To play along, simply post your list of books, then visit Marcia at The Printed Page and link up your post.

Here are the goodies that the postman delivered to me this week:

Latin Grill: Sultry and Simple Food for Red-Hot Dinners and Parties, by Rafael Paloino with Arlen Gargagliano (photographs by Dan Goldberg) arrived from Caitlin at FSB Associates. Released this month through Chronicle Books, Palomino’s sumptuous cookbook made me drool as I flipped through the photos of gorgeous food. The recipes are inspired by Palomino’s native Colombia and include marinades and dipping sauces, appetizers, grilled meats, and desserts – a griller’s delight! I can see myself using this cookbook as the days grow longer and warmer. Rafael Palomino  was born in Bogota, Colombia and raised in Queens. He is the executive chef of Sonora in Port Chester, New York; Pacifico in New Haven, Connecticut and Center Valley, Pennsylvania; and Greenwich Tavern in Greenwich, Connecticut. Palomino also runs Pasion Catering. He has published several other Latin-style cookbooks. For more information on the author and his work, visit the author’s website.

The Lumby Lines, by Gail Fraser arrived from Caitlin at FSB Associates. The Lumby Lines is the first book in a series and is described in the press release as follows:

Nestled in the Northwest is a quaint little town that its quirky residents are proud to call home. With charming shops lining its one main thoroughfare, Lumby has the oldest apple tree in the county and the smallest bank in the state. And though it’s hours from the nearest big city, you’ll always find Lumby close to your heart…

Fraser’s small town series has been compared favorably to Jan Karon’s Mitford books (which I loved!). Fraser gave up a successful career in corporate America to become a full time novelist. She is married to rural folk artist Art Poulin who does the cover illustrations for the Lumby series. The couple is creating their own “Lumby” called Lazy Goose on 40 acres of land with a view of the Adirondacks and the Catskills. To learn more about Fraser and her work, visit the author’s website.

Caitlin was also kind enough to send me the rest of the books in the Lumby series. Stealing Lumby, Lumby’s Bounty, and The Promise of Lumby continue to follow the quirky and humorous townspeople of Lumby, all under the watchful eye of the town mascot – Hank, a pink flamingo who thinks he is a bald eagle. The fifth book in the series – Lumby on the Air is due for release in July 2010.

What arrived at YOUR house this week?

It is here that I share with you the books which have found their way to my doorstep over the last week. To link YOUR mailbox, or to see other bloggers’ mailboxes, visit Marcia today.

I had a fun week in books:

Without Mercy by Lisa Jackson arrived unsolicited from Joan Schulhafer Publishing and Media Consulting. This latest thriller by Jackson is due for release through Kensington Books in April 2010. Jackson is known for her creepy plots and creepier characters and has been called “the queen of  the modern-day suspense-thriller” by The Providence Journal. Without Mercy is set in the southern mountains of Oregon where a student goes missing at an elite boarding school. This one looks like an-on-the-edge-of-your-seat type read. To read more about Jackson and her work, visit the author’s website.

Magnolia Wednesdays by Wendy Wax arrived from Joy at  Joan Schulhafer Publishing and Media Consulting. This novel is due for release tomorrow through Penguin. Magnolia Wednesdays centers around a former broadcaster who leaves New York to return to her Southern roots after being shot in the behind on national television. At forty-one, Vivien Gray finds herself pregnant, jobless and in a dreadfully boring job in Atlanta – and it seems the only thing that can save her is a group of dance studio women. Known best for her humor and portrayal of women’s friendships, Wax has written five previous novels. Read more about Wax and her work on the author’s website.

I also received THREE books which I plan to give away in March for my Reading for a Cure event (want to be eligible to win these books and MORE? Visit this post):

First Daughter AND Last Snow by Eric Van Lustbader arrived courtesy of Tor/Forge. These are the first two books in the Jack McClure series (First Daughter was published by Forge in 2008, Last Snow was just released in February 2010). First Daughter introduces Jack McClure who is still grieving for his daughter Emma, recently killed in a terrible accident. When he is contacted by the President of the United States to investigate the kidnapping of the President’s daughter, he uncovers a conspiracy that reaches deep within the government. Last Snow picks up where First Daughter leaves off, but finds Jack traveling from Moscow across Eastern Europe and thrust into a global jigsaw puzzle of intrigue and danger. Van Lustbader is well known for his provocative thrillers and is the author of over 25 international bestsellers, including the last four Jason Bourne novels (the estate of the late Robert Ludlum contracted with Van Lustbader to finish the series). To learn more about Van Lustbader and his work, visit the author’s website.

