This Month from BookEnds… June 2019!

  • By: admin | Date: Jun 03 2019

It’s June and, well…. buckle up. We’ve got a ton of amazing books coming your way!

Monthly Spotlight:

The Chai Factor by Farah Heron (6/11) Indigo (Canadian Print) Kindle (E-book)

Thirty-year-old engineer Amira Khan has set one rule for herself: no dating until her grad-school thesis is done. Nothing can distract her from completing a paper that is so good her boss will give her the promotion she deserves when she returns to work in the city. Amira leaves campus early, planning to work in the quiet basement apartment of her family’s house. But she arrives home to find that her grandmother has rented the basement to . . . a barbershop quartet. Seriously? The living situation is awkward: Amira needs silence; the quartet needs to rehearse for a competition; and Duncan, the small-town baritone with the flannel shirts, is driving her up the wall.

As Amira and Duncan clash, she is surprised to feel a simmering attraction for him. How can she be interested in someone who doesn’t get her, or her family’s culture? This is not a complication she needs when her future is at stake. But when intolerance rears its ugly head and people who are close to Amira get hurt, she learns that there is more to Duncan than meets the eye. Now she must decide what she is willing to fight for. In the end, it may be that this small-town singer is the only person who sees her at all

Mystery

The Trouble With Talent by Kathy Krevat (6/18) Barnes & Nobl

Single mom Colbie Summers has a lot to be grateful for in the run up to Thanksgiving. Relocating back to her California hometown has brought her irascible dad and adolescent son closer.  Her gourmet cat food line—vetted by her trusty taste-tester, Trouble—is about to get a big re-order. And she’s made wonderful new friends and colleagues. Too bad one them has just been accused of murder . . .

Sunnyside’s most gifted students have been at the mercy of a shadowy network of college fixers—including an abusive oboe teacher whose recommendation is necessary to get into Julliard and a school secretary who alters grades for cash. When they turn up dead, Colbie has to untangle a cat’s cradle of suspects and motivations—from livid parents and students whose dreams have been crushed to an entire secret Facebook group of spurned lovers.

Suddenly, holiday preparations just got a lot hairier. With the big re-order now on hold and the real killer still at large, Colbie discovers that someone has been grading on a very dangerous curve—and it will take all her newfound sleuthing talent to land safely on her feet. 

Potions, Tells & Deadly Spells by Abby Vandiver (6/25) Barnes & Noble

It’s another murder in the little town of Roble. But not to worry, Romaine and Auntie Zanne are on it! 

It’s the 100th Boule of the Distinguished Ladies’ Society of Voodoo Herbalists. They’ve gotten together to eat, drink, be merry and vote for the next Lesser Mambo, a lifetime appointment second only to the Most High (bet you’ll never guess who holds that position). But the second in command spot keeps becoming vacant—that’s because the women who fill it keep dying off.

This time though, it looks like murder. During an alcohol-infused dinner and a tall glass full of absinth, a seemingly innocent drink is spilled in the lap of Mrs. Eugenia Elder, the Lesser Mambo Elect. A quick drying off and change of clothes were thought to be all that was necessary, that is, until Miss Eugenia turns up dead. And while the server seems remorseful for her “accident,” it’s soon discovered that the whole thing was planned. Vivienne “Miss Vivee” Pennywell, Logan and Mac from Yasamee, Georgia (and the Logan Dickerson cozy mystery series) make an appearance and help get the murder investigation underway, one that Romaine and Auntie Zanne have decided to figure out together. 

It’s fun and mayhem, as the Voodoo herbalists of the distinguished society go on a mad romp all around town to figure out whodunit! 

Down in Flames by Cheryl Hollon (6/25) Barnes & Noble

A fatal hit-and-run in front of Savannah Webb’s glass shop proves to be no accident . . .

A highlight of Savannah’s new glass bead workshop is a technique called flame-working, which requires the careful wielding of acetylene torches. Understandably, safety is a top priority. But as Savannah is ensuring her students’ safety inside, a hit-and-run driver strikes down a pedestrian outside her shop.

The victim is Nicole Borawski, the bartender/manager at the Queen’s Head Pub, owned by Savannah’s boyfriend Edward. It quickly becomes clear that this was no random act of vehicular manslaughter. Now the glass shop owner is all fired up to get a bead on the driver–before someone else meets a dead end . . .

