You know how some authors hide away from the world in general? The ones who cling to typewriters and flee at the prospect of interacting with their readers? Abby McDonald so isn’t one of those writers. Instead, she manages to be insanely productive (hello, five books under her belt, and she’s only twenty-six) and isn’t shy when it comes to the internet. Note the fairly active blog and Twitter.

In celebration of the debut for The Liberation of Alice Love, Abby’s holding a contest over at her blog. There are prizes for the lucky winner! (Think of your very own signed copy of the book in addition to a $35 certificate to a rather relevant website. I swear it will make sense after you take a gander at the contest rules.)

All you need to do is blog or tweet the opening paragraph! Simple, no?

Swing over to Abby’s blog over here for all of the details! Best of luck winning and congrats to Abby.

What’s better than getting to eat lunch with a famous individual from the past? Actually getting to be that person! And why just one person? Why not spend the entire day being all of your favorite heroes, from Teddy Roosevelt to Fred Astaire?

Jennifer Fosberry and Mike Litwin teamed up once again to produce another creative book that will win children over with its vivid illustrations and exploration of historical figures in My Name Is Not Alexander.

Kim Nayyer of the New York Journal of Books was especially taken by Litwin’s artwork, “Enjoyable, colorful illustrations depict the imaginative young Alexander—or, perhaps, ‘Not Alexander’—taking on the persona of a different male hero... Mr. Litwin’s pictures and text illustrations do a wonderful job of complementing the words Ms. Fosberry selects to describe the importance of each hero.” My Name is Not Alexander is a well-rounded book that fully utilizes the visual aspects of a picture book and combines it with an engaging story.

According to Regan McMahon of the San Francisco Chronicle, “You can't tell kids enough that they should celebrate who they are and be whatever they want to be.” McMahon describes My Name is Not Alexander as the story where “a little boy has a playful identity crisis.” This book offers the unique experience of enabling young readers to imagine what it would be like to be a cast of famous historical heroes.

To read more about picture books that enable identity exploration in the San Francisco Chronicle click here.

To read the rest of the review from the New York Journal of Books click here.

Hannah Storm, author of Go Girl! Raising Healthy, Confident and Successful Girls Through Sports, tackles the question of what to do when a parent’s very athletic daughter says she doesn't want to play sports when she goes to high school next year in an interview in the Chicago Tribune’s Parent Hood. No one wants to be the demanding, overbearing parent that forces a child against her will to do something she hates. At the same time, how does a parent allow his or her daughter to sacrifice something as important as sports?

The benefits of athleticism are countless, as Storm points out, “"The rates of teen pregnancy, drug use, self-abusive behaviors and eating disorders are all decreased by your daughter being involved in sports.”

Another important factor to consider is that a girl’s reluctance to participate in sports typically occurs in early adolescence, “the same age girls stop raising their hands in math class and science class because they're becoming very conscious of gender identity and some of the stereotypes that go along with it.”

In my family, you were expected to do sports. I started tennis when I was a toddler, and my dad’s racket was much too big for me, but my heart was stolen by Little League when I was six. It was definitely a boy’s world. I played from t-ball straight to the “Majors” and never had more than one or two girls on my team. Many of those girls switched to softball as the years passed. They did it for a variety of reasons, but I always refused. I wanted to play baseball, not softball.

By my final year in Little League, I was the only girl playing at my level. And it wasn’t easy. Initially, my teammates ignored me. That was probably the hardest part. The coach didn’t care what gender I was. Instead he played to my strengths when it came to batting and treated me like any player. And eventually, the other guys got over it, and I was another kid who loved baseball, same as them.

I have to admit that I’m with Hannah when it comes to encouraging daughters to continue playing sports. Especially if your daughter has already proven that she loves being athletic and suddenly wants to discontinue that part of her life. If she abruptly wants to quit something that she is so passionate about, then it is probably not as simple as that.

Check out the rest of the interview for more of Hannah Storm’s priceless advice and to voice your opinion over here.

The Juggle WSJ.com on choices and tradeoffs people make as they juggle work and family.

A Payday for Your Kids?

By Rachel Emma Silverman

[EXCERPT]

Giving kids’ allowances raises lots of questions for parents: How much to pay? Should the money be tied to chores – and if so, which ones? Can the kids spend the money freely, or must they save part of it?

I recently learned about another novel way to give allowance. One mom of a 4-year-old daughter, Alisa T. Weinstein, decided to forgo the traditional idea of paying for household chores. Instead, she compiled a list of careers and simple “kiddified” tasks associated with them. (A market researcher, for example, could do a small verbal survey of classmates’ favorite ice cream flavors, or a banker could give different denominations of change.)  Each week or so, her daughter would take on the role of a certain profession and perform the associated work. At the end, Weinstein rewarded her daughter with a “payday,” according to the New York Times’ Bucks blog, which profiled Weinstein.

Weinstein describes the program in more detail and provides a list of careers and tasks in a new book “Earn It, Learn It: Teach Your Child the Value of Money, Work and Time Well Spent,” and on a website EarnMyKeep.com. Weinstein insists the program is not as labor-intensive as it sounds and parents need not devote more than 10 to 15 minutes a week on it.

READ full blog post

The Juggle WSJ.com on choices and tradeoffs people make as they juggle work and family.

A Payday for Your Kids?

By Rachel Emma Silverman

EXCERPT:

Giving kids’ allowances raises lots of questions for parents: How much to pay? Should the money be tied to chores – and if so, which ones? Can the kids spend the money freely, or must they save part of it?...

