The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

Sarah Addison Allen is my new favorite author. She is an amazing storyteller and the magical realism in her books adds a charming element to her stories. I loved Garden Spells so I was excited to see that she had a new book out. I just finished The Sugar Queen and I have to say that I was not disappointed. How could you not love a book about a girl who has a secret stash of candy and romance novels in her closet? But beware, you may have an attack of sugar cravings while reading this book. Seriously, if you buy only one book this summer, make it Garden Spells or The Sugar Queen. You won't regret it. Here's the book cover blurb:

Josey, at 27, doesn't go out except to do chores for her mother, she doesn't wear clothes that her mother says don't suit her, and she eats, secretly, as a substitute for the life she's not living. One morning, when she goes to her closet to raid her secret stash of sweets, she finds a woman sitting there. Della Lee, on the run from something in her own life, has decided to take up residence in Josey's closet. Thus begins Josey's quest to get this madwoman out of her closet, and along the way she discovers a world where the color red has astonishing power, passion can make eggs fry in their cartons, and romance can blossom any time -- even for her.

Update: You can read an interview that Sara gave in 2007 to Bookreporter.com here.

Free E-Book From Sherrilyn Kenyon

In celebration of the upcoming publication of ACHERON, St. Martin's Press if offering one of the first novels in the Dark-Hunter series, SEIZE THE NIGHT as a free e-Book download. To recieve your free e-Book go here.

You will receive a link to download a PDF, HTML or Mobi version of this FREE e-Book via e-mail. Hurry, promotion ends July 3, 2008, 11:59 p.m. ET

The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella

I picked up The Wedding Officer from a table of  "summer reading" at Barnes and Noble. From the cover you would think this is a lighthearted romance set during WWII. I was also intrigued because it was written by a man. The story was actually much darker than I expected. It's 1944 and Captain James Gould is stationed in Naples Italy. He is the wedding officer, tasked with investigating young Italian women engaged to G.I.s and discouraging marriages between them. James is bitten by the love bug himself when he falls for a beautiful widow, Livia Pertini. Livia is the cook for the Allied officers and her culinary skills seduce the inexperienced soldier. 

Many tragic occurrences conspire to separate the two lovers. The reality of war is brought home in graphic detail. Capella does a great job of making you believe that Livia and James can make it even with all the brutality they've experienced. It's not all hearts and flowers but he will definitely make you believe in the enduring power of love. 

The Wedding Officerincludes a sneak peek at Anthony Capella's next book, The Various Flavors of Coffee (fall 2008). Beautiful cover, eh?

Free Books!

Emma Holly is giving away two signed copies of THE DEMON'S DAUGHTER, PRINCE OF ICE, and BEYOND THE DARK (also featuring Angela Knight, Lora Leigh, and Diane Whiteside). You'll have until the end of June to enter, which you can do at: www.emmaholly.com/CONTESTS.htm

ALSO....

In anticipation of the release of ACHERON, St. Martin's Press is doing a giveaway of all 12 of the Dark Hunter books by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Enter to win at Yearof Acheron.com.

The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M. Liu

First of all, how gorgeous is this cover? I love the cover trend in urban fantasy to feature a beautiful woman who looks like she could kick your ass. Marjorie M. Liu, best-selling author of the Dirk & Steele paranormal series, is back with a brand new series about a demon hunter called The Iron Hunt. Here's the back cover blurb:

"By day, her tattoos are her armor. By night, they unwind from her body to take on forms of their own--demons of the flesh, turned into flesh. This is the only family demon hunter Maxine Kiss has ever known. It's the only way to live, and the very way she'll die. For one day her demons will abandon her for her daughter to assure their own survival--leaving Maxine helpless against her enemies. But such is the way of Earth's last protector--the only one standing between humanity and the demons breaking out from behind the prison veil. It is a life lacking in love, reveling in death, until one moment--and one man--changes everything..."

The Iron Hunt is a fantastic book. The demons that live on Maxine's skin are fascinatingly child-like. This story is nothing like I've ever read before but my husband tells me it's similar to a comic called The Darkness. Ms. Liu weaves language in a way that is evocative and dreamlike. The juxtaposition of strength with fragility makes Maxine Kiss a very compelling character. I definitely want to read more about her. The release date is June 24, 2008.

David Sedaris

David Sedaris is one of the funniest non-fiction writers around. He is the best-selling author of great books like Me Talk Pretty One Day, Naked, and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. Sedaris has a new book out called When You Are Engulfed in Flames which I'm dying to read. Time Magazine posted an interview online with David that is part of their Ten Questions for... series. Check it out.

Rain Boots are the New Shoes for Chick-Lit

Publisher's Weekly reports that publishers have run out of every variation of shoes and handbags for chick-lit covers. The new trend may be rain boots. I have to say I was confused by two of the books below and thought they were the same book on two separate occasions. I've definitely been noticing the surplus of rain boots on covers.

Book Covers

Ever been embarrassed of a book cover or just wished you could have something pretty to dress up your books? Well, the wait is over! These are my new Hide-a-Book book covers. The decorative vinyl slip-on book covers are water resistant and can be reused again and again – the perfect stylish book-covering solution! Great for protecting paperback books and your privacy. The cover easily adjusts to fit paperback books of nearly any width. A built in ribbon bookmark ensures you won't lose your place. Click on a cover for more information and how to buy.

Etsy Buy Handmade HideABook

Book in a Bag Giveaway

Bag some truly stylish fiction! Now, when you sign up for the "From the Heart" newsletter, you're entered for a chance to win new books from HarperCollins Publishers and a bag from The Sak! During the next 4 weeks, they’re giving away 15 colorful Silverlake Canvas Convertible Satchels to 15 randomly selected entrants. Click here to enter.