"Alive!" (Reader's Digest: May 2014)

The full title of this book is "Alive!: Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary People Who Survived Deadly Tornadoes, Avalanches, Shipwrecks and More" Can you imagine being inside a tornado, attacked by a swarm of yellow jackets, or being at the mercy of the sea? What would you think about? What would you do? In this new compilation by the writers of Reader's Digest, real life stories of survivors are told. The stories come from the "Drama in Real Life" section of the magazine, from 1994 to 2013. Each story stands alone as an edge-of-your-seat thriller, and together they bring non-stop action. The stories are short yet pack a wallop. Readers are given an inside look into the hearts and minds of those caught up in some of the worst natural disasters we have seen, yet there is also hope and renewal with each story. Inspiration fills the pages, and it is hard to read just one story at a time.

I really enjoyed this book and will keep it out for visitors. It is an easy book to share, and brought back memories of reading the "Drama in Real Life" as I grew up. If you enjoy books that tell real-life stories, this book is for you. I received my review copy from FSB Associates in exchange for an honest review.

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Alive!
Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary People Who Survived Deadly Tornadoes, Avalanches, Shipwrecks and More
By Editors of Reader's Digest
Published by Reader's Digest
Hardcover: 224 pages
May 6, 2014; 15.99 $US/$17.99 CAN; 9781621451617

Description
Drama in Real Life!
The stories in Alive! highlight life-and-death moments where the will to survive is the only thing that keeps one hanging on when hope seems lost.
In "The Tot and the Twister," Derek Burnett tells the dramatic story of a grandmother's determination to protect three children when a tornado rips through her house. In "Terror on the Cliff," Kenneth Miller recounts hiker Larry Bishop's harrowing forty-eight hours clinging to the side of a mountain, thoughts of his wife and daughter giving him the courage to await help. And in "Face to Face with a Grizzly," Kathy Cook describes how two women who are being mauled by a bear summon all of their strength to defy death.
A captivating collection at once gripping and inspiring, Alive! will keep you on the edge of your seat and remind you how ordinary people can do extraordinary things in extreme circumstances.
Author Bio
Reader's Digest Association (RDA) is a family of iconic brands that celebrate reading, sharing, and doing among consumers on print and digital platforms. For more than 90 years, we have simplified and enriched the lives of a passionate readership.
Our portfolio of products includes our flagship magazine, Reader's Digest; Taste of Home, the world's largest circulation food publication; The Family Handyman, America's leading source for DIY; and a suite of Enthusiast titles including Birds & Blooms, Country, Country Woman, Farm & Ranch Living, and Reminisce.
Reader's Digest Trade Publishing is a major publisher of books on health and diet, humor, cooking, home repair, gardening, career, self improvement, consumer awareness and inspirational real-life stories, including Laughter The Best Medicine, Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things and the New York Times bestsellers The Digest Diet and 21-Day Tummy.
For more information please visit http://www.rd.com

BetheMom.com Press Release

PRESS RELEASE May 30, 2014 For Immediate Release Contact: Audra Jennings Litfuse Publicity Group audra@litfusegroup.com 903-874-8363 @litfuse

