Lisa Barr recommends
The Main Character (2024)Jaclyn Goldis"Jaclyn Goldis slays it in her latest twisty propulsive thriller, THE MAIN CHARACTER. It has all the goods reminiscent of an Agatha Christie murder mystery - and yes, it even takes place on a luxury trip along the Italian coast on the Orient Express. There's murder, secrets, lies, love, loss, and deception - all the delicious elements of a modern whodunnit . . . . Goldis has a sharp instinct for tragedy, rich complex characters, taut prose, and twists and turns that keep those pages turning as the plot thickens. Readers will enjoy the ride, down to the very last stop."Since She's Been Gone (2024)Sagit Schwartz"Emotionally charged, fast-paced, and suspenseful, Sagit Schwartz's page-turning debut Since She's Been Gone not only questions if we ever truly know those we love, but also our own actions once we discover hidden truths. Schwartz's twists and turns don't let up. This is a propulsive, unputdownable debut." The Last Caretaker (2023)Jessica Strawser"Jessica Strawser's powerful page-turner The Last Caretaker takes us on a dark, winding journey that forces the protagonist to grapple with how far she would go to do the right thing, and at what price. Katie's new job as a residential caretaker in a nature reserve is not what it seems - far from it. Strawser expertly tackles the mysteries around caretaking at the Grove Reserve with unputdownable twists and turns, proving that while life can get messy, the trick is being strong enough to handle the knocks at your door. Brava!" What You Do To Me (2023)Rochelle B Weinstein"Bestselling author Rochelle B. Weinstein had me at 'mix tape.' Her nostalgic new page-turner, What You Do To Me hits all the high notes: a strong, determined female protagonist, a dreamy love interest (ahh, the lead singer in a band), forbidden love, family drama, journalistic pursuits, suspense, and second chances. Rolling Stone reporter Cecilia James has committed the cardinal sin: She has become emotionally involved in her story, as she deep dives into finding the truth behind a hit love song while trying to detangle her own messy love life and family secrets. I sang, I wept, I laughed, and I applauded- holding my lighter high for an encore performance. Weinstein's latest must-read gem doesn't miss a beat." All You Have to Do Is Call (2023)Kerri Maher"Although the novel captures a provocative, explosive period in the past, it couldn't be more relevant today. With unflinching courage and fierce characters, Maher not only packs a punch but also gives us all the feels in this inspiring, powerhouse novel--exposing the profound choices women made and the risks they took to help other women." The Paris Daughter (2023)Kristin Harmel"Kristin Harmel's superpower is the emotional punch she packs into her vast repertoire of beautifully crafted historical fiction....Her exquisite and gut-wrenching novel reveals that even in the darkest times, there are rays of light...that even when you are lost, under the stars fate will guide you home." Hotel Laguna (2023)Nicola Harrison"Make your reservations now and book it at Hotel Laguna - the fabulous new historical fiction novel by Nicola Harrison. Known for her dreamy and period-rich prose, Harrison brings us Hazel, a 19-year-old young woman going it alone in the '40s a time of war - where women were needed to do 'men's work' and rise to the call of duty. Hazel lands an important job in an airplane factory - only to be let go after the boys return from war to reclaim their positions. A young woman ahead of her time, Hazel sets off for the artsy shores of Laguna Beach, California, where she assists a prominent artist with a risque past - who teaches Hazel to live a life free of regrets and to embrace her freedom. Hotel Laguna is a passionate page-turner filled with love, loss, art, and legacy. Harrison gifts the reader with complex characters and a feisty protagonist, who is not only determined to make her own mark, but also to bring truth to scandal, and life to art. Historical fiction lovers, this one's for you." The Marriage Box (2023)Corie Adjmi"Corie Adjmi's fabulous novel The Marriage Boxis an unputdownable tale of Old World traditions-meets-New World desires. Adjmi doesn't hold back in this coming-of-age tale of a young woman who loses herself early on, shaped by a destructive past. The writing is rich, immersive, and seamless. You will root for Casey as she forges her own way in a patriarchal world. A must-read." The Audrey Hepburn Estate (2023)Brenda Janowitz"Brenda Janowitz strikes again! Fast-paced, emotional, and unputdownable. Janowitz skillfully weaves the past and present as Emma's love triangle persists then and now." Night Angels (2023)Weina Dai Randel"Weina Dai Randel's Night Angels is a gorgeous WWII historical tale of daring diplomatic pursuits that had me turning the pages way past my bedtime. Based on the true heroic story of Dr. Ho Fengshan, Randel's prose is rich and powerfully layered. By day, Fengshan is a warrior for his country and a fighter for humanity while secretly issuing