Alexandra Villasante
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THE GRIEF KEEPER by Alexandra Villasante

I first met Alexandra Villasante at an author panel that focused on diversity and inclusion in publishing. I loved what she had to say, and I immediately bought her book, THE GRIEF KEEPER, which has one of the best beginnings I've ever read.…
Author Bree Barton
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TEARS OF FROST, the second in the Heart of Thorns Series, by Bree Barton

I enjoyed interviewing Bree Barton when HEART OF THORNS first came out. TEARS OF FROST expands on the expert worldbuilding of the first book, and explores the dangers of unbridled power: Mia Rose wants only one thing: revenge against the…
Do Not Open Until Dec 25 Photo by Nathan Anderson
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Wrapping Up 2019

In wrapping up 2019, I wanted to reflect on the books and authors that taught me the most about writing this year. Some gave me ideas for manuscripts-in-progress. Others offered much needed wisdom about craft and what makes a good story, and…
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REVERIE by Ryan La Sala

REVERIE has been on my To-Be-Read list ever since I connected with Ryan La Sala on Twitter. I'm happy to announce that the book finally debuted yesterday. Have a look: All Kane Montgomery knows for certain is that the police found him half-dead…
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LET’S CALL IT A DOOMSDAY by Katie Henry

After I featured Katie Henry here, I couldn't wait to see what book she'd come up with next. LET'S CALL IT A DOOMSDAY offers an interesting lens into what it's like to deal with anxiety, and how to figure out how live, even when the world might…
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The Witchlands Series, by Susan Dennard

I've been a fan of Susan Dennard for a while. I first started following her newsletter, and then I saw her at YallWest earlier this year. There, I bought the first book in the Witchlands series, TRUTHWITCH...only to lose it before Susan could…
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THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL by Stacey Lee

I've been a fan of Stacey Lee ever since I featured her here. I'm even more excited about her newest book, THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL. It's a historical novel about a servant who moonlights as an advice columnist, and it's gotten tons of great reviews.…
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THE LIBRARY OF LOST THINGS by Laura Taylor Namey

As soon as I saw this book in my Facebook feed, I had to feature it. It's set to debut on October 8, a week from today: From the moment she first learned to read, literary genius Darcy Wells has spent most of her time living in the worlds…
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THE MUSIC OF WHAT HAPPENS by Bill Konigsberg

I've long admired Bill Konigsberg, and I got a chance to meet him at the IReadYA booth at this year's YallWest. I was particularly inspired by the speech he gave at last year's NCTE conference. His newest book, THE MUSIC OF WHAT HAPPENS, explores…
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MERGED by Jim Kroepfl and Stephanie Kroepfl

This month seems to have a theme of collaborative writing! Like last week, we have another writing duo, this time a husband and wife team, whose book, MERGED, is set to debut tomorrow, September 17: Seven of our country’s most gifted teens…