Book News
20th February 2017
Fans of Urbane Publications will be delighted to know that the Spring 2017 Catalogue is out now. There are some real treats being published over the next few months. Feast your eyes on all these wonderful books and start planning which ones you’re going to read:-
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I will be hosting another Urbane Event on my blog from the 6th to 19th March. It is going to be huge so do pop along and have a read of all the fab posts.
Once the event is over I will be featuring Urbane authors and reviewing even more books on a monthly basis.
29th November 2016
Louise Voss has two of her books in the Kindle Daily Deal tomorrow. ‘To Be Someone’ and ‘Games People Play’ will be selling at 99p, so if you haven’t already discovered this author’s fab books, tomorrow is your chance to.
To Be Someone – http://amzn.to/2gBGH8aQ
Games People Play – http://amzn.to/2fxGITm
14th November 2016
Fans of Urbane Publications will be thrilled to know that there is now an Urbane Book Club. Join it and pay just £99.99 and for the next year you’ll get all the books which are published, both in print and as an eBook. For more information click on this link:-
http://urbanepublications.com/home_page_news/urbane-book-club-join-now/
26th September 2016
Orenda Books signs Exquisite psychological thriller
Karen Sullivan, publisher of Orenda Books, is delighted to announce the acquisition of World English Language Rights for Sarah Stovell’s debut thriller Exquisite, in a two-book deal negotiated with Hattie Grünewald at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency.
Karen says, ‘Hattie pitched this book to me at the London Book Fair earlier this year, and I was immediately intrigued; in fact, it’s possibly the first submission that I’ve ever “chased”. This is a sophisticated, exceptionally well-written, dark and twisty psychological thriller that revolves around the intense, sinister relationship that develops between two women: one an aspiring young writer who is drifting through her life, with a dead-end job and a freeloading boyfriend, and the other a successful author living an apparently idyllic life in the Lake District with her husband, children, and a clutch of bestselling books. Driven by a dual first-person narrative, Exquisite is a breathlessly pacy, relevant and original thriller, with a genuinely astonishing twist that will have readers flipping back the pages to see what they’ve missed. Beautiful prose, superb characterisation, atmospheric descriptions of the Cumbrian setting and an outstanding plot make Exquisite, quite simply, everything that its name suggests. It’s a perfect fit for the growing Orenda list and I am very excited to welcome Sarah to the team.’
Hattie says, ‘I’m thrilled that Sarah Stovell’s intense and captivating thriller has found a home at Orenda. I’m sure that with Karen’s help this will be a book on everyone’s 2017 wishlist!’
Sarah says, ‘I am delighted to be working with Karen on Exquisite and my next thriller. She’s a great editor with a fantastic group of authors, and I feel really hopeful about our future together.’
Exquisite will be published in June 2017. For more information, please contact Karen@orendabooks.co.uk.
21st September 2016
Marilyn Chapman recently published her second historical novel, ‘Occupying Love’. Born in Guernsey, she was absolutely thrilled to get a double page spread in the Guernsey Press. A big round of applause to Marilyn who deserves this recognition.
29th May 2016
Urbane Publications just keep doing amazing things. They are now starting to publish books for children which are well worth checking out. There are also a stack of new novels coming out in the next couple of months. Also, the following three titles will be in WHSmith Travel Stores during August:-
‘Summer in Tintagel’ by Amanda James
‘Fade to Dead’ by Tara Moore
‘The Rwandan Hostage’ by Christopher Lowery
17th May 2016
I have some very exciting news from Orenda Books…….
Orenda Books signs debut Serial-style thriller
Karen Sullivan, publisher of Orenda Books, is delighted to announce the acquisition of World Rights (from the author) for Matt Wesolowski’s debut thriller Six Stories.
Karen says, ‘Last September, at Bloody Scotland festival, Matt pitched this novel to the “Pitch Perfect” panel, of which I was a member, and I was instantly intrigued. The final product more than lives up to the pitch, and I was utterly entranced both by the effortless prose, the carefully structured plotline, and the fresh, contemporary feel of the book and the author’s voice. The novel is constructed as a series of podcasts, in which an investigative journalist describes the circumstances around the death of a teenaged boy in an outward-bound centre, interviewing witnesses, suspects and people close to the incident. Their six accounts form the six stories of the title, creating a chilling and compelling, page-turning thriller that also delves deep into notions of truth, perception and loyalty. This is an ideal read for armchair detectives and fans of Serial, as each of the stories presents a new revelation or twist, and the reader is forced to assess the veracity of each narrator. Matt has made a name for himself in the short horror genre, but this is something quite different, an exceptional, exciting novel that I cannot wait to publish. A perfect addition to the growing Orenda crime list.’