Tracey Eyster launches the BetheMom.com Modern moms have an online home for encouragement and connection Seattle - Busy moms are online en masse -- research shows that three-quarters of American mothers are using social media to learn, form connections, or manage their busy lives. For this reason, creator of the blog BetheMom.com, Tracey Eyster, believes the web is the perfect vehicle for reaching younger moms. "I want moms, first and foremost, to seek wisdom and knowledge by reading the word of God," Eyster says. "However, Titus 2 directs older women to teach younger women, and younger women are online reading blogs!"  Eyster is the author of the book, Be the Mom, which she originally had planned to write for her daughter, but she soon found God had a broader audience in mind for the title. Since 2008, Eyster has been fulfilling her passion to help moms understand the high calling of motherhood as the Founder and Executive Director of MomLifeToday.com, where millions of moms have found encouragement and community.BetheMom.com will be different from MomLife Today though. The duties of running the popular site with a large number of contributors limits the amount of her own material she chooses to share on the site. BeTheMom.com will be a venue for Eyster to share more personally and on a deeper level with her readers. "I want to encourage moms to be 'all in' in every season of their children's lives, and not to be in such a hurry to get to that next stage," Eyster explains. This desire drove her vision for the Be the Mom blog: to encourage moms to be intentional, relational and selfless with a joyful attitude, while pursuing an abiding relationship with God and actively sharing His hope with others. A frequent speaker who has written for a number of online and print publications, Eyster understands why moms are so hungry to learn how to be the best parent possible. "I was told by doctors I wouldn't be able to have children, so when I was blessed with a successful pregnancy I became a 'student' of motherhood," she shares. "I have a passion, even a burden, for helping moms embrace the idea that they are the perfect mom for the children God has entrusted to them."  Visitors to BetheMom.com will find: Unique and inspirational video blogs Interviews with parenting authors and "regular" moms The Encouragement Cafe Radio Show Blog posts on topics like faith, family, service, and friendship Regular Q&A's with Eyster To celebrate the new launch of BetheMom.com, as well as the release of her new book,Beautiful Mess, co-written with Sherry Surratt (President of MOPS) and inspired by the popular film, Moms' Night Out, Eyster is giving away two week-long scholarships to Pine Cove youth camp based in Tyler, Texas. The giveaway runs through June 8th and readers can enter at BetheMom.com. For more information visit www.BetheMom.com, Facebook,Twitter, or Pinterest.

Litfuse Publicity Group provides marketing and publicity services for authors with a focus on building relationships and 'fusing' authors with their readers. Litfuse creates targeted campaigns unique to each author and each book. No cookie cutter campaigns. Come see what's stirring in the nest. Litfuse Publicity Group | Seattle | 206-947-3743 | @litfuse | www.litfusegroup.com

"I'm Nobody" by Alex Marestaing

“We're all sick in the head, broken each and every one of us. … Listen to me son, we're all broken on this side of heaven. But that don't matter much. Because we can still make beautiful things from the pieces.” pg. 202

Agrophobia, a young Indie filmmaker, and mysterious notes from "Emily Dickinson;" all parts of this new book by Alex Marestaing. How they are woven together into a story makes it worth reading this book.

Caleb Reed has agorophobia - a fear of open spaces, is thirteen (with all that it brings) and is still heavily mourning he death of his sister. But then he meets Iris. She is his age and through her encouragement and the notes from "Emily Dickinson," Caleb enters the outside world. He begins to make headway on some of his fears, but there is still the empty house across the street. Will Iris be able to make her film about Caleb? Will he go across the street and face one of his biggest fears? Will friendship help overcome the loss of his sister? Through the twists and turns, readers will learn the answers to these questions and more.

This is a really engaging book. While on the face of it, it seems that the story would be a downer, it is the opposite. Readers will see how friendship heals, how stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to answers, and how even the smallest sliver of hope needs to be fanned. I recommend it to Young Adults everywhere. You will enjoy the story. I received my review copy from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

