LATE FOR TEA AT THE DEER PALACE: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
LATE FOR TEA AT 

THE DEER PALACE

The Lost Dreams of My Iraqi Family

BY TAMARA CHALABI

ABOUT THE BOOK:

In the tradition of Jung Chang’s Wild Swans and Bhutto Benazir’s Reconciliation comes Tamara Chalabi’s unique memoir of returning to her family’s homeland, Iraq. In this epic story of one daughter’s journey through the annals of her family’s tumultuous history, Chalabi’s powerful voice and piercing vision illuminate her country and its people as never before.

For Tamara Chalabi, Iraq is more than a country of war and controversy; it is a place of poignant memory. For much of the twentieth century, the Chalabis were among the most influential families in Iraq. In the 1920s they were at the forefront of their country's awakening to modernity, and they played an integral part in the establishment of its monarchy. As courtiers, politicians, businessmen, rebels, merchants, and scholars, the Chalabis enjoyed vast privilege until the end of the 1950s, when they were forced to flee to the land of exile, myth, and imagination, where their beloved homeland took on the quality of a phantom country. In between came rebellions, foreign interventions, and the transformative development of oil wealth.

But in 2003, after a lifetime of exile, Tamara arrived in Baghdad just ten days after the city's fall, in the company of her father, Ahmad Chalabi, a leading opposition figure against the Saddam regime. Late for Tea at the Deer Palace chronicles a daughter's return to a homeland she'd known only through stories and her own imagination. As she investigates four generations of her family's history, Tamara offers a rich portrait of Middle Eastern family life and a provocative look at a lost Iraq. The story is populated by an array of unforgettable characters, among them Tamara's great-grandfather Abdul Hussein Chalabi, who as a member of the Ottoman parliament witnessed the end of the empire in Baghdad and the birth of the modern Iraqi state at the hands of the British; her grandfather Abdul Hadi Chalabi, who became one of the wealthiest men in Iraq and had strong ties with the British during World War II; and her grandmother Bibi, a grande dame who presided over Iraq's social and political life during Baghdad's 1920s and '30s heyday as the Paris of the Middle East.

At once intimate and magisterial, Late for Tea at the Deer Palace vividly captures the rich, overlooked history of a country that has been uprooted by war and a family that has persevered by never forgetting its dreams or its past.

TO READ AN EXCERPT OF THE BOOK, GO TO HARPER COLLINS "BROWSE INSIDE" HERE! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tamara Chalabi holds a PhD in history from Harvard University. She has written for The Wall Street Journal, The New Republic, Slate, and The Sunday Times, among other publications. 

PRAISE FOR LATE FOR TEA AT THE DEER PALACE:

“It’s an admirable endeavour to have Iraq addressed by someone who is in so many ways able to approach it from two worlds. . . . Tamara Chalabi has the stuff, in every sense, that is needful to undertake this.”

— Christopher Hitchens

 Through this vibrant literary memoir, readers learn about Iraq’s history and a notable family’s experience of the country, no matter how far away. Recommended for general readers.”

— Library Journal

 “An absorbing social history of Iraq. . .A work of exile literature, beautifully written, rich with human detail as only personal family histories can be.”

— New York Times Book Review

 One small way to rebuild a country after war may be to hold a picture of its true beauty, which is what Chalabi does.

— The Los Angeles Times

 A sweeping, enchanting memoir. . . Late for Tea at the Deer Palace deftly combines elements of history and memoir, but shines most when the author lets the characters’ stories tell the history of Iraq.

— The Associated Press

MY REVIEW:

Tamara Chalabi’s LATE FOR TEA AT THE DEER PALACE is a rich story of Chalabi’s family blended into the history of Iraq that reminded me so much of the extraordinary experience I had reading THE KITE RUNNER by Khaled Hosseini. Now one of my favorite books, THE KITE RUNNER at first scared me as I was put off by the history aspect and what I thought would be too much cultural background of no interest to me. Oh, did Mr. Hosseini prove me wrong as I took the leap and wound up reading a book I never wanted to have end, and one that still haunts me to this day.