Romance

Colton’s Covert Baby by Lara Lacombe (6/1) Barnes & Noble

Molly Gilford has worked hard to rescue her family legacy from the Colton name. But she can’t help but put her professional life to the side when she meets her cousin Blaine’s sexy BFF, former soldier Max Hollick. Their torrid affair yields an unexpected baby bump…and when a dangerous enemy’s fury is unleashed, Max and Molly must fight the elements and a mysterious villain to save their growing family.

From Mistakes to Millions by Andrea Laurence (6/1) Barnes & Noble

The only thing more dangerous than discovering her life is a lie? 

Falling for Harley Dalton again. 

Reeling from the discovery she was switched at birth, Jade Nolan reluctantly joins forces with her ex-lover, security specialist Harley Dalton, to find her birth family. As they search for answers amid lies, Jade and Harley quickly rekindle long-denied passions. But will finding out the truth—and a secret worth billions—jeopardize their precious second chance?

Colton’s Cowboy Code by Melissa Cutler (6/1) Barnes & Noble

Family secrets and a deadly stalker haunt The Coltons of Oklahoma… 

Cowboy Brett Colton has reformed his bad-boy ways. And he has ambitious plans to transform the Lucky C ranch. Then he discovers that his one passion-filled night with gorgeous accountant Hannah Grayson resulted in pregnancy—an unexpected hiccup. 

Though excited by the prospect of fatherhood, Brett puts the brakes on romance. He is determined to bring Hannah and his unborn child into the family. But he doesn’t anticipate the strong feelings he has for Hannah…or that he is putting her in danger. Because a vengeful phantom is targeting the Coltons. All that matters is keeping his new family safe…and perhaps fighting for love in the end.

The Billionaire’s Bargain by Naima Simone (6/4) Barnes & Noble

USA TODAY bestselling author In the dark, he kisses her… Not knowing who she really is….When a blackout hits Chicago, billionaire Darius King makes the most of it with an irresistible stranger. But then the lights reveal the woman in his arms is the woman he hates–his best friend’s widow! His new plan: entice her into marriage to protect his friend’s legacy. But wild attraction and explosive secrets could make that arrangement very inconvenient…

Naughty Stranger by Stacey Kennedy (6/11) Barnes & Noble

From USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy comes a thrilling, sexy romance about a woman in danger and a small-town police detective who will do anything to keep her safe.

After a sudden tragedy blew her world apart, Peyton Kerr fled her big city career and started over in Stoney Creek, Maine. So far, she’s loving small-town life–no one knows about her past, and her easy flirtation with Boone Knight gives her a reason to smile. But then someone is murdered in Peyton’s store, and her quiet, anonymous existence is instantly destroyed. To make matters worse, Boone–a police detective–is assigned to the case, and Peyton knows she can’t keep him at arm’s length any longer. She’s resisted the simmering heat between them–but now this gorgeous man is promising to keep her safe–and satisfied…

Boone Knight doesn’t want the complications of a relationship. But when he volunteers to protect his town’s newest–and sexiest–resident, he finally admits he’d like to explore their sizzling attraction. And after one incredible night, everything changes for Boone. Peyton is sweeter–and braver–than anyone he’s ever met, and with her in his arms, everything makes sense. He just needs to convince her to trust him enough to reveal her secrets, or risk losing her to a merciless killer who seems to grow bolder with each passing day.

Hometown Hope by Laurel Blount (6/18) Barnes & Noble

He’ll do anything for his daughter…Even fight to regain an old classmate’s broken trust.

In the three years since her mother’s death, widower Hoyt Bradley’s daughter, Jess, hasn’t spoken–until she suddenly begs him to save her favorite bookstore from closing. Hoyt is desperate to hear his daughter’s voice again, but he and the bookstore’s pretty owner, Anna Delaney, share a less-than-friendly past. Working together is complicated enough…but can they avoid falling in love?

For His Pleasure by Shelly Bell (6/18) Barnes & Noble

From the author who New York Times bestseller Jodi Ellen Malpas says “packs a powerful punch” comes the epic conclusion to the sexy and suspenseful Forbidden Lovers series. 

Cash Turner could never resist a woman in need. It’s what shapes his desires–and sealed his fate. Recently released from prison after serving time for a murder he didn’t commit, Cash has to keep his head down and stay out of trouble. That means avoiding the curvy, delicious temptation of Dreama Agosto . . . a woman who holds his future in her hands.

