2011 Releases – Page 14

The Blight of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler

Title: The Blight of Muirwood (Book 2)

Author: Jeff Wheeler

Publisher: CreateSpace

Release Date: February 4, 2011

ISBN: 978-1456406271

Size: 548 pages, 5×8, softcover

Genre: YA Fantasy

Series: The Wretched of Muirwood (Book 1)

The Aldermaston, the protector of Muirwood Abbey, is directed by the Medium to make Lia the new hunter of Muirwood. This will take some doing and a lot of training, but with leather bracers, a shooting glove, and quivers in hand, Lia rises to the challenge. Her first real order is to protect Ellowyn Demont from rivals like the Queen Dowager and the Earl of Dieyre. Lia knows very little about the princess’s land of Pry-Ree, but when Ellowyn is abducted, Lia will join forces with Colvin to bring the her back. Lia and Colvin must venture into the heart of a fallen kingdom, one devastated by an encroaching sickness called the Blight. It is here that a dark new secret is revealed—one that will make safeguarding the Abbeys nearly impossible.

Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpack

Title: Blackberry Crumble

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Deseret Book

Release Date: January 31, 2011

ISBN:

Size: 350 pages, 5.5×8, paperback

Genre: Culinary Mystery

Series: Lemon Tart (bk1), English Trifle (bk2), Devil’s Food Cake (bk3), Key Lime Pie (bk 4)

Read Chapter 1 here.

Modern Miss Marple: A Magnet for Murder?
by Jane Seeley, feature reporter, The Denver Post

Local “celebrity” Sadie Hoffmiller has been involved in a number of unfortunate situations that have taken her to crime scenes from London, England, to Miami, Florida, and even in her own backyard of Garrison, Colorado. But is she truly an unwitting bystander in all these investigations? Or is she something more? Is she, perhaps, even the cause …?

The word is out about Sadie Hoffmiller’s amateur detective work, but it’s not the kind of publicity Sadie wants. When Jane’s article threatens Sadie’s reputation in the community, she accepts her first investigation-for-hire and travels to Portland, Oregon – if only to give herself some space from her whispering neighbors. And from Pete, who is sending her mixed signals about their budding relationship.

Sadie hopes the Portland air will clear her head, and she is eager to get to work for May Sanderson, who has suspicions about her father’s untimely death.

Putting her detective skills to the test, Sadie delves into a complicated past that includes a business partnership that didn’t end well, several unsavory family secrets, and more than a few motives for murder.

Sadie is afraid she might crumble under the pressure, but in a new place with new recipes, she finds herself more determined than ever to uncover the answers buried in scandal, insatiable appetites, and pure and simple greed.

The Nanny and The CEO by Rebecca Winters

Title: The Nanny and The CEO

Author: Rebecca Winters

Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date: February 1, 2011

ISBN: 978-0373177097

Size: 192 pages, 4×6, mass market paperback

Genre: Romance

Read excerpt

CEO Nick Wainwright can handle billion-dollar business deals with his eyes closed, but a baby? Nick needs help— a nanny for his precious son, and fast! Nick never mixes business with pleasure, but when delectable Reece Chamberlain enters his Park Avenue apartment, everything changes….

Reece is thrilled to be offered the job looking after Jamie, but the little one’s handsome daddy steals her heart, as well. Her career used to be everything, but now a life as Nick’s bride, with baby Jamie, is sounding more and more like heaven….

Black Dragon by Rebecca Shelley

Title: Black Dragon

Author: Rebecca Shelley

Publisher: Wonder Realms Books

Release Date: January 30, 2011

ISBN:

Size: ebook

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Twelve-year-old Weldon is a gifted artist, but when his drawing of fairies and dragons come to life, he finds himself caught between some deadly criminals and the jewels they want. Only his dedication and imagination can save him and his friends.