So now, I can say Tamara Chalabi has perhaps created that very same kind of experience with LATE FOR TEA AT THE DEER PALACE. At first, as I saw the subtitle of "The Lost Dreams of My Iraqi Family" I thought it a war story about Iraq that surely was filled with history that is not a genre I enjoy. THEN, I saw lists of phrases to use for translation in the back, a chronological time line of the history the story covers, the prologue that seemed to be lengthy historical facts, and I was put off. Lucky for me, I remembered the feeling I had before I read THE KITE RUNNER, and so I tackled the book. I checked and realized all the lists, index, time lines, etc. in the back of the book were there to help but not part of what I had to know or read to enjoy the story. I skimmed the prologue and realized this was merely background to set up the story of the Chalabi family and how it fit into the history of Iraq starting from the time that the Ottoman empire was ending and winding through Iraq’s history to present day.

The Chalabi were well educated Shi’a Iraqi and ran in the most respected social circles with important jobs in business as well as the government. Tamara’s great-grandfather, Abdul Hussein Chalabi, played an important part in the formation of Iraq as a nation. Upon Great Britain granting Iraq independence, the Chalabi’s place in society was well respected and very influential. The culture and foods and pictures and beautifully written, fascinating characters tell the story of the Chalabi family while also giving readers the history of this country.

As a reader, I became wrapped up in characters like Bibi, who was born in 1900; from her youth to her arranged marriage, and then on to her daughters born around 1925 up through the women of the family born in the 1970’s. Their personalities, self-esteem, and bravery gave the story a background of society through all that time. What did they eat and what meaning did some foods have? How did they entertain themselves and care for their homes and children? What did their homes physically look like and how did they run? What part did not only the politicians play in their lives, but every day things like the weather and  customs and clothing. From imposed marriages to having an opinion of their own, LATE FOR TEA AT THE DEER PALACE draws a wonderful picture of these fascinating characters and their lives. The author uses personal history, family stories, and photographs to provide the factual background in a narrative way. It is a story you will become enthralled with and find it hard to put down. I highly recommend LATE FOR TEA AT THE DEER PALACE and also think book clubs would really enjoy the discussion and joy from reading this book. 
 
If you can't wait to try and win, I have a link up to buy it in the right side bar. 

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO MARK AND MY GOOD FRIENDS AT

HARPER COLLINS, I HAVE 3 COPIES OF THIS

FASCINATING SAGA TO GIVE AWAY 

 

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DIRECTIVE 51: A SCI-FI, TECHNO THRILLER GIVEAWAY

 GIVEAWAY ENDED
DIRECTIVE 51

BY JOHN BARNES

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The first book in a new post-apocalyptic trilogy from "a master of the genre"

Heather O'Grainne is the Assistant Secretary in the Office of Future Threat Assessment, investigating rumors surrounding something called "Daybreak." The group is diverse and radical, and its members have only one thing in common-their hatred for the "Big System" and their desire to take it down.

Now, seemingly random events simultaneously occurring around the world are in fact connected as part of Daybreak's plan to destroy modern civilization-a plan that will eliminate America's top government personnel, leaving the nation no choice but to implement its emergency contingency program...Directive 51. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

John Barnes is the award-winning author of Orbital Resonance, A Million Open Doors, Mother of Storms, Earth Made of Glass, The Merchants of Souls, Candle, and many other novels. With Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, he wrote the novels Encounter with Tiber and The Return. Born in 1957, John Barnes has a PhD in theatre from the University of Pittsburgh and taught theatre at Western State College, Gunnison, Colorado.He lives in Colorado.

FEATURE ON DIRECTIVE 51:

Essay from John Barnes on Directive 51 

John Barnes brings you up to date on the real government Directive 51 (don't get excited when you get to the part about "decapitation…")

Presidential Directive 51 is real, but despite what you may read on the web, it is probably not anything to fear. The unclassified part of Directive 51, like its predecessors, specifies what we will do in case of "decapitation"—sudden destruction of the top echelons of the Federal government.
THE REST OF THIS SPECIAL FEATURED ESSAY FROM PENGUIN PUBLISHING CAN BE FOUND HERE FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN ALL OF THE DETAILS.

GIVEAWAY

I HAVE ONE BRAND NEW

COPY OF THIS SCI-FI
  THRILLER TO GIVE AWAY!

    
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GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
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  GOOD LUCK!!!