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See (brand new trade paperback) arrived from Random House through their promotional book club giveaways (I also got a bag of chocolates … but I’m planning to consume those myself!). Since I own the hard cover edition of this book, I decided I’d add this to my giveaways in March. I really enjoyed this book (read my review) about two sisters from China who immigrate to the United States. Lisa See has published 3 mysteries, 3 historical novels, 1 collection of short stories, and a non fiction book. To read more about See and her work, visit the author’s website.

What arrived at YOUR house this week?

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

To join in the fun, tell us what books arrived at your house this week, then go visit Marcia today and give her a link to your post.

Here is what came to my house over the last seven days:

Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann arrived from Random House for a TLC Book Tour in May. Set in New York City in 1974, the novel “captures the spirit of America in a time of transition, extraordinary promise, and, in hindsight, heartbreaking innocence – awakening in us a sense of what the novel can achieve, confront, and an even heal.” Let the Great World Spin won McCann the National Book Award in 2009. McCann has published three previous novels, and two critically acclaimed short story collections. His work has been translated in thirty languages. To learn more about McCann and his work, visit the author’s website. I will be reading and reviewing this book for TLC Book Tours at the end of May while I am in NYC for the BEA and Book Blogger Convention – hope you’ll come back and see what I thought!

Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs are Getting Fatter by Ernie Ward, DVM arrived from Health Communications Inc. for a TLC Book Tour. I have never had a weight problem with my dogs, but fat dogs is one of my pet peeves (no pun intended). I love reading books about dogs, and this one looks really interesting. The blurb on the back cover reads: “With cutting edge science and ultra-practical tips, Dr. Ernie’s plan will help you give your pet the great health he or she deserves.“  Dr. Ward is is a practicing veterinarian who is dedicated to helping pets and their humans live healthier lives. He makes regular appearances on the Rachael Ray Show, and has been featured on Animal Planet, NBC Nightly News, and CNN.  Watch for my review of this book for a TLC Tour in April.

Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel arrived from Spiegel & Grau through a Shelf Awareness offer. Martel is best known for his Booker Prize winning novel Life of Pi. In Beatrice and Virgil, Martel examines the role of fate in the life of protagonist Henry who finds his life changed when an unexpected letter arrives in the mail. Martel poses questions about life and art, truth and deception, responsibility and complicity as the story of Henry is revealed. To learn more about Martel and his work, visit this website. Beatrice and Virgil will be released in April 2010.

What arrived at YOUR house this week???

To join in the fun, visit Marcia today and leave a link to your post…and visit other readers’ posts.

Here is what the postwoman delivered to me this week:

Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa arrived from Bloomsbury through a Shelf Awareness offer. This novel, set initially in the refugee camp of Jenin, is the story of Amal and follows one family’s struggle and survival over sixty years of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Called “powerful” and “richly detailed,” Mornings in Jenin is a novel which gives voice to the people behind the headlines. Abulhawa was born to refugees of the Six-Day War and moved to the United States as a teenager. Mornings in Jenin is her first novel. To read more about Abulhawa and her work, visit the author’s website.

Taking Charge of Your Own Health by Lisa Hall with Ronald M. Wyatt, MD, MHA arrived as a review copy from Scott Lorenz, President of Westwind Communications. This comprehensive patient resource guide has been published by Harvest House Publishers. This book centers around containing medical costs by empowering people to take charge of their own medical care. Hall suffered for nearly a decade with an undiagnosed medical condition (receiving thirty-seven wrong diagnoses from as many medical practitioners) before finally getting an answer and appropriate treatment for her condition. In her book she focuses on strategies for patients to assume more responsibility for their health. To learn more about Hall and her work, visit the author’s website.

