The Cottage at Glass Beach by Heather Barbieri

The Cottage at Glass Beach
Author:  Heather Barbieri
Published:  2012
Publisher:  Harper Collins Publishers
Pages:  302 (may differ in final copy)
Genre:  General Fiction
ISBN 9780062107961
On sale May 15, 2012

Source:  Thank you to TLC book tours and Harper Collins Publishers who supplied an ARC of The Cottage at Glass Beach, complimentary to me, without prejudice.  The opinions in this review are my own without influence.

"When Nora Cunningham's golden boy husband, the youngest attorney general in Massachusetts history, is caught in a public scandal revolving around his affair with another woman, Nora flees Boston with her two daughters and goes to Burke's Island, a remote, rustic island off the coast of Maine, where she was raised until the age of five.  While there, she must grapple with her future in the form of a mysterious fisherman, and with the past as she searches for clues to her mother's disappearance, which precipitated Nora's departure from the island, and which has never been resolved.  As she searches for answers Nora finds that the line between the real and the imagined, the past and the present, is thinner than she realized and that she must make difficult choices to save her daughters and herself." (synopsis supplied by the publisher)

Summer is approaching and if you are anything like me, you imagine yourself on a somewhat remote island, seaswept and somewhat wild with beaches and rocky crags inhabited by a variety of wild birds and seals.  Such an island is Burke's Island, Nora's hometown in The Cottage at Glass Beach and her refuge from the storm that is her life back in Boston.  Whisking her two young daughters away from the onslaught of media surrounding the reveal of her politician husband's indiscretion/mistress, Nora finds solace and welcome on this island.  Nora's Aunt Maire greets the little family with open arms and heart, glad to have the opportunity to renew acquaintance with her estranged niece.  But her own secrets and conscience give her conflicting feelings about Nora's return.

What Nora finds is not so much a refuge, but an awakening of long buried memories of the mysterious disappearance of her mother.  Her two daughters, seven and twelve years old respectively, are at opposite spectrums, one welcoming the summer vacation on Burke's Island and the other miserable and contrary about the separation of her parents.  Turmoil stirs beneath the surface with Nora's eldest daughter and within herself as she meets a mysterious ship-wrecked man, tries to sort through her own conflicting feelings about her marriage, while uncovering the mystery of her mother's disappearance.

Heather Barbieri uses descriptives well, transporting the reader to envision scenes such as the following:

"The ocean reared back and threw itself against the rocks, sending up plumes of sprays.  Pebbles and shells tumbled over the shore with the sound of dragging chains and breaking crockery." (p. 76)

There were a few areas in the story that I had problems with, mostly pertaining to a lack of conviction the author seemed to have regarding the character of her "cast."  Here are some examples, keep in mind that these may change prior to final printing:

"I'm whatever you want me to be," he said, apparently mindful of Ella's need to occupy the lead position.

"Does it hurt?" Annie asked, voicing a question Nora probably had herself.

There were a couple other instances wherein a character would say something or do something followed directly with a comment like "possibly because.....".  This irked me a bit because these are the author's characters, she has developed them and their personalities and using phrases like "possibly because" feels as if she in undermining her character development. This just bugged me enough to mention it here.  I am hoping these will be addressed prior to the final printing, as my copy is, after all, an ARC.

The writing, otherwise, has a mystical descriptive quality that captures the nuances of Burke's Island and its residents, rendering it all as mysterious as the finest folklore, stirring the imagination while leaving some details open to pondering. The story of The Cottage at Glass Beach is a perfect beach read.  BTW,  love this cover!  

Read more reviews on the TLC Book Tour.

Meet the author, Heather Barbieri.  The author of two previous novels, The Lace Makers of Glenmara, and Snow in July, Heather Barbieri has won international prizes for her short fiction. She lives in Seattle with her family.

Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland

Clara and Mr. Tiffany
Author:  Susan Vreeland
Published: 2011 Trade Paperback
Publisher:  Random House Trade Paperback
Pages: 448
Genre:  General Fiction, Historical Fiction
Paperback Release with book discussion notes:  March 2012

This edition includes an afterward that details the history of Tiffany's and the lives of those involved; acknowledgments; Clara and Mr Tiffany:  a Reader's Guide including A Conversation With Susan Vreeland and Her Editor, Jane Von Mehren; Questions and Topics for Discussion

ISBN 9780812980189

Source:  a copy was provided by TLC book tours for the purpose of this review.  My thoughts and opinions are mine alone and were uninfluenced by receipt of a complimentary copy of Clara and Mr. Tiffany.

It’s 1893, and at the Chicago World’s Fair, Louis Comfort Tiffany makes his debut with a luminous exhibition of innovative stained-glass windows that he hopes will earn him a place on the international artistic stage. But behind the scenes in his New York studio is the freethinking Clara Driscoll, head of his women’s division, who conceives of and designs nearly all of the iconic leaded-glass lamps for which Tiffany will long be remembered.  Never publicly acknowledged, Clara struggles with her desire for artistic recognition and the seemingly insurmountable challenges that she faces as a professional woman.  She also yearns for love and companionship, and is devoted in different ways to five men, including Tiffany, who enforces a strict policy: He does not employ married women.  Ultimately, Clara must decide what makes her happiest-the professional world of her hands or the personal world of her heart.

Peacock window panels

"Beauty is what Nature has lavished upon us as a Supreme Gift" ~ Louis Comfort Tiffany.  This is quoted at the front of the novel, Clara and Mr. Tiffany, and is the source of Tiffany's inspiration.  As he appreciated the subtle beauties of nature, the lines and contours, and varying shades thereof; Louis Comfort Tiffany sought to portray the same in his glasswork. His love of nature was shared by Clara Driscoll who headed up the women's division of Tiffany's cartooning and cutting the images in glass and assembling them to make the most beautiful stained glass windows.  As artistic freedom was allowed her, Clara came up with the concept and designed, with Mr. Tiffany's input in some cases, exquisite lamp shades and bases.  This should have been credited to her, but rarely was the work and creative artistry of another recognized publicly at Tiffany's.  

It was Clara's desire and, perhaps her folly, to receive recognition for the work she performed at Tiffany's.  When her lamps went to the fairs and received prizes, the recognition was for Tiffany's, not her; which really irked her.  At times, this desire consumed her thoughts and influenced her actions but as time passed, Clara's focus expanded beyond herself, making her a far more likeable protagonist. 

Clara is a multi-faceted personality whom I enjoyed watching grow throughout the novel.  The more involved she became in others' lives, the less self-focused she became, which is true of service, however rendered.  She became a leader among women, fighting for women's rights in the workplace, and she was beloved by those she worked with for her courage in facing the little and the big obstacles, assisting those with whom she worked as a trusted soul who cared enough to enter the less-fortunate areas of New York City, and to enter the tenements to help others.

Clara and Mr. Tiffany is a story with wide appeal.  For the history buff, the lover of art, a supporter of feminism, a fan of love stories, triumph over trials....it's all here.  Susan has fleshed out each character and the ensuing relationships, allowing the individuals to live and breathe as vividly as if the reader knew them personally. Were it not for the artistic license Susan Vreeland necessarily took to develop the storyline due to lack of records, this could very well be a biography of Clara, the creative mind behind the Tiffany lamps. 

Note:  Historical accuracy is paramount in Clara and Mr. Tiffany.  Susan Vreeland explores the world of Tiffany's via letters kept and written by Clara over her years at Tiffany's.  Records otherwise are not available, but extensive research by the author gives authenticity to Clara and Mr. Tiffany.  The author learned the art of stained glass, travelled to New York for research and attended several exhibits showcasing Tiffany's glass and lamps.   

Thank you to TLC book tours and Random House Publications for a complimentary copy of what is now one of my favourite reads of 2012!