Matt says, ‘To have my first deviation from horror to crime signed up by Orenda Books, home to some of the finest crime-writing talent out there right now (and some of my favourite authors) is deeply humbling. To share the stark shadows of Hiekkapelto, the frozen blizzards of Jónasson and the poetic grimness of Tuomainen is an honour beyond all honours.’
Six Stories will be published in 2017. For more information, please contact Karen@orendabooks.co.uk.
3rd May 2016
Book lovers may be very interested in this. Brum Radio who are based in Birmingham host a monthly book show. To find out more click on this link – http://brumradio.com/book-club/
7th April 2016
Here’s some really exciting news from Karen Sullivan of Orenda Books.
LONDON BOOK FAIR PRE-EMPT
Orenda Books signs bestselling Norwegian crime writer Kjell Ola Dahl in two-book deal
Karen Sullivan, publisher of Orenda Books, is delighted to announce the acquisition of World English Language rights for Norwegian crime writer Kjell Ola Dahl’s next two titles in the Gunnarstranda series, in a deal negotiated with Anne Cathrine Eng of Gyldendal Agency, in advance of the London Book Fair.
Karen says, ‘Kjell Ola Dahl is a magnificent writer, an international bestselling, award-winning author (most recently picking up the prestigious Brage and Riverton prizes) and certainly one of the key proponents of Nordic Noir. I am thrilled and excited to have the opportunity to publish his next two novels. Literary, fast-paced, with an uncanny psychological element, and some of the most seamless, tightly woven plots in crime fiction, Kjell Ola Dahl’s books are the perfect addition to the Orenda list, which hosts some of the finest names in international crime fiction. Kjell Ola has been on my wish list for some time, and this is an incredible acquisition for Orenda. I can’t wait to work with him and his inimitable translator, Don Bartlett, to get these titles out in English. I’m looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship.’
Kjell Ola says: ‘I was delighted when I learned that Karen Sullivan at Orenda Books would publish my books. I have heard a lot about her, and I am sure she will do an excellent job for me and my protagonist in the British market.’
Anne Cathrine says, ‘We are proud and very happy that Kjell Ola Dahl’s next two titles in the Gunnarstranda series will be published by Orenda Books. Karen Sullivan is a brilliant, very dedicated and enthusiastic publisher … She already publishes our Grand Master of Nordic Noir, Gunnar Staalesen, and has made the English publication of his books a resounding success.’
The Faithful Friends will be published in Spring 2017 and The Ice Swimmer (working titles) will be published later that year. For more information, please contact Karen@orendabooks.co.uk.
4th April 2016
I have exciting news for you! Marilyn Chapman’s second novel is being published as an eBook towards the end of June. ‘Occupying Love’ is a historical romance set in the Occupation of Guernsey in World War Two. Keep a look out for the cover reveal.
16th February 2016
Kelly Florentia who has previously written a book of short stories is now having her debut novel, ‘The Magic Touch’ published on the 24th March 2016 by Accent Press.
It is available for pre-order from Amazon – https://t.co/Irn76ElVkD
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Samantha Tonge has a brand new book coming out. ‘Breakfast at Poldark’s’ is being published on the 2nd June 2016 by Carina UK. It can be pre-ordered from Amazon:-
1st February 2016
Fans of Steven Dunne will be delighted to know that he has a new book coming out in May. ‘Death Do Us Part’ (DI Damen Book 6) can be pre-ordered from Amazon:-
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Bruce Aiken’s second novel, ‘The Forgotten Party’, is out in April. You can find out more about the book here:-
https://bdaiken.wordpress.com/titles/
23rd January 2016
This year’s Jewish Book Week (JBW) is taking place in London from the 20th to 28th February.
A host of critically acclaimed, bestselling writers including Mark Lawson, Kristina Ohlsson, Mishka Ben-David, Professor Saul David, Jonathan Freedland and Adam LeBor, will be discussing their books, passions, ideas and personal experiences, over the festival’s nine day programme.
The full list of events can be viewed at www.jewishbookweek.com
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For fans of Orenda Books there are a number of events taking place this year at Waterstones Piccadilly in London.
