Macmillan Library - Macmillan Library

Whatcha Readin’ This Month?

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Anne Spieth

Edelweiss logo Each month we receive reports about which of our titles are being downloaded on Edelweiss. Naturally, we're curious to see what you've been reading and we thought you might be interested, too!
Here are the top e-galley downloads for March 2014:

1) LANDLINE by Rainbow Rowell
2) TAKEN by Lora Leigh
3) THE SNOW QUEEN by Michael Cunningham
4) SIXTH GRAVE ON THE EDGE by Darynda Jones
5) LILA by Marilynne Robinson
6) THAT SUMMER by Lauren Willig

Keep reading and remember to nominate the books you love for LibraryReads!

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Maximum Shelf: THE PLOVER

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Anne Spieth

“I must have wanted to write a sea novel for years—I just adored Stevenson and Kipling and Conrad and Jack London and voyage-logs and sea stories and KON-TIKI as a boy.”
— Brian Doyle on his inspiration for THE PLOVER

We're very excited about THE PLOVER by Brian Doyle, which continues the story of Declan O Donnell from one of Doyle's previous novels, MINK RIVER. It's an April Indie Next pick, and is this week's Maximum Shelf Awareness feature (we're pretty crazy about it, too).

“THE PLOVER is a fun ride with meaning and heart, lots of it, as well as jokes, scares, storms at sea, surprises, magic, absurdity—and humanity, exuberant joyful humanity.” — Shelf Awareness

See the full summary, review and interview with Brian Doyle on Shelf-Awareness.com.

Get whitelisted and download your e-galley on Edelweiss.

Praise for THE PLOVER:

“Doyle has written a novel in the adventurous style of Jack London and Robert Louis Stevenson but with a gentle mocking of their valorization of the individual as absolute. Readers will enjoy this bracing and euphoric ode to the vastness of the ocean and the unexpectedness of life.”
— Library Journal, starred review

“In near stream of consciousness, wave upon wave of words tumbles out in long, beautifully rendered, description-packed sentences... A rare and unusual book and a brilliant, mystical exploration of the human spirit.”
— Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“A jack of all literary trades, Doyle augments his impressive oeuvre with this whimsical dreamscape of a nautical adventure about desolation and friendship. A joyous journey of discovery.” — Booklist

“Every sentence Doyle writes about the ocean smacks of authenticity...”
— Publishers Weekly

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Happy #BookBday (3/25/14 Edition)

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Anne Spieth

Who wants punch and cake? It's #BookBday time! Today we celebrate:

THE MIDNIGHT WITCH by Paula Brackston
Brackston's third historical paranormal novel (after THE WITCH'S DAUGHTER and THE WINTER WITCH) follows Lilith, the daughter of the sixth Duke of Radnor, who also happens to be a witch. "There are balls and gowns as well as slums and opium dens, all painting a picture of a lost age, with just enough magic to keep things exciting for fantasy fans." — Library Journal

THE OTHER HALF by Sarah Rayner
Told in the alternating voices of the mistress and the wife, this story of an affair between a bright feature writer and her magazine publisher boss is a sharp, seductive take on modern love "that straddles the line between chick lit and women’s fiction." — Booklist

QUEEN ELIZABETH'S DAUGHTER by Anne Clinard Barnhill
When Mary Shelton, Elizabeth I’s young cousin and ward, falls in love with an unsuitable young gentleman against the Queen's wishes, the couple finds their very lives in danger as Elizabeth’s wrath knows no bounds. "Elizabeth’s court in miniature." — Kirkus Reviews

BookBdayCat

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Sneak Peek: April 2014 Indie Next list

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Anne Spieth

The April 2014 Indie Next list was recently announced and we're thrilled that it includes so many great Macmillan titles!

THE EMPATHY EXAMS by Leslie Jamison
"A tough, intrepid, scouring observer and vigilant thinker, she generates startling and sparking extrapolations and analysis. On the prowl for truth and intimate with pain, Jamison carries forward the fierce and empathic essayistic tradition as practiced by writers she names as mentors, most resonantly James Agee and Joan Didion." — Booklist, starred review & our most popular ARC at ALA Midwinter!

THE PLOVER by Brian Doyle
Doyle's story about a man who flees his troubled life on land for the solitude of the Pacific Ocean, but ends up on a rousing adventure is, “A rare and unusual book and a brilliant, mystical exploration of the human spirit.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

MIMI MALLOY, AT LAST! by Julia MacDonnell
"MacDonnell captures perfectly the family dynamics between sisters, mothers, and daughters, as if she were sitting in on their gab sessions, taking copious notes. For readers who enjoy Maeve Binchy and Rosamunde Pilcher, this is a highly engaging family chronicle, with a healthy dose of Irish history laced in as well." — Booklist

THE CAIRO AFFAIR by Olen Steinhauer
Steinhauer's geopolitical tale about the aftermath of a diplomat's assassination and his wife's relentless investigation is “Elaborate, sophisticated…a long, twisty road full of cleverly placed potholes and unexpected turns. Mr. Steinhauer draws his spies as flesh-and-blood characters in whom his readers invest both attention and emotion.” — Janet Maslin, The New York Times

ROOSEVELT'S BEAST by Louis Bayard
Bayard draws on Teddy and Kermit Roosevelt’s real-life ill-fated 1914 Amazon expedition to create "A suspense-filled re-imagining of history deepened by a confrontation with evil’s supernatural presence." — Kirkus Reviews

See the full April 2014 Indie Next List here.