Meet the author:

Susan Vreeland is the bestselling author of five books, including Luncheon of the Boating Party, Life Studies, The Passion of Artemisia, The Forest Lover, and Girl in Hyacinth Blue.  She lives in San Diego.

To learn more about Susan Vreeland and her work, please visit her website, svreeland.com, or connect with her on Facebook.

Announcing the winner of Oath of Office

The winner of Oath of Office by Michael Palmer is Donna H.  The previously selected winner did not contact me, so I had to select another.  Congratulations Donna!  Donna H. has been contacted by email and I am awaiting her response.

Smart Chicks Kick It Tour Coming to Edmonton

Coming soon to Edmonton as part of the Smart Chicks Kick It author tour:

September 13: 6:00 PM

Westside Chapters, Edmonton, AB. Smart Chicks Kick It tour stop with Kelley Armstrong, Ally Condie, Charles de Lint, Beth Revis, Veronica Roth, and Margaret Stohl

To receive an autograph from Veronica Roth, please have your copy of Divergent and/or Insurgent along with a store receipt from Chapters, Coles or Indigo as proof of purchase.

Book Scented Perfume - yes, you read that right!!

A new perfume called "In the Library" is purported to be the blend of Russian and Moroccan leather bindings, an old English novel originally published in 1927, and just a hint of wood polish. The perfumer is a collector of books who has transported the scent of a book to a scent you can wear!

So, knowing you can't wait to get your hands on this pleasure for the olfactory, I have included a link to the site so you may order your very own:

http://www.cbihateperfume.com/in-the-library.html

The Next Cool Thing From Author Patti Callahan Henry, Author of Coming Up For Air:

Attention iPhone owners!!!  Now you can send a brief personal message with this new greeting app.  

"The next cool thing coming from Ms. Patti Callahan Henry: a new book app called WILDFLOWER WISHES (available for downloads now.)  It is the first book app EVER to be created through the inspiration of one scene from a novel, rather than encompassing the entire novel itself or focusing on the author.

Inspired by the gorgeous garden scene (perhaps you remember it?) in COMING UP FOR AIR (now coming in paperback; May 22, 2012; St. Martin’s Griffin) the Wildflower Wishes App is a greeting app created by a dream design team at Chronicle LLC.  The free app comes with five wildflower icons that hold a special meaning (I'm sorry; I love you; Good luck.)  These icons can be sent to email, other WW friends or Facebook along with a heartfelt personal message – with just the click of a finger!  It is a gentle and simple gesture that can be shared to celebrate graduation, birthdays, anniversaries and more.  And it’s cheaper to send than a card.

The paperback edition of COMING UP FOR AIR will feature the QR code for the Wildflower Wishes App on the cover!  How cool is that?"  (from the announcement by Wunderkind PR) 

Best of all?  It's free!

Read my review of Coming Up For Air

Teaser Tuesday With My Bookshelf

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading.  Anyone can play along.  Just do the following:  

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) teaser sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers!  (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away!  You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Then everyone, even Mrs. Hackley, looked at me.  I swallowed the morsel of fish in my mouth without chewing.  I was not working in a carefree land of fantasy flamingoes and jewelled peacocks.  Now I understood the tension that made him smash vases."                    

Page 39, Clara and Mr Tiffany by Susan Vreeland

"It was from Wally, dated October 25, 5:10 a.m., sent from his iPhone:  RG:  Hey, I'm alive.  Don't call the police and don't pay the ransom.  WF." 

Page 310, The Litigators by John Grisham

Please leave a comment.  You may leave a link to your TT post and I will be sure to visit you in return.

Forgotten by Catherine McKenzie

Forgotten
Author:  Catherine McKenzie
Publisher:  Harper Collins Publishers Ltd
Published 2012
Pages:  368
Genre:  General Fiction
ISBN 9781443409919
Source:  Borrowed

Emma Tupper is a dedicated lawyer with a bright future.  But when she takes a month-long leave of absence to go on an African vacation, she ends up facing unexpected consequences.  After she first falls ill and then spends six months trapped in a remote village that has been hit by a devastating earthquake, Emma returns home to discover that her friends, boyfriend and colleagues thought she was dead--and that her life has moved on without her.

