Harlan Coben Doesn't Fool Around

Back in 2012, I had the most wonderful experience of meeting two authors I had only recently discovered: Harlan Coben and Lisa Scottoline. My mother and I attended the Texas Library Association's LiFTA Luncheon in order to hear them speak about their books. Scottoline spoke about Come Home, which had only been released a week earlier and Harlan Coben enticed readers with bits of his book Stay Close. Since then I have become a huge fan of both of these fantastic authors and when I see information about a new book coming out, I have to jump on it immediately.

I was granted early access to Harlan Coben's next bestseller, which will be released March 22, 2016, title through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Fool Me Once
by Harlan Coben

Like his previous books, Mr. Coben leads you down a pathway and then allows you to plummet off the cliff not realizing you were lead astray. The book revolves around Maya Stern, a retired helicopter pilot, surrounded by scandal and also the murders of her sister (while she was in Iraq) and her husband (soon after her return). When Maya discovers a video of her "dead" husband on the nanny cam given to her by her best friend following her husband's funeral suspicions begin to arise. Could Joe be alive? Who killed her sister? Why is death following Maya and who will be next?

This stand alone novel by this best selling author will have you on edge until the very end. I highly recommend this book. Once you find Coben, you will want to read everything he writes.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Dutton (part of Penguin Group) has provided a complimentary electronic copy of Fool Me Once for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion.

Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline

In April 2012, I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Lisa Scottoline at the Texas Library Association Conference. I was a fan before hearing her speak, but became a superfan following her presentation when I got to meet her. My mother and I attended the luncheon together. I got in line to have our books autographed I asked Ms. Scottoline if I could take a picture of her. She was very kind and allowed me to snap this picture.

Lisa Scottoline
April 2012 - Houston, Texas

When I told her I was there with my mother she asked where she was. I told her she was waiting over to the side - she was using a scooter to get around during the conference. Ms. Scottoline got up from the table, walked over to my mother, gave her a hug and took a picture with her. 

Lisa Scottoline and my Mother Marge
April 2012 - Houston, Texas

Ms. Scottoline took the time to greet my mother means the world to me. If I remember correctly this was Ms. Scottoline's book tour had to be cut short because Mother Mary became ill the day after her appearance at the conference.

Like I said, I have been a superfan for a number of years. I have been frantically reading and writing reviews for pre-publication books (some of which I post here, not all however are allowed), but I had to take the time to read something I wanted to read recently. It was not at all difficult to choose the book I wanted to read - Keep Quiet (2014). 

Keep Quiet
by Lisa Scottoline (2014)

What an amazing read. I was captured from the start of this book. I could relate to the characters and felt great empathy for their turmoil. Keep Quiet is the kind of book you cannot put down, even when I could no longer keep my eyes open. It is also the kind of book you cannot keep quiet about. I talked to everyone about this book. I think some people were at the point of walking away from me just to see if I would stop talking. No, I did not. The tension in the story builds from the first chapter and doesn't release you from its grasp until the final one. 

Every book I read by Scottoline is gripping. I don't review many of her books because she is SO fabulous she really needs no help from me. I just wanted to pass along my praise and appreciation to her. I look forward to reading her Sunday posts and seeing the adorable pictures of her four- and two-legged family members (the furry, the feathered, and the daughter). I know she is a bestselling author, but she seems more like a friend and as a fan, I truly want to thank her for showing us all that she is a very down to earth kind of person. Thank you, Ms. Scottoline.

Playing Dead

I just finished reading one of the best books! It is the debut novel by Texas writer Julia Heaberlin, Playing Dead. It was the 2013 conference book for the Texas Library Association's One Book, One Conference program which was held in Fort Worth on Wednesday, April 24th. Unfortunately I was not able to attend the session because I was presiding over another session at the same time. I guess the best part for me is the story was not ruined for me through the discussion since I had not finished the book!

I loved this book so much I want to share everything about Tommie, Sadie, Maddie, and Hudson, but I won't because I want others to enjoy the book too. All I can say is that I loved everything about it, especially the setting! The book is set in and around Fort Worth, Texas, for the most part. I was surprised with the twists and turns in the book. As we grow up we all believe we know who we are and all about our parents. It can be shocking to find out, after the death of a parent that you really know nothing about yourself.