I Took a Burp by Rebecca Shelley

Title: I Took a Burp (Smartboys #3)

Author: Rebecca Shelley

Illustrator: Abby Goldsmith

Publisher: Wonder Realms

Release Date: January 17, 2011

ISBN: 978-1461176787

Size: 108 pages, 5×8, paperback

Genre: Childrens (Grades 4–6)

Series: Bees In My Butt (bk 1), We Flushed It Down the Potty (bk 2)

Read excerpt

In book 3 of the Smartboys Club, the Smartboys get a mysterious new class member. She has a secret, and Monkey is bent on finding out the truth about her. But the Smartboys are in for a surprise when their class takes a suit-and-tie field trip to Symphony Hall, no burping allowed.

The Privateer by Danielle Thorne

Title: The Privateer

Author: Danielle Thorne

Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing

Release Date: January 1, 2011*

ISBN:

Size: e-Book

Genre: Historical Romance (Regency)

*This book was originally published in 2009. It has been republished with revisions by a different publisher. It may not be not eligible for a Whitney award. ??

Read an excerpt.

The reign of piracy is over in the Caribbean, or so it’s believed until diamonds are discovered in Brazil. Despite the cover-up, Captain Julius Bertrand begins to hear whispers. The Spanish guardacostas are dumping log books, and a new French pirate is on the prowl. Distracted by an avaricious woman he could never love, and the beautiful Kate O’Connell who doesn’t need him, he tries to untangle the web of mysterious cargo someone in the New World wants kept secret. When Bertrand’s pirating past returns with the explosive force of a sweeping broadside, he finds he must sacrifice everything his respectable life has brought him, in order to save what matters most.

Sacrifice of Souls by Michelle Erickson

Title: Sacrifice of Souls (Chest of Souls, Book 4)

Author: Michelle Erickson

Publisher: lulu.com

Release Date: January, 2011

ISBN: 978-0557829941

Size: 322 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: YA Speculative

Series: Chest of Souls (Book 1), Lend Me Your Mind (Book 2), Aftermath (Book 3)

Brenna is on the other side of time to be trained. To her horror, it is a place she cannot reach or see Talon. Others are there, including her mysterious teacher — a woman known only as the Forest Wife. She has eerie eyes yet is beautiful, as hard as Tasut, and as intelligent as Brenna’s mother. That combination doesn’t leave a lot of wiggle room. The Forest Wife already knows Brenna will do whatever she has to do, pay whatever price must be paid, to save Talon. That fact guarantees her obedience — for now. Talon is in Sogo — courtesy of his father’s great fist. He is to be sold at auction and join those destined for the Barracks. He doesn’t understand why. He can’t see how he can protect Brenna while he’s in Sogo. His plan at the moment is to survive the training and the odds are stacked against him: 300-1 .

Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck

Title: Tiger’s Curse

Author: Colleen Houck

Publisher: Splinter

Release Date: January 11, 2011

ISBN: 978-1402784033

Size: 448 pages, hardcover

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

*This book was originally published in 2009. It has been republished by a different publisher, but as a re-release it is not eligible for a Whitney award.

Read excerpt (Download pdf from sidebar)

Watch book trailer.

Passion. Fate. Loyalty.

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

Tiger’s Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

Behind the MIst by M.J. Evans

Title: Behind the Mist

Author: M.J. Evans

Publisher: Bascom Hill Publishing Group

Release Date: January 3, 2011

ISBN: 978-1936183876

Size: 226 pages, 5.5×8.5, softcover

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Nick and his family spend their summers in the Colorado mountains where he first meets an exceptional horse named Jazz. What begins as a strong bond between a horse and his young rider goes beyond extraordinary when tragedy launches them on a thrilling journey to the land behind the mist.

Celestia is the immortal home to noble and great horses that, based upon the virtues they developed on earth, earned the privilege to be given the power and status of a unicorn. Once they receive their horns, they serve as guardian angels to animals on earth.

Nick is the only human in Celestia–or so it first appears. As they learn more about this magical land, Nick and Jazz are compelled to embark on a mission into the Dark Kingdom that is ruled by the evil unicorn, Hasbadana. Though aided by special skills and unusual allies, the boy and horse confront powers that threaten to destroy them.

Join Nick and Jazz as they battle the forces of evil and demonstrate the transcendent power of loyalty and love.

The Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler

Title: The Wretched of Muirwood

Author: Jeff Wheeler

Publisher: CreateSpace

Release Date: January 7, 2011

ISBN: 978-1456399481

Size: 348 pages, 5×8, softcover

Genre: YA Fantasy

Imagine a world where words are so precious they are only etched in gold, and only the privileged are allowed to learn how to read. Muirwood Abbey is one of the few places where learners are taught to read and engrave, and thirteen year-old Lia wants nothing more than to learn both of these skills—yet she is a wretched, an orphan, and doomed to remain in the Aldermaston’s kitchen, forbidden to read and subject to his authority. Her future is destined for preparing recipes in a privileged household until, unexpectedly, a mysterious knight-maston abandons the wounded squire Colvin at the Aldermaston’s kitchen in the middle of the night. Soon after, Sheriff Almaguer comes hunting for Colvin, and Lia is thrust into the greatest adventure of her life as she and the squire are forced into a partnership that brings her closer to her dream—and Colvin closer to his fear of dying on the battlefield. The Wretched of Muirwood is the first book of the Muirwood Trilogy.

The Bachelor Ranger by Rebecca Winters

Title: The Bachelor Ranger

Author: Rebecca Winters

Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date: January 4, 2011

ISBN: 978-0373753437

Size: 224 pages, 4×6, mass market paperback

Genre: Romance

Read excerpt

It’s déjà vu all over again when a teen volunteer project brings Alex Harcourt back to Yosemite. Cal Hollis is still the same hunky park ranger she kissed fourteen months ago—the man who always made her feel safe and protected. Now, with his fierce dedication to his job and his bear dog at his side, he’s even more irresistible. But Alex can’t fall for him again…especially once she learns his tragic secret.

The kiss should never have happened—not with this woman and not on his watch. But Cal was already half in love with Alex, and second chances don’t come around that often. They have to work together to catch the ruthless poachers out to destroy Yosemite’s wildlife, and Cal’s mind is made up. He’ll move beyond the past…and hopefully catch Alex in the process!

Dearly Departed by Tristi Pinkston

Title: Dearly Departed (Secret Sisters #2)

Author: Tristi Pinkston

Publisher: Walnut Springs Press

Release Date: January 14, 2011

ISBN: 978-1935217893

Size: 270 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Mystery

Series: Secret Sisters

Ida Mae Babbit has done her community service and is a reformed woman—no more law-breaking for her. But when Arlette’s granddaughter Eden discovers a mystery in a fancy nursing home, Ida Mae—with the perfect excuse of a broken wrist and a broken ankle—hecks herself into the place. After all, it is for the greater good. Soon she’s buzzing around in her motorized wheelchair, questioning the residents and swiping files from the office. She’s bound and determined to get to the bottom of this case. But can she solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim?

A Wandering Star by Elizabeth Petty Bentley

Title: A Wandering Star

Author: Elizabeth Petty Bentley

Publisher: Parables

Release Date: January 2011

Size: eBook

Genre: General

Read excerpt

Alyssa and Nolan are about to be married when Nolan’s best friend, Zeke, arrives. He’s an enigmatic figure, rumored to be excommunicated and to have failed to complete his mission for the Church. Alyssa sensibly marries Nolan, who is good-looking, devout, sensitive, and loving, but conventional. Unfortunately, being married in the temple doesn’t help Alyssa put aside her attraction to Zeke.

Available for purchase from:
Print: | Print edition available in 2012
eBook: | Smashwords

The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley

Title: The Upside of Down

Author: Rebecca Talley

Publisher: Bonneville/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Release Date: January 12, 2011

ISBN: 978-1599554549

Size: 256 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Romance, General

Read Prologue
Read Chapter 1

“Hmmm,” the doctor muttered.

Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, “What does that mean?”

“You do know you’re pregnant, right?”

Her breath caught in her throat. “Excuse me?”

“You’re pregnant.”

Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. “I’m what?”

Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise–she’s going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn’t what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.

Beloved author Rebecca Talley carefully creates this touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.