Book info for your blog post

About the book:  We're all broken on this side of heaven, but we can make beautiful things from the pieces. Agoraphobic Caleb Reed is about to step outside for the first time in seven years, meet indie filmmaker Iris Elliott . . . and definitely not fall in love. It's all because of the notes, the weird and wonderful notes he keeps finding on his front porch, notes signed by someone claiming to be long dead poet Emily Dickinson. Caleb's parents think he's losing his mind, as always, but he knows they're wrong. Something's going on outside --- something strange, something terrifying . . . something beautiful. Read the EPIC Award nominated novel that critics are saying is "fresh", "powerful" and "unlike anything" they've read. In a world full of anxiety, I'm Nobody: The Lost Pages is a triumphant tale of faith over fear and one that kids and grown-ups of all ages will love. (A London Book Festival Honorable Mention Winner) Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/wSAPZ About the author:  Author Alex Marestaing loves to create. He's written for media outlets such as The Walt Disney Company, Lego, Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins, and The Los Angeles Times and has authored three YA novels. His latest, I'm Nobody: The Lost Pages, recently won an honorable mention at the London Book Festival and was nominated for a 2014 Epic Award. Though he spends most of his time imagining ideas for the youth market, he's also written for faith based publications and has covered his favorite sport, soccer, in Europe and the U.S. for Sports Spectrum Magazineand Yanks Abroad. When Alex isn't writing or speaking at conferences, you'll most likely find him hanging out in California with his wife, three kids, and Milou, his dog. Alex can be found at: website, Twitter, Facebook

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Landing page: http://litfusegroup.com/author/amarestaing

"I Quit Sugar" by Sarah Wilson

Are you looking for a different approach to getting rid of the sugar in your diet? Do you need to? In her new cookbook, Sarah Wilson not only provides 108 delicious recipes, but also an 8-week plan to make the changes work.

Sarah Wilson knows the difference removing sugar can make in your life because she has done it. She was searching for a way to "heal her body" and found that getting rid of sugar did just that. She also knows that everyone loves some sweetness, so added recipes with natural sweetness like fruit. Recipes like: "Raspberry Ripple," "Chia and Quinoa Parfait," and "Coconut Curry Meatballs" will make you think this is anything but a way of eathing that takes things away. So, what have you got to lose? Open the book and try some of the recipes!

I like this book because of the simple approach that Sarah Wilson takes. She knows it is a difficult thing to do, and offers help. The recipes go from easy to a little more complicated, but nothing is really too difficult. I recommend this cookbook to anyone looking for a healthier lifestyle. I received my review copy from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.

"Murder Simply Brewed" by Vannetta Chapman

Was it really murder that happened in the coffee shop? The police think that Ethan Gray died of a heart attack. But two women, one an "Englisher" - Amber; the other Amish - Hannah; encounter events that make them believe that something more sinister took place. Come into "A Simple Blend" and uncover the clues with them.

Hannah loves to quilt, which makes her job at the small quilting shop easy. But one morning she notices something odd. She can't smell the coffee from A Simple Blend. Knowing that Ethan always arrives before her and starts the brewing, Hannah goes to check on him. That is when she finds his body and alerts the village manager, Amber. As other mysterious and frightening things happen, Amber finds help in her neighbor Tate, and Hannah with Jesse. Will they prove that there was a murder? What about the one(s) leaving warnings? Come chase the clues with Hannah and Amber, and uncover the answers.

I really enjoyed this book. Vannetta Chapman always writes a good book with wonderful characters, settings, and stories. I found the mystery and its solution intersting, and loved the addition of two love stories. It was also fun to see these two women from very different backgrounds find friendship as they worked together. It you love Amish fiction and/or mysteries, this book is for you. Book groups may also enjoy discussing the questions at the end. I received my review copy from the Book Look program in exchange for an honest review.

"Love Finds you in Sugarcreek, Ohio" by Serena Miller

Sugarcreek, Ohio is the city where Rachel Troyer is the "top cop." Her job makes her naturally suspicious of new people, and that is no different when Joe Matthews comes into town. There is something about him that is off, and Rachel is determined to find out what it is. After all, he is staying in an inn that her aunts own. Are they safe? Why is she suspicious?

Rachel is part Amish, but all policewoman. She takes the safety of her community seriously. Joe Matthews is running and hiding with his son, but when his truck breaks down in Sugarcreek he has a problem. With his wallet and credit cards stolen, he finds the need to make the money needed for repairs and trust at the same time. He moves into the inn owned by Rachel's aunts and she quickly finds that her aunts are more than willing to help Joe an his son. While Rachel is suspicious, her heart is also intrigued. Is Joe the bad guy she suspects, or is he someone she could love? Will Joe be able to stop running?