Weinstein describes the program in more detail and provides a list of careers and tasks in a new book “Earn It, Learn It: Teach Your Child the Value of Money, Work and Time Well Spent,” and on a website EarnMyKeep.com. Weinstein insists the program is not as labor-intensive as it sounds and parents need not devote more than 10 to 15 minutes a week on it.

“The problem with paying kids for doing chores is that first of all, children should do chores as a member of a household,” Ms. Weinstein told the New York Times. “And on top of that, you aren’t getting a real world experience…The beauty of paying children for emulating careers is that besides being fun, educational and engaging, without even realizing it, the children are getting valuable real world lessons.”...

READ full article

Fiske Interactive was included in PW’s “The Week in Apps” feature on Friday.http://bit.ly/i01sDN

Background: For more than 25 years, The Fiske Guide to Colleges has given an independent perspective on colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain.

Interactive features: Students can plan a college tour with built-in Google map function, email admissions departments directly from the app, browse each college website, and check out comparable campuses. Other features include flagging schools, categorizing them into lists such as “safety schools” and “reach schools,” and add notes to each school.

The April issue of RT Book Reviews will feature reviews of six of our April releases—including The Return of Black Douglas by Elaine Coffman and A Race to Splendor by Ciji Ware (along with the rest of our April romance releases)!

The April issue of RT Book Reviews will be sent to 70,000+ subscribers and appear on newsstands in March, but these reviews have been posted to RTBookReviews.com!

THE RETURN OF BLACK DOUGLAS (ISBN 9781402250743)
by Elaine Coffman
Genre: Scotland, Paranormal, Time Travel, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: Present Day and 1515 Scotland
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

Coffman’s exciting tale is full of action, danger, passion and drama. The characters are authentic, the action constant and the sexual tension always on high. A must-read for medieval and time-travel fans alike.

Anthropologist Isobella Douglas is touring Scotland with her twin sister after being jilted at the altar. She wishes she could meet a chivalrous knight or Mr. Darcy type, when a matchmaking ghost grants her heart’s desire. The twins find themselves in medieval times in the middle of a battlefield. Her sister is taken by a rival clan, while Isobella is rescued by Laird Alysandir Mackinnon. He is the embodiment of her dream guy, but he thinks she’s a spy. Soon Isobella wins his approval and loyalty, but what she wants is his heart. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 448 pp., $7.99)

ROCK HARD (ISBN 9781402245770)
by Olivia Cunning
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance, Erotic Romance
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

In the second Sinners on Tour Novel, lead vocalist Sedrick “Sed” Lionheart and his former fiancée, law student Jessica Chase, are reunited — with a bang. Readers will love the characters and enjoy their scorching love scenes and passionate fights.

Two years ago, Jessica walked away from Sed to attend law school and to prove she did not need him. Now she is working as an exotic dancer to pay for her third year of law school when she runs into him again. The run-in costs her her job and she winds up on tour with him, while she tries to earn money.
Sed is overjoyed to have Jessica in his arms and in his bed again, but he knows she considers the situation temporary. When circumstances keep pushing them together, they’re going to find out that they are destined for each other. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 448 pp., $13.99)

THE LANDLORD'S BLACK-EYED DAUGHTER (ISBN 9781402246319)
by Mary Ellen Dennis
Genre: Georgian Period, England, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: Georgian England
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

Based on Alfred Noyes’ poem, “The Highwayman,” Dennis’ novel reimagines the tale of the star-crossed lovers and incorporates a bit of the paranormal to heighten the suspense and the passion. The fast-paced and clean, clear writing style suit the adventure/ romance so well that you won’t mind the contrived ending.

Ex-soldier Rand Remington is done with war and hypocritical noblemen. He appears to be the perfect gentleman, but he is the feared highwayman who robs from the rich to give to the poor. When he meets authoress and innkeeper’s daughter Elizabeth Wyndham, she seems familiar. Rand haunts Elizabeth’s dreams as the knight in shining armor; he’s even the hero of her latest medieval novel. Did they know each other in a past life? They are thrust together by Lord Stafford’s unwanted advances on Elizabeth, and as the lord swears he’ll bring Rand to justice. The imprisoned couple must use their wits to evade the noose! (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 400 pp., $7.99)

COWBOY FEVER (ISBN 9781402251412)
by Joanne Kennedy
Genre: General Contemporary Romance, Contemporary Romance
Sensuality: MILD
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

A good old-fashioned cowboy romance! Kennedy has the genre down pat with romance, intrigue, danger and some truly laugh-out-loud moments. The villain and corresponding mystery are a little silly and a bit predictable. However, it’s all in the name of good fun. This is a book that just makes you feel good.

Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Jody Bryce, keeps her promises. When she promises her little town that she’ll come back and make Purvis a better place she means it. Now she’s back and intent on opening a horse therapy clinic to help patients with disabilities. If only Teague Tredwell would believe that she keeps her promises. Her childhood sweetheart sure has changed. Is he the same bad-boy, sexy charmer she used to know, or have they grown too far apart?
Teague has spent the past few years becoming someone better, someone worthy of Jody Bryce. Now she’s back and he just doesn’t know what to do. Can he convince her that he’s changed, that he’s worthy of her love? Or will she believe what the townspeople still say about him? (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 416 pp., $6.99)

A RACE TO SPLENDOR (ISBN 9781402222696)
by Ciji Ware
Genre: America, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: 1906 San Francisco
 RT Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

In her story inspired by the architect Julia Morgan, Ware depicts the race against time to rebuild a luxury hotel following the devastating 1906 earthquake, which left 250,000 people homeless. Meticulously researched, this richly detailed novel, whose earthquake scenes are so real that readers will believe they are witnessing the event, will enthrall. It’s a testament to San Francisco’s men and women and the oft-forgotten Chinese, who played a major role in their city’s history. Kudos to Ware for creating an unforgettable story.