What arrived on your doorstep this week?

Readers are invited to share the books that came into their home during the week. To play along, visit Marcia’s post today.

Here is what was delivered to my doorstep:

Chocolate: A Love Story by Max Brenner (with artwork by Yonatan Factor) was a win from a giveaway at Bethany’s blog Dreadlock Girl. This large, hardcover cookbook is full of all things chocolate (are you drooling yet), but that’s not the only thing great about this book. It is also filled with amazing illustrations by Yonatan Factor. So this is not just a cookbook but a book of art as well. Readers can shop Brenner’s online store (just in time for Valentine’s Day), or learn more about his work by visiting his website. Thanks to Bethany and Hachette Book Book Group for offering this book for give-away!

How to Roast a Lamb: New Greek Classic Cooking by Michael Psilakis was also a win from the same giveaway at Bethany’s blog Dreadlock Girl. I can’t wait to try some of the recipes in this book (like Beef Stew with Leeks, and Pan Roast Chicken with Lemon Potatoes). Psilakis also includes a personal narrative to accompany his 150 recipes. Learn more about Psilakis by reading this article on the Restaurant Insider, or better yet, visit his famous restaurant Anthos in New York City. Thanks again to Bethany and  Hachette Book Book Group for offering this book for give-away!

Making Toast by Roger Rosenblatt arrived from Ecco (an imprint of Harper Collins) through a Shelf Awareness offer. Making Toast is due for release later this month. This memoir is marketed as a “testament to familial love.” When Rosenblatt’s daughter (a doctor, wife and mother) suddenly collapsed and died from an asymptomatic heart condition, Rosenblatt (along with his wife Ginny) packed up their home in Long Island and went to live with their son-in-law and three very young grandchildren. Making Toast is the story of the years which followed. Rosenblatt is a nationally acclaimed author of 13 books, 2 satirical novels, 6 off-Broadway plays, and numerous essays for Time Magazine. To learn more about Rosenblatt and his work, visit the Wikipedia entry for him or drop by Harper Collins’ page for him and read an excerpt from Making Toast.

What arrived at your house this week?

This week proved to be another good week in books…

A Stain on the Silence by Andrew Taylor arrived unsolicited from Hyperion. This suspense novel is due for release on February 16th and is described as a “fast paced thriller [which] will keep you guessing until the very last page.” Set in London, the story centers around a man who not only discovers he has a grown daughter from an affair 25 years earlier, but must then deal with the revelation that she is pregnant and wanted for murder.  In 2009, I read Taylor’s novel Bleeding Heart Square (read my review) and I am interested to crack his latest book. Learn more about Taylor and his work by visiting the author’s website.

Life Sentences by Laura Lippman came to me from William Morrow for a TLC Book Tour. I read Lippman’s previous novel What the Dead Know last spring (read my review) and loved it…so when I saw that she would be touring Life Sentences at TLC in March, I could not resist. In this novel, Lippman once again tackles a cold case – this time the possible murder of a an infant. To read more about Lippman and her work, visit the author’s website…and make sure you come back here on March 3rd to read my review of this novel.

Then Came the Evening by Brian Hart arrived through a Shelf Awareness offer from Bloomsbury. This debut novel is set in Idaho and centers around Bandy Dorner, a Vietnam vet who is just being released from prison after 20 years. The book jacket reads: ‘With resolute honesty and restrained beauty, Brian Hart explores the hopes and limitations of his characters as they struggle toward a shared future, imbuing this deeply American story with the power of classic Greek tragedy.‘ To learn more about Hart and his work, visit the author’s website.

Between Me and The River by Carrie Host came to me from Lisa Roe…and I cannot tell you how touched I was to receive this book. Lisa is one of the most kind and generous people I know – and when she found out my sister was dealing with cancer, she decided to send me this book. Carrie Host’s memoir is the story of a journey through the devastating diagnosis of cancer at the age of forty. The book jacket reads: ‘[...] Host also recounts the many spiritual and eye-opening lessons that made her journey so bearable: how to see what is available rather than what is absent, how to free up energy to heal by letting go of anger and fear, and how to believe in the future.‘ Clive Cussler writes about this book: ‘A beautiful, tender story about a woman who is supported by friendships, love of family and dedication of doctors. The powerful, thought-provoking book never leaves you.‘ Thank you, Lisa – your thoughtfulness warms my heart. To learn more about Host and her work, visit the author’s website.