I love the way different authors approach the Amish life while maintaining a reapect for it. It is clear that Serena Miller did her research and enjoys her subject. There is mystery and magic in this story that will draw readers in. If you enjoy stories with an Amish touch, this book is for you. I received my review copy from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

Guideposts Books is excited to announce the premiere of a new film based on the book Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio (Summerside Press) by Serena Miller. The movie, produced by Mission Pictures International and filmed last fall in the actual town of Sugarcreek, will premiere onSunday, June 1, 2014 at 7:00 PM EDTon Up TV (formerly the Gospel Music Channel). Visit the movie website for more information.

 

The story: A mysterious outsider casts a long shadow on Ohio's Amish country. Policewoman Rachel Troyer has always looked after her three elderly Amish aunts, proprietors of a farmhouse inn near Sugarcreek, Ohio. The idyllic town is popular with tourists, who come to sample its famous Amish goods. But one thing is clear to Rachel --- Joe Matthews is no tourist. When the bearded stranger lands on her aunts' doorstep, begging shelter for himself and his young son, Rachel is suspicious.

Will she be able to uncover Joe's secrets despite her aunts' --- and her own --- growing affection for him?

Get the book: http://ow.ly/vBQwd

About the author: Prior to writing novels, Serena Miller wrote for many periodicals, including Woman's World, Guideposts, Billy Graham'sDecision Magazine, Reader's Digest,Focus on the Family, Christian Woman, and The Detroit Free Press Magazine. She has spent many years partnering with her husband in full-time ministry and lives on a farm in southern Ohio near a thriving Amish community.

Learn more about Serena at: http://serenabmiller.com

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Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/smiller

"Brothers Forever" by Tom Sileo and Colonel Tom Manion, USMC (Ret.)

Two best friends were killed three years apart, but buried side by side. One was Travis Manion (U.S. Marine), the other Brendan Looney (U.S. Navy SEAL). One was killed in Iraq, the other in Afghanistan, both were heroes. This new book tells the story of Travis and Brendan, how they became friends, and what made them "Brothers Forever."

September 11, 2001 changed our nation and impacted an entire generation of soldiers. Travis and Brendan were roommates and best friends, and each chose to serve his country by enlisting in the military. Travis went into the Marines and Brendan into the Navy, eventually becoming a Navy SEAL. Though they were apart, they tried to stay connected until death tore them apart. They were killed three years apart but buried next to each other to signify their enduring friendship. But, there were also family members left behind. Their loss was deep and enduring. This book covers the lives of Travis and Brendan and shows how their deaths impacted their families. 

This is a powerful book  I enjoyed learning about these two young men and grieved with their families at their loss. It definitely represents their generation as they picked up the banner of war, worked tirelessly and heroically, and were sadly lost at a young age. I recommend this book to readers everywhere. It should make you think about, and pray for, the young men and women who serve our great country! I received my review copy from FSB Associates in exchange for an honest review.

"Memorial: The Mystery of Mary of Bethany" by Dolores Kimball

There are many "Mary's" mentioned in the New Testament. Which one are we talking about here? Mary of Bethany was a quiet woman who loved the Lord. She chose to anoint His feet with precious ointment and was blessed by Him for that act. Judas, always looking at the money angle, thought it should be "sold." But, Mary chose to give it to Jesus in a very humble, emotional way. Mary also chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen instead of serving, much to her sister's chagrin. That was a teachable moment for Martha. So, you might ask, what does this have to do with me? What is its relevance to my life? In her new book, Dolores Kimball takes us on a journey to discover Mary's secrets. In this Bible study, she gives plenty of Scripture to go along with the story she tells. So come along and gain insights on life choices, listening, silence, worship, and peace.

Mary of Bethany is one of my favorite Bible women and I was happy to be offered a review copy of this book. As I went through the book for this review I quickly found that I want to go back and take a longer time period to really dive into the Scripture and study with Ms. Kimball. I recommend it to ladies out there who want to learn from the examples we have in the Bible. It would also make a wonderful group study. I received my review copy from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review.

