‘The Girl, The Ring & The Baseball Bat’ by Camille Gomera-Tavarez Cover Reveal

Here at The Booked Shelf we’re delighted to be part in an exclusive cover reveal to Pura Belpre Honor Author Camille Gomera-Tavarez’s forthcoming YA magical realism novel The Girl, The Ring And The Baseball Bat, releasing in Winter 2024!

Featuring 3 POV’s and told in 4 parts, it follows three teens from Jersey City who each have a magical talisman and how their tales intertwine, leading them on a journey of discovery!

Now without further ado, the cover (designed by Dotun Abeshinbioke) & thanks to Hear Our Voices for the collaboration:

Cover Designer: Dotun Abeshinbioke – Publisher: Levine Querido

Rosie: Capricorn. Does great in class. Wants nothing more than to get into the prestigious Innovation Technical Institute and kiss this awful school goodbye. Her talisman: a magical jacket from her mother’s past that gets people to do whatever she says. Caro: Taurus. Rosie’s older sister. Always been closer to their estranged father – and always butted heads more with their strict mother. A trip to Dominican Republic for her father’s wedding leads her deep into family history that clears up any illusions about her parents she’s ever had. Her talisman: a baseball bat that fixes whatever it breaks. Zeke: Certified Triple Pisces. Up in cold-ass Jersey City living with his aunt after his grandmother dies and his father moves to London to take care of his mother. He crushes on EVERYone – he knows he’ll find happiness in love, and maybe a way out of this depression. His talisman: a manifestation stone that will make anyone fall in love with him. Rosie, Caro, and Zeke – and their talismans – find themselves intertwined in a magical, hilarious, and whip-smart Outsiders for the modern day, written by Camille Gomera-Tavarez, a 2022 Publishers Weekly Flying Start.

Gomera-Tavarez’s Afro-Latinx YA novel has pitched her novel as a book set in Jersey City going from Queens, New York to the Dominican Republic, having family secrets, chaotic bisexuals, & more!

Known for her anthology High Spirits, this will be the author’s first full-length novel.

The Girl, The Ring & The Baseball Bat by Camille Gomera-Tavarez is set to be released February 6, 2024!

You can pre-order now or add to Goodreads:

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‘Lucero’ by Maya Motayne Cover Reveal

As of August 11, Maya Motayne, LA Times & #1 Sunday Times Bestselling author, revealed through Instagram the cover to the final book in her Nocturna Trilogy which is titled Lucero, slated for a late Winter 2023 release! The Booked Shelf team has been eagerly awaiting this finale and for those who have yet to read the series, here’s a brief summary as to what the first book is all about:

Nocturna is a Dominican-inspired YA fantasy that follows a sheltered prince named Alfie Reyes and a face-changing thief named Finn who find themselves teaming up to save the kingdom when a powerful magic is unleashed.

We at The Booked Shelf have been eagerly awaiting this release for a couple years and you can now see the full cover below:

Cover artist is Mark van Leeuwen. The Nocturna Trilogy starts with Nocturna, followed by the sequel Oculta.

Motayne shared in her post, “I started writing these books when I was 23 and now I’m 31. I can’t believe I’m finishing my first series, and I can’t wait to share it with you! The end of Alfie and Finn’s story is dropping this December.”

Since Oculta‘s release (2021), the release for the third Nocturna book had been given a placeholder date for Spring/Fall 2022 then shifted to an unconfirmed 2023 release, when a synopsis became available both via Edelweiss and the publisher’s website.

The thrilling finale to the #1 Sunday Times and Los Angeles Timesbestselling Nocturna trilogy—a sweeping and epic Dominican-inspired fantasy about a face-changing thief and a risk-taking prince who must save their kingdom in the final battle between good and evil magic.

In the aftermath of Sombra’s return, the balance between light and dark magic has been destroyed and chaos has broken out in Castallan and around the world. Sombra’s shadows have taken over to create monstrous versions of everyone Finn and Alfie love, and with war between Castallan and Englass looming, the prince and the thief must band together one last time—to save their entire world.

To stop the magical imbalance, they must find the stone relics of Sombra’s body before the god can unite the pieces and regain his full strength once more. But the laws of magic no longer apply, and with their own magic—and even the laws of time itself—drastically changing at every turn, Finn and Alfie are left on their own to stop Sombra and fulfill their prophecy before it is too late and the darkness reigns.

Will they restore balance to their world or will its light be gone forever? 

Lucero by Maya Motayne is set to be released December 26, 2023!

Author Interview: ‘Wings In The Wild’ by Margarita Engle

On The Booked Shelf today we’re in conversation with Margarita Engle, award-winning poet and author, to discuss her 2023 Young Adult release WINGS IN THE WILD, in which Kirkus Reviews said the novel contains “lucious verse and beautiful descriptions of the flora and fauna [bringing] attention to the impacts of the climate crisis and the urgent need for change.”

Engle’s novel published on April 18, 2023 and if you’d like to learn more about her environmental romance novel-in-verse, read below!

Can you share what WINGS IN THE WILD is all about?