Tuesday 22nd March @ 7:00 p.m. – An Evening with Matt Johnson to launch his debut thriller, ‘Wicked Game’
Thursday 12th May @ 7:00 p.m. – The Orenda Books Publishers Salon
https://www.waterstones.com/events/the-orenda-books-publishers-salon/london-piccadilly
Tuesday 24th May @ 7:00 p.m. – An Icelandic Invasion with bestselling Icelandic authors Ragnar Jónasson and Yrsa Sigurdardóttir in conversation
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Natalie Trice’s son suffers from Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH). DDH occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit snugly together and whilst it affects between one and three children in every thousand, information and support is shockingly poor leaving parents feeling confused about what happens next.
Natalie decided to do something about this and wrote ‘Cast Life’, a life saving book for parents dealing with DDH. The book was ironically launched days before her son faced his fourth, and biggest, operation and is now selling globally with five star feedback.
It covers everything from easy to understand explanations about the condition and the treatments involved to products that make life easier for children in casts. It also discussed family life, dealing with emotions as well including first person stories and parent comments
‘Cast Life’ is available to buy from Amazon – http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/191092301X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1453573885&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=natalie+trice
12th January 2016
Great news for fans of Urbane Publications books. The Spring 2016 catalogue is out now so feast your eyes on it and gasp at the wide range of titles that are being published.
13th December 2015
Great news from Urbane Publications:-
‘Hold Still’, the new thriller by Tim Adler, has been confirmed for a WHS Travel promotion on the day of publication – 17th March 2016.
‘Death in Profile’ by Guy Fraser-Sampson has also secured a spot in WHS Travel upon publication in Spring 2016.
19th November 2015
Kate Beaufoy’s latest novel, ‘Another Heartbeat in the House’ has been shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards in the Best Popular Fiction Category. If you have read this book and have a minute please vote for it by clicking on the link below. Voting closes tomorrow, Friday 20th November.
http://www.irishbookawards.ie/award/irish-independent-popular-fiction-book-of-the-year
6th October 2015
Tess Rosa’s book, ‘Freefall into Us’ is out on the 1st November, published by Urbane Publications. It is available to pre-order on Amazon.com – http://amzn.to/1KYbLOx.
Tess is having a book launch on the 19th October from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Lachini Vineyards (@LachiniVineyard) in Woodinville/WWC (@WineWoodinville).
Website – http://www.tessrosabooks.com/
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‘Bound Feet Blues – A Life told In Shoes’ is a solo story written and performed by Yang-May Ooi (@BoundFeetBlues). The accompanying book to this is being published by Urbane Publications next year.
Tickets are available for the performance of ‘Bound Feet Blues’ from http://tristanbatestheatre.co.uk/whats-on/bound-feet-blues–a-life-told-in-shoes
For more information about this show and the book visit – https://boundfeetblues.wordpress.com/
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‘The Art of the Imperfect’ by Kate Evans will be on promotion for 1 week from the 26th October 2015 on Amazon – http://amzn.to/1MVt6sg.
Do check out Kate’s website – http://writingourselveswell.co.uk/
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Sophie Ranald’s fourth novel, ‘You Can’t Fall In Love With Your Ex (Can You?) is just 99p all this month on Amazon – http://amzn.to/1WJBQWM
Visit Sophie’s website – http://sophieranald.com/
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Madeline Martin writes historical romance set in Scotland. She released her second book, ‘Possession of a Highlander’ in August and her third book will be out in January.
Visit Madeline’s website – http://www.madelinemartin.com/
29th August 2015
If you’re a book lover who is after some new books I really recommend you check out this catalogue:-
Urbane Publications has published and continues to publish some great books. So why not treat yourself!
18th August 2015
If you love reading crime fiction then I have some very exciting news for you. Fahrenheit Press, a brand new publisher, are launching their first title on the 10th September 2015. ‘A Slow Death’ by James Craig is the first book of a series. It is available for pre-order on Amazon.co.uk – http://amzn.to/1J21w8N.
5th August 2015
Exciting news! Both of Alex Johnson’s novels, ‘The Perfume Muse’ and ‘Run Away’ will be on a 99p promotion from the 10th to 14th August 2015 on Amazon. Happy buying and reading.
3rd August 2015
Lilo J Abernathy has recently released her second book, ‘The Light Who Binds’.
A world unravels and a heroine arises . . .
Psychic Inspector Blue learns the shocking truth: she’s prophesied to destroy the Great Demon Lilith and save all vampires from burning eternally on the Plane of Fire. Worse yet, she will die three deaths during this one life. Jack, her sexy vampire boss, reveals this significant truth at the Dragomira Magical Artifact shop, and Blue is not pleased that she’s the last to know.
