"Popular Authors"

In the near future, some of my very favorite authors will have new novels coming out. By giving you a “heads up”, you can call the Library and have a “hold” put on any one of these titles that appear in this column.

Who can pass up a Danielle Steel heartbreaker? Certainly not me! The plot centers on four sisters, one Manhattan apartment, and a tumultuous year of loss and discovery. All of these are at the heart of Steel’s latest novel about a remarkable family, a heartbreaking tragedy, and what happens when four very different women come together as one. With a title like “Sisters” this novel has quite a built-in audience. February 13, 2007 is the publishing date, also known as “street date”. Only the most prestigious authors have the privilege of a “street date”.

Barbara Delinsky has long been a favorite. February 6, 2007 is the street date for “Family Tree”. The story is a familiar one, but in the very capable hands of Barbara Delinsky you just can’t put it down. Dana Clarke has always longed for the stability of home and family---her own childhood was not an easy one. Now she has married a man she adores who is from a prominent New England family, and she is about to give birth to their first child. But what should be the happiest day of her life becomes the day her world falls apart.

In her latest novel, Luanne Rice, a “New York Times” bestselling author, takes readers on an emotional journey into the tender, untapped territory that lies between mothers and daughters, and fathers and sons. On February 20th, “The Edge of Winter” will be available.

On that same date, comes a blockbuster from Michael Palmer. It’s a spy-espionage-thriller of medical suspense that begins with these chilling questions: Who has the blood samples you routinely give? Why don’t you know? And what are they being used for? Watch for “The Fifth Vial” by Michael Palmer on February 20, 2007.
“High Profile: a Jesse Stone Novel” by Robert B. Parker is the seventh novel in Parker’s series. The murder of a controversial talk-show host puts Police Chief Jesse Stone in the harsh glare of the media spotlight. When the body of a young woman is discovered a few days later, Stone is thrust into a mystery when the medical examiner reveals a heartbreaking link between the two victims. This is considered to be in the mystery/detective genre. February 6th, 2007 is the official release date.

“New York Times” bestselling author, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, is back with a fabulously funny novel that returns to the turf of her “Match Me If You Can”. This time around, “Natural Born Charmer” takes Quarterback Dean Robillard on the road during the off season and he finds a young lady named Blue walking along in a beaver costume. Blue is cautious when it comes to love, but her defenses are no match for a determined competitor like Dean. If you like your romance with a dash of humor, ask us to set this aside for you, the street date is February 6th, 2007.
The bestselling author of “The Two Minute Rule” returns with his most popular characters, Elvis Cole and Joe Pike---and this time, the darkly compelling Joe gets to take the driver’s seat. The result is “The Watchman: a Joe Pike Novel”. This is Robert Crais’ most blistering thriller to date. February 27th is the date to mark on your calendar for this excellent example of the mystery/detective genre.

That old adage: Save the best for last----is certainly true, especially if you are a James Patterson fan. His latest espionage/thriller is “Step on a Crack”. In this February 6th release, meet Patterson’s most compelling hero yet: Detective Michael Bennett, father of ten, as he pursues the most diabolical criminal ever to terrify New York City.
Well, there you have it. Something for everyone---romance, mystery, espionage, thriller, and contemporary fiction. I’d love to hear from any patron that might have a recommendation for our fiction shelves. Email me at: shansen@columbusne.us or phone 402/564-7116 ext. 2.