Engle: WINGS IN THE WILD follows Cuban teen Soledia who comes from a family of artists who protest injustice through their secret sculpture garden. However, when they get into trouble Soleida has to flee for safety finding herself in Costa Rica, where she meets Cuban-American Dariel, a musician and the two slowly build a relationship. Together they use their talents to raise awareness over the imprisoned artists while also advocating for the environment!

Where did the idea for this novel come from?

Engle: The love story and environmental aspects came from my own emotions and my scientific background as a botanist who cares deeply about reforestation and rewilding. The aspect of artistic freedom emerged from repressive events in Cuba, as well as increasingly authoritarian censorship in the U.S.

As a poet and author you’ve written numerous novels in verse! What drew you to write in this style compared to traditional prose?

Engle: I used to answer this question with complicated reasons, but the simple truth is that poetry makes me happy. I love the musical language of verse. I find comfort in the rhythms and lyrical language of poetry. I’ve discovered that I can tackle difficult subjects in verse, without feeling overwhelmed, because poetry is such a gentle yet powerful refuge for emotions.

Your YA novels often explore points in Latin-American history, but more specifically Cuban history that are sadly overlooked or rarely discussed! What inspires you to tackle the specific moments you write about?

Engle: Usually, there is a family connection. In the case of Wings in the Wild, I have relatives who found refuge in Costa Rica. I feel empathy for the Cuban refugees who walk to the U.S. from South and Central America. I’ve also visited Costa Rica for my own reasons over several decades, to study rain forest botany, and most recently to research my new National Geographic nonfiction picture book, Destiny Finds Her Way, How a Rescued Baby Sloth Learned to be Wild.

Who are some of your literary inspirations?

Engle: As a child, I loved Versos sencillos by José Martí. As a grad student, Tomás Rivera was my creative writing professor, and a groundbreaking bilingual poet. Alma Flor Ada was the first Cuban American children’s author who inspired me with her memoirs. Dulce María Loynaz is one of my favorite twentieth century Cuban poets. Joy Harjo, Richard Blanco, Mary Oliver, and Ada Limón are some of my favorite U.S. poets who write primarily for adults. Established children’s/YA poets who now inspire me include Jacqueline Woodson, Padma Venkatraman, Nikki Grimes, Marilyn Nelson, Janet Wong, Juan Felipe Herrera, Jorge Tetl Argueta, and Laurie Halse Anderson. Younger poets whose work excites me include Elizabeth Acevedo, Aida Salazar, and Ari Tison.

WINGS IN THE WILD handles similar themes seen within previous novels but the focal point here is contemporary activism! Can you delve into how that plays a role in the story?

Engle: For decades, I have avoided any topics that might result in getting me banned from visiting Cuba. However, repression against artists and writers has reached such a drastic level that I feel the need to speak out. Censorship in the U.S. makes this need for freedom of expression especially timely.

Your main characters Soledia and Dariel are drawn to the arts. What did you enjoy the most about exploring their narrative arcs through art (painting and music) as part of who they are?

Engle: I grew up around artists, and I love listening to music. Even though poetry is my only form of expression, I feel linked to other arts through the music of words and the visual nature of metaphors. Artists, writers, and musicians can bring hope to people who feel despair. That is why authoritarian governments are so terrified of freedom that poets are often the first to be arrested under any repressive regime.

What made WINGS IN THE WILD a memorable writing experience for you?

Engle: It was a thrill to write the love story laced with scientific facts, climate activism, and a touch of magic realism. No matter how difficult a situation is, people still fall in love. No matter how devastated a habitat becomes, there is still hope for rewilding.

In reading poetry I often find that what stays with me after that last page is the imagery the author evokes in such few words. What are the memorable descriptions or images you enjoyed bringing to WINGS?

Engle: I really enjoyed writing about a magical guitar that attracts birds and animals. It’s easy to forget that musical instruments (and books!) are made from trees, but when we remember, there is a sense that we’re experiencing a timeless forest just by touching wood or paper.

What have you been recently reading? & Any YA releases you’re looking forward to picking up (either new or backlist)?

Engle: I’ve been searching for unique feminist poetry, rereading the equine images in How to Triumph Like a Girl by Ada Limón. I can’t wait to read Saints of the Household by Ari Tison. I’m always looking for Indigenous voices from all over Latin America.

To conclude, any other writing projects you’re working on right now?

Engle: My next picture book is Water Day, about water delivery to rooftop tanks in a Cuban town where pollution, climate change, and deteriorating pipes have eliminated the luxury of running water in houses. It’s beautifully illustrated with paper cutouts by Olivia Sua. My next young adult verse novel continues themes from Wings in the Wild. It’s called Wild Dreamers, and it’s set in California, with a love story about high school kids who strive to create wildlife crossings for protection of mountain lions. Once again, it’s a STEM book that blends scientific facts and a lyrical touch of magic realism. The gorgeous cover art is by Gabi D’allesandro, who also did Wings in the Wild and Your Heart, My Sky.

Note: after the completion of this interview PW shared in their Rights Report for March 27 that an additional project from Engle is a picture book about “a music-loving girl in 1930s Cuba who discovers the melodies in the world outside her window” slated for a Fall 2024 release with S&S.