Following in the footsteps of her mentor, Julia Morgan, Amelia Bradshaw returns from Paris with a degree in architecture to discover her father has gambled away her inheritance, the Bay View Hotel, to J.D. Thayer. Amelia is ready to fight for her hotel when the earthquake strikes and the Bay View, like its rival the Fairmont, is destroyed. Working on Morgan’s staff gives Amelia the opportunity to rebuild the Bay View — but she must work with Thayer. Not only is this difficult for the headstrong Amelia, she also faces censure from Morgan. Suddenly Amelia is working against her mentor. She strives to build a life against the backdrop of the ashes and finds herself needing Thayer’s support and the help of the Chinese workers. Drawn into new worlds and a changed city, Amelia learns to grow and trust her instincts, as well as the man who stands at her side. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 544 pp., $16.99)

DEMONS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND (ISBN 9781402254390)
by Linda Wisdom
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Sensuality: SCORCHER
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

Fireworks explode in this passionate novel by the inventive Wisdom, who incorporates a veritable potpourri of paranormal characters into this fast-paced tale. Humor, danger and steamy sex make for an exciting read. Maggie and Declan burn up the pages.

Although she is a premier enforcement officer for the paranormal Hellion Guard, feisty witch Maggie O’Malley is not equipped to babysit a recalcitrant teenager targeted as a sacrifice by some fanatical Mayans.
Maggie almost destroyed his underground club singlehandedly, but half- fire demon Declan isn’t one to hold a grudge, especially after he discovers they’re fighting the same battle. Initially Declan’s concerned with salvaging the club he’s worked so hard to build; he’s more accountant than demon. But when his sister becomes a target he jumps in with both feet. Teen Courtney proves to be a handful as she constantly gets into trouble, further endangering her life. Maggie and Declan begin a sizzling affair that almost gets in the way of their mission. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 384 pp., $7.99)

The April issue of RT Book Reviews will feature reviews of six of our April releases—including The Return of Black Douglas by Elaine Coffman and A Race to Splendor by Ciji Ware (along with the rest of our April romance releases)!

The April issue of RT Book Reviews will be sent to 70,000+ subscribers in the next week or so, and will appear on newsstands in March, but feel free to share these reviews now—they have been posted to RTBookReviews.com!

THE RETURN OF BLACK DOUGLAS (ISBN 9781402250743)
by Elaine Coffman
Genre: Scotland, Paranormal, Time Travel, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: Present Day and 1515 Scotland
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

Coffman’s exciting tale is full of action, danger, passion and drama. The characters are authentic, the action constant and the sexual tension always on high. A must-read for medieval and time-travel fans alike.

Anthropologist Isobella Douglas is touring Scotland with her twin sister after being jilted at the altar. She wishes she could meet a chivalrous knight or Mr. Darcy type, when a matchmaking ghost grants her heart’s desire. The twins find themselves in medieval times in the middle of a battlefield. Her sister is taken by a rival clan, while Isobella is rescued by Laird Alysandir Mackinnon. He is the embodiment of her dream guy, but he thinks she’s a spy. Soon Isobella wins his approval and loyalty, but what she wants is his heart. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 448 pp., $7.99)

ROCK HARD (ISBN 9781402245770)
by Olivia Cunning
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance, Erotic Romance
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

In the second Sinners on Tour Novel, lead vocalist Sedrick “Sed” Lionheart and his former fiancée, law student Jessica Chase, are reunited — with a bang. Readers will love the characters and enjoy their scorching love scenes and passionate fights.

Two years ago, Jessica walked away from Sed to attend law school and to prove she did not need him. Now she is working as an exotic dancer to pay for her third year of law school when she runs into him again. The run-in costs her her job and she winds up on tour with him, while she tries to earn money.
Sed is overjoyed to have Jessica in his arms and in his bed again, but he knows she considers the situation temporary. When circumstances keep pushing them together, they’re going to find out that they are destined for each other. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 448 pp., $13.99)

THE LANDLORD'S BLACK-EYED DAUGHTER (ISBN 9781402246319)
by Mary Ellen Dennis
Genre: Georgian Period, England, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: Georgian England
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

Based on Alfred Noyes’ poem, “The Highwayman,” Dennis’ novel reimagines the tale of the star-crossed lovers and incorporates a bit of the paranormal to heighten the suspense and the passion. The fast-paced and clean, clear writing style suit the adventure/ romance so well that you won’t mind the contrived ending.

Ex-soldier Rand Remington is done with war and hypocritical noblemen. He appears to be the perfect gentleman, but he is the feared highwayman who robs from the rich to give to the poor. When he meets authoress and innkeeper’s daughter Elizabeth Wyndham, she seems familiar. Rand haunts Elizabeth’s dreams as the knight in shining armor; he’s even the hero of her latest medieval novel. Did they know each other in a past life? They are thrust together by Lord Stafford’s unwanted advances on Elizabeth, and as the lord swears he’ll bring Rand to justice. The imprisoned couple must use their wits to evade the noose! (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 400 pp., $7.99)

COWBOY FEVER (ISBN 9781402251412)
by Joanne Kennedy
Genre: General Contemporary Romance, Contemporary Romance
Sensuality: MILD
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

A good old-fashioned cowboy romance! Kennedy has the genre down pat with romance, intrigue, danger and some truly laugh-out-loud moments. The villain and corresponding mystery are a little silly and a bit predictable. However, it’s all in the name of good fun. This is a book that just makes you feel good.