‘The Light Who Binds’ is available from:-
Amazon.co.uk – http://amzn.to/1HmkogE
Amazon.com – http://amzn.to/1SD0CJP
14th July 2015
Bill Todd’s new book is being published on the 24th July 2015. ‘Gargoyle Pixie Dog’, the fifth in the Danny Lancaster series, consists of a short crime novel plus six short stories. Here is the synopsis:-
GARGOYLE PIXIE DOG
When young homeless street artist Cat goes missing her rough sleeper friend Hooper asks private investigator Danny Lancaster to find her. But how do you trace someone with no address, job, credit cards, no social media – a woman who lives off the grid? Danny’s only clues are a faded chalk drawing on a pavement and a lost dog. But an angry man is losing control. A frightened man is running for a train. Then an early morning walker finds a girl’s body on the beach. The clock is ticking as Danny hunts the Gargoyle.
PLUS six short stories:
THE CUCKOLDS CALLING: When Rebekah Court suspects husband Richard is cheating she hires Danny Lancaster. But the private investigator is out on a limb when infidelity weaves a tangled web.
SELFIE: A schoolgirl’s trust is abused when she reluctantly poses for her boyfriend’s intimate photos. Gemma is self-harming, bullied at school, terrified of what her parents and teachers will say. Her best friend Ashley’s last hope is Danny Lancaster.
THE HOODIED MAN: Student Sophie Medcalf was on the threshold of a new life when she was brutally murdered. The bloody unsolved killing drives her boyfriend Simon to the edge. Danny Lancaster tries to stop him jumping.
THE GERMANS CAN’T KILL ME: Melody Hamilton cannot accept that the sudden death of her sick and elderly father Lloyd, a war hero and talented artist, was natural causes. Danny Lancaster must find out who might benefit from Lloyd’s passing.
INSIDE JOB: Models and fashionistas at a catwalk show are locked in and deprived of their mobiles until Danny Lancaster can find out which one is hiding the Duchess of Brighton.
SUDDEN DEATH: Aging gang boss Big Eddie Archer summons Danny Lancaster when someone starts murdering pals from his criminal past. Danny must hunt down the man behind this vicious vendetta before the body count gets out of control.
‘Gargoyle Pixie Dog’ can be pre-ordered from:-
Amazon.co.uk – http://amzn.to/1fGkZnW
Amazon.com – http://amzn.to/1Gk5BCy
7th July 2015
Earlier this year Nick Peterson wrote a guest post for my blog about his debut novel, which you can read here:-
https://aloverofbooks.wordpress.com/2015/02/25/guest-post-by-nick-peterson/
I’m pleased to tell you that ‘Pearl’s Hereafter’ is now also available to buy in paperback and can be purchased on Amazon – http://amzn.to/1JS9JP3.
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Fans of Karen Aldous will be delighted to know that she has a new book coming out. ‘The Riviera’ is being published by Carina this coming Friday as an eBook and can be pre-ordered on Amazon – http://amzn.to/1NPDfqg.
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The lovely Holly Martin’s new book, ‘Fairytale Beginnings’ is also out on Friday, published by Bookouture. Pre-order yourselves a copy here – http://amzn.to/1IHnwcw.
20th May 2015
‘Close of Play’ by PJ Whiteley is now available in a number of stores. Urbane Publications have a two week window in which to sell as many copies of this book as possible. So, if you’re anywhere nearby why not treat yourself to a copy.
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19th May 2015
Madeline Dyer’s debut novel, ‘Untamed’ is being published tomorrow by Prizm Books. For more information about this book click on the link below:-
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25537576-untamed
‘Untamed’ is available to buy from:-
Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/1FwH5lY
Amazon US – http://amzn.to/1ILHH9T
1st April 2015
Mike Zimmerman’s book, ‘Dracula’s Apprentice’ is being released in hard copy on the 6th April 2015.
For more details visit Mike’s website – http://mikezimmermanauthor.weebly.com/
18th March 2015
Elle Field has a new book coming out on the 7th April 2015. ‘Lost’ can be pre-ordered from Amazon – http://t.co/L5RGKW2PhE.
1st March 2015
Salon London will be at Foyles in Charing Cross, London on the 5th March 2015 exploring Tony Juniper’s book ‘What Nature Does For Britain’ as part of their ‘Evolution’ series. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
You can visit Salon London’s website at http://www.salon-london.com
9th February 2015
A collection of fabulous Valentine enovellas are being published on the 12th February 2015. ‘Love….Maybe: The Must-Have Eshort Collection’ is available to pre-order on Amazon for just £3.99 – http://tinyurl.com/qjgleqs
25th January 2015
Rachel Tsoumbakos is releasing her latest novel on the 10th February 2015. ‘Unremembered Things’ is the first book in the Wood Nymph Chronicles. The main genres this novel falls into are paranormal, romance and urban fantasy, with the sub categories being vampires, satyrs and wood nymphs.