BORN UNDER A LUCKY MOON: A PREVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

 GIVEAWAY ENDED
BORN UNDER A LUCKY MOON

BY DANA PRECIOUS

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Smart, touching, and utterly engaging, Born Under a Lucky Moon is a polished gem of contemporary women’s fiction—and it boldly announces the arrival of author Dana Precious, who immediately takes her place at the winner’s table beside Rebecca York, Jennifer Weiner, and Rebecca Wells. Not unlike Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood and other beloved works of southern women’s fiction—except set in the American Midwest—Born Under a Lucky Moon is a story of family, love, murder, sex scandals, and new beginnings that is, at once, intelligent, endearing, and delightfully quirky.

Born Under a Lucky Moon is the tale of two very important (but distant) years in the lives of Jeannie Thompson and her (embarrassing, crazy) colorful family members to whom "things" just seem to happen. From the Great Lakes of Michigan to Los Angeles and back again, it is a story of surprise marriages, a renegade granny, a sprinkler system cursed by the gods, and myriad other factors Jeannie blames for her full-tilt, out-of-control existence. But it's also about good surprises—like an unexpected proposal that might just open Jeannie's eyes to her real place among the people she loves most in the world . . . the same ones she ran far away from to begin with.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dana Precious lives in Los Angeles with her husband and son. She has two dogs: a small border terrier named Thompson (as in Hunter—long story) and Bella, a very large bull mastiff whose activity of choice is sleeping on the couch and watching Oprah. Prior to writing, Dana worked for several major film studios. 

Dana says on her website, "The novel Born Under A Lucky Moon, while fictional, is based on real life events in my life. The story that takes place in 1986 is largely true. It noodled around in my head for decades until I knew I had to write it down just to stop thinking about it. I did compress some events to fit into a specific time frame."  

YOU CAN WATCH OTHER VIDEOS OF DANA READING FROM BORN UNDER A LUCKY MOON  BY GOING TO HER WEBSITE HERE!

EXCERPT: 

Prologue

All roads in my hometown lead to water. I used to think they were all dead ends. It is a four-block-wide bit of land with one main road, Ruddiman, running its length. From this road, every other road marches off in strict perpendicular fashion to stop abruptly at Muskegon Lake or, on the other side, Bear Lake. Ruddiman does get a good running start before it hits Lake Michigan a few miles down.TO FINISH READING THE PROLOGUE, GO HERE!

 

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO MEGAN AND THE GOOD FOLKS

AT HARPER COLLINS, I HAVE TWO COPIES

OF THIS SOON TO BE RELEASED NOVEL

 

--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
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IN CASE YOU WIN!
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COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHAT YOU READ ABOVE THAT MADE YOU WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK THAT I CAN FOLLOW

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+1 MORE ENTRY:"LIKE" DANA PRECIOUS ON FACEBOOK HERE AND COMMENT THERE THAT YOU HAVE ENTERED MY GIVEAWAY.

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT

6 PM, EST, FEBRUARY 8

(THE SAME DAY THE BOOK RELEASES)

GOOD LUCK! 

ARE YOU LISTENING? DAY: DOCTOR DE SOTO-REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

WELCOME TO

BOOKIN' WITH BINGO'S

"ARE YOU LISTENING? DAY"

I AM EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THIS FRIDAY'S

"ARE YOU LISTENING? DAY"
AUDIO BOOK CHOICE IS.....

GIVEAWAY ENDED 
DOCTOR De SOTO
BY WILLIAM STEIG

ABOUT THE BOOK AND CD:

From the incomparable William Steig ("Shrek!") comes a story that proves even a fox can be out-foxed by a clever mouse.

"Doctor De Soto, the dentist, did very good work. With the aid of his able assistant, Mrs. De Soto, he copes with the toothaches of animals large and small. His expertise is so great that his fortunate patients never feel any pain."
 