Miss Rodeo Wyoming, Jody Bryce, keeps her promises. When she promises her little town that she’ll come back and make Purvis a better place she means it. Now she’s back and intent on opening a horse therapy clinic to help patients with disabilities. If only Teague Tredwell would believe that she keeps her promises. Her childhood sweetheart sure has changed. Is he the same bad-boy, sexy charmer she used to know, or have they grown too far apart?
Teague has spent the past few years becoming someone better, someone worthy of Jody Bryce. Now she’s back and he just doesn’t know what to do. Can he convince her that he’s changed, that he’s worthy of her love? Or will she believe what the townspeople still say about him? (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 416 pp., $6.99)

A RACE TO SPLENDOR (ISBN 9781402222696)
by Ciji Ware
Genre: America, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: 1906 San Francisco
 RT Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

In her story inspired by the architect Julia Morgan, Ware depicts the race against time to rebuild a luxury hotel following the devastating 1906 earthquake, which left 250,000 people homeless. Meticulously researched, this richly detailed novel, whose earthquake scenes are so real that readers will believe they are witnessing the event, will enthrall. It’s a testament to San Francisco’s men and women and the oft-forgotten Chinese, who played a major role in their city’s history. Kudos to Ware for creating an unforgettable story.

Following in the footsteps of her mentor, Julia Morgan, Amelia Bradshaw returns from Paris with a degree in architecture to discover her father has gambled away her inheritance, the Bay View Hotel, to J.D. Thayer. Amelia is ready to fight for her hotel when the earthquake strikes and the Bay View, like its rival the Fairmont, is destroyed. Working on Morgan’s staff gives Amelia the opportunity to rebuild the Bay View — but she must work with Thayer. Not only is this difficult for the headstrong Amelia, she also faces censure from Morgan. Suddenly Amelia is working against her mentor. She strives to build a life against the backdrop of the ashes and finds herself needing Thayer’s support and the help of the Chinese workers. Drawn into new worlds and a changed city, Amelia learns to grow and trust her instincts, as well as the man who stands at her side. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 544 pp., $16.99)

DEMONS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND (ISBN 9781402254390)
by Linda Wisdom
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Sensuality: SCORCHER
 RT Rating: 4 Stars

Fireworks explode in this passionate novel by the inventive Wisdom, who incorporates a veritable potpourri of paranormal characters into this fast-paced tale. Humor, danger and steamy sex make for an exciting read. Maggie and Declan burn up the pages.

Although she is a premier enforcement officer for the paranormal Hellion Guard, feisty witch Maggie O’Malley is not equipped to babysit a recalcitrant teenager targeted as a sacrifice by some fanatical Mayans.
Maggie almost destroyed his underground club singlehandedly, but half- fire demon Declan isn’t one to hold a grudge, especially after he discovers they’re fighting the same battle. Initially Declan’s concerned with salvaging the club he’s worked so hard to build; he’s more accountant than demon. But when his sister becomes a target he jumps in with both feet. Teen Courtney proves to be a handful as she constantly gets into trouble, further endangering her life. Maggie and Declan begin a sizzling affair that almost gets in the way of their mission. (SOURCEBOOKS, Apr., 384 pp., $7.99)

Sourcebooks CEO Dominique Raccah is scheduled to be a guest tonight on The Mario Armstrong Show on Sirius/XM Radio (Channel 169) at 5:10pmET/4:10pmCT to talk about the launch of Fiske Interactive.

The Mario Armstrong Show translates technology to non-tech savvy audiences. Mario melds tech policy, Internet and popular culture, gadgets and gizmos, with commentary and stories on how technology impacts our lives, education, institutions, entertainment, politics, society and business.

Raising kids isn't easy.  Especially nowadays when everything is readily available. Predictably, your child is going to want it all, preferably wrapped up in a giant ribbon. Chances are, your kid is going to be just fine in the end, but how do you avoid winding up with a demanding brat along the way? This is where Dr. Richard Bromfield steps into the picture with his book How to Unspoil Your Child Fast.

The article highlights several of Dr. Bromfield's major tips:

1)      Prioritize

2)      Look into the future

3)      Look into the mirror

4)      Think and plan

5)      Commit

I found the third rule to be the most thought-provoking. Quoting Albert Schweitzer's "Adults teach children in three important ways: the first is by example, the second is by example, the third is by example," Dr. Bromfield draws parents' attentions back to who really is a kid's biggest role model in life.

To read more about these helpful tips, click here.

Shari Mezrah, author of The Baby Sleeps Tonight, sat down with NBC Daytime to answer our most important baby sleep questions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmX3x58YKWc

Have a question for Shari? Post your comments and questions here and Shari, The Sleep Mom™ will get back to you!

Valentine's Day is a day crammed with full of ideals, consumerism, and love.  Much of it is dictated by gender tropes that we still unwittingly adhere to at times, especially when it comes to holidays. (How many sparkling commercials for heart-shaped jewelry have you seen on television recently? Or the sudden onslaught of digital flowers for phones?) Maybe taking a second look at these dynamics is a worth a shot.

