattered the rules of the valley and exposed the lies hidden beneath them. Now, responsibility for the consequences rests with her. Along with her young packmates and the humans they have befriended, she must find a way for the wolves and humans of the Wide Valley to live in harmony. If they succeed, Kaala will finally prove herself worthy of her pack. But if she fails, the Greatwolves who rule wolf-kind will kill every wolf and human in the valley.

Told from the wolf's point-of-view and set 14,000 years ago in a time when the cultures of wolves and humans were not so different, SECRETS OF THE WOLVES transports us to a world where instincts are our only compass and cooperation between potential enemies could mean the difference between life and death.

“A vivid, enchanting tale of friendship, trust, and adventure, good Tolkien-esque ingredients.” --Kirkus Reviews, on PROMISE OF THE WOLVES

Simon & Schuster, August 2011

HOOKED by Catherine Greeman

Why would 17-year-old Thea Galehouse—sophisticated and smart, yet cynical—opt to bring a baby into the world? To hold onto the beautiful Will Weston? To escape the pressure of her high school and type-A parents? To never be alone? Whatever the reason, Thea catapults herself into parenthood, taking Will and all four dysfunctional grandparents-to-be along for the ride.

Although conflicted and scared when Ian is born, Thea catches glimpses of a family happiness she's rarely experienced. But after an accident, Will loses faith. Thea’s dad steps in and begs broken-hearted Thea to move in with him. She acquiesces, but father-daughter peace is rocky. In HOOKED, Thea explores the murky waters of a post-divorce family, the exhilaration of first love, the minefield of parenting, and the redemption hiding in second chances. HOOKED is at once completely relatable and un-put-down-able.

“It's impossible not to get hooked in to this tender and moving story—it totally won my heart.” --Rachel Cohn, co-author of NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST

Delacorte, August 2011

EVERY DAY ON EARTH by Steve Murrie and Matthew Murrie

Discover all of the amazing things that can happen around the world in just one day! Your taste bud cells are replaced at a rate of 50,000 a day. Almost 40,000 trees are cut down every day just to make paper bags. And a mayfly lives its entire life in a single day. This book is full of fun facts about space, technology, pop culture, food, animals, sports, the human body, and more! What can you do in a day?

Scholastic, August 2011

May & June 2011 Releases

THE PRACTICAL NAPPER by Jennifer Eyre White

THE PRACTICAL NAPPER is a small, humorous gift book written for people who believe the phrase “good nap” is redundant. Sleep-deprived parents, slacker students, and typically torpid retirees will find a wealth of information to support and encourage their napping habit, such as, “Naps are like Prozac, but without all the sexual side effects.”

The book also features insightful napping quotes from celebrity practitioners like Jack Handey, Dave Barry, Yogi Berra, and David Sedaris. And it asks probing intellectual questions, like why is catnapping a restful pastime, while dog-napping is a criminal act? For everyone who loves a good nap (and who doesn't?), THE PRACTICAL NAPPER is the perfect gift.

“My motto has always been 'More napping, less slapping.' This funny and informative book takes us ever closer to that dream.” --Jack Handey, author of DEEP THOUGHTS

Andrews McMeel, June 2011

BEFORE VERSAILLES by Karleen Koen

Karleen Koen takes us to a place and time where Louis XIV was just beginning to establish the strength and wealth of his kingdom—despite the many forces pushing against him. After the death of his prime minister, 22-year-old Louis steps into governing France. He's still a young man, but one who, as king, willfully takes everything he can get—including his brother's wife. While the love affair between Louis and Princess Henriette burns, his brother's jealousy coupled with his mother's rage sets the kingdom on the road toward unmistakable scandal. But there are other problems lurking outside the chateau of Fontainebleau: a boy in an iron mask has been seen in the woods, and the king's finance minister, has proven to be more powerful than Louis ever thought.

“Rich with detail and action...Marvelous great fun.” --Library Journal, starred review

Crown, June 2011

THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF BIG RED FLAGS by Natasha Burton, Julie Fishman, Meagan McCrary

Creators of the popular blog The Little Black Blog of Big Red Flags, Natasha Burton, Julie Fishman, and Meagan McCrary have teamed up to create a book version of their hit—THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF BIG RED FLAGS. The authors rifled through blog submissions from women across the U.S. (and even around the world) for the can’t-believe-it-really-happened, most outrageous red flag stories ever received. The end result was a hip and humorous guide that helps women navigate the treacherous waters of dating and spot the warning signs so they can jump ship before the boat goes down in a fiery wreck. The blog has been featured on MSN, MSN Lifestyle, Glo, YourTango, Asylum, and FHM Online, among others, and the blog’s founders are regular dating advice contributors to Glo, YourTango, and Asylum.

Examples of big red flags:

• He asks you out because he's trying to “hit” all ethnicities.