Impractical Grace by John S. Bushman

Title: Impractical Grace

Author: John S. Bushman

Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.

Release Date: January 8, 2011

ISBN: 978-1599554754

Size: 208 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: General, Inspirational

A marriage in ashes, a heartbreaking accident, and an excruciating childhood—is there any limit to God’s power to heal, strengthen, and transform? Bishop North helps the members of his ward as they try to overcome life’s challenges. Take part in these doctrinal insights to the Savior’s grace and love in this compelling novel full of true-to-life stories of hardship and hope.

All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall

Title: All That Was Promised

Author: Vickie Hall

Publisher: Bonneville/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Release Date: January 12, 2011

ISBN: 978-1599554792

Size: 240 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Historical

When a Methodist minister meets a Mormon missionary, his life is changed forever. But this new convert soon finds himself struggling to recognize the promised blessings of the gospel when violent persecution shakes the fledgling Church in Wales.

Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey

Title: Bumpy Landings

Author: Donald J. Carey

Publisher: Bonneville/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Release Date: January 8, 2011

ISBN: 978-1599554136

Size: 256 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Mystery & Suspense

Book Trailer

Across the field, a couple of small planes cast long shadows as the sun inched its way toward the western horizon.

Then Jordan heard the sound he was hoping for. He looked out into the sky above the ocean where a small white plane with a red tail buzzed over the waves, flying parallel to the runway. As the plane flew past, Jordan imagined he was the one at the controls, with one eye on the airport and the other on the altimeter, waiting for just the right moment to turn into the base leg of the landing pattern.

All his life, Jordan MacDonald has dreamed of taking flight and soaring above the majestic mountains of his native Hawaii, but he doesn’t dare disobey his mother, who has absolutely forbidden him from flying. Suddenly everything changes when, spurred by the pain of a failed relationship, Jordan begins working toward the coveted pilot’s license. Just as he finds love again, Jordan’s lies start to close in around him, and he soon learns that a life full of dishonesty attracts more turbulence than he’s ever faced in the air.

Set against the exotic backdrop of the Hawaiian islands, this thrilling tale of romance and self-discovery is a perfect vacation from the average love story. Join Jordan as he tests the limits of friendship and finds out just how far his dreams can carry him. Entertaining and engaging, Bumpy Landings will take you to new heights with each turn of the page.

Smokescreen by Traci Hunter Abramson

Title: Smokescreen

Author: Traci Hunter Abramson

Publisher: Covenant

Release Date: January 3, 2011

ISBN: 978-1-60861-183-6

Size: 288 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Series: Saint Squad Books: Freefall, Lockdown, Crossfire, Backlash

Taylor Palmetta has spent the past year in Europe building her art career and hiding from Navy SEAL Quinn Lambert, the man who broke her heart. But Taylor can’t seem to hide from trouble. When Taylor seeks safety with her family in Virginia Beach, a series of threats puts her on high alert— and puts Quinn into protective mode.

Despite the private loss that continues to haunt him, Quinn can’t deny his renewed attraction to Taylor. But just as the romance heats up, a plot against the very foundation of the American way of life surfaces, and Taylor’s paintings may hold the key. The Saint Squad is back in action as the team frantically tries to protect their nation’s security—and Taylor and Quinn search for courage to unlock the troubled past.

Spellweaver by Lynn Kurland

Title: Spellweaver (The Nine Kingdoms)

Author: Lynn Kurland

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Release Date: January 4, 2011

ISBN: 978-0425238639

Size: 400 pages, 5.5×8, softcover

Genre: Fantasy

Sarah of Doìre is finished with mages, magic, and the mayhem caused by both. Her quest to find her brother and stop his terrible spells has failed, her future lies in ruins, and her trust in Ruith shattered. What she wants is peace, safety, and a quiet place to weave. And all that stands between her and that dream is a collection of black mages suddenly hunting her, her own sense of do-gooding, and a past she knows nothing about . . . yet.