Since he’s a mouse, Doctor De Soto refuses to treat “dangerous” animals—that is, animals who have a taste for mice. But one day a fox shows up and begs for relief from the tooth that's killing him. How can the kindhearted De Sotos turn him away? But how can they make sure that the fox doesn’t give in to his baser instincts once his tooth is fixed? Those clever De Sotos will find a way

AWARDS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND PRAISE FOR DOCTOR DeSOTO:

Awards: American Library Association Notable Children's Books; IBBY Honor Books; IRA-CBC Children's Choices; Boston Globe - Horn Book Award; New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Books of the Year; New York Times Outstanding Books of the Year; Newbery Honor Book, Children's; Booklist Best Books of the '80s; Booklist Editors' Choice; Horn Book Magazine Fanfare List; School Library Journal Best Books of the Year 
Recommendations: Booklist, Starred; Boston Globe; Bulletin-Center Child Books; Children's Book Review Service; Elementary School Library Collection; Horn Book, Starred Review; Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review; NCTE; New York Times; New York Times Book Review; Publishers Weekly; School Library Journal, Starred Review; Wilson Library Bulletin 

Praise:

“I cannot imagine childhood without Steig: Sylvester, Pearl, Caleb, and now Doctor De Soto.”—The Dallas Morning News
 

“This is one of those picture books that are so good I’d just like to quote the whole thing.”—Philadelphia Inquirer
 

“Simple but sly, a mischievously imaginative rendition of the classic theme.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
 

“Doctor De Soto is a mouse dentist who . . . operates a clinic open to all except animals threatening to mice. What to do, then, when a weeping and wailing fox shows up for treatment? . . . There is great wit and good fun in the illustrations.”—Booklist, Starred Review

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

William Steig was born in New York City in 1907. In a family where every member was involved in the arts, it was not surprising that Steig became an artist. After public school he went to City College and attended the National Academy of Design.

In 1930, Steig's work began appearing in The New Yorker, where his drawings have been a popular fixture ever since. He published his first children's book, Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968, embarking on a new and very different career.

Steig's books reflect his conviction that children want the security of a devoted family and friends. When Sylvester, Farmer Palmer, Abel, Pearl, Gorky, Solomon, and Irene eventually get home, their families are all waiting, and beginning with Amos and Boris, friendship is celebrated in story after story.

In 1970, Steig received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. His books for children also include The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book; and Abel's Island and Doctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books. Other awards and honors which Steig's books have received are the Christopher Award (Dominic), the Irma Simonton Black Award (Gorky Rises), the William Allen White Children's Book Award (Dominic), and the American Book Award (Doctor De Soto, co-winner). His European awards include the Premio di Letteratura per l'infanzia (Italy) for The Real Thief, the Silver Pencil Award (the Netherlands) for Abel's Island, and the Prix de la Fondation de France for Dominic. On the basis of his entire body of work, Steig was selected as the 1982 U.S. candidate for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Illustration and subsequently as the 1988 U.S. candidate for Writing.

Beginning with About People in 1939, William Steig has published thirteen collections of drawings for adults, among them The Lonely Ones, Male/Female, The Agony in the Kindergarten, and, in 1990, Our Miserable Life. His most recent books published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux are Shrek! (released by DreamWorks as a major motion picture) and Wizzil, illustrated by Quentin Blake. School Library Journal named Shrek! a Best Book of 1990 and said of it, "Steig's inimitable wit and artistic dash have never been sharper or more expertly blended."

 

MY REVIEW:
DOCTOR DE SOTO by William Steig is a long standing, well loved children’s story. I was fortunate enough to review a new offering by Macmillan Audio in which this award winning story comes in a set with the book and the audio book (CD). What a treat to not only be able to revisit Steig’s story of the wonderful mouse dentist but to hear it read by award winning actor Stanley Tucci. The audio even chimes so little ones will know when to turn the page.  It allows them to follow along with ease and fun.

The story in case you don’t know it is about Doctor De Soto, a mouse who is a dentist and his wife, who is his assistant. He runs a practice where he treats animals for their dental needs. However, being a mouse and one with strong convictions, De Soto refuses not only for safety but on principal to treat animals who are dangerous and might try and eat him.

One day, however, a well dressed fox comes to the door and he is in terrible pain. The fox pleads for help and Doctor De Soto gives in and treats him. He finds the fox has a tooth that needs to be pulled in order to take away the pain. Doctor De Soto explains that he can have a new tooth ready to put in by tomorrow. The fox agrees but even as Doctor De Soto is starting to give him gas for the procedure, standing on his tongue, the taste of the mouse is so tempting to the ungrateful fox that he thinks about eating him and his wife upon returning the next day. 