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Julie Stock has written her first novel. A contemporary romance, ‘From Here to Nashville’ is due out on the 16th February 2015. It is available to pre-order from Amazon – http://t.co/eKzn0x7Uwh
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Angela Marsons crime thriller novel, ‘Silent Scream’ is being published by Bookouture on the 20th February 2015. It is the first book of a series.
18th January 2015
Katie Oliver is back with a new book. The first in a new series, ‘And the Bride Wore Prada’ is out on the 23rd January 2015, published by Carina. It is available for pre-order here:-
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Amelia Thorne has a new book coming out next month. ‘Tied Up With Love’ is being published on the 14th February 2015.
8th January 2015
Cara White has written her debut novel. ‘The Redemption of Soul Dallas’ is being published on 27th January 2015. For more information about Cara visit her website at http://carawhitewrites.wix.com/cara-j-white
7th January 2015
In February, Urbane Publications is thrilled to launch Albrecht Behmel’s authoritative reinvention of the William Tell legend – a masterful historical novel, blending myth and fact to craft a compelling page turner of love, honour, adventure and revenge. The Tell legend, and the story of shooting the apple from his son’s head, is an incredibly popular tale, but Albrecht’s book encompasses a far more realistic portrayal of the reasons behind the event and the regional rebellion that followed. In that moment a legend was born, and a nation found its courage and its honour. It is a tale of families ripped apart by war and bloodshed, the intrigues and machinations of medieval church and state, and chapters packed with full-blooded heroism, romance and adventure.
Written very much in the style of popular historical novelists such as C.J.Sansom, Bernard Cornwell and E.M.Powell, this is a great new voice for fans of the genre to discover. Albrecht is an award winning-playwright and novelist in Germany, and he has written over 20 novels and non-fiction books, games and plays. Almost a renaissance man, Albrecht is also a painter and designer and his latest artwork can be seen at http://www.themagicoftheswarms.org/
The Stronghold is Albrecht’s debut title in the UK and Urbane is thrilled to bring such a prominent European author to UK audiences.
The Stronghold can be pre-ordered on Amazon at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stronghold-Albrecht-Behmel/dp/1909273708/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420646470&sr=1-2&keywords=the+stronghold and you can get more information and order a review copy from matthew@urbanepublications.com
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Louise Voss has a new solo novel coming out on the 24th February 2015 called ‘The Venus Trap’.
Jo Atkins’ sixteenth year was disastrous: she lost her dad, was assaulted by a stranger, and then had her heart broken. For the last twenty-five years, she’s believed that nothing could ever be as bad again.
She was wrong.
Now, still smarting from her recent divorce, pretty, self-effacing Jo finally gathers the courage to enter the dating scene. She meets Claudio, whom she vaguely remembers from her youth, but after a few dates decides he’s creepy and politely tells him ‘thanks but no thanks’.
But Claudio has no intention of letting her go.
Instead of never seeing him again, Jo wakes up sick and terrified, handcuffed to her own bed. She is given a week to prove her love for Claudio—or he will kill her.
Claudio, it turns out, is a man with nothing left to lose.
The Venus Trap tackles the emotional impact of divorce, the perils of modern dating and the age-old powers of lust and obsession. It can be pre-ordered on Amazon at http://amzn.to/1Dye3PR
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Good news for fans of Terry Tyler. She has a sequel to ‘Kings and Queens’ coming out. Called ‘Last Child’, it will hopefully be released next month.
6th January 2015
Beth Miller is very excited about her debut novel ‘When We Were Sisters’. It came out in hardback last August and is now due out in paperback on the 15th January, published by Ebury Press (Random House).
It’s the story of Laura and Miffy, who were friends as young girls, and who meet again as adults after a gap of some twenty years. When they were children, Miffy’s father ran off with Laura’s mother, and the two families broke apart. The story alternates between the past and the present, when the girls meet again (and when Laura reconnects with Miffy’s brother Danny, who she used to love). It’s a story of friendship, and ultimately, of forgiveness. There are also lots of sizzling sex scenes (!) and it’s funny and a bit sarky.
It’s had a good review from the Daily Mail (they said it was ‘intelligent and sharply observed’), and great reader feedback, some of which I have compiled on my website, here: http://www.bethmiller.co.uk/reader-feedback
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