Check out the trailer for "Brothers Forever" by Tom Sileo and Colonel Tom Manion, USMC (Ret.)

"Cloak of the Light" by Chuck Black

An accident leaves a bright college student blind and causes a good friend to go missing. What happens when Drew's sight returns and he begins to see people others can't see? Are the invaders real or just a figment of his imagination?

Drew is a young man who struggles through life. Nothing seems to come easy or just go his way. He has two good friends, Ben and Sydney, and as much encouragement as he gets, Drew always feels behind them. College is the chance to change that, until a physics experiment goes horribly wrong. Drew finds that he is blind and that Ben is missing. Drew's sight does return, but now he can see people that others can't see. Who are they and where is Ben? Drew soon finds out that these "people" are not as they appear and he has to not only look for Ben, but also try to stay safe. Can he keep them from finding out that he can see them? Can Ben trust God to help him navigate this difficult spiritual battle?

This is a wonderful young adult book. The beginning is a little slow, but the book picks up and makes you want to know what will happen. Teen boys will especially like Drew and the way he works through things. This is the first book I have read by Mr. Black, but it won't be my last. I received my review copy from the Blogging for Books Program in exchange for an honest review.

"A Lady's Honor" by Laurie Alice Eakes

Elizabeth Trelawney is trapped in London in an arranged engagement and away from the home she is to inherit. Her heart really belongs to another, but she doesn't really accept or acknowledge that. In her haste to get away from her fiance, she accepts help from Rowan Curnow, someone from her past. Will she be able to live in safety?

Elizabeth is supposed to inherit Bastian Point, but instead ends up making a very difficult choice. That choice is between duty and her heart. She is engaged to someone she doesn't love, but finds herself in the "arrangement" anyway, but she longs to be in Bastian Point. So, she runs away. While it's not safe, Elizabeth doesn't feel any safer in London. She does reluctantly let Rowan help her, but her fiance and some smugglers are after her. Will Rowan let Elizabeth know how he feels? Will love win over class? Will Elizabeth be safe in Bastian Point or taken back to London? 

I love stories set in this time frame and this one didn't disappoint. The characters and story line are well done and invite readers to join them on the adventure. At times I was rooting for Elizabeth to keep running and be safe, and other times to be settled and fall in love. I recommend this book to all readers of historical fiction. You will enjoy it. I received my review copy from the Book Look Program in exchange for an honest review.

"100 Tough Questions about God and the Bible" by Stephen M. Miller

Reading the Bible can create questions in your mind. You might automatically look for the who, what, when, where, and why. But, there are other questions with answers that may elude you. In this new book by Stephen Miller, many of those questions are posed and answered.

Have you ever wondered if God was ok with polygamy? After all, many great Bible heroes had more than one wife. Why were children stoned to death for disobedience? Are there inconsistencies in the Bible? No, but why does it seem that there are? Are Heaven and Hell real places, and does God pick and choose who goes where? These are just a few of the questions Mr. Miller offers Scriptural and historical information as an answer. Open the book, I'm sure you will find questions you have wondered about but didn't quite get the answer.

This is an interesting book. None of us will agree with all of the answers, but there is time and thought put in that will cause every reader to search out answers for themselves. It is a base, a place to start. It is clear that the author did his research and wrote from what he learned. I received my review copy from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

"The Waiting" by Cathy LaGrow

The year is 1928 and in Aberdeen, South Dakota a 16 year old girl is raped. That rape led to the birth and subsequent adoption of a baby girl.  In this new non-fiction book by Cathy LaGrow, readers will delve into that story of Minka and the baby girl she gave up (Betty Jane).

