TEN BOOKS I CAN'T WAIT TO READ IN 2013

It’s a new year and I’m already anticipating the upcoming releases of not only several of my favorite authors, but some talented new voices in fiction that I discovered in 2012. Hopefully, this roster will give you some ideas for your 2013 Wish List. I should mention that this list is by no means all-inclusive as I’m certain there are oodles of books being released this year that I will want to read once I find out more about them and that’s half the fun of being a reader, isn’t it? You never know when you’ll find a new favorite! 

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger (Release Date- February 5, 2013)

I fell in love with Gail Carriger’s witty, imaginative writing when I picked up Soulless, the first book in her Parasol Protectorate series a few years ago. Steampunk, paranormal, romance – these books were the most delightful blend of genres! I loved the characters and their clever, rapid-fire dialogue and marveled at Gail’s ability to bring this amazingly entertaining world of hers to life on the page. I was sad when the PP series ended after 5 books, but was intrigued when she announced that she was going to write a YA series set in the same world as the Parasol Protectorate books. I look forward to seeing what she does with a new (younger) set of characters.

Book blurb:  It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School.

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners--and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's, young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but the also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage--in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

Set in the same world as the Parasol Protectorate, this YA series debut is filled with all the saucy adventure and droll humor Gail's legions of fans have come to adore.

The Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig (Release Date – April 9, 2013)

Lauren Willig has been writing the very popular Pink Carnation series for 7 years, and I am a huge fan of those books as they are a wonderfully humorous hybrid of Chick Lit, Historical Romance, and spy novels. If you’d like to give the series a try, I suggest reading them in chronological order starting with The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, but for the record my favorites are The Masque of the Black Tulip and the delightful Christmas story, The Mischief of the Mistletoe (Jane Austen is a character in this one!) Lauren is stretching herself as a writer and trying something new with The Ashford Affair, which will be her first non-Pink book. I had the pleasure of reading a “sneak peek” (the first chapter) of TAA on Lauren’s site a few months back and was instantly swept away by the characters, the time period, and the setting. I am itching to read more and can’t wait to get my hands on the book in its entirety!

Book blurb:  As a lawyer in a large Manhattan firm, just shy of making partner, Clementine Evans has finally achieved almost everything she’s been working towards—but now she’s not sure it’s enough. Her long hours have led to a broken engagement and, suddenly single at thirty-four, she feels her messy life crumbling around her. But when the family gathers for her grandmother Addie’s ninety-ninth birthday, a relative lets slip hints about a long-buried family secret, leading Clemmie on a journey into the past that could change everything. . . .

Growing up at Ashford Park in the early twentieth century, Addie has never quite belonged. When her parents passed away, she was taken into the grand English house by her aristocratic aunt and uncle, and raised side-by-side with her beautiful and outgoing cousin, Bea. Though they are as different as night and day, Addie and Bea are closer than sisters, through relationships and challenges, and a war that changes the face of Europe irrevocably. But what happens when something finally comes along that can’t be shared? When the love of sisterhood is tested by a bond that’s even stronger?

From the inner circles of British society to the skyscrapers of Manhattan and the red-dirt hills of Kenya, the never-told secrets of a woman and a family unfurl.

The Elite by Kiera Cass (Release date – April 23, 2013)

I read The Selection, the first book in this series, last spring after seeing it described as “The Bachelorette meets The Hunger Games.” Dystopian YA novels aren’t usually my bag, but I loved the concept of the series with a regular girl being plucked from obscurity to appear on a televised competition where the prize was the hand of a handsome prince, so I gave it a shot. And I really enjoyed it, even though America, the heroine of the series, isn’t the easiest girl to love (That’s okay, though, as a I enjoy a flawed heroine.) The character I did fall head over heels for was Prince Maxon. And yes, he’s young enough to be my son, but this is Fiction Land and I can crush on whoever I want! (2012 was the year I officially became a cougar because I also lusted after T.J. in On the Island and he’s even younger than Maxon!) The Selection ended with quite a romantic cliffhanger as America and Maxon were starting to develop serious feelings for each other when Aspen (America’s first love) made a reappearance. What’s a girl to do? Hopefully, I’ll find out in The Elite!

Book blurb:  Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, she is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella (Release date – May 7, 2013)

I’m on a Kinsella-induced reading high at the moment because I blew through I’ve Got Your Number during the holidays. That book really was the perfect blend of comedy and romance. The good thing about being so late to the party in reading IGYN (It was released almost a year ago!) is that I now only have to wait four-and-a-half months for the release of Sophie’s next book! I think the premise of Wedding Night sounds super fun. I love the honeymoon on a Greek Island bit – reminds me of Mamma Mia! I have no doubt that this book will be another winner in the eyes of all of Kinsella’s fans, including me!