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Friday Reads (3/21/14 Edition)

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Anne Spieth

TGIF friends! Today we've got two great #FridayReads!

TEMPTING FATE by Jane Green
New York Times bestselling author Green's riveting new novel about the events leading up to one woman's affair—and its aftermath is a USA Today "New and Noteworthy selection" (week of 3/24), and received 3-1/2 out of 4 stars from People Magazine, which said, “…her compelling tale reflects an understanding of contemporary women that’s acute and compassionate, served up with style.” Did we mention Robin Roberts is a fan, too?

SEDUCING INGRID BERGMAN by Chris Greenhalgh
Poet and screenplay writer Greenhalgh’s novel evokes a world of glamour and danger amid the waning days of World War II, when Ingrid Bergman meets the dashing war photographer Robert Capa. "Greenhalgh’s success as a screenwriter is on full display, particularly in his fast-paced dialogue and lyrical descriptions of postwar Paris. This heartbreaking story of two lost souls searching for a connection will be of high interest to fans of old-Hollywood glamour and wartime biographies." — Booklist

What are you reading this Friday? Share your picks with us @MacmillanLib with the hashtag #FridayReads.

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Win a signed copy of SHOTGUN LOVESONGS!

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Anne Spieth

Nick Butler polaroid We (and many of you) recently had the pleasure of meeting Nickolas Butler at PLA and we learned a few things about him:

1) He was working in a liquor store when he found out he was admitted into the Iowa Writers' Workshop

2) He says "Holy cats!" a lot

3) He's incredibly nice (we expected that from the whole Midwest thing) and well-deserving of the praise for his book, SHOTGUN LOVESONGS

And while we were at PLA, we scored a signed copy of SHOTGUN LOVESONGS for one lucky librarian! So if you missed Nick at PLA, now's your chance to get a signed copy of his book!

To enter the giveaway, simply email Library@MacmillanUSA.com from your professional/library-issued e-mail address (subject: Shotgun Lovesongs) by Sunday, April 6. Make sure to include your library's mailing address to be placed in the random drawing. Read on for the fine print. Good luck!

UPDATE 4/14: This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Glenna Clark Fallin of West Feliciana Parish Library in St. Francisville, LA!

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Thriller Thursday (3/20/14 Edition)

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Anne Spieth

Happy #ThrillerThursday, friends! Here's a look at the latest books keeping us up past bedtime:

THE CAIRO AFFAIR by Olen Steinhauer
Steinhauer's geopolitical tale about a murdered diplomat, his unfaithful wife, her Egyptian intelligence ex-lover, and a CIA analyst recently earned a rave New York Times review from Janet Maslin: “Elaborate, sophisticated…a long, twisty road full of cleverly placed potholes and unexpected turns. Mr. Steinhauer draws his spies as flesh-and-blood characters in whom his readers invest both attention and emotion.”

DECODED by Mai Jia
“Told by a shadowy narrator who draws on interview transcripts and declassified documents, the book ranges in style from mythic fairy tale to spy story to epistemological speculation. Within this fantastic framework unfolds the saga of Rong Jinzhen, a youngster of illegitimate origin and odd upbringing whose phenomenal success in his non-chosen field leads to international counterespionage.” — The Wall Street Journal
BONUS: read the interview with Mai Jia in the New York Times Sinosphere blog

DON'T LOOK FOR ME by Loren D. Estleman
In the 24th(!) book in the Amos Walker series, the "barely housebroken" P.I. finds himself caught between the mafia and the porn industry. "A direct descendant of Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe, Walker fires up a cig, has a sip of Scotch, and ponders how the case of a disappeared wife can get this complicated. A very good entry in a solid series." — Booklist

THE TRIDENT DECEPTION by Rick Campbell
"Campbell utilizes his background as a retired navy commander and his familiarity with submarines to craft a terrific thriller debut. Campbell does an amazing job, balancing character interaction with high-octane action, all the while keeping the technical jargon to a level understandable by nonmilitary readers. This is the best novel about a submarine since Tom Clancy’s classic THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER." — Booklist, starred review

What's tingling your spine this #ThrillerThursday? Share your reads with us @MacmillanLib.

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Spotlight on BLOOD ALWAYS TELLS

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Anne Spieth

We know that #ThrillerThursday is still a day away, but we're very excited about this thriller coming in April from Forge Books: BLOOD ALWAYS TELLS by Hilary Davidson.