• He screams, “You don't want to mess with me in this game or in life!” while playing Trivial Pursuit with your grandma.

Adams Media, June 2011

AMONG THE MISSING by Morag Joss

P.D. James calls Morag Joss “[An] exciting talent in British crime writing,” and in her newest novel, Joss explores the aftermath of a tragic bridge collapse in Scotland. Silva and Annabel live in a small, spartan cabin by the river, downstream from the bridge that fell. When it collapsed, it took Silva's husband and daughter, but still she waits for them, convinced that they must be alive. The bridge's fall gave Annabel the opportunity to fake her own death and start anew, but the secrets she keeps grow inside of her—as does her unborn child. They live anonymously, making tentative plans for the future. But secrets cannot stay buried forever, and the past soon finds them, and the river that gave them shelter will bring devastating consequences.

A haunting journey that should burnish the reputation of Joss as one of Britain's most original crafters of psychological suspense.” --Publishers Weekly, starred review, on THE NIGHT FOLLOWING

Delacorte Press, June 2011

ONCE EVERY NEVER by Lesley Livingston

Clare Reid always thought she was a little different. But a Druid Blood Curse? Not quite what she was expecting. What started off as Summer Vacation in Dullsville suddenly spirals into a deadly race to find an ancient bracelet, avert an explosive catastrophe, save a Celtic warrior princess, and right a dreadful wrong that happened centuries before Clare was even born.

With the help of her best friend and brainiac sidekick, Clare is about to discover there’s a lot more to “ancient history” than textbooks have led her to believe, having a “destiny” is a lot more fun than it sounds, and romance can get really complicated when two incredibly hot guys start inhabiting the same body—especially when one of them has been dead for over two thousand years. This is the kind of adventure that happens to a girl once every… never.

“A refreshing, spirited read where humor abounds alongside unparalleled world-building and–my favorite–hot guys. I laughed and bit my fingernails.” --Aprilynne Pike, #1 NYT bestselling author of WINGS and SPELLS

Penguin Canada, June 2011

April 2011 Releases

MINDING BEN by Victoria Brown

When Grace leaves her small village in Trinidad to immigrate to New York, she is in search of a better life. However, not all goes quite as planned: Instead of limitless opportunity and an easy path to education, Grace finds herself working as a nanny for a wealthy family. The humiliating work that the family subjects Grace to is nearly too much to bear. That, coupled with the complicated playground politics among the West Indian babysitting community and complicated relationships among her extended family and friends, makes the reality of Grace's young life seem like a waking nightmare.

Author Victoria Brown was herself a nanny when she arrived in New York City twenty years ago from her native Trinidad.

“[A] spirited voice...A moving immigrant story...Brown was...not afraid to tackle the thorny issues of race, religion, and class.” --Library Journal, Editor's Pick

Hyperion, April 2011

A SEA IN FLAMES by Carl Safina

In a book that only the multiple award winning MacArthur Genius Grant Winner and head of the Blue Ocean Institute could write, Carl Safina's BLOWOUT provides us with the definitive book about the short- and long-term repercussions of this century's Chernobyl. In this account of the first months of the BP oil spill, Safina discusses the events that caused the explosion, the habitats affected by the spill, the wildlife directly harmed, and the ways in which the government contributed to the disaster.

Safina weaves unfolding news accounts with the events he experienced firsthand, creating a simulacrum of the chaos accompanying the spill. His narration is a medium through which to better understand the BP oil spill, why it occurred, and what will come after.

“Environmentalist Safina brings his signature compassion, marine expertise, and gorgeous writing to his candidly expressive coverage of the Deepwater Horizon disaster a year after the explosion.” --Booklist

Crown, April 2011

THE COFFINS OF LITTLE HOPE by Timothy Schaffert

With dark humor and characteristically vibrant prose, Timothy Schaffert brings to light the many obsessions and foibles of our society in THE COFFINS OF LITTLE HOPE. His tale proceeds via an 83-year-old obituary writer in a small Nebraskan town. The town, however, is far from ordinary, beset as it is by group hysteria over the latest book in a children's series and morbid fascination surrounding a missing girl. When Esther Myles finds herself caught up in the mystery of the missing girl, she must confront the possibility that the girl's disappearance may be nothing more than a poorly orchestrated hoax. Soon this small town will have to choose between profiting off others' weaknesses or tumbling into obscurity and extinction.

“Sublime...Piercing observations and sharp, subtle wit make this a standout.” --Publishers Weekly, starred review

Unbridled Books, April 2011

THE FIRES OF THE GODS by I.J. Parker

The capital is plagued by unexplained fires and panic threatens to break out, but Akitada has his own problems to worry about: his ailing wife is expecting a child and he has lost his job to a political appointee. When he attempts to confront the nobleman who is responsible for his dismissal, Akitada ends up suspected for his murder.

