THE SCENT OF PINE by Lara Vapnyar received a positive review from Kirkus Reviews. The review praised the author saying her writing style by saying that “everything seems to be in plain sight, but one can sense deeper truth hiding below the surface.” The review also called the book “slight in girth but not in depth.” Simon and Schuster will publish the book on January 7, 2014.

PURE JOY by Danielle Steel is reviewed in the October 1, 2013 issue of Kirkus. The review says, “Plainly told with honesty and affection, these stories are an affirmation of the timeless connection between humans and their canine companions. For Steel’s fans and die-hard dog lovers.” Delacorte Press will publish PURE JOY on October 29, 2013.

John Burley’s debut thriller THE ABSENCE OF MERCY has been receiving some wonderful advance praise. Alice LaPlante, the New York Times bestselling author of Turn of Mind says it “Will send chills down your spine. A taut psychological thriller. . .pushes the boundaries of our understanding of the lengths a parent will go to protect their child.”

THE HEAVENS RISE was positively reviewed in Booklist. The review raves that “Creepy, chilling and almost impossible to put down all describe the new novel by New York Times best-selling author Rice.” The review also says that “in the telling of this page-turner, Rice also manages to deftly address issues of race and class in the Big Easy.” Gallery Books will publish the book on October 15, 2013.

THE ABSENCE OF MERCY by John Burley was positively reviewed by Kirkus and Publisher Weekly. Kirkus says that “Burley skillfully uses the step-by-step discovery of evidence to ratchet up the tension” and calls the book “a smart, disturbing and heartbreaking thriller.” Publisher’s Weekly calls it a “fine first novel” and says that “Burly, an emergency room physician, pepper the taut cohesive narrative with plenty of authentic forensic detail.” Harper Collins will publish the book on November 19, 2013.

QUIET DELL by Jayne Anne Phillips is an October 2013 Indie Next Pick. The reviewer says that “Phillips portrays the Eicher family so charmingly, especially the youngest child Annabelle, that our horror and outrage are tenfold. This earns a place on the shelf with such classics as Night of the Hunter and In Cold Blood.” The book also received a starred Booklist review, which calls it “a sad—yet irresistible—story of the defenseless victims of a serial murderer.” Simon and Schuster will publish the book on October 15, 2013.

USA Today bestselling author, Jennifer Bernard’s HOW TO TAME A WILD FIREMAN, the next in The Bachelor Fireman series, was published this week. Romantic Times raves, “Bernard has another winner on her hands ... Full of the sexy chemistry and charming antics.” Avon published the book September 24, 2013.

Robert Hilburn’s biography of JOHNNY CASH was named one of the most anticipated books for the fall by New York magazine and the Seattle Times. Little, Brown will publish the book October 29, 2013.

A. Scott Berg’s WILSON was selected as one of USA Today’s 30 “Coolest Books” for the Fall. Putnam will publish the book September 10, 2013.

The September 2013 O Magazine named LET HIM GO one of the “10 titles to pick up now.” Milkweed Editions will publish the book September 3, 2013.