Check out Publishers Weekly starred review of Mari Ruti's The Case for Falling in Love and let us know what you think:

"According to Ruti, the leaky boat in the turbulent sea of romance self-help is that men and women are different; in order for women to attract men, these books suggest, women must hide their power, feelings, or desires and manipulate men into new ways of thinking. The Harvard-educated Ruti urges women to ignore this advice and redefine how they look for love, what they look for in love, and even why they look for love. Instead of using strategies based in soft science or "emotional intelligence," Ruti taps sources ranging from Lacan to "Gossip Girl"; women, she argues, have worked too hard in their careers to fall prey to 1950s gender tropes in dating. Women should outright dismiss overtly macho, insecure, or otherwise threatened men. Ruti's approach is both funny and thought-provoking, and she moves effortlessly between intellectual and popular sources to provide an extremely refreshing take on an overdone genre. The author manages to strike a superb balance between writing an excellent book for a genre that she persuasively critiques from a gender studies perspective."

Judith Ohikuare of Marie Claire has interviewed Mari Ruti, Ph.D. about The Case for Falling in Love.  The pair discuss Mari’s inspiration for the work, in addition to her views and some of the advice she shares in her book.

A major topic in the article is how our relationships are shaped by culture. Our perspective of gender, especially the view that men and women are two entirely different creatures, leads to many of the struggles we endure when it comes to love.

Mari wants readers to understand that the genders are more similar than they appear. Her tip? Watch TV.  Which ones? Gossip Girl, Glee, Bones, and others.

According to her, “…the gendering of the characters on the show is very fluid.” Guys feel love too. They’re not cardboard stereotypes, and these shows actually allow men to reveal their other sides to the audience. If you’ve seen the most recent episode of Glee (the Valentine’s Day special), then you probably noticed this. Mike and Artie adore their girls and don’t shy away from showing their affection. Finn’s coping with multiple desires and morals. Puck has fallen for a girl he never expected to like and is forced out of his comfortable, routine seduction tactics in order to try to woo her. There are also the driven women that Mari speaks about, the female characters who are allowed to “be sexually and professionally ambitious.” Just look at Rachel, Santana, and Lauren.

Do you think men and women are essentially from different worlds or actually alike? Have you noticed that sometimes fiction does a better job at communicating love than what culture tells you? Read the rest of the interview and share your feelings at:  http://www.marieclaire.com/world-reports/opinion/modern-theory-of-love

Fiske Interactive made its media debut this morning on the New York Times “The Choice” education blog (http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/11/fiske/ ).

Bypass the Bookstore: ‘Fiske Guide’ Goes iPad

For years, “The Fiske Guide to Colleges,” known as “The New York Times Selective Guide to Colleges” when first published in 1982, steadfastly refused to make the bulk of its content available in electronic form — despite the popularity of relative online upstarts like Unigo and College Confidential.

Fiske finally gets its digital makeover today, when the Fiske Interactive College Guide makes its debut in Apple’s App Store, where it can be downloaded exclusively to the iPad for $19.99.

Like its print counterpart — which weighs more than three pounds, lists for $23.95 and ranks as the most popular college guidebook on Amazon.com — Fiske Interactive draws on descriptions of (and data from) more than 300 colleges. It is the product of a longstanding research project presided over by Edward B. Fiske, a former education editor and writer for The Times. (Mr. Fiske, along with the guidebook he created, left the paper in the early 1990s.)

In its iPad incarnation, Fiske Interactive enables applicants to organize various lists of colleges that have caught their eye; highlight favorite passages (in colors that might differ from those used by a parent or counselor); upload key dates to an online calendar; and plan tours with a Google map function.

Dominique Raccah, the publisher and chief executive of Sourcebooks — which publishes “The Fiske Guide,” and consulted with Apple on the app’s 18-month development — said in an interview that she and her colleagues had tried to create the virtual equivalent of “sticky notes, turned-down corners and big check marks.”

In a separate conversation, Mr. Fiske said he was confident the print and app versions of his book could coexist.

“New technologies don’t replace old technologies,” he said. “They supplement them. Television didn’t kill radio.”

A Story Before Bed and Sourcebooks Partner to Give Away Bestselling Picture Book to Military Families this Valentine’s Day!

(February 10, 2011)—A Story Before Bed (www.astorybeforebed.com) has given away over 85,000 free recordable children’s eBooks to deployed and deploying parents in the U.S. Armed Forces. These stories, recordable and viewable on the online children’s book service, help keep families connected through long separations.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, A Story Before Bed is partnering with Sourcebooks to provide the bestselling picture book, I Love You More by Laura Duksta, and illustrated by Karen Keesler for *free* to their military subscribers.  The free promotion starts TODAY February 9^th, 2011 (ending Thursday, February 24^th).

I Love You More is a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for a child or a parent, and Sourcebooks and A Story Before Bed are thrilled to make a recording of the book available free to military families. Existing military subscribers can use their regular subscription code to redeem I Love You More recordings through the site. Deployed or deploying military families who have yet to subscribe to our service can head to www.astorybeforebed.com/military to apply for a free subscription.

Thanks to all the military families for their sacrifice and service. We appreciate everything you do and hope this lovely book will help bring joy and love to this Valentine’s Day.