With no income and a growing family to support, Akitada plunges into the investigation of the murder and searches for a missing acolyte. The seemingly unrelated cases converge, involving Akitada and his servant Tora in dangerous secrets that threaten to topple the government. Akitada has inadvertently placed no only his own life, but also the lives of his wife and child, in grave danger.

“Parker raises the stakes considerably for her fallible but honorable series sleuth in her excellent eighth mystery...Masterfully blends action and detection while making the attitudes and customs of the period accessible.” --Publishers Weekly, starred review

Severn House, April 2011

THE SUMMER OF MAY by Cecilia Galante

Twelve-year-old May O'Toole's father is completely absent and her grandmother is too busy mourning the absence of May's mother to do much else. May resents her new, dangerously run-down, low-income housing neighborhood and has started picking fights. There's nothing she likes about eighth grade. In fact, since her mother left the house last year, there's not much May likes about anything anymore.

But when May is caught graffiti-ing her least favorite teacher's classroom, she is faced with a choice: expulsion or one-on-one summer school with the teacher she most detests. Begrudgingly, May chooses summer school, and she ultimately learns that her teacher has a secret past—and might just hold the key to answers no one else will give May about her mother.

“Bittersweet...Brimming with emotion and insight...Galante's prose investigates the impact of loss and the importance of making amends.” --Publishers Weekly

Aladdin, April 2011

FUTURE IMPERFECT by K. Ryer Breese

Ade Patience can see the future and it's destroying his life. Each time the 17-year-old knocks himself unconscious, he sees days, weeks, decades into his own future. And each time, his memory worsens, his grades fall further, and both Ade's best friend and his shrink beg him to stop before he kills himself. Ade knows he needs to straighten out. Luckily, the stunning Vauxhall Rodolfo has finally transferred to Mantlo High and, as Ade has seen in a vision , they're totally going to fall in love. Only things are a bit more complicated than Ade had thought. When Ade has a vision in which he murders Vauxhall's too-close friend Jimmy, he fears his life may finally fall apart all at once.

“[An] inventive debut...This psychic love story has an offbeat appeal...Memorable characters and a superhero comic sensibility.” --Publishers Weekly

St. Martin's Press, April 2011

March 2011 Releases

A DOUBLE LIFE by Lisa Catherine Harper

There is no denying it: motherhood splits a woman’s life forever, into a before and an after. To this doubled life Lisa Catherine Harper brings a wealth of feeling and a wry sense of humor, a will to understand the emotional and biological transformations that motherhood entails, and a narrative gift that any reader will enjoy. Harper documents her own journey across this great divide as a seasoned explorer might, observing, researching, and relating anecdotes. From late-night Lindy Hop dancing to crippling sciatica and morning sickness to indulgent meals, Harper marries scientific details with intimate insights as she uncovers the fascinating strangeness of this remarkably familiar territory. Harper’s carefully researched story reminds us that motherhood’s central joys are also its most essential transformations.

“Harper's elegant, thoughful writing makes this a must-read for expectant parents...The author skillfully moves between the personal and the technical...Universal, moving, and relevant.” --Publishers Weekly

University of Nebraska Press, March 2011

A WATERSHED YEAR by Susan Schoenberger

Lucy never confessed her love to her best friend Harlan before he passed away. Two months after his funeral, she is haunted by the power of things left unsaid. But then she receives the first of his emails, arranged to be sent after his death.

In an email, Harlan says that Lucy is destined for motherhood. In her grief, she suddenly rediscovers hope, journeying to Russia to adopt a four-year-old boy, Mat. Mat is also mending a wounded heart and is just as lost as she is. Together, they learn to trust, each helping the other to heal. But just as they're welcoming their new normal, Mat's father comes to America to reclaim his son and reveals the truth about Mat's past.

“A well-told tale of life and death and the way, when we least expect it, love can encompass us roundabout...[Schoenberger] has created a vivid and continuous dream of what it means to create a kind of family, for better and worse. This is a brave and moving novel.” --Bret Lott, bestselling author of the Oprah Book Club selection JEWEL

Guideposts, March 2011

THE LAND OF PAINTED CAVES by Jean M. Auel

With THE LAND OF PAINTED CAVES, Auel gives fans the finale they’ve been looking for. In this page-turning continuation of the beloved saga, Ayla is training to become a Zelandoni, one of the community’s spiritual leaders and healers. Ayla becomes the acolyte to the Zelandoni for the Ninth Cave and begins the series of intensive journeys that are part of the sacred training. But as she struggles to find a balance between her calling and her duties as a new mother, her pursuits begin to take a toll on her relationship with Jondalar. Once again Jean Auel combines her brilliant narrative skills and appealing characters with a remarkable re-creation of the way life was lived thousands of years ago.