Book blurb: Lottie is tired of long-term boyfriends who don’t want to commit to marriage. When her old boyfriend Ben reappears and reminds her of their pact to get married if they were both still single at thirty, she jumps at the chance. There will be no dates and no engagement—just a straight wedding march to the altar! Next comes the honeymoon on the Greek island where they first met. But not everyone is thrilled with Lottie and Ben’s rushed marriage, and family and friends are determined to intervene. Will Lottie and Ben have a wedding night to remember or one to forget?

[Cover art for The Week Before the Wedding coming soon.]

The Week Before the Wedding by Beth Kendrick (Release date – May 7, 2013)

2013 looks to be the Year of Kendrick as one of the author’s earlier novels, Nearlyweds, has been turned into a TV-movie and will air on the Hallmark Channel on January 12. See the trailer for Nearlyweds here. And she’s got a new Romantic Comedy coming out in May. The premise of The Week Before the Wedding sounds really cute (Love triangles are always fun in Chick Lit!) I’m tickled that Beth is keeping the dog love going from her last book, The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service, in this new one by giving one of the heroine’s love interests “an adorable retriever.” 

P.S. If there really is a town called “Valentine” in Vermont, I need to find someone to marry and go there right now!

Book blurb:  After enduring a chaotic childhood, Emily McKellips yearns for a drama-free life, complete with a white picket fence. Her dreams are about to come true: She has a stellar career, a gorgeous house, and a fiancé any woman would die for. But as friends and family arrive in picturesque Valentine, Vermont, for her wedding, an uninvited guest shows up.

Ryan is Emily’s first husband from a disastrous starter marriage. They wed on a whim, only to discover that combustible chemistry couldn’t ensure a happily ever after. But Ryan is no longer the headstrong boy she left behind. He’s now a successful film producer who just happens to be scouting a resort in Valentine with his adorable retriever in tow.

As the bridesmaids revolt and the mothers of the bride and groom do battle, Emily is surprised to discover new sides of both her ex and her fiancé. She thought she had life and love all figured out, but the next seven days might change her mind—and her heart.

The Last Camellia by Sarah Jio (Release date – May 28, 2013)

I recommend Sarah’s books to everyone as I think she’s one of the most talented and exciting voices in Women’s Fiction right now. I had the pleasure of hosting her at #ChickLitChat a few months back, and she mentioned that her next novel was going to be Downton-esque as it was set at a beautiful, old house in the English countryside. I’ve been dying to know more about the book ever since and was all atwitter when the book blurb was released. I love a story that toggles back and forth between present-day and some romantic bygone era, so The Last Camellia is right up my alley. Sarah always does a masterful job of weaving romance and mystery throughout her stories, and I’m sure that she will take readers on another exhilarating ride with this book. Is it May yet?

Book blurb:  On the eve of the Second World War, the last surviving specimen of a camellia plant known as the Middlebury Pink lies secreted away on an English country estate. Flora, an amateur American botanist, is contracted by an international ring of flower thieves to infiltrate the household and acquire the coveted bloom. Her search is at once brightened by new love and threatened by her discovery of a series of ghastly crimes.

More than half a century later, garden designer Addison takes up residence at the manor, now owned by the family of her husband, Rex. The couple’s shared passion for mysteries is fueled by the enchanting camellia orchard and an old gardener’s notebook. Yet its pages hint at dark acts ingeniously concealed. If the danger that Flora once faced remains very much alive, will Addison share her fate?

Dancing With Paris by Juliette Sobanet (Release date – Spring 2013)

I have been waiting impatiently for this book to come out ever since Juliette first revealed the cover art on her website. A couple doing the Tango, with Paris in the background - what’s not to love? And the tagline “Midnight in Paris meets Moulin Rouge” totally sold me. Juliette is branching out into new territory with her third novel, adding a little mystery and time travel to her romance, and I’m excited to see how she blends all of these elements together. I have no doubt that this will be a fabulous read!

Book blurb:  The story of a woman who is sent back in time to 1950's Paris to revisit her past life as the dazzling star of a scandalous Parisian cabaret club, where she must deal with murder, danger and unexpected love.

Pie Girls by Lauren Clark (Release date – Spring 2013)

If you want funny, Southern-style romance, nobody does it better than Lauren Clark. I adored her last book, Dancing Naked in Dixie, and the minute she told me her story idea for her then-titleless third book, I knew she had another winner on her hands. As Lauren and I are friends, I got to weigh in with my opinion when she was mulling over titles, cover art options, etc. All of her decisions have gotten a big thumb’s up from me, and I get more and more excited about Pie Girls every time she shares another tidbit about the story with me.