Ruitneadh of Ceangail has managed to ignore the magic in his veins for a score of years, hiding in the mountains until aiding Sarah with her ill-fated quest forced him into places where his past was impossible to deny. Now, faced with an ever-increasing number of former enemies knowing he’s alive and wanting his power, his choice is to accept his birthright and gather all his father’s spells together so he can destroy them, or turn away and allow the Nine Kingdoms to be overcome by his father’s evil.

Sarah reluctantly agrees to help Ruith, though she’s fairly sure she’ll do so at the peril of her life . . . and her heart.

The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden

Title: The Kiss of a Stranger

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Publisher: Covenant

Release Date: January 3, 2011

ISBN:

Size: pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Regency Romance

When Crispin, Lord Cavratt, thoroughly and scandalously kisses a serving woman in the garden of a country inn, he assumes the encounter will be of no consequence. But he could be more mistaken–the maid is not only a lady of birth, she’s the niece of a very large, exceptionally angry gentleman, who claims Crispin has compromised his niece beyond redemption. The dismayed young lord has no choice but to marry Miss Catherine Thorndale, who lacks both money and refinement and assumes all men are as vicious as her guardian uncle.

Trapped between an unwanted marriage and a hasty annulment, which would leave his reputation tainted and Catherine’s utterly ruined, Crispin begins guiding his wife’s transformation from a socially petrified country girl to a lady of society. Their unfolding relationship reveals encouraging surprises for both of them, and privately each of them wonders if theirs may become a true marriage of the heart. But their hopes are dashed when forces conspire to split asunder what fate has granted. As a battle of wits escalates into a life-threatening confrontation, will it be possible for Crispin and Catherine to live happily ever after?

The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card

Title: The Lost Gate (Mither Mages, book 1)

Author: Orson Scott Card

Publisher: Tor Books

Release Date: January 4, 2011

ISBN: 978-0765326577

Size: 384 pages, 6×9, hardcover

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

View trailer

Danny North knew from early childhood that his family was different, and that he was different from them. While his cousins were learning how to create the things that commoners called fairies, ghosts, golems, trolls, werewolves, and other such miracles that were the heritage of the North family, Danny worried that he would never show a talent, never form an outself.

He grew up in the rambling old house, filled with dozens of cousins, and aunts and uncles, all ruled by his father. Their home was isolated in the mountains of western Virginia, far from town, far from schools, far from other people.

There are many secrets in the House, and many rules that Danny must follow. There is a secret library with only a few dozen books, and none of them in English — but Danny and his cousins are expected to become fluent in the language of the books. While Danny’s cousins are free to create magic whenever they like, they must never do it where outsiders might see.

Unfortunately, there are some secrets kept from Danny as well. And that will lead to disaster for the North family.

Isabelle Webb: The Pharoah’s Daughter by N.C. Allen

Title: Isabelle Webb: The Pharoah’s Daughter

Author: N.C. Allen

Publisher: Covenant

Release Date: January 3, 2011

ISBN:

Size: 272 pages, 6×9, softcover

Genre: Suspense

Series: Legend of the Jewel (bk 1)

After her gripping escapade in India, former Pinkerton spy Isabelle Webb launches a new adventure as she pursues a steamship en route to Egypt carrying two young stowaways: her teenaged ward, Sally Rhodes, and an unlucky girl named Alice Bilbey. Arriving in Suez, Isabelle and her companions recover the girls and unexpectedly encounter Isabelle’s own guardian from her youth, Genevieve Montgomery. Isabelle and her friends decide to join up with Genevieve upon discovering that she is funding an expedition to a burial site near Luxor with an entourage of Egyptology experts.

Unaware that their nemesis, Thaddeus Sparks, is also in Egypt as part of a jewel-hunting cadre, Isabelle’s group joins the expedition under ominous signs: a prophetic warning from a stranger, threats along the Nile River, and birthmarks that burn when the rare Jewel of Zeus is nearby. At the excavation site—a cave rumored to be the tomb of a pharaoh’s disgraced daughter—tension builds when several newcomers arrive. And as circumstances shift with the sands, Isabelle finds that some of the royal treasure in the ruthless pharaoh’s desert was buried for lethal reasons.