Recently Received

These are the latest galleys I've received. I'll be reading and reviewing them over the next couple of months.

The Art of Arranging Flowers

Lynne Branard

PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW

Berkley Trade

Pub Date   Jun 3 2014

Description

A moving and eloquent novel about love, grief, renewal—and the powerful language of flowers.
 
Ruby Jewell knows flowers. In her twenty years as a florist she has stood behind the counter at the Flower Shoppe with her faithful dog, Clementine, resting at her feet. A customer can walk in, and with just a glance or a few words, Ruby can throw together the perfect arrangement for any occasion.
 
Whether intended to rekindle a romance, mark a celebration, offer sympathy, or heal a broken heart, her expressive floral designs mark the moments and milestones in the lives of her neighbors. It’s as though she knows just what they want to say, just what they need.
 
Yet Ruby’s own heart’s desires have gone ignored since the death of her beloved sister. It will take an invitation from a man who’s flown to the moon, the arrival of a unique little boy, and concern from a charming veterinarian to reawaken her wounded spirit. Any life can be derailed, but the healing power of community can put it right again.


READERS GUIDE INSIDE

Bella Italia

Suzanne Vermeer

Open Road Integrated Media

Pub Date   May 13 2014

Description

A family camping trip turns sinister, and a murder turns out to be only the beginning of the danger

When Niels and his parents arrive at the beautiful forest campground in Lake Garda, Italy, they are looking forward to making friends and relaxing, and so much more. But they are not expecting that Niels will be witness to a murder. Will the little boy have to face the murderer, and his fears, during the investigation?

In one of her most enthralling tales, bestselling author Suzanne Vermeer makes us all afraid of the dark woods.

Bon Bini Beach

Suzanne Vermeer

Open Road Integrated Media

Pub Date   May 13 2014

Description

A summer vacation takes a turn to the dark side when two Dutch students arrive on Bon –Bini Beach

Bestselling author Suzanne Vermeer takes readers on a sunny-turned-to-sinister trip to Aruba, when Lillian and Dominique arrive on their island vacation. Who knew that the Caribbean harbored a dark shadow?

With her fast-moving plot and engaging characters, it’s no wonder that Suzanne Vermeer is the best-selling mystery writer in the Netherlands. Take a dip into Bon-Bini Beach and you’ll see why….

Stone the Heir

A Novel of Wonders and Brightness

Ronald M. Young

Wordsworth

Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles

Pub Date   Feb 28 2014

Description

This is a fantasy novel, but one that takes another road as it is refreshingly free of magic swords and hordes of darkness threatening humankind. Written in archaic English with many invented words, Stone the Heir is, as the subtitle promises, a novel of Wonders and Brightness. Stone is Heir to the Throne of a race of kindly giants called the Gentlefriends; at the direction of his Father, King Pistil he sets out with his two Companions, Throw a common man and Autumn, a mouse of the fields to visit the Nations with a message of peace. Their travels - indeed, the entire novel- is filled with truly mad humor, Rabelaisian adventures and strong underlying themes of intercultural harmony, respect for women and love of all living things. Some 64 wondrous characters will keep you on your toes; if you're looking for a unique wonderfully happy read, start here.

Author Bio:

Ronald M.Young received his PhD With Honors in systematic entomology from Purdue University and has published numerous papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals. As a Professor of Biological Sciences and Museum Studies he taught at universities in Michigan, Nebraska and Texas and did field work in the cloud forests of Costa Rica and Panama where he spent one night following a beautiful 10 ft. anaconda through the forest. When asked how a scientist writes a book like Stone the Heir, Dr. Young's slightly bemused comment is "by taking an unrestricted journey through my right brain."