A Story Before Bed (www.astorybeforebed.com) is the first and only service on the web that lets parents and grandparents record videos of themselves reading children’s books into their webcam. Kids can play back the recordings synchronized with the pages of the digital children’s book as often as they like in their web browser, and even on their iPad or iPhone via the free A Story Before Bed App in the App Store. The library currently has over 250 books for your reading and recording enjoyment and more are being added all the time. Additionally, A Story Before Bed won a Publishing Innovation Award at the recent Digital Book World Conference in New York City in the Children’s category.

Sourcebooks is a forward-thinking, independent publishing house with a passion for books and a dedication to the belief that books change lives.  We are committed to innovative publishing, where every book is personal and every author’s voice has a place.  We are a group of passionate, energetic and enthusiastic book lovers, and we are committed to helping readers experience each book.  Sourcebooks has over 70 employees, publishes over 300 new titles each year, and celebrates their success with 15 New York Times Bestsellers.  Sourcebooks is proud to be the largest woman-owned book publisher in the country.  Visit www.sourcebooks.com for more information, and check out the Sourcebooks blog.

Cover Vote Time again—let us know which covers you think would be best for our upcoming Georgette Heyer titles. Tell us what you think in the comments and remember to pick one cover for each book. I've included short book descriptions for each. Thank you! 

Sprig Muslin: Sir Gareth Ludlow is just about ready to settle for marriage with Lady Hester, a plain woman who falls below his standards—according to his sister. Despite her protests, however, Gareth sets out to propose marriage.  Along the way, he encounters young Amanda wandering unattended. Honor-bound to restore her to her family, the gallant Sir Ludlow finds he has more than he bargained for with his young charge and her runaway imagination.

Sprig Muslin 1:

Sprig Muslin 2:

The Toll Gate: Captain John Staple is bored by the constraints of civilian life. To shake things up, he takes an invigorating ride across the countryside. A storm forces him to take shelter at a toll-gate where the gatekeeper has mysteriously disappeared. The Captain stumbles into an adventure more thrilling than his days battling Napoleon. While searching for the missing gatekeeper, he inadvertently uncovers a smuggling operation, and his only recourse is to bring the villains to justice and rescue the enigmatically charming young Lady Nell from her unsavory relatives.

The Toll Gate 1

The Toll Gate 2

The Unknown Ajax: When a Yorkshire cousin becomes heir to the noble Darracott name and fortune, he pretends to be the country bumpkin they’re all expecting. Then a family crisis thrusts Hugo into the role of an unlikely savior, and the family farce begins to unravel. But not before Hugo establishes himself as the undisputed head of the family, and his beautiful cousin Anthea discovers she’s met her match.

 The Unknown Ajax 1

 The Unknown Ajax  2

A Civil Contract: Adam Deveril, Viscount Lynton, returns home from war to find his family in financial ruin. To help his family, he sacrifices his love for the beautiful Julia and marries plain Jenny Chawleigh, whose father is a wealthy businessman determined to marry his daughter into a title. Adam chafes under Mr. Chawleigh’s generosity, and Julia’s behavior upon hearing of the betrothal nearly brings them all into a scandal. But Jenny’s practicality and quiet love for Adam bring him comfort and eventually happiness. And over time, their arranged marriage blossoms into love and acceptance across the class divide.

A Civil Contract 1

A Civil Contract 2

We look forward to hearing your thoughts. Thank you!  

Kirkus reviewed the enhanced e-book of Let Every Nation Know: John F. Kennedy in His Own Words by Robert Dallek and Terry Golway in the publication’s upcoming February 15 issue.

“A well-made enhanced e-book that collects some 30 speeches by John F. Kennedy from January 1960 until the day before his assassination in November 1963…Readable and easily navigated and bookmarked—a first-rate introduction to the Kennedy presidency.”

An excerpt of The Case for Falling Love by Mari Ruti, Ph.D. has been featured at Jezebel. The main focus on the article is on a set of rules:

1. Stop trying so hard.

2. Stop being so cautious.

3. Stop analyzing your every move.

4. Stop expecting your guy to act like a caveman.

5. Stop apologizing for being strong.

6. Stop being afraid to have needs and vulnerabilities.

7. Stop running after guys who don't want you.

8. Stop looking for a guy without issues.

9. Stop manipulating the guy you love.

10. Stop regretting every false step you ever took.

11. Stop thinking of loss as a pure loss.

12. Stop trying so hard.

The Twelve Anti-Rules of Love have sparked multiple debates in the comments. Some users find them useful; others favor various rules and analyze the ones they disagree with. (One even posted a gif of the Tenth Doctor and Rose!) They share their own tips, duke it out and even recommend a 13th rule ("Stop looking for Edward Cullen. Sparkling chupacabras do not make good boyfriends").

Meanwhile, Rule 2 brought on the impulse to duck my head and nod slightly. I will admit to maybe having a tiny crush on a co-worker during the summer. Just maybe, mind you. We bonded over the chocolate selection at the vending machine. (Our favorites pretty much rendered us star-crossed lovers). It never went beyond that. Definitely a case where I should've abided by Rule 2 and been a little less cautious. (Smiling like a dope did nothing to help.)

What do you think of the Twelve Anti-Rules for Love? Are they merely common sense? Or maybe you find them helpful? Pick up a copy of The Case for Falling Love and head over to the article at Jezebel to join the already heated debate: http://jezebel.com/5748874/twelve-anti+rules-for-love

Emmy-winning sportscaster Len Berman joined Kathie Lee and Hoda for their weekly Who Knew?! trivia game on Wednesday. The topic was the Super Bowl!