It happened at a picnic. Minka couldn't imagine anything as horrible as that rape, but then she found out that she was pregnant. It was a shame on the family in 1928, so Minka was sent away to live with family, then to a Lutheran House of Mercy. She couldn't imagine raising her daughter as an unwed mother, so reluctantly, Minka gave her precious baby girl up for adoption. While she was named Ruth by her adoptive family, Minka always thought of her as Betty Jane, and never stopped longing to meet her. Ruth had children, and decided to search for her biological mother when her son wanted information about his medical history. The reunion happened seventy seven years after the birth, but the bond was still there. Love never dies.

I really enjoyed this book, not just because of the story line, but I loved the characters. Non-fiction doesn't appeal to everyone, but this book should. The care with which the author handles the story, the love that fills the pages, is what will capture your attention and encourage you to read on. It is a book that I will read again. I received my review copy from Tyndale PR in exchange for an honest review.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHptRkdOm4U

"A Promise in Pieces" by Emily Wierenga

Clara and Mattie, two women changed by WW II and a baby quilt. Would time heal their war and personal wounds? 

Clara was in the Woman's Army Corp during WW II and saw/heard many things she wanted to forget. But one young soldier's story and dying wish grabbed her heart and he made her promise to tell his wife how much he loved her. As difficult as it was, Clara kept that promise. Mattie knew of his love but also knew she wouldn't have his children, so she gave Clara the baby quilt she had. Clara also told Mattie something that hurt their relationship and they parted.  As the years went by, many babies were wrapped in that quilt and the love it represented. Then one day, Clara and Mattie met again. Would there still be a connection between Clara and Mattie? Could they move past the hurt and pain of their last meeting? Would Mattie finally be able to wrap her own baby in that quilt? Had time offered each of them some healing?

This book is a wonderful addition to the "Quilts of Love" series. Each book ties to the others with the threads of quilting, then they take on a life of their own. This touching story with its wonderful characters set in WW II that will grab your heart. It is a story filled with topics like love, loss, hurt, betrayal, and friendship; and I think that reading groups will enjoy the discussions that will occur. I recommend this book to readers everywhere. I received my review copy from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for participation in the blog tour.

Book Info

About Quilts of Love: Quilts tell stories of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings. TheQuilts of Love series focuses on the women who quilted all of these things into their family histories. A new book releases each month and features contemporary and historical romances as well as women's fiction and the occasional light mystery. You will be drawn into the endearing characters of this series and be touched by their stories. About the book: A baby quilt touches many hearts as it travels from family-to-family and through generations. After the end of World War II, Clara Kirkpatrick returns from the Women's Army Corp to deliver a dying soldier's last wishes: convey his love to his young widow, Mattie, with apologies for the missed life they had planned to share. Struggling with her own post-war trauma, Clara thinks she's not prepared to handle the grief of this broken family. Yet upon meeting Mattie, and receiving a baby quilt that will never cuddle the soldier's baby, Clara vows to honor the sacrifices that family made. Now a labor and delivery nurse in her rural hometown, Clara wraps each new babe in the gifted quilt and later stitches the child's name into the cloth. As each new child is welcomed by the quilt, Clara begins to wonder whatever happened to Mattie---and if her own life would ever experience the love of a newborn. Little does she know that she will have the opportunity to re-gift the special quilt---years later and carrying even greater significance than when it was first bestowed. Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website. About the Author: Emily Wierenga is a former editor, ghostwriter, freelance writer and staff journalist, a monthly columnist for The Christian Courier, and the author of Save My Children(Castle Quay Books, 2008), Chasing Silhouettes (Ampelon Publishing, 2012) and Mom in the Mirror(Rowman & Littlefield, 2013). Emily resides in Alberta, Canada. This is her first novel. Learn more about Emily at: http://www.emilywierenga.com

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Landing page:  http://litfusegroup.com/author/EWierenga

"Monday, Monday" by Elizabeth Crook

How would you react to being involved in a mass shooting? Would there be someone to help you? In this new book by Elizabeth Crook, she examines the lives of three students in just that situation. 

