Highly-Rated Women’s Fiction
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on May 4, 2021
Women’s Fiction can range from flirty, fun and humorous to heartfelt and deeply emotional. Today we’ve rounded up 5 women’s fiction novels that were highly rated by Hidden Gems ARC readers recently. You’ll absolutely want to add these to your TBR list no matter what mood you’re in. Under the Light of the Italian Moon by Jennifer Anton Over 650 reviews and an almost unheard of average 4.7 star rating on Amazon is reason enough to pick this one up. Spanning over two decades, Under the Light of the Italian Moon is an epic, emotional and triumphant tale of one woman’s incredible resilience during the rise of fascism and Italy’s collapse into WWII. Fans of Elena Ferrante’s novels, Beneath A Scarlet Sky, All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale and The Tattooist of Auschwitz will enjoy this Italian saga about strong women, survival and love. “I was immersed… Read More >
Author Interview Round Up
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on April 27, 2021
Every now and again we have the opportunity to interview the writers that bring fantastic stories to your eReaders. From debut authors, to seasoned pros we’ve enjoyed getting to know these folks and learning about their inspiration and lives outside of writing. Today we’re pleased to bring you a round-up of our 2021 interviews thus far, so you can find your next favorite author! With well over 1 million books published every year, according to Bowker, self-published and traditionally published authors alike face a lot of competition to be seen. Authors are faced with far more decisions than simply if their book will end in a happily-ever-after. Their brand, their books, are a small business. A small business that must make not only creative choices such as cover design and blurb copy, but also marketing and advertising decisions. Through the Hidden Gems ARC program, we’ve introduced readers to books in… Read More >
5 Popular Romance Novels to Read This Spring
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on April 20, 2021
Romance is the most popular genre in the Hidden Gems ARC program and our readers know that no two love stories are the same, so they devour new books every chance they get. Today we’ve rounded up five new releases that have been wildly popular with our readers. You’ll absolutely want to add these romance novels to your TBR list this spring. Balls to the Wall by April Canavan With over 150 Amazon reviews and a notable 4.5 star average rating, Balls to the Wall is the first book in the Birch Police Department series. If you love stories about second chances and coming clean, this is the romance novel for you. “Within 5 minutes I had tears streaming down my face and a box of tissues, and it was not the only time I needed one,” writes Emily in her 5-star review. “This book was a roller-coaster of… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Alexa Padgett
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on April 13, 2021
Today’s interview is with USA Today Bestselling Author Alexa Padgett. She writes contemporary romance, mystery and fantasy and her books have garnered accolades from prestigious organizations, including Kirkus Reviews, National Indie Excellence Awards, and Publishers Weekly. It was an absolute pleasure to get to know more about her writing style, life outside of writing and upcoming projects! HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? AP: I write deep stories about real people. Some of my books are angsty, some are emotional, all are about family, acceptance, and growth. I love all the feels. HG: Fantastic! What feeling do you want to leave people with when they finish one of your novels? AP: I want people to feel emotionally complete. We’ve all experienced setbacks, heartbreak, grief, frustration, anger…. I read so that I have a safe place to feel those emotions but also because I… Read More >
5 Self-Help Books for Personal Growth
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on April 6, 2021
According to Wikipedia, a self-help book is one that is written with the intention to instruct its readers on solving personal problems. They are also known and classified under self-improvement. There’s absolutely a self-help book out there for you and depending on your own personal growth goals, one of these Hidden Gems ARC reader favorites may be the one you’ve been looking for. Check out this round up and get started today! Mindful Eating For Lasting Weight-Loss by Simone Clark In Mindful Eating for Lasting Weight Loss, you’ll learn how to use mindful eating to achieve a balanced relationship with food. Simone Clark teaches readers how to tell the difference between emotional and physical hunger, as well as tips and tricks to make sure your mindful eating journey is a success. “This book is my personal coach to better eating,” writes Lourdes in their 5-star review. “Everyone needs to… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Beth Carter
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 30, 2021
Today’s interview feature is with Hidden Gems reader favorite, Beth Carter. Beth is a multi-award-winning author of women’s fiction, contemporary romance, romantic comedy and children’s picture books. It was an honor to chat with her about her path to writing, the advice she has for aspiring authors and to learn more about her life outside of writing. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? BC: For many years, I worked in corporate America (in education, banking, and healthcare) and was a single mom. At age fifty, I shed my suits and heels and decided to pen my first novel. I had taken many creative writing classes in college, but was at a loss as to how to begin the publishing journey. I joined three local writers’ groups, took a six-week course, “How to Write Your First Novel,” at a community college, attended… Read More >
5 Young Adult Books To Read in 2021
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 23, 2021
In case you hadn’t heard, young adult books aren’t just for young adults anymore. Readers of all ages enjoy this genre which can encompass contemporary, fantasy, romance, mystery or whatever elements you enjoy reading. Today we’ve rounded up 5 popular YA books that our Hidden Gems readers gave glowing reviews to, making them stories you must read this year! The Healing Room by Michaela James An unlikely choice for a Nanny, 17-year-old Bronwyn’s world is changed forever when her mysterious employer accepts an invite to The Healing Room. Bronwyn questions the motives behind the heaven like room. Is it truly a portal to another dimension, or something deeply sinister? Perfect for fans of YA that can appreciate a high concept mystery. “I really, really enjoyed this story,” writes K. Meador in their 5-star review. “Bronwyn, a 17 yr, caught and held my attention throughout this story. She was at… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Kait Nolan
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 16, 2021
Today’s author interview is with RITA Award-winning romance author Kait Nolan. Kait’s small-town contemporary romance novels are bingeworthy and always devoured by her adoring readers. We were honored to have the opportunity to interview Kait and to learn more about her writing process and what her path to becoming an author looked like. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? KN: I write sassy, small-town, oh-so-Southern stories with strong women, lots of heart, occasional tears, and plenty of feel good along the way. HG: Lovely! Tell us about your path to becoming an author. Was it always your dream job? KN: I mean, after I decided against astronaut and found out I have zero skill as an artist (my art teacher once kindly said that my style was reminiscent of Picasso rather than telling eight-year-old me that my sense of perspective… Read More >
5 Popular Page Turning Thrillers
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 9, 2021
Twist and turns, bone chilling imagery, nail biting suspense… all the things that make a fantastic thriller. Hidden Gems readers have been fortunate to have plenty of suspenseful books to choose from over the past few months, and this is a round-up of some of the most popular and well liked page turners. Her Last Summer by Melinda Woodhall A celebrity author’s body is found floating in the bathtub of a luxury hotel suite. Can investigative reporter Veronica Lee uncover the terrifying truth behind the mysterious death before a cunning killer takes his next victim? With over 150 reviews, this fast paced mystery thriller is full of turns you won’t see coming. Roxx T., Vine Voice writes in their 5-star review, “Woodall has an intriguing premise here, and crafts her story well. Suspense runs rampant. What’s next? Who’s next? Her characters are interesting and engaging – even those who… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Stephen B. King
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 2, 2021
Today’s spotlight interview is with thriller author Stephen B. King. We were honored to have the opportunity to discuss his writing with him. Stephen often writes about the dark world of serial killers and it was absolutely fascinating to hear more about his writing process and inspiration. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? SK: As an author I write character driven stories. For me, that’s the whole point, and the aspect I work hardest on. If I can get you, the reader, to invest in my character, feel for them, even worry for them; then hold on to my hand tightly – we’re going on a roller-coaster ride. You may not like some of my characters, some you may even detest – especially the serial killers I sometimes write about, or Dave, the protagonist in Domin8, but I will always show… Read More >