SPOILER ALERT! After a fretful night worrying about if the fox will be a danger to them, the doctor comes up with a plan. Doctor De Soto tells the fox he has something new he can apply that will give him a lifetime free of pain for his teeth. The fox agrees, planning on a tasty meal following his new tooth being inserted, and the dentist proceeds. Upon completion, the fox realizes he can’t open his mouth. Doctor De Soto tells the fox his jaw won’t be able to be opened for a couple of days while the treatment takes effect. Thus, the little mouse dentist did his good deed safely and outfoxed the fox!

William Steig’s work is as good as ever as he not only writes the book, but is the artist as well. His marvelous watercolor characters seem to float on each page with their sparse white background which allows the eyes to focus on the character and their expressions.

The story may seem rather simple, but really has deeper meaning as it shows how we can help one another, even if we may be enemies of sorts, by being clever and avoiding violence. A lesson is something Steig has in all his books. Add to that his use of vocabulary that enriches children while also keeping their full attention and it’s easy to see why he has won so many awards and fans! Like all his books, DOCTOR DE SOTO is visually lovely while also having traditional qualities and happy endings. With the added treat of Stanley Tucci’s narration in which he does a perfect job with each character so that they come to life, this Audio Set is sure to be a favorite in your home and one that will be listened to again and again. I listened first without the book and then again following along and enjoyed it both ways. Which do you think you will like the most?  

 GIVEAWAY
THANKS TO STEPHANIE AND THE GOOD

FOLKS AT MACMILLAN AUDIO BOOKS,
I HAVE THREE COPIES OF THIS 

BOOK AND AUDIO BOOK, TO
BE GIVEN AWAY TO 3 WINNERS!

--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES, PLEASE
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--ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS MUST BE
SEPARATE IN ORDER TO COUNT
AS MORE THAN ONE ENTRY

HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING ABOUT DOCTOR DE SOTO THAT WOULD MAKE YOU WANT TO WIN THIS AUDIO CD AND BOOK

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND LEAVE A LINK I CAN FOLLOW IN THE ENTRY

 +1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ONE OTHER CHILDREN'S BOOK THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO LISTEN TO AS AN AUDIO BOOK

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
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GOOD LUCK!

BAFFLING BINGO MYSTERY BOOK DAY: PLAY DEAD- A GIVEAWAY

WELCOME TO
BOOKIN' WITH BINGO'S
"BAFFLING BINGO DAY"
I'M EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THIS THURSDAY'S
"BAFFLING BINGO DAY"
MYSTERY BOOK CHOICE IS.....

GIVEAWAY ENDED
PLAY DEAD 
BY HARLAN COBEN

ABOUT THE BOOK:

No sooner had supermodel Laura Ayers and Celtics star David Baskin said "I do" than tragedy struck. While honeymooning on Australia's Great Barrier Reed, David went out for a swim-and never returned. Now widowed and grieving, Laura's search for the truth will draw her into a web of lies and deception that stretches back thirty years...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

With over 47 millions books in print worldwide, Harlan Coben's last three consecutive novels, CAUGHT,  LONG LOST and HOLD TIGHT all debuted  at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and lists around the world. His next thriller LIVE WIRE will be out in early spring 2011. His books are published in 40 languages and have been number one bestsellers in over a dozen countries.

Winner of the Edgar Award, Shamus Award and Anthony Award - the first author to win all three – international bestselling author Harlan Coben’s critically-acclaimed novels have been called “ingenious” (New York Times), “poignant and insightful” (Los Angeles Times), “consistently entertaining” (Houston Chronicle), “superb” (Chicago Tribune) and “must reading” (Philadelphia Inquirer). His most recent novels, CAUGHT,  LONG LOST, HOLD TIGHT, THE WOODS, PROMISE ME, THE INNOCENT, JUST ONE LOOK, NO SECOND CHANCE, TELL NO ONE and GONE FOR GOOD have appeared on the top of all the major bestseller lists including the New York Times, London Times, Le Monde, Publishers Weekly, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY. His books are published in forty languages around the globe and have been number one bestsellers in nearly a dozen countries.

