Brianna Labuskes' life-long dream was to join the ranks of the superstar women who penned the romance novels - from historicals to contemporaries and everything in between - of which she could never quite get enough. She tries to write the books she wants to read, with spunky heroines who save the day while their heroes watch in awe and admiration. When she's not writing, you can find Brianna playing with her two adorable nieces, editing health care policy news and watching too much Netflix. She also loves travel, feminism and country music.
The Sisters of Book Row (2026) Shelley Noble "A poignant and timely love letter to the power of books as a bulwark to bullies and small-minded men. Shelley Noble deftly portrays the dangers of daily life beneath Anthony Comstock's censorious fist while bringing the era to life with immersive, lyrical prose and fascinating historical details. At the heart of this gripping story are three sisters, all of whom are a joy to root for as they find their footing in both pursuing their dreams and fighting injustice. The Sisters of Book Row is essential reading for book lovers everywhere!"
The Incorrigibles (2024) Meredith Jaeger "In this engrossing and poignant read, Meredith Jaeger shines a light on women who have been forgotten in time, illuminating how injustices we face in the present are so often echoes of those from the past. At the heart of this timely story are two such women who are equally fascinating, flawed, resilient and incredibly complex--as all the very best characters are. With its fast pacing that will have you flipping the pages; important themes that will stick with you long after reading; and rich historical details that immerse you in two incredible time periods, this is one that can't be missed."
The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West (2024) Sara Ackerman "In this gem of a novel, Sara Ackerman delivers a fun, fast-paced tale of courage, grit and adventure while shining a spotlight on a slice of history that's flown under the radar. The lush historical details and effortless prose make the book soar, while the white-knuckle action keeps you flipping the pages as fast as you can. Ackerman remains unmatched in creating strong, inspirational women who grab hold of your heart on page one and refuse to let go. At once charming and exhilarating, The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West should be at the top of every must-read list."
The London Bookshop Affair (2024) Louise Fein "In this captivating page-turner, Louise Fein deftly layers fascinating historical details, impossibly high stakes and a nuanced portrait of familial love that all together create a gripping, unforgettable story. The moral complexity of the novel is matched beautifully by its vivid prose and three-dimensional characters. Voracious historical fiction readers, especially, will delight in this setting, which offers a fresh lens through which to view the Cuban Missile Crisis. A gem of a book that should be on everyone's must-read list!"
Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen (2023) Sarah James "This vibrant, utterly delightful mystery expertly captures the drama, glamour and absurdity of wartime Hollywood. Sarah James's swift dialogue, dry wit and clever characters transport you into a 1940s movie, where the jokes are quick, the love affairs scandalous and the cast as charming as they are flawed. Underneath it all, James's deep knowledge of the era's movies and music lends an authenticity that makes the rest shine even brighter. I laughed, I gasped and I never wanted it to end. This should head straight to the top of every must-read list."
Just Stay Away (2023) Tony Wirt "A relentlessly creepy and dangerously addictive read, Just Stay Away will have you checking your locks and jumping at shadows once you've finished. Using the unique perspective of a stay-at-home dad, Tony Wirt expertly crafts an atmosphere of ever-increasing isolation, claustrophobia, and gaslighting to ramp up from a sinister simmer into a full-blown nightmare. In doing so, Wirt explores gender roles, masculinity, and boyhood in the profound ways you find in the best of the genre. An absolute must-read - if you dare!"
I'll Stop the World (2023) Lauren Thoman "In this standout debut, Lauren Thoman takes the reader on a wild ride, deftly wrapping a coming-of-age story with a clever mystery, sprinkled with eighties nostalgia that'll have you reaching for your Bubble Yum. As I tore through the pages, I fell in love with the cast of flawed and funny characters, who felt as real as the friends I grew up with. Best of all, Thoman delivers an impossibly satisfying ending in a way only the very best time-travel storytellers can. This one should go at the top of everyone's must-read list!"
Other People's Secrets (2022) Meredith Hambrock "Clever and endlessly compelling, Other People's Secrets hooks you from the very first sentence and doesn't let go. This book, like its messy and endearing protagonist Dumpster Baby, is full of both heart and razor-sharp edges, and it's one you won't want to miss."
Kismet (2022) Amina Akhtar "Wickedly smart and outrageously entertaining, Kismet grabs hold and doesn't let go until a final twist that will have even the savviest readers gasping. Just like the clever, scene-stealing ravens, Akhtar skewers those who deserve it with her trademark wit while also layering in emotional nuance as compelling as the captivating mystery. At once atmospheric, chilling, and thought-provoking, Kismet will surely be this summer's must-read thriller."
Wolf Hollow (2022) (Lew Ferris Mystery, book 1) Victoria Houston "In this intricately plotted mystery, Houston keeps you hooked from the very first page not only with compelling twists and turns but also with the richly drawn residents of Loon Lake. Readers may come for the murder, but they'll stay for these engaging characters. At turns atmospheric, heart-warming and intensely gripping, Wolf Hollow is a must-read!"
Litani (2021) Jess Lourey "A riveting and disturbing thriller. With Litani, Lourey truly cements her position as the queen of melding small-town suspense and coming-of-age stories that creep into your bones and refuse to leave. Lourey’s masterful pacing and prose create a captivatingly claustrophobic atmosphere that hooks you from the very first page and tightens the noose with every shockingly chilling reveal. While secrets and lies fester at the heart of the novel, it is Frankie, the engaging young protagonist, who becomes a reminder that humanity can exist even in the darkest of places. This is one that’s going to stick with you for a long time. An absolute must-read."
Trust No One (2020) (Devlin & Falco, book 1) Debra Webb "Trust No One is a gritty and exciting ride. Webb skillfully weaves together a mystery filled with twists and turns. I was riveted as each layer of the past peeled away, revealing dark secrets. An intriguing cast of complicated characters, led by the compelling Detective Kerri Devlin, had me holding my breath until the last page."