What started out as a normal Monday at the University of Texas turned into a terror filled day as a man shot innocent bystanders from the tower. Lives were changed immediately, some with a finality that was stunning. In the end, sixtteen were dead and thirty two were wounded. Wyatt, Jack, and Shelly were just three people who had to make sense of their lives after the shooting. Would their lives turn out well, or would the crippling effects of the massacre cause them to make bad choices? Would any of them get the help they needed to move on with their lives? 

This story is well written and, at points, tough to read. Ms. Crook approaches her topic and characters with care and concern. Everything is important, and everything will make you feel something for the character or situation. If you like books that seem to come from the headlines, this book is for you. It is filled with moments that will make you think. I received my review copy from FSB Associates in exchange for an honest review.

MORE ABOUT THE BOOK:

Monday, Monday: A Novel
By Elizabeth Crook
Published by Sarah Crichton Books
Hardcover: 352 pages
April 29, 2014; $26.00 US/$30.00 CAN; 9781621451457

Description
In this gripping, emotionally charged novel, a tragedy in Texas changes the course of three lives

On an oppressively hot Monday in August of 1966, a student and former marine named Charles Whitman hauled a footlocker of guns to the top of the University of Texas tower and began firing on pedestrians below. Before it was over, sixteen people had been killed and thirty-two wounded. It was the first mass shooting of civilians on a campus in American history.

Monday, Monday follows three students caught up in the massacre: Shelly, who leaves her math class and walks directly into the path of the bullets, and two cousins, Wyatt and Jack, who heroically rush from their classrooms to help the victims. On this searing day, a relationship begins that will eventually entangle these three young people in a forbidden love affair, an illicit pregnancy, and a vow of secrecy that will span forty years. Reunited decades after the tragedy, they will be forced to confront the event that changed their lives and that has silently and persistently ruled the lives of their children.

With electrifying storytelling and the powerful sense of destiny found in Ann Patchett's Bel Canto, and with the epic sweep of Jess Walter's Beautiful Ruins, Elizabeth Crook's Monday, Monday explores the ways in which we sustain ourselves and one another when the unthinkable happens. At its core, it is the story of a woman determined to make peace with herself, with the people she loves, and with a history that will not let her go. A humane treatment of a national tragedy, it marks a generous and thrilling new direction for a gifted American writer.

Author Bio
Elizabeth Crook, author of Monday, Monday: A Novel, is the author of three novels, The Raven's Bride, Promised Lands, and The Night Journal. She has written for anthologies and periodicals, including Texas Monthly and the Southwestern Historical Quarterly, and has served on the council of the Texas Institute of Letters. Currently she is a member of the board of directors of the Texas Book Festival. She lives in Austin with her husband and two children.

For more information please visit http://elizabethcrookbooks.com and follow the author on Facebook

Reviews:
"This rapturous novel starts with one of the most heinous shootings in history, yet every page shines with life. Crook follows three students who endured the tragedy as they grapple with the past, struggle to navigate their futures, and discover that who and what saves us is nothing like what you imagine. Brilliantly realized and so vivid the novel seems to virtually breathe, Monday, Monday is a stunning achievement."
-- Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of Is This Tomorrow and Pictures of You

"Elizabeth Crook has written an extraordinary novel -- an eloquent love story born from an act of random violence, a tale of destruction and redemption. It's about making a whole life out of a damaged one, and about holding on and letting go. The characters are as real as people you know; their story is subtle, startling, and wise."
-- Sarah Bird, author of The Yokota Officers Club and Above the East China Sea

"Monday, Monday begins by throwing us into the midst of one of the worst mass murders in American history, a scene painted with such harrowing exactitude that it leaves you wondering how the characters can possibly survive and how the author can possibly sustain such a high level of narrative momentum and emotional insight. And yet Elizabeth Crook pulls it off. This is a brilliant and beautiful book."
-- Stephen Harrigan, author of The Gates of the Alamo and Remember Ben Clayton