I highly recommend this book to lovers of Texas, mystery, and suspense. I can't wait for Ms. Heaberlin's next book, Lie Still, which is expected out July 9th.

Happy Reading!

Texas Library Association Annual Conference 2011 - Austin

All the World. Liz Garton Scanlon & Marla Frazee

We had a wonderful time at the annual conference of the Texas Library Association. My program showcasing the 2011 Texas 2x2 Reading List was very successful. There was standing room only in the huge room in which we were presenting. Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee , All the World,  were wonderful. I could not have asked for better speakers following the showcase of the 2011 books.

Last Song. Eric Rohmann

Dead End in Norvelt. Jack Gantos

While in Austin, I had the opportunity to have dinner with Eric Rohmann, Dave Roman, Mary D. Lankford, Mary Casanova, Ilene Cooper, and Dotti Enderle and dessert with Jack Gantos. It is really funny because as librarians we see authors and illustrators as our rock stars (in fact I saw the greatest shirt with Shakespeare in KISS make-up with the caption "Authors are my Rock Stars!"...I wasn't able to get the shirt because they didn't have my size, but I sure did like it...maybe next time.) In all actuality authors and illustrators (believe it or not) are just people! Can you imagine?!? They eat, drink, etc. just like the rest of us. When I was introducing myself to Eric Rohmann (author and illustrator of the Caldecott winning book My Friend Rabbit) at dinner the first words out of his mouth were, "We've met before." I was amazed because, yes indeed we had met before. I met Eric at the American Library Association in 2005. He was great fun to listen to during dinner. He talked about his latest book (Last Song, 2010). I had to wonderful opportunity to speak to Mary Casanova as well. She was intrigued by the population of the school in which I work (all four- and five-year olds). She has a fun new book coming out at the end of May about a cowboy named Dirk Yeller. She shared the story with me and I think the children will enjoy it. Jack Gantos was delightful. He was so funny to listen. He talked a little about Dead End in Norvelt his new book coming out in September. I was lucky enough to get an advance re

The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town.
Mary Casanova

ader copy so I will be able to read it before September. He assured us that this book is all about him and the small town in which he grew up. I can't wait to read it. It is always fun to spend time with Mary D. Lankford. I have known her for many years and love to see her and find out where she and her husband have traveled or what she has been reading. She is currently on the Texas Lariat Adult Fiction Reading List (yes, I'm jealous, but don't know if I would be able to read all of the books that are sent because I do tend to read slowly).

The Uglified Ducky.
Willy Claflin

I had the wonderful fortune to hear Willy Claflin, author of the Texas Bluebonnet Award for The Uglified Ducky, and Gerald McDermott, Caldecott Medal winning author of Arrow to the Sun. Claflin was hysterical. He and his friend, Maynard Moose retold the story of The Uglified Ducky. I have to say Maynard captured a lot of hearts. Especially when he came out wearing his prized "Blue Bonnet". Evidently he was a little confused on the actual award he was to receive.

Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India.
Gerald McDermott

Gerald McDermott was also a wonderful speaker. He was very casually dressed, at first I didn't even realize what he was wearing (sweat pants and a t-shirt). When he started speaking he told us about how he likes to dress professionally with his favorite suit, shirt, and necktie...at this point I thought his attire was a bit unusual. Then he went on to tell us that his luggage had been taken. There were audible sighs of disappointment when he mentioned how they had taken his favorite suit, shirt, and his very favorite necktie, but the gasps when he said his iPad was in the same bag were even louder. We all felt for him. He was a charming speaker and I thoroughly enjoyed his re-telling of his new book, Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India.

The Opening General Session speaker was Jamie Lee Curtis. Now, I know she has written a number of children's books and it was really fun listening to her inspiration for those books (her own children) but it was so much more exciting listening to her talk about the importance of libraries. and how the legislature is cutting the head off of education by eliminating librarians, library programs, and databases used in the libraries. I loved the fact she was wearing purple. She stated that it was because she wanted to talk to both sides of the aisle (the blue - Democrats and the red - Republicans) so she mixed them together.

TLA Annual Conference was exhausting (as usual), but fun. It was great fun to see all of the new books that will be coming out soon and see old friends and some "rock" stars along the way. I guess I can say I have recovered from my week in Austin. Now I have to get prepared for Houston next year. It is now less than 12 months away. The planning has begun!