Watch the segment: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29054368/ns/kathie_lee_and_hoda#41388535

Len's NY Times bestselling book, The Greatest Moments in Sports, was promoted during the segment.

The March issue of RT Book Reviews will feature NINE Sourcebooks titles in a variety of genres—romance, women’s fiction, historical fiction and YA!

RT Book Reviews is the top publication for romance reviews and news, and has over 70,000 subscribers, and can be found in most major bookstores.

Romance

IT HAPPENED ONE BITE (ISBN 9781402245077)
by Lydia Dare
Genre: Scotland, Paranormal, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: 19th-century Scotland
4 Star RT Rating

This novel is as entertaining and engaging as its witch heroine and vampire hero. Strong writing, a spunky heroine, a rakish hero and a supernatural plot combine to make this story a delightful page-turner.

Warrior witch Blaire Lindsay reluctantly accompanies her brother Aidan to the castle he has inherited in Scotland. Days after arriving, Blaire discovers and frees vampyre nobleman James Maitland who has been trapped within the castle walls for two decades by the magic from a coven of witches. In gratitude for being freed, James puts Blaire and her brothers under his protection, especially when it becomes clear that there is an unknown enemy targeting the family. In the midst of it all, both Blaire and James can’t hide their mutual attraction for each other and that makes things increasingly complex. (SOURCEBOOKS, Mar., 416 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed By: Melanie Bates

HIGHLAND HEAT (ISBN 9781402237393)
by Mary Wine
Genre: Scotland, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: 1439 Scotland
4 Star RT Rating

Readers will recall Deirdre Chattan from To Conquer a Highlander and be thrilled to read her story. Deirdre is a strong woman and it will take an equally strong man to tame her. Wine has created the perfect complement in Quinton Cameron. They fight just as passionately as they love while intrigue abounds and readers turn the pages faster and faster!

Deirdre Chattan is a tarnished woman living in the abbey where her sister is training to be Mother Superior. Quinton Cameron arrives looking for the queen, Joan Beaufort. Sparks fly, but there is no time to examine them, plus Deirdre doesn’t particularly trust the words of men. When the opportunity to help the queen arises, Deirdre accepts the challenge.
Unfortunately that puts her right into Quinton’s keep — and his arms. Their smoldering desires ignite as Quinton has the time to examine his feelings. They become lovers of her own free will, yet Deirdre is determined to help the queen and find a place for herself that will make her father proud of her. She flees but winds up a prisoner. Quinton saves her and brings her to his home where anger turns to love. But trouble arrives in the guise of Quinton’s former betrothed, who wants him back and will do what she has to get him, even commit murder. (SOURCEBOOKS, Mar., 380. pp., $6.99)
Reviewed By: Jill Brager

TASTE ME (ISBN 9781402246012)
by Tamara Hogan
Genre: Paranormal Fiction, Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Sensuality: HOT
3 Star RT Rating

Old lovers heatedly reunite in this thriller of a paranormal tale. The story gets off to a slow start, but the chemistry between the leading characters makes it a worthy read. The other supernatural beings are also interesting characters, and the female protagonist brings girl power to the genre.

Rock star and siren Scarlett Fontaine is finishing up an arduous tour when tragedy strikes. The danger soon ratchets up to a matter of life or death, so Lukas Sebastiani is assigned to protect her. But he finds himself distracted by the young woman he desires so much. Scarlett and Lukas must trust their instincts, and their passion for one another, if they are to survive. (SOURCEBOOKS, Mar., 384 pp., $6.99)

TYLER (ISBN 9781402243752)
by C.H. Admirand
Genre: General Contemporary Romance, Contemporary Romance
Sensuality: HOT
3 Star RT Rating

The passion between the two main characters is electrifying and their need to be consumed with each other will leave readers panting. Though this story is steamy, there are some elements missing. There is an emphasis on the hero’s profession, but not enough detail about what being a cowboy is all about. The heroine is afraid to trust men after her past relationships, but there is no description of her history to support her distrust. The story seems to focus primarily on the relationship, with a couple of conflicts added as an afterthought.

When Tyler Garahan is in danger of losing his family’s ranch, he decides to do the unthinkable to save it: strip for money. Though there’s humiliation, along with the that comes a chance meeting with one of the club’s owners, Emily Langley. The fiery redhead and the overprotective cowboy engage in an affair whose passion catches them both off guard. Add a conspiracy to shut down the strip club and an ex-girlfriend who refuses to back down and the pair has more than their insecurities to tend to. (SOURCEBOOKS, Mar., 352 pp., $6.99)

THE MISTRESS' HOUSE (ISBN 9781402241352)
by Leigh Michaels
Genre: Regency Period, England, Anthology, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: Regency England
3 Star RT Rating

Three novellas based on the inhabitants of Number 5 hold their own charm. Readers will quickly discover that Michaels, longtime Harlequin author, maintains the formula and creates three stories with similarities that wear thin. Yet the sweetness and appeal of these short love stories holds a certain delight.