In this twisted tale of love, crime, and family gone wrong, Dominique Monaghan wants to get even with her two-timing, married boyfriend, but an elaborate blackmail scheme soon lands her in the middle of an unexpected kidnapping... and attempted murder. Dominique’s big brother, Desmond Edgars, wants to help Dominique, but digs himself deeper into a tangled web of murder and deception, involving a family fortune, a couple of shifty lawyers, and a missing child, while wrestling with his own bloody secrets.

Kirkus Reviews named BLOOD ALWAYS TELLS one of their “Spring Breakouts,” and early reviews are excellent:

“Davidson has penned an outstanding novel that entertains with its carefully plotted tale of kidnapping, murder and duplicity. Impressive from the outset, the surprises continue throughout until the clincher at the end. Her talent for character development shines.” — RT Book Reviews, Top Pick!

“In her new stand-alone thriller, Davidson introduces the reader to a cast of troubled, double-crossing characters who end up entangled in a dangerous game… you can’t help turning the pages in anticipation of yet another twist or turn. Recommended for mystery fans who appreciate quirky tales of revenge and family drama.” — Library Journal

“[A] riveting standalone from Anthony Award–winner Davidson... the relationship between Dominique and her brother, Desmond Edgars, who comes to Pennsylvania to investigate his sister’s disappearance, keeps the reader turning the pages.” — Publishers Weekly

Get whitelisted and download the e-galley.

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Macmillan Library @ TxLA 2014 (booth 1438)

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Anne Spieth

YEEHAW! We'll be in San Antonio in just a few short weeks for the Texas Library Association Annual Conference and we can't wait to see you! Peruse the program early, then join us in the exhibit hall at booth #1438 for some great galley giveaways and also at the events below (all are free unless otherwise noted):

Oh the Horror! Author panel

Wednesday, April 9th
2:00-4:00pm
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center | 217 CD, concourse level

Zombies, werewolves, demons—oh my! How will the world end? In a zombie apocalypse or volcanic eruption caused by angelic rebellion? Find out at this horror panel featuring several authors including Jonathan Maberry (CODE ZERO), moderated by our friend Ali Fisher!

E-galley available on Edelweiss

Meet C.C. Hunter @ “Texas Teens 4 Libraries (TT4L)”

Thursday, April 10th
9:00-9:30am
Grand Hyatt Hotel, 600 E. Market Street
Tickets required*

Hear New York Times bestselling author C.C. Hunter (Shadow Falls series and REBORN: Shadow Falls After Dark) deliver the keynote address at the TT4L conference. Free books will be provided to attendees and a signing will follow the speech.

*Tickets are $30. Purchasing information available here.

E-galley available on Edelweiss

Texas Tea with YA Authors

Thursday, April 10th
12:00 noon-1:50pm
Grand Hyatt Hotel, 600 E. Market Street
Tickets required*

Join us for the third annual Texas Tea, the premier event for YA literature enthusiasts, featuring several authors including C.C. Hunter (REBORN: Shadow Falls After Dark). Librarians stay put as authors move from table to table sharing stories over tea and pastries.

*Tickets are $30 and must be purchased at the time of registration for annual conference. More information available here.

Crunch! An Evening with Zombie Authors dinner

Thursday, April 10th
6:30-8:30pm
Hilton Palacio del Rio, 200 South Alamo St | Historic Pavilion
Tickets required; however, conference registration is not required to register for this event*

Eat like it's your last meal! Join thrill-seeking colleagues for a night of terrifying tasty dishes and tales at this annual favorite event. Zombie-themed works will leave you hungry for more as authors, including Jonathan Maberry (CODE ZERO) share their brains (metaphorically, of course). Free books will be provided to attendees, and Zombies are welcome.

*Dinner tickets must be purchased by Friday, March 21 through pre-registration. RSVP via Facebook.

Publishers' Book Buzz

Friday, April 11th
8:00am to 9:50am
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center | Room 202 AB, concourse level

Come hear Anne “the sweet teeth” Spieth highlight her favorite forthcoming Macmillan titles at the very popular annual Publishers Book Buzz!

If it's your first time in San Antonio, TxLA has put together a neat site with information about shopping, dining, attractions, and transportation.

See y'all soon! [...]

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Join us for Library Journal’s Day of Dialog 2014!

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Anne Spieth

Library Journal’s annual Day of Dialog event is coming up on Wednesday, May 28 and you won't want to miss it. This year will feature the ever-popular Editors’ Picks panel and hot author panels covering cookbooks, women’s fiction and top novelists for the fall/winter season. New to the line-up is a town-house style meeting run by librarians to discuss key issues in materials collection and promotion. You'll also get the chance to meet authors and publishers, network, and get a goodie bag!

Who: YOU
What: Library Journal’s Day of Dialog
When: Wednesday, May 28, 2014, 9:00am–6:00pm
Where: McGraw-Hill 50th floor, 1221 Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue and 49th Street), New
York, NY 10020
Why: All the cool kids are going

Click here for more information and to RSVP

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Whatcha Readin’ This Month?

Keep reading and remember to nominate the books you love for LibraryReads!