Book blurb:  Princess, Southern belle, and spoiled-rotten social climber Searcy Roberts swore on a stack of Bibles she'd never return to her hometown in Alabama. After eloping with her high school sweetheart and moving to Atlanta, Searcy embraces big city life Carrie Bradshaw-style. But now, Searcy has a teeny, tiny problem:  Her husband's had a mid-life crisis. He's quit his job, cancelled her platinum American Express, and run off with the "new" love of his life. Searcy finds herself back in Alabama with no job, no money, no husband, and no plan. After a frigid welcome home, she finds out that life in the small town Deep South is much harder at 36 than it ever was at sixteen. When she's forced to take over her mother's fledgling business, Searcy deals with sullen employees, strange ingredients, and the business owner next door who's made it his mission to make her life miserable. Will 'Pie Girls' be an epic failure, or will Searcy find the courage to persevere?

[Cover art for The Selkie Sorceress coming soon.]

The Selkie Sorceress by Sophie Moss (Release date – Spring 2013)

I just read the first book in Sophie Moss’s Seal Island trilogy and thoroughly enjoyed it. The second in the series is now on my Kindle, waiting to be devoured, but I’m already giddy with delight at the thought of this third book, which will feature two of the supporting characters from Book 1. I was instantly fascinated by earthy, loyal Glenna and rough-and-tumble American detective Sam when they first appeared on the pages of The Selkie Spell. They had so much chemistry that I swear I could see sparks flying off my Kindle whenever they interacted. I can only imagine how sexy and entertaining the two of them will be when featured in their own story.

Book blurb:  In this modern-day fairy tale romance, Irish artist Glenna McClure must stop American detective Sam Holt from uncovering a dark secret that could destroy the lives of everyone on Seal Island. Sam has always had a strange knack for finding things (and people) that shouldn't be found. When his last case almost killed an innocent woman, he swore off detective work forever. But when this same woman asks him for one last investigation--to find her husband's long lost mother--Sam cannot refuse. Sam hopes this case will prove to everyone on the island, especially Glenna, that he has changed. But what Sam doesn't realize is that the closer he gets to the truth, the more danger Glenna is in. Glenna will do anything to stop Sam, even if it means teaming up with a powerful sorceress who finds great pleasure in toying with people's love lives. But when the petals of a mysterious night-blooming rose begin to turn black, Glenna realizes that an even darker force is at work. To protect the people she loves, Glenna will have to face the terrible curse that has haunted her all her life before the final petal fades to ash.

Covet by Tracey Garvis-Graves (Release date – September 17, 2013)

I’ve made no secret of the fact that my favorite book of 2012 was Tracey Garvis-Graves’ On the Island. It was a truly captivating story that made me experience a whole gamut of emotions while reading it. I actually wept at three different points in the book because I was so emotionally invested in the characters and so anxious to see them safe and happy. I can’t wait to see what Garvis-Graves has cooked up for her second novel. Looks like there will be a forbidden love angle in Covet and I adore fictional relationships with a slow burn, so color me excited! When Tracey was a guest at #ChickLitChat a few months ago, she mentioned that the heroine of Covet is a Type 1 diabetic, which really piqued my interest as I have lived with that disease for 25 years and can’t recall it ever being represented in any of the Women’s Fiction I’ve read. So, Covet is appealing on many different levels for me and I’m chomping at the bit to read it!

Book blurb:  What if the life you wanted, and the woman you fell in love with, belonged to someone else?

Chris and Claire Canton's marriage is on life support. Downsized during the recession and out of work for a year, Chris copes by retreating to a dark place where no one can reach him, not even Claire. When he's offered a position that will keep him away from home four nights a week, he dismisses Claire's concern that time apart could be the one thing their fragile union can't weather. Their suburban life may look idyllic on the outside, but Claire has never felt so disconnected from Chris, or so lonely.

Local police officer Daniel Rush used to have it all, but now he goes home to an empty house every night. He pulls Claire over during a routine traffic stop, and they run into each other again at the 4th of July parade. When Claire is hired to do some graphic design work for the police department, her friendship with Daniel grows, and soon they're spending hours together.

Claire loves the way Daniel makes her feel, and the way his face lights up when she walks into the room. Daniel knows that Claire's marital status means their relationship will never be anything other than platonic. But it doesn't take long before Claire and Daniel are in way over their heads, and skating close to the line that Claire has sworn she'll never cross.

There you have it – my reading roster for 2013. Looks like I’m going to be giving my Kindle a workout. I’d love to hear what you’re excited about reading in the coming year. So, please feel free to share in the comments below. And happy reading to all my book-loving followers!