I’ve been in New Hampshire visiting family since the 7th, but my wonderful husband has been keeping me posted about what has arrived at my door in my absence. This week I got:

Impatient With Desire by Gabrielle Burton which arrived from Hyperion Voice via a Library Thing Early Reviewers offer. This book is due for release in March 2010. The book blurb reads: ‘In the summer of 1846, Tamsen Donner, her husband, George, their five daughters, and eighty other pioneers embarked on the California-Oregon Trail. During that ill-fated trip, early snows trapped them for over four months in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Almost half the group perished, and some resorted to unimaginable means to survive—making the Donner Party an enduringly fascinating episode in American history. Set during those long, snowbound months and told through the hauntingly imagined journal entries and letters of Tamsen, IMPATIENT WITH DESIRE is psychologically penetrating, dramatic, provocative, romantic, and intimate.‘ Burton is the author of a previous memoir (I’m Running Away from Home, But I’m Not Allowed to Cross the Street: A Primer of Women’s Liberation), a non fiction book about the ill-fated Donner party which also is part memoir of Burton’s travels west with her family following the same route (Searching For Tamsen Donner),  and another novel (Heartbreak Hotel). Read more about Burton and her work on the author’s website.

In An Uncharted Country by Clifford Garstang arrived from Marissa at JKS Communications. This short story collection was published in September 2009 through Press 53. This is a “linked collection [which] showcase[s] ordinary men and women in and around Rugglesville, Virginia, as they struggle to find places and identities in their families and the community.” I was drawn to the book because I like to support the small presses (which often publish wonderful fiction by lesser known authors), and also because of this quote from Pulitzer Prize winning author Elizabeth Strout: “This collection delivers on its title: each story takes us into an area—emotional and geographic—that we may not have been before. There is an impressive variety here, and Garstang’s ability as a storyteller is on display each time. These characters are real, vulnerable, and always, in unique ways, brave.” Garstang’s work has appeared in Virginia Quarterly Review, Shenandoah, Cream City Review, The Baltimore Review, and elsewhere and has received Distinguished Mention in the Best American Series. He won the 2006 Confluence Fiction Prize and the 2007 GSU Review Fiction Prize, and has had scholarships to the Sewanee Writers’ Conference and the Indiana University Writers’ Conference, as well as residencies at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts. To learn more about Garstang and his work, visit the author’s website. Garstang also maintains a blog called Perpetual Folly.

This week the post delivered some great books to my house:

An Irish Country Girl by Patrick Taylor came to me via Nicole and Wylie from Authors on the Web. I have long wanted to read Taylor’s Irish Country series, and although this is the 4th book in the series (published just this month through Forge), I have been assured it can stand alone. This novel centers around Mrs. Kinky Kincaid, the unflappable housekeeper who looks after the two frazzled doctors in the Irish village of  Ballybucklebo. This is the story of Kinky from 40 years previous – a glimpse into a young Irish girl’s life as a farmer’s daughter on the cusp of womanhood. Taylor’s previous novels have been praised for their vivid characters, hilarity and authenticity. To learn more about Taylor and his work, visit the author’s website.

I also received all three of the previous novels in the series directly from Forge. I have been wanting to read these for a LONG time, so I was really excited to get the whole series.

The Mayo Clinic Diet and Journal from The Mayo Clinic arrived from Anna, the senior publicist at FSB Associates. This book was just published through Good Books, and is packed with meal plans, tips for overcoming challenges, help in starting an exercise plan, and overall encouragement for success from the Mayo Clinic’s weight-loss and nutrition experts. Dieters can keep track of their goals and succeed with weight loss, by using The Mayo Clinic Diet Journal. I don’t read a lot of diet books, but I was interested in this one because I’ve heard good things about the Mayo Clinics previous books. To learn more, visit The Mayo Clinic Diet blog.