As she struggles to recreate her old life, throwing herself into solving a big case for a client and trying to reclaim her beloved apartment from the handsome photographer who assumed her lease, everyone around her thinks she should take the opportunity to change.  But is she willing to sacrifice the job, relationships and everything else she worked so hard to build?

In Forgotten, Catherine McKenzie puts a modern twist on a classic tale of discovering who we really are when everything that brings meaning to our lives is lost.

Forgotten is one of those wonderful novels that holds you spell-bound from beginning to end.  Catherine McKenzie writes of a strong protagonist whose life is turned upside down when she becomes victim to circumstances beyond her control.  She has been missing for six months, even considered dead!  But she can explain.  However, Emma finds she cannot pick up where she left everything.  Her job, her apartment...everything has changed.

Considering all, it is unnatural for us to expect anyone, even someone as strong as Emma, to breeze through this radical change of event.  She has some weak moments, burrowing under her blanket, even sleeping in her roommates bed, but all this makes her real.  She is a very strong individual who loves to argue so her career in law is well-suited, but we see this trait throughout the story and it has some humorous outcomes.  A fireball in the courtroom, Emma is somewhat clumsy, vulnerable, and, yes, quirky outside of the courtroom.  

Books with strong female protagonists, who also show their vulnerabilities, face tribulations, though sometimes with some reluctance, and conquer their inner demons are too few and far between.  Thank goodness a friend recommended this book, lest this incredible author should go unnoticed by me.  Forgotten is that good friend you welcome with open arms, sharing a world of life, strife and triumphs, with a few tears and good laughs along the way.  Forgotten is, well, memorable.... for all that is good and warm and strong in fiction.

Highly recommended.  (Some language.)

Book Blogger Hop!! May 11/12

It's been quite a while since I've joined the Book Blogger Hop hosted by Crazy for Books, so I figured I'd try to join in more often.  The following question, I am hoping, will illicit some incredible answers.  After all, everyone has a favourite book character or two!

Who is your favorite book character? I’ll give you a maximum of two choices, but they have to be from different genres!

This is tougher than I thought!  I've racked my brain, thinking over the last year of reading, mulling over the possibilities, and I do agree that Katniss is one of the strongest female protagonists I've ever had the pleasure to read of.  However, since I know soooo many of you are YA lovers and will probably pick her too, I've decided to go the route of the mystery novel.  Protagonists in this genre are many and famous too.  Considering all possibilities, and recalling those mysteries I've read of late, I still have one favourite series, that of Death on Demand written by Carolyn Hart (the latest I've read is Dead By Midnight).  Her protagonist, Annie Darling, is a strong, curious accidental sleuth.  She never really sets out to be a sleuth, but the mysteries always seem to come to her.  Perhaps it is because she owns a mystery bookstore?  For whatever reason, I like her for what she stands for.  She is an entrepreneur; she's in love with her incredibly handsome husband, Max; she loves to read and devours mysteries (of course!); and she is incredibly clever.  Never one to feign from danger, especially if she is out to save someone; she's constantly out there for the good of another. Annie is involved in her community, runs a book club, assists her husband on matters of inquiry (since he is not a licensed PI, he advertises that he solves problems).  She may seem perfect, but she's not.  She can be reckless, sarcastic, and funny by turn.  She would be the perfect friend because you know she will always have your back.  That is why I chose Annie Darling as my favourite book character.

Now it is your turn.  Who is your favourite book character and why?

Oath of Office Giveaway

IT'S CONTEST TIME AGAIN ON MY BOOKSHELF!!!!