When he needs a quiet, unobtrusive home for his mistress, Lord Hawthorne finds Number 5 Upper Seymour Street to be perfect. Then he meets Anne Keighley, who wants him to ruin her. She knows how her mama is plotting to get her into a compromising situation and force her into marriage. She would be the ideal resident for the house. Neither counts on falling in love.
When her friend Lady Felicity needs a place to stay Anne gives her Number 5 and she too finds love in the unlikeliest places with Richard, Lord Colford. All Felicity wants is a child and Richard is her choice for father, though he might not agree until each realizes the smoldering passion beneath their relationship.
Lady Georgiana just has to get away from her guardian’s marriage schemes so she runs off to London to find her other guardian Lord Hawthorne. There she meets Julian, an ex-soldier and Thorne’s friend. Somehow the little minx is going to get him to propose marriage — or something else. (SOURCEBOOKS, Feb., 300 pp., $7.99)

Women’s Fiction

STAYING AT DAISY'S (ISBN 9781402243844)
by Jill Mansell
Genre: General Contemporary Romance, Contemporary Romance
Sensuality: MILD
4 Star RT Rating

In Mansell’s latest novel, love is the best houseguest of all. Daisy, the manager of the inn owned by her father, is not looking for love, but Dev is not giving up that easily. He will have to resort to moving in to the inn to make his case. Daisy and Dev are wonderful, charming, stubborn people and they are surrounded by a well-written cast of unique characters. The couples will have readers taking bets on their favorites.
 
Insanity commences at Colworth Manor when a prestigious wedding brings an obnoxious best man, Dev Tyzak, into innkeeper Daisy MacLean’s life. She is annoyed and frustrated, while Dev is intrigued by the cool blonde with the snotty air. The year before, Daisy was easing herself out of a marriage to her charming — and cheating — spouse and she has no intentions of getting involved with another charmer.
Dev’s fascination with Daisy doesn’t decrease when her old boyfriend comes to town. Instead, he turns up the heat, hoping to prove to Daisy that she should be with him. As their relationship evolves, Daisy will have to decide if she is brave enough to take the next step. (SOURCEBOOKS, Mar., 512 pp., $14.00)
Reviewed By: Sabrina Cooper

Historical Fiction

TO DEFY A KING (ISBN 9781402250897)
by Elizabeth Chadwick
Genre: Medieval, England, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: Medieval England
4 ½ Star RT Rating, Top Pick of the Month

It is no surprise that Chadwick is one of the most respected authors of medieval historical novels. Her keen sense of time and place, her three-dimensional characters, detailed and vibrant descriptions and heart-pounding plots carry readers from first page to last and leave them wanting more.

Spirited, rebellious Mahelt Marshal lives an envied life as the daughter to one of England’s most powerful men, but when King John believes William Marshal is against him her life changes. Her brothers become John’s hostages, and she is quickly wed to Hugh Bigod son of the Earl of Norfolk. She and Hugh forge a strong marriage based on love and respect, but her father-in-law finds Mahelt far too outspoken and fears her unruly nature will be the family’s ruin. When King John begins making demands on the Bigods, Mahelt and Hugh’s marriage is threatened. But she is not a woman to fall in fear of a ruthless, arrogant king. Once a rebellious child she is now a powerful woman determined to see England free of John’s autocratic rule. She is also a woman who wants to hold her marriage together, and she must learn how to be a wife, mother and leader. (SOURCEBOOKS, Mar., 544 pp., $14.99)

SINS OF THE HOUSE OF BORGIA (ISBN 9781402259630)
by Sarah Bower
Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance
Sensuality: HOT
Setting: Renaissance Italy
4 ½ Star RT Rating, Top Pick of the Month

Bower brilliantly merges history with politics and convincing characters to draw readers into a lush and colorful tapestry of Renaissance life. This richly satisfying and fulfilling novel tugs at the heart as readers empathize with the heroine and come to understand the joy and pain of love. This powerful piece of fiction ranks with some of the finest of the genre; dazzling in backdrop and glimmering like the Borgia’s jewels.

A Jewess converted to Catholicism, La Violante becomes a lady in waiting to Lucrezia Borgia and follows her lady when she marries Alphonso d’Este, Duke of Ferrara. Before La Violante leaves she meets Lucrezia’s brother, Cesare, and knows in an instant that her fate is somehow tied to his. Know as cruel and ruthless he is also handsome, dashing and sensual. Though she realizes how dangerous a liaison with Cesare can be, La Violante cannot resist the sensual pull Cesare has over her. Their passion results in a child that is taken from her in a betrayal that nearly breaks her. But La Violante remains loyal until she discovers the shocking truth of how she has been used by those she loved and trusted. (SOURCEBOOKS, Mar., 544 pp., $14.99)

Young Adult
BEAUTIFUL DEAD: SUMMER (ISBN 9781402239465)
by Eden Maguire
Genre: Paranormal, Young Adult
4 Star RT Rating

Certainly Maguire’s best offering to date, full of creepy twists and turns and a thankfully unpredictable finish — more enjoyable than previous series offerings. Full of the author’s signature beautiful descriptions and dark imagery, Darina’s relationship with her undead boyfriend becomes increasingly poignant. Another welcome departure from past books: Darina’s rebel-without-a-cause persona softens considerably, making her more likable.

Since she solved Arizona’s drowning, Darina has been waiting to be reunited with the Beautiful Dead. She’s eager to help Summer solve the mystery behind the mall shoot-out that killed her, and to spend time with her boyfriend, Phoenix. Darina faces the restrictions of the undead overlord as she struggles to follow leads that turn up empty. Once again, Darina must take drastic measures to save her friend’s immortal soul and prove her loyalty to the Beautiful Dead. (SOURCEBOOKS FIRE, Mar., 288 pp., $8.99, ISBN: 9781402239465, PB, 12 & Up)