Small Kingdoms by Anastasia Hobbet was a “read it forward” book from Marcia at The Printed Page. I learned about the book on Marcia’s November 30th Mailbox Monday where she wrote: ‘Hobbet’s extensive knowledge of Kuwait’s people, customs and political landscape combine to make an immersive, authentic novel about Middle East life.‘ I love reading books set in other countries, so this one caught my eye – and the cover art is terrific! The book is being published this month through Permanent Press. This is Hobbet’s second novel. To learn more about her and her work, visit the author’s website.

Crossing the Gates of Alaska by Dave Metz arrived through the Library Thing Early Review Program. Released at the end of this month through Citadel, this non fiction book is described as follows: ‘This is the story of Dave Metz’s death-defying, breathtaking, and passionate journey through the Arctic outback. Driven by his lifetime reverence for the outdoors, Dave, with the help of his two beloved Airedale terrier dogs, embarks on a three-month epic of survival and astonishing determination that rivals the most daring world-class explorations.‘ There are some pretty cool photos on Metz’s Flickr account you might want to browse. This looks like a fun read.

Just Don’t Fall by Josh Sundquist arrived through Yen, the Assistant Director of publicity at Viking and Penguin. This memoir is due for release at the end of the month. Sundquist was a member of the 2006 United States Paralympic Ski Team in Turin, Italy. At the age of nine he was diagnosed with with Ewing’s sarcoma, a virulent cancer that eventually claimed his left leg. His book recounts the story of his life, including his discovery that being an amputee need not get in the way of his dreams. Watch for a guest post (here on Caribousmom) by the author in March, along with a giveaway of his book for those readers who are joining me this year in Reading for A Cure. To learn more about Sundquist, including videos and photos, visit the author’s website.

Books I bought which arrived in the mail this week:

Right before Christmas on the Sunday Salon, I posted about my most anticipated books of 2010. I wonder if one of Santa’s elves read my post…because one of those books arrived (to my great joy) just last week…

The Singer’s Gun by Emily St. John Mandel arrived from Caitlin at Unbridled Books. This novel is getting outstanding early reviews by booksellers. The novel revolves around Anton Waker, a man whose life is not as it seems: ‘Anton Waker travels to the island of Ischia, off the coast of Italy, and waits, for what he does not know. As his past is peeled back, layer by layer, we learn that he is not what he seems and that no one in his life is without a secret.‘ Mandel’s sophomore effort is a suspense novel of international crime, false identities, and the limits of family loyalties. Since Mandel’s debut (Last Night in Montreal) made my list of the Best of 2009, I am definitely excited to read The Singer’s Gun. Read more about Mandel and her work on the author’s website.

What arrived at your house this week? To share your mailbox, visit Marcia’s post today and leave a link.

]]> http://www.caribousmom.com/2010/01/04/mailbox-monday-january-4-2010/feed/ 10 http://www.caribousmom.com/2009/12/27/mailbox-monday-december-28-2009/ http://www.caribousmom.com/2009/12/27/mailbox-monday-december-28-2009/#comments Mon, 28 Dec 2009 04:07:06 +0000 Caribousmom http://www.caribousmom.com/?p=6130 Welcome to another edition of Mailbox Monday hosted weekly by Marcia at The Printed Page.

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Visit Marcia today to leave a link to YOUR mailbox, or to see other readers’ acquisitions.

I found only one book in my mailbox this week, but it’s a goodie:

One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni arrived from Hyperion Voice through a Shelf Awareness offer. Due for release in February, One Amazing Thing takes place in an Indian visa and passport office in an unnamed U.S. city and involves nine disparate people trapped together after an earthquake. Faced with their own mortality and ability to survive, they begin sharing one amazing thing from their lives.  “In disaster they will discover truth. In each other they will find hope.” Divakaruni is an award-winning bestselling novelist and poet. Her themes include women, immigration, the South Asian experience, history, myth, magic and celebrating diversity. To read more about her and her work, visit the author’s website.