Michael Palmer, the author of Oath of Office, has generously offered one copy of his novel to a winner selected from entrants here.  Just fill in the Rafflecopter form.  Contest runs May 9 - midnight May 18, 2010.  The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to respond to receive the prize.  Open to residents of the US or a US mailing address. Good Luck everyone.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Maurice Sendak, author of Where the Wild Things Are, Died Today

Maurice Sendak, age 83, passed away today.  He is the beloved author of several children's books, including Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen.  I recall reading both these books with my children when they were young.  

Today's The Globe and Mail said he is reported to have had a stroke Friday and died in hospital early today.  

Being labelled a "kiddie-book author" didn't bother Sendak.  He remarked that a boy swimming naked in a bowl of milk, as in In The Night Kitchen, isn't appropriate adult reading, thus it is a children's book.  He never really set out to be a children's author, it's just what happened.

Sendak prefers the child reader.  They speak what's on their mind, never stopping to wonder if they are saying what someone would want them to say, nor how they will be perceived. There's an honesty in that for sure.

Sendak will be missed in the children's literary world but his works are timeless and will live on as his legacy.

Oath of Office

Oath of Office
Author:  Michael Palmer
Publisher:  St. Martin's Press
Published:  February 2012
Pages:  384
Genre:  Mystery/Fiction/Medical Suspense
ISBN:  9780312587536
Also available as an e-Book
Source:  a complimentary copy was provided by the author and St. Martin's Press for review purposes.  This in no way influenced my opinion nor this review.


Michael Palmer Official Website: http://www.michaelpalmerbooks.com
Michael Palmer on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/michaelpalmerthrillers
Michael Palmer on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Michael_Palmer


Synopsis: 

What if a well-respected physician inexplicably embarks on a murderous rampage?

When Dr. John Meacham goes on a shooting spree at his office, his business partner, staff, and two patients are killed in the bloodbath before Meacham turns the gun on himself.  Much of the blame for the tragedy falls on Dr. Lou Welcome, who had worked with Meacham for years after the man's medical license had been suspended for alcoholism and for losing his temper with an uncooperative patient.

Lou knew that Meacham was an excellent doctor and advocated strongly for his return to medicine once his demons had been overcome.  After hearing news of the horrible, inexplicable outburst, Lou is in shock like everyone else.  But mostly he is incredulous.  And when he begins to look into matters, terrifying discoveries take him down a path to an unspeakable conspiracy that appears to lead directly to the White House and to those in the highest positions of power.

My Review:

Michael Palmer offers up yet another medical suspense novel, Oath of Office, with fabulous fast-paced action, mystery, conflict and a bit of gore.  The prologue opens with Dr. John Meacham going on a shooting rampage in his office, muttering "no witnesses, no witnesses."  From there, things get more bizarre involving Meacham's wife driving with excessive speed and lack of caution, determined to warn a driver ahead of the hazard she noticed in having only one tail light.  A young cook, mesmerized watching the quick slice of the blade of another chef as he slices carrots, reaches his hand toward the blade for a slice of carrot, severing his thumb almost completely in the process.  A woman, former patient of John Meacham, decides to give herself liposuction.  All erroneous lapses in judgment, deadly for some.  What is happening in Kings Ridge?

As Dr. Lou Welcome is suspended, not from his practice, but from a health services organization designed to assist the medical, mental and emotional needs of doctors, he feels the burden of the partial blame in the tragic killings by another doctor.  His need to understand and his desire to always help others, takes him on a surreal life-endangering course to investigate the mystery behind the mind-boggling events in Kings Ridge.  The deeper he becomes involved, the more dangerous, and the more obvious the ties to those in the highest government positions.  

The crazier, the more hazardous the situation, the more difficult it was to put down Oath of Office.  Dr. Lou Welcome is tough, intelligent, handsome, kind and incredibly likeable.  He is the perfect protagonist. His relationships are genuine and deep; his commitments to come to the aid of others, without fail; and it is perfectly understandable the attraction that develops between him and a certain other beautiful lady. 