Dreama knew returning to work wouldn’t be easy, but she wasn’t prepared for Cash Turner. He’s tall, commanding, the first man to spark her interest in a year . . . and her newest parolee. It doesn’t take long for Dreama to realize that there’s more to him–and his case–than meets the eye. As the two of them investigate the murder that led to his incarceration, they explore the growing desire between them, risking more than her career. Because now that the real killer has set his sights on Dreama, she’s also risking her life. 

Non-Fiction

Cannabis and CBD for Health and Wellness by Aliza Sherman and Junella Chin (6/4) Barnes & Noble

A safe, comprehensive, and easy-to-use guide to using cannabis—including CBD and THC—to ease chronic and acute health issues such as pain, insomnia, inflammation, depression, anxiety, grief, stress, and more, from the founder of a global cannabis wellness network and an osteopathic physician. 

With legalization of recreational cannabis in 10 states and medical marijuana in 33 states, interest is growing in cannabis-related health products, especially those made with CBD—a cannabinoid that has healing properties without the psychoactive effects of THC. Cannabis and CBD for Health and Wellness demystifies cannabis and its history, and explains in simple and straightforward language how to use it to treat myriad health and lifestyle issues. With information on cannabis forms (tinctures, topicals, edibles, flowers, concentrates), methods of ingestion (smoking, vaping, capusles, patches, creams, and more), dosing and microdosing, safety and storage, caregiving, and effectivess for self-care, physical fitness, sexual arousal, aging, and more, this is the only book you need to start using cannabis—in a targeted and safe way—for better health.

Ice Cube Tray Recipes by Jen Karetnick (6/18) Barnes & Noble

Contemporary ice cube trays are arguably one of the most overlooked gems of the modern kitchen. If you have a refrigerator that produces its own ice, you may not even be aware of how far ice cube trays have come and how useful they can be in creating something other than ice.

Trays are now available in many different styles, ranging from the traditional rectangular shape to the one-inch square to the cocktail-style two-inch sphere—and there are a variety of decorative shapes, as well. And the ones made from baking-grade silicone neither melt nor crack, making them a respectable vessel in the kitchen.

Ice Cube Tray Recipes teaches you how to use these trays to create everything from infused ice cubes to one-bite appetizers and even mini main dishes that will impress family and friends of all ages and keep the mess at bay. In chapters that include everything from soups and smoothies to canapes and sweets, you’ll find recipes for every meal of the day. From the useful to the novel to the downright intriguing, each recipe offers a suggestion of the best ice cube tray to use but also allows for adaptations to traditional, regular-sized trays and novelty trays.This is the fun and inspirational book for home cooks who adore kitchen hacks and trendy entertaining and who like to experiment with new ideas

Coming Soon…

Diane Ahlquist’s THE AWAKENED LIFE: LAW OF ATTRACTION, about how to be your best friend—and avoid being your own worst enemy, to Brandon Buechley at DK, in a nice deal, by Jessica Faust at BookEnds.

Kat Zhang’s AMY WU AND THE PATCHWORK DRAGON, the follow-up to the forthcoming AMY WU AND THE PERFECT BAO, about a little Chinese-American girl’s quest to craft a dragon that is uniquely her own for school, illustrated by Charlene Chua, to Jennifer Ung at Aladdin, for publication in spring 2021, by Emmanuelle Morgen at Stonesong for the author, and by Tracy Marchini at BookEnds for the illustrator (world).

Nadia Afifi’s THE SENTIENT, set in a world polarized by religion and science, the story of a neuroscientist’s fight to save the lives of her subjects even if that means returning to the extremist compound she once fled, to Don D’Auria at Flame Tree Press, in a nice deal, for publication in June 2020, by Naomi Davis at BookEnds.

USA Today-bestselling author Naima Simone’s untitled contribution to the next iteration of the Texas Cattleman’s Club series, to Stacy Boyd at Harlequin Desire, in a nice deal, for publication in September 2020, by Rachel Brooks at BookEnds (world).

Robyn Grady’s THE CASE FOR TEMPTATION, to Charles Griemsman at Harlequin Desire, in a nice deal, in a two-book deal, for publication in January 2020, by Jessica Alvarez at BookEnds (world).

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