What Could Be Saved, Liese O’Halloran Schwarz, Atria Books – The lingering quietness of Liese O’Halloran Schwarz’s mystery novel, “What Could Be Saved,” is also its driving energy. The narrative, bouncing between past and present, evolves around the disappearance of a child, and then, his re-appearance a half-century later.
At the End of the Matinee, Kelichiro Hirano, Amazon Crossing – “At the End of the Matinee,” Japanese author Keiichiro Hirano’s new novel, depicts a torturous and suspenseful journey of two people in love whose lives bisect at the exact moment they are prepared to unite. It’s like two trains passing, each going in opposite directions.
Always A Song, Ellen Harper with Sam Barry, Chronicle Prism – Folk Singer Ellen Harper’s stirring memoir, “Always a Song,” begins with her birth, part of a musical family enjoying “fascist-free” post-World War II life in New Hampshire.
The Paris Apartment, Kelly Bowen, Hachette – Kelly Bowen’s historical romance, “The Paris Apartment” interweaves the lives of two women during WWII with the efforts of a granddaughter and a grandnephew to uncover the women’s war role.
Tears of Amber. Sofia Segovia, Amazon Crossing – You may have vowed not to read yet another war novel on human suffering, but Mexican author Sofia Segovia’s new book will change your mind. Segovia’s compelling “Tears of Amber,” focuses on females — mothers, left alone with their children to navigate war horrors.
The Truth and Other Hidden Things, Lea Geller, Lake Union Publishing – Lea Geller’s, “The Truth and other Hidden Things,” portrays a desperate mother and housewife who becomes addicted to “likes” on her gossip column with a grandiose idea she will soon get a “book deal.”
The Other Emily, Dean Koontz, Thomas & Mercer – Dean Koontz’ forthcoming 2021 novel, “The Other Emily,” is so terrifying it’s impossible to set aside until the conclusion unfolds.
Lana’s War, Anita Abriel, Atria – Anita Abriel’s novel, Lana’s War, riffs on dark history, during a time of genocide of Jewish people by the Nazis during World War II.
Review: Do No Harm, Christina McDonald, Gallery Books – Christina McDonald’s novel, “Do No Harm,” is a vexing story that pivots around parents who resort to nightmarish measures to fund medical treatment for their dying son.
In 60 Stories About 30 Seconds, Bruce Van Dusen, Post Hill Press – The richness of Bruce Van Dusen’s book, “In 60 Stories About 30 Seconds,” springs from his perspective of key events that dramatically changed the production of television commercials during his forty-five years as a TV ad director and producer.