The entire premise of the novel, which I cannot share without revealing too much of the plot, is totally plausible.  When you read Oath of Office, it will give you cause to ponder that which we take for granted every day, yes every day.  Is it safe?  Is it real?  Hmmm, now I've got you thinking.  

You really must pick up this novel.  It's an adventure, suspenseful for sure, a bit romantic (but clean), and mind-boggling.  You will not leave this novel thinking the same way you did before reading it.  I can guarantee it!

Read an Excerpt

Meet the Author:

Michael Palmer is the author of sixteen novels of medical suspense, all international bestsellers.  His books have been translated into thirty-five languages.  In addition, Palmer is an associate director of the Massachusetts Medical Society Physician Health Services, devoted to helping physicians troubled by mental illness, physical illness, behavioural issues, and chemical dependency.  He lives in eastern Massachusetts.

Also available:
A Heartbeat Away (9780312587512)
The Second Opinion (97803129377768)
The Last Surgeon (9780312587505)
The First Patient (9780313937751)

Gary Grossman, author of Executive Actions and Executive Treason, Shares Thoughts With My Bookshelf on His Exhilarating Spy Thrillers

As part of the Partners in Crime virtual blog tour for author Gary Grossman, I am including a guest post written by the author himself.  I am sure you will agree, upon reading it, that Executive Actions and Executive Treason are brimming with action...just the kind of books to keep you on the edge of your seat while you immerse yourself within the story.  If you love a good thrilling read, these may be just what you are looking for!!!

POLITICAL “REALITY” COMES TO INTERNATIONAL THRILLERS

     The day before September 11, 2001, I was in New York for a meeting with the History Channel.  Someone in the room wondered aloud, “Do you think we’re running out of History?”  This was at a network that was founded on telling historical stories through documentaries.  My company had already produced 50 or more docs and the question brought some light laughter. 

     “We’re always going to be making history.  The question for me,” I asked, “is whether we’re ever going to really learn from it.”

     The world changed the next day.   Two days later I began to drive back to Los Angeles with Robb Weller, my business partner from Weller/Grossman Productions.  Along the way, we convinced the History Channel to let us produce a history on Civil Defense in America.  But I also began thinking about the plot to bring down the World Trade Center towers, which had been years in the making.  I figured, quite rightly, that more sleeper spies were living and working in the United States.  My reasoning then went to other plots that were surely in play.

     Now we are a very impatient society, making and breaking movies or TV shows over a weekend or a few weeks of airing.  We turn nobody’s into celebrities, and then dismiss them as easily.  And we pay very little attention to the news, preferring to be caught up in  the noise  .  But to the Middle East, patience is another thing – centuries long.  To many, the invasion of the Crusaders  remains   recent history  . 

     With that in mind, I eventually focused on a plot that had been incubating for  30 or 40 years rather than just a few.   What would be important enough to wait that long?   The American presidency itself.

     With that notion, “EXECUTIVE ACTIONS” war born. 

     I researched Russian sleeper cell spies operating in the U.S and considered who would run them after the fall of the Soviet Union?  I answered that by transferring the chain of command to a Middle East terrorist bent on revenge. 

     For the sequel, “EXECUTIVE TREASON,” I dug deeper into history, bringing two explosive stories from the 1930s forward to present day.  The first was an actual plot to overthrow President Franklin Roosevelt, conspired by Wall Street.   The second was the power of hate speech as broadcast by Father Charles Coughlin, the influential radio minister who railed against the president, liberals and others, encouraging rage and distrust. 

     I’m a big believer that history repeats itself, and because we rarely learn from the mistakes history teaches us, we keep facing avoidable conflicts and their consequences.   Here were perfect examples that I could write about that clearly drew from today’s headlines and created, for me and for readers, what I like to call “political reality thrillers.”