thousands of visas to Jews to Shanghai to escape Nazi persecution. It is a sweeping novel filled with love, loss, high stakes, sacrifice, and redemption that will break your heart and fuel your soul." The Widow (2022)Kaira Rouda"Kaira Rouda is on top of her game with her latest thriller, The Widow, a suspenseful tale filled with backstabbing page-turning goodies: Capitol Hill shenanigans, manipulative lobbyists, adulterous politicians, opportunistic interns, and dirty backroom deals. In other words, Welcome to Washington D.C. - a place where the secrets have secrets. Rouda's 'I'm not a bitch, you're a bitch' protagonist is an overly seasoned 'supportive' Congressional spouse living her best life in the Hallowed Halls of Congress - until that lifestyle is threatened. Then lookout: Rouda will come at you with zingers and power plays, giving the cold-hearted Widow her veil of opportunity, proving repeatedly that it is the political spouse who wields the REAL power on The Hill, and she has no intention of letting go." The Real Mrs. Tobias (2022)Sally Koslow"With razor-sharp prose, witty humor and depth, Sally Koslow's The Real Mrs. Tobias takes us down the MIL Road . . . the one that should come with a warning. You will laugh, you will cry, you will empathize - and if you happen to be a Daughter-In-Law - you will say, Better her than me. Yet just when you think there is no way back, Koslow's page-turner will prove that while family ties can strangle, they also can keep you bound together through love, loss, secrets, and healing." The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams (2022)M J Rose"The seduction and mystery of gems and stones are filled with magic and possibility. Rose is masterful at combining historical truths, gripping characters, at a page-turning pace. This powerful tale brings together two fiery women separated by decades but equally passionate in her pursuits. One is determined to save the man she loves in Paris during WWII, and the other, gifted with psychometric abilities, can read an object's history, and learn the secret of its owners just by touching it. Rose captivates with rich, textured characters and a plot that evokes the cruelty of war and sheds light on the hidden history of a secret treasure trove -- filled with lies, loss, love, romance, and revenge. Trust me, you won't be able to put this one down." After Everyone Else (2022)(BAE, book 2)Leslie Hooton"Marriage, mother-daughter bonds . . . and murder. Acclaimed author Leslie Hooton's new novel After Everyone Else packs a powerful punch. Alternating between the past and present, what begins as a mystery quickly deep dives into the intricacy of relationships. Hooton doesn't miss a beat as she deftly explores how far we go to protect those we love - a Must-Read." Crazy To Leave You (2022)Marilyn Simon Rothstein"Marilyn Simon Rothstein's heartwarming new page-turner, Crazy to Leave You, has all the feels. Enter Lauren Leo - a brilliant advertising exec on top of her professional game who can't get a break in her personal life. Over forty and jilted at the altar, Lauren berates herself and allows the critical, fat-shaming voice of her mother to echo relentlessly inside her head. Lauren's journey is to stop weighing everything against a vicious scale, and instead to finally embrace who she is by learning that self-love and acceptance are truly the gifts that keep on giving. Rothstein's genius lies in her keen observations, richly developed characters, razor-sharp ability to expose family dysfunction at its rotten core - and most of all, her unparalleled laugh-out-loud humor through love, loss, hope, and healing." Little Pieces of Me (2021)Alison Hammer"Hammer’s latest, Little Pieces of Me, an intricately woven tale told from a mother and her daughter’s perspective of their family’s hidden secrets. Hammer delves in deep, examining how we define ourselves – and how far we would go to learn untold truths. Readers will relish the complex characters and the captivating plot. Most of all, the powerful emotional tension is guaranteed to keep you turning pages well past your bed-time." The Summer Set (2020)Aimee Agresti"Spectacular. Agresti captivates with her razor-sharp writing, keen eye for detail and emotional depth of characters." That's Not a Thing (2020)Jacqueline Friedland"In life’s journey, there are many types of love we encounter along the way?first love, rebound love, the one-who-got-away love, 'B'sherit' (soulmate) love, and conflict love (the one in your bed, the one in your head) . . . Friedland, with her fabulous descriptions and compelling characters, presents a little bit of everything in this emotionally-gripping tale that examines love, loss, loyalty, what ifs, what is, and ultimately, forgiveness. Protagonist Meredith Altman is my kinda girl?complicated, inspiring, and richly-drawn. That's Not a Thing has the unputdownable Jojo Moyes 'It Factor' that keeps those pages turning and burning bright ... long after lights-out." Visitors also looked at these authors
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