Susie Orman Schnall grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Her writing has appeared in publications including The New York Times, The Huffington Post, POPSUGAR, Writer's Digest, and Glamour. She is also the author of the award-winning novels On Grace and The Balance Project. Susie has spoken extensively on work-life balance and is the founder of The Balance Project interview series. She lives in Purchase, NY, with her husband and their three sons.
A Golden Life (2024) Ginny Kubitz Moyer "Once I started Ginny Kubitz Moyer's A Golden Life, I couldn't put it down. A story about confronting the past and owning one's story, this novel is filled with enchanting period details, memorable characters, and an ending you won't see coming. Five gold stars for this truly entertaining read!"
Hotel Laguna (2023) Nicola Harrison "Rich in history and filled with captivating and memorable characters, Hotel Laguna grabs the reader from the very first page. It's a story of ambition and secrets, finding love and finding oneself, all set against the alluring opportunities of post-war Southern California and the fascinating spectacle of the Pageant of the Masters."
The Sunshine Girls (2022) Molly Fader "From the long hours and turmoil of nursing school in the sixties to the gritty and glamorous movie sets of Hollywood in the seventies and up to modern day, The Sunshine Girls takes the reader on a ride brimming with secrets and surprises around every turn. It's a story of sisterhood and friendship, and the intersection of the two. A heartfelt, soulful book that examines how little we sometimes know about the people we think we know best."
The Matchmaker's Gift (2022) Lynda Cohen Loigman "Loigman once again taps into her exquisite ability to create rich characters that take us into the past while at the same time telling a universal story about destiny, family, and being authentic. I got lost equally in the stories of both Sara and Abby and was charmed by their connection to each other as well as to their craft. With her trademark ability to spin a tale and the heart with which she does it, Loigman has provided her readers with a story they won't soon forget."
She's Up to No Good (2022) Sara Goodman Confino "You can almost taste the lobster rolls and smell the warm salt air in Sara Goodman Confino's latest, which will leave you smiling long after you turn the last page. When Jenna agrees to a road trip with her sassy grandmother, Evelyn, she never could have imagined how her life would change. Confino deftly weaves together two time periods to tell a charming and funny story of true love, second chances, and why we should always be open to new beginnings."
Angels of the Pacific (2022) Elise Hooper "Absorbing and fascinating, Angels of the Pacific is historical fiction at its finest. With characters to root for, a story that keeps the pages turning, and a multi-layered look into history of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during WWII, Angels of the Pacific is a story of sisterhood, resilience, and hope. Hooper's attention to historical detail and commitment to research is evident in every page."
The Lobotomist's Wife (2022) Samantha Greene Woodruff "In her stunning debut, Samantha Greene Woodruff explores the fascinating world of midcentury mental health treatments with deft attention to rich historical detail and memorable characters who carry the story with heart and heft. Woodruff has skillfully crafted a novel with an artfully structured second story line, a propulsive ending, and an underlying theme so relevant to the struggles of the modern day. I absolutely loved this novel and can't wait to see what she does next!"
The Family (2021) Naomi Krupitsky "Sweeping and consuming...with astutely observational prose and an insight into the importance of belonging and the meaning of family."
Both Are True (2021) Reyna Marder Gentin "Gentin deftly weaves a story of a complicated relationship with fascinating legal insight, exploring themes of parenting, love, and all the difficulties and nuances involved with both."
The Secret Stealers (2021) Jane Healey "Set against the fascinating and well-researched history of the OSS, Jane Healey has crafted a remarkable story of perseverance, friendship, and the adventurous spirit and bravery of women who were instrumental to the Allies’ efforts during WWII. This novel captured my heart while speeding up my pulse with its triumphs and tragedies; suspense and struggle; and ultimately, redemption, revelation, and reflection. Fans of Kate Quinn and Martha Hall Kelly will love this book."
Summer Darlings (2020) Brooke Lea Foster "A delicious romp through mid-century Martha’s Vineyard replete with movie stars, sun-drenched beaches, domestic discord, and fancy outings to the club, Foster’s evocative debut is like a delightful picnic basket packed with everything readers want in a summer read. As Heddy spends her summer caring for the children of a wealthy couple and navigating her own romantic interests and financial issues, she discovers truths we all need to learn on our path toward adulthood. Summer Darlings is about the human desire to strive toward something more, the reality that things aren’t always what they seem, and the strength a woman will find within herself when she listens to her inner voice."
Where the Forest Meets the Stars (2019) Glendy Vanderah "In Where the Forest Meets the Stars, Glendy Vanderah weaves a deft and poignant story with well-drawn characters, including clever Ursa. With an unexpected and heart-racing climax, readers will wait breathlessly to find out what happens. A beautiful story of love, resilience, and the power of second chances."
Trouble the Water (2018) Jacqueline Friedland "With compelling characters, a charming peek into Charleston society, a heart-racing romance, rich historical detail, and an epilogue that will have you holding your breath, Friedland has written a well-crafted novel that will stay with you long after you turn the final page."