Harlan's novel TELL NO ONE has been turned into the commercial and critical smash hit French film of the same name, starring Francois Cluzet and Kristin Scott Thomas. The movie was the top box office foreign-language film of the year in USA, won the Lumiere (French Golden Globe) for best picture and was nominated for nine Cesars (French Oscar) and won four, including best actor, best director and best music. To see the trailer, click here and for stills and to see Harlan appearing in the film, visit our gallery page. The movie is now available in DVD and Blu-Ray. An American/Hollywood remake is in the works.

In his first books, Coben immersed himself in the exploits of sports agent Myron Bolitar. Critics loved the series, saying, “You race to turn pages…both suspenseful and often surprisingly funny” (People). After seven books Coben wanted to try something different. “I came up with a great idea that simply would not work for Myron,” says Coben. The result was the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller TELL NO ONE, which became the most decorated thriller of 2001 – nominated for an Edgar, an Anthony, a Macavity, a Nero, and a Barry; winner of the Audie Award for Best Audio Mystery/Suspense Book (read by Steven Weber); and a #1 hardcover book on the Book Sense 76 list. Coben followed the success of TELL NO ONE with the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers GONE FOR GOOD (2002), NO SECOND CHANCE (2003), and JUST ONE LOOK (2004) and THE INNOCENT (2005). Bookspan, recognizing Coben’s broad international appeal, named NO SECOND CHANCE its first ever International Book of the Month in 2003 – the Main Selection in 15 different countries.

Coben was the first writer in more than a decade to be invited to write fiction for the NEW YORK TIMES op-ed page. His Father’s Day short story, THE KEY TO MY FATHER, appeared June 15, 2003.

Since his critically-acclaimed Myron Bolitar series debuted in 1995, Harlan Coben has won the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Allan Poe Award and was nominated for the Edgar two other times. Harlan also won the Anthony Award at the World Mystery Conference, was nominated for another Anthony Award, won the Shamus Award by the Private Eye Writers of America, was nominated for another Shamus, and was twice nominated for the Dilys Award by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.  

In the United Kingdom, his novel ONE FALSE MOVE earned him the prestigious “Fresh Talent Award”, given annually by Great Britain's largest bookstore chain, W. H. Smith, and GONE FOR GOOD won the W. H. SMITH “Thumping Good Read” Award. In France, TELL NO ONE (NE LE DIS A PERSONE) won Le Grand Prix des Lectrices de Elle for fiction. His novels have been PEOPLE magazine Page-Turners of the Week and a Publishers Weekly Best of the Year pick.

Harlan was born in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating from Amherst College a political science major, Harlan worked in the travel industry. He now lives in New Jersey with his wife, Anne Armstrong-Coben MD, a pediatrician, and their four children.

For a complete list of Harlan Coben novels and their sequence, please click NOVELS.

READ AN EXCERPT:

1
June 17, 1989

Laura opened the window and felt the gentle tropical breeze refresh her naked body. She closed her eyes as the palm trees' cool wind made her skin tingle. The muscles in her legs still quaked. She turned back toward the bed and smiled at David, the man who had put her legs in this precarious position.

"Good morning, Mr. Baskin."

"Morning?" David repeated. He glanced at the clock on the night table, the day silent except for the crashing of the waves outside the window. "It's well into the afternoon, Mrs. Baskin. We've spent almost the entire day in bed."

"Are you complaining?"

"Certainly not, Mrs. B."

"Then you won't mind a little more exercise."

"What have you got in mind?"

"How about a swim?"

"I'm spent," he said, sprawling back against the pillows. "I couldn't move if the bed was on fire."

Laura smiled seductively. "Good.".....TO READ MORE, GO HERE

GIVEAWAY

I HAVE ONE NEW HARDBACK COPY OF

THIS EARLY COBEN PAGE-TURNING
   MYSTERY TO GIVE AWAY MYSELF!

 

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COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: READ ABOUT THE BOOK AND AUTHOR ABOVE AND COMMENT ON WHY YOU WOULD WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK

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GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
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GOOD LUCK!  

WEDNESDAY MEANS WINNERS DAY!

WELCOME TO
BOOKIN' WITH BINGO'S
"WEDNESDAY MEANS WINNERS DAY".
I AM EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THIS WEDNESDAY'S
"WEDNESDAY MEANS WINNERS DAY"...