“Auel is a true spell-weaver...The world she creates is vibrant and exciting.” --Los Angeles Times

Crown, March 2011

Happy Holidays from JVNLA!

January and February 2011 Releases

THE VIEW FROM LAZY POINT by Carl Safina

In the elegant, lyrical prose we have come to expect from Carl Safina's earlier books, SONG FOR THE BLUE OCEAN, EYE OF THE ALBATROSS and VOYAGE OF THE TURTLE, THE VIEW FROM LAZY POINT offers profound insights and environmental wisdom. The book follows Safina (New York Times contributer, MacArthur Genius Grant winner, and co-founder of the Blue Ocean Institute) through one year of observation and discovery from his home in Long Island, New York, to Alaska, Central and South America, and the Pacific and Polar regions. According to Safina, the environment's problems drive very real matters of human justice, well-being, and our prospects for peace. Nature and human dignity require one another.

But in Safina's hands, all is not doom and gloom. THE VIEW FROM LAZY POINT grants new insights into how our world is changing and what our responses should be.

“Solid science and excellent storytelling. A superb work of environmental reportage and reflection.” --Kirkus, starred review

Henry Holt, January 2011

TRAVELING LIGHT: POEMS by Linda Pastan

A new collection from a poet long recognized for her “unfailing mastery of her medium” (New York Times). Linda Pastan meditates on themes of aging and memory, language and art in this moving collection, where she travels from the Thanksgiving table, a “palimpsest / with traces of the past / showing through,” to Japan, where she dreams in haiku. “Pastan . . . expresses a full range of the possibilities and potencies of the human, feminine voice” (Boston Globe).

From "In the Forest"
The trees are lit
from within like Sabbath candles
before they are snuffed out.
Autumn is such a Jewish season,
the whole minor key of it.
Hear how the wind trembles
through the branches, vibrato
as notes of cello music.

W.W. Norton & Company, January 2011

PALE ROSE OF ENGLAND by Sandra Worth

Beauty is both a blessing and a curse for Lady Catherine, the Pale of Rose England. It is a blessing when it helps win her the heart and hand of Richard, Duke of York—pretender to the throne of England. But the gift becomes a curse when Richard is captured during his war waged against the crown and she is laid at the feet of the King in chains.

The King is as smitten with her beauty as was the challenger to his throne; ordering the chains removed, he names her lady in waiting to his Queen. But can his passion for her change the course of her affection for Richard--the disgraced, tormented husband who is trapped in the King's halls, who is planning the most daring of escapes?

“Luminous . . . impressive . . . Worth examines Elizabeth's life with a journalist's eye.” --Publishers Weekly, on THE KING'S DAUGHTER

Berkley, February 2011

THE TUDOR SECRET by C.W. Gortner

THE TUDOR SECRET introduces Brendan Prescott, a foundling reared in the Dudley household, as he arrives at court to serve as squire to the arrogant Lord Robert Dudley. Keen and ambitious, Brendan hopes to gain advancement in his post—until Lord Robert dispatches him on an illicit mission to the King's sister, Princess Elizabeth. A dark plot brews around Elizabeth's quest to unravel the truth of her brother King Edward VI's disappearance. Lured into her service as a spy, with only a bold stable boy and an audacious lady-in-waiting at his side, Brendan plunges into a ruthless gambit of half-truths and lies, pitted against the wiles of a vengeful opponent who may know the secret of his birth—a secret that could shatter everything he believes and cast a shadow over him, Elizabeth, and the future of England.

THE TUDOR SECRET is the first book in The Spymaster Chonicles, which depicts the rise of Brendan Prescott as a spymaster for Elizabeth I.

“Riveting...In Gortner’s capable hands, Prescott is a believable and enjoyable hero...Robert has depth...Gortner handles action with aplomb, adding a riveting, fast-paced thriller to...Tudor fiction.” --Publishers Weekly

St. Martin's Press, February 2011

HOLLYWOOD FOREVER by Susan Goldstein

April is a lovely month in Beverly Hills, California, but things are not going well for wealthy, spoiled Samantha Crowley, whose superstar husband has filed for divorce. Unhappy with what the law has to offer, Samantha embarks on her own agenda for "divorce justice.” But every person to whom she turns for aid in her scheme is dead within 24 hours of meeting Samantha. Then her husband is murdered. Samantha's life begins to resemble a 1940's noir in which she is both leading lady and number one suspect.

HOLLYWOOD FOREVER is a smart and humorous mystery chronicling the journey of a gutsy and irreverent heroine, from the pampered life to the alleys and landmarks of Hollywood, in search of a cold-blooded and cool-headed killer.

“Delightful...Goldstein supplies one surprise after another as the action builds to a suitable Hollywood ending.” --Publishers Weekly

Five Star, February 2011