     My appetite for solid research has been reinforced in my varied career twists and turns as a radio DJ, a former college teacher, a TV historian and author, a journalist and newspaper columnist as well as a documentary producer for History Channel, National Geographic, A&E, PBS, USA Network, Discovery TLC and NBC News.   Each time I delve into an historical subject, I hear the echoes today.  And whenever I begin a contemporary story, the roots are always in the past.

     This was the case for the Emmy winning special “Healing the Hate” (USA Network) through which we examined hate and hate speech in America.  With each segment story we traced the fundamental hatred back decades and centuries.   The same was true for my History Channel documentary “The Night Tulsa Burned,” based on the race riots of 1922, a horrible chapter in American history which has continually played out, and in the documentary we produced, “The Plot to Overthrow FDR.”

     Inspiration also came from my parent’s careers.  My father, a law enforcement officer, was Supervising Investigator for the New York State Civil Service.  My mother ran political campaigns for the mayor of my home town and area congressmen.  Politics and police work were ingrained in me and figure heavily into the characters and characterizations of both ‘EXECUTIVE ACTIONS” and “EXECUTIVE TREASON.”  My background and their influence also figure prominently into the latest sequel, “EXECUTIVE COMMAND,” my next eBook release from Diversion Books, summer 2012.

     I’m a big believer than no one person solves crimes, particularly on a global level.  So, I weave multiple figures that all touching different parts of an investigation simultaneously.  In success, they come together and share what they know.  When they don’t, well, we’ve seen what happens with devastating results in real life.

     My lead characters are a Secret Service Agent, a Boston woman attorney who gets wrapped up in the plots by circumstance, the President of the United States, a charismatic Vermont senator running for the presidency, a revengeful terrorist, a particularly adept assassin, a techno savvy FBI computer geek,  the hate-spewing talk radio host and even some smart civilians.  Action occurs on different levels at the same time, giving the books a heightened, perhaps, filmic pace.

     The authors who really deliver for me include Tom Clancy, in the overall techno thriller world;  Dale Brown for his incredible talent in with Air Force-driven stories; Patrick Robinson for his thrillers about submarines; and of course, Larry Bond, Baldacci, Kussler, Koontz, Meltzer and Palmer.  But I always have to reach for my copy of “Seven Days in May” by Fletcher Knebel and Charles W. Bailey II when I need to get centered.

       Finally, a story to share.  My wife didn’t know I was writing my first novel.   I didn’t tell her and I could get away with writing a few pages a night with little notice.  But one day she came across research I had printed out and inadvertently left on the desk.  Hours later, with the papers in hand, she asked, “Gary, do we have a problem?”  Then more emphatically, she said, “We need to talk.” 

     She was holding my very detailed research about poisons that can go undiscovered in a victim’s body even after sophisticated examination and sniper rifles with pin-point accuracy at hundreds of yards. 

     “Oh those,” I offered. 

     “Yes,  these.”

     “I’m writing a political thriller,” I said. 

     “Sure you are.”

     “Really,” I pleaded.  I opened the word doc and showed her some of the work.  Needless to say, she was greatly relieved to discover I wasn’t planning on killing her.  Now she’s happy, as I am, that “EXECUTIVE ACTIONS” and “EXECUTIVE TREASON” are both out as eBook releases and getting terrific reaction.  

Purchases of Executive Actions and Executive Treason may be made through the following sites:
 www.garygrossman.com or www.diversionbooks.com

A New Look for Spring

My Bookshelf underwent a slight overhaul of late.  I chose a new background and changed up the format just a bit.  Tell me if you like it, please.

Night Circus Coming in Paperback in July!!!!

For all you fans of The Night Circus, the moment we have been waiting for is soon to be upon us! The Night Circus will be available in paperback this July!  Stay tuned for updates on specific date as the time draws near.

If you haven't yet read this magnificent dreamy book, what are you waiting for?  It is a magical experience that will draw you beneath the very big top, envelop you in its wonderland, and leave you reluctant to depart when it's over.  Just like the circus!

Another Book Video: Dominoes