 

THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
BY EMAIL AND HAVE UNTIL NOON,
JANUARY 28, TO REPLY WITH THE
INFORMATION OR A NEW WINNER
WILL HAVE TO BE CHOSEN!
************************************

 

V

THE COMPLETE SERIES

A LITTLE ALIEN FRIEND OF MINE

IS ALLOWING ME TO GIVE AWAY ONE

COMPLETE DVD PACKAGE OF THE FIRST

ORIGINAL SERIES FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER

THAT WINNER IS:

#42 holdenj

************************************** 

OOGY
BY LARRY LEVIN

THANKS TO ANNA AND THE GOOD

 FOLKS AT HACHETTE BOOK GROUP,

I HAVE 2 COPIES OF THIS DEAR, SWEET

AUDIO BOOK TO GIVE AWAY! 

THE WINNERS ARE:

#27 Lori Thomas
#68 Shirley

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A FINDERS-KEEPERS PLACE

BY ANN HAYWOOD LEAL

 THANKS TO ANN, I HAVE ONE

AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF THIS

WONDERFUL BOOK TO GIVE AWAY!

THE WINNER IS:

#60 Meredith

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS!

EIGHTEEN ACRES: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

 GIVEAWAY ENDED
EIGHTEEN ACRES

BY NICOLLE WALLACE

ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the former Communications Director for the White House and current political media strategist comes a suspenseful and smart commercial novel about the first female president and all dramas and deceptions she faces both in politics and in love.

Eighteen Acres, a description used by political insiders when referring to the White House complex, follows the first female President of the United States, Charlotte Kramer, and her staff as they take on dangerous threats from abroad and within her very own cabinet.

Charlotte Kramer, the 45th US President, Melanie Kingston, the White House chief of staff, and Dale Smith, a White House correspondent for one of the networks are all working tirelessly on Charlotte's campaign for re-election. At the very moment when they should have been securing success, though, Kramer's White House implodes under rumors of her husband's infidelity and grave errors of judgment on the part of her closest national security advisor. In an upheaval that threatens not only the presidency, but the safety of the American people, Charlotte must fight to regain her footing and protect the the country she has given her life to serving.

Eighteen Acres combines political and family drama into one un-put-downable novel. It is a smart, juicy and fast-paced read that we're sure fans of commercial women's fiction will fall in total love with.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nicolle Wallace is a bestselling author and political commentator who appears regularly on news programs such as ABC’s Good Morning America, Fox News’ Sean Hannity and Morning Joe on MSNBC.  She is also a contributor to the Daily Beast.

Wallace, who served as communications chief for George W. Bush’s White House and re-election campaign, was credited with “injecting a tremendous amount of realism” into White House deliberations.  According to the Washington Post, she served as “a voice for more openness with reporters” (Washington Post, June 28, 2006).  The New York Times story announcing her presidential appointment carried the headline: “New Aide Aims to Defrost the Press Room” (January 10, 2005). Wallace was described by former colleagues as “very persuasive in the halls of the West Wing.”

Wallace also served as senior advisor for the McCain-Palin campaign in 2008.  She appeared frequently on network and cable news programs as the campaign’s top spokesman and defender.

Wallace is a California native and graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She lives in New York City and Connecticut with her husband, Mark, a former Ambassador to the United Nations, and their vizsla, Lilly.
Eighteen Acres is her first novel.

Here are some interesting facts about Author Nicolle Wallace:

• What is your birthdate?: 2/4
• Previous occupations: White House Communications Director for George W. Bush, Press Secretary for Governor Jeb Bush, advisor to John McCain and Sarah Palin
• Favorite job:This one!
• High school and/or college: Miramonte High School, UC Berkeley, Northwestern University
• Name of your favorite composer or music artist?: U2
• Favorite movie: Rain Man
• Favorite television show: Entourage
  To read more interesting facts about Nicolle Wallace, go HERE.

READING GROUP GUIDE AND BOOK CLUB TIPS:

This reading group guide for Eighteen Acres includes an introduction, discussion questions, ideas for enhancing your book club, and a Q&A with author Nicolle Wallace. The suggested questions are intended to help your reading group find new and interesting angles and topics for your discussion. We hope that these ideas will enrich your conversation and increase your enjoyment of the book. 

INTRODUCTION
Eighteen Acres follows three powerful women in Washington, D.C.: Charlotte Kramer, the first female President of the United States; Melanie Kingston, the White House Chief of Staff; and Dale Smith, a White House correspondent for one of the top national networks. 

To avoid any "spoilers" that might be in the rest of this introduction and the discussion questions, the Reading Group Guide can be found HERE when you are ready for it with your book club (and this would make a really, REALLY good book club book!)

MY REVIEW:
“Eighteen Acres” is the area that the White House complex sits on and thus how it is referred to by those “in the know“. I thoroughly enjoyed EIGHTEEN ACRES by Nicolle Wallace because it gives the reader a real accounting of what could go on at the White House. With Nicolle Wallace’s credentials and background, the story rang true and I could feel myself walking the halls of the West Wing with the characters. Wallace is a former Communications Director for President Bush and also a media strategist for McCain/Palin. Her background allows readers inside the White House, Camp David, and the lives of those who run our country and gives the book a true sense of realism. I also was pleased that the story had no political slant to it despite Wallace’s former employment and possible loyalties.

The story centers around three strong women. Charlotte Kramer is the 45th President of the United States and nearing the time when re-election starts to play a bigger part than usual. President Kramer’s polling numbers are down when the book starts out. Between rumors of some kind of infidelity within the White house and an attack on the President’s helicopter which was poorly handled, the communications room is abuzz with doubts for Kramer’s reelection. On the personal side, the First husband, Peter, a great father and man Charlotte was once very much in love with, is having an affair. Does Charlotte know of this? The way this character is written gives new meaning to the term “a strong woman”. As the story goes on, the poll numbers begin to climb and the election Charlotte thought she couldn’t win, is now a strong possibility and one she changes her mind and decides to go after. How she does it, is one of just a few surprising twists and turns in EIGHTEEN ACRES.

Enter the second strong woman and that is the President’s White House Chief of Staff, Melanie Kingston. She has been with Charlotte forever and her loyalty is evident as she puts her personal life on hold and keeps the press in their place. Melanie is Charlotte’s number one speech writer but they also can sit back with a glass of wine and talk as friends in the wee hours up in the family quarters. However, with Melanie, as the story goes on, I respected her more than I thought I would as she makes some very serious decisions and shows the kind of person she really is.

Last but not least is Dale Smith, who is a TV network White House Correspondent. As hard as she worked to get to this position, she is not one to lose it. Yet, few people know much about Dale outside of her work. Some wonder how this single woman who turns heads when she enters a room can not have something she is hiding. Hiding is her strong suit as Dale Smith is having an affair with the First Husband, Peter Kramer. 

Knowing about these three women is important but how Nicolle Wallace created them is what counts as she has written characters you care about from all angles. They are real and as much as they show their strengths, we also get to see their weaknesses. The sacrifices they make, the stress of their jobs, the lack of a personal life, and handling all that their jobs involve was fascinating for me to read. Put that together into a wonderful plot, and you have a very satisfying story. I hated to see this book end as I was captivated by being an insider to all that goes on within EIGHTEEN ACRES. With a great story line, wonderfully written characters, and the bonus of the expertise of Nicolle Wallace to add to the authenticity, this is a book that will not disappoint!

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO LISA AND MY GOOD FRIENDS

AT SIMON & SCHUSTER, I HAVE TWO 

HARDBACK COPIES OF THIS WONDERFUL

BOOK FOR YOU TO WIN AND ENJOY

 

--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHAT YOU READ ABOVE, AND THE VIDEO YOU LISTENED TO, THAT MADE YOU WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK AND IF YOU THINK IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR A BOOK CLUB

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK THAT I CAN FOLLOW

+1 MORE ENTRY: GO TO NICOLLE WALLACE'S WEBSITE HERE AND FIND SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT HER IN THIS FASCINATING WEBSITE

+1 (or +?) MORE ENTRIES: COMMENT IF YOU ENTERED ANY OF THE OTHER CURRENT GIVEAWAYS. IF YOU DID, PLEASE COMMENT SEPARATELY ON EACH ONE YOU HAVE ENTERED. 

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT

6 PM, EST, FEBRUARY 11!

GOOD LUCK!