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Author Bio: Margarita Engle is the Cuban-American author of many verse novels, memoirs, and picture books, including The Surrender Tree, Enchanted Air, Drum Dream Girl, and Dancing Hands. Awards include a Newbery Honor, Pura Belpré, Golden Kite, Walter, Jane Addams, PEN U.S.A., and NSK Neustadt , among others. Margarita served as the national 2017-2019 Young People’s Poet Laureate. Her most recent books are Your Heart, My Sky , A Song of Frutas, Light for All , Rima’s Rebellion and Singing with Elephants. Margarita was born in Los Angeles, but developed a deep attachment to her mother’s homeland during childhood summers with relatives on the island. She studied agronomy and botany along with creative writing, and now lives in central California with her husband.

Wings In The Wild by Margarita Engle is out now!

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Author Interview: ‘The Wicked Bargain’ by Gabe Cole Novoa

On The Booked Shelf today we’re in conversation with Gabe Cole Novoa, author of Latine YA Historical Fantasy THE WICKED BARGAIN, which Publishers Weekly has called a “swashbuckling tale brimming with sorcery” set during the 1820’s among the Caribbean.

The novel released on February 28, 2023 and if you’d like to learn more about this YA fantasy featuring a trans masc non-binary protagonist, read below!

Where did the idea for THE WICKED BARGAIN come from?

Cole Novoa: The short answer: I wanted to write about queer pirates

The long answer: I wanted to write about queer pirates and was inspired by a couple “deal with the devil” stories I came across while researching Mexican myths. It occurred to me that a deal with the devil story would meld nicely with a pirate story, and the rest all came together quickly.

What did you love most about writing this novel?

Cole Novoa: Something that was really special to me about this book was not only writing a trans protagonist, but writing a trans protagonist who uses they/them pronouns in a third person POV. This felt really significant to me because it gave me the opportunity to help normalize using they/them pronouns, and I hope people who aren’t used to using gender neutral pronouns may feel a little more comfortable with it by the end of the book. I also hope people who use they/them pronouns for themselves might feel seen in a way that’s currently somewhat difficult to find in books.

Were there any pieces of historical research involved in writing TWB that stood out to you during the drafting or editing process?

Cole Novoa: There was! I didn’t know a ton about the 1800s when I first began brainstorming the book, so I certainly did a decent amount of research around the history of the Caribbean and Latin America as a whole in the 1800s, the clothes people wore, food they ate, weapons technology they had, etc. I also read up on pirates which was really fun and I learned a bunch of cool facts! I think the most interesting bit to me was learning about the different strategies pirates used to steal from merchants—and how easy it was, especially at first, because merchant ships were largely unguarded!

The story is set during the 1820’s in the Caribbean! What was it like exploring this setting through a fantasy lens and what’s important to you when worldbuilding YA fantasy?

Cole Novoa: I’ve come to realize I really enjoy writing (and reading) historical fantasy because it asks me to reimagine a time period with, well, magic! This gave me an opportunity to shine a light on an incredibly important time in the Caribbean and Latin America’s history, while also considering what it might be like for someone with magic to live during such a tumultuous time. 
As for the second part of that question, whenever I’m worldbuilding with magic the first thing I think about are the rules of magic and how society is framed around that magic. In The Wicked Bargain most of society doesn’t know about magic (and those that do believe in magic think it’s evil) so that was a little easier in the sense that I took an existing framework and considered the dangers to someone living in that kind of society. Other times, when I’m working on a book where society is largely aware of magic, I think about how that magic would influence culture, development of technology, how people see the world, etc. It can be a really cool process!

Its always great to see more LGBTQ+ rep in fantasy! What did you enjoy the most about writing a trans masc non-binary pirate MC?

Cole Novoa: I really loved being able to write a trans person as a hero in a book that wasn’t about being trans. There’s nothing that I enjoy reading more than magical queers, and it was such a blast to write a protagonist whose experience with their gender and body was familiar to me having a magic-filled adventure.

In 3-5 words what can readers expect from THE WICKED BARGAIN?

Cole Novoa: Pirates, demons, magic, much queerness

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Author Bio: Gabe Cole Novoa (he/him) is a Latinx transmasculine author who writes speculative fiction featuring marginalized characters grappling with identity. Now leveled up with an MFA in Writing for Children, when he isn’t being nerdy at his day job, or buried under his TBR pile, you’ll likely find him making heart-eyes at the latest snazzy outfit he wants to add to his wardrobe. Gabe is the author of The Wicked Bargain (out Feb 2023), an untitled Pride & Prejudice retelling (Winter 2024), and the Beyond the Red trilogy

The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa is out now!

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‘Sinner’s Isle’ by Angela Montoya Exclusive Cover Reveal

Here at The Booked Shelf were are so honored to be sharing the cover to YA debut author Angela Montoya’s fantasy romance novel, Sinner’s Isle releasing Fall 2023! In this spellbinding tale, a powerful witch is held on a remote island, desperate to escape and a charming pirate prince finds himself marooned on the witch’s island home. Soon the pirate and witch are forced to work together to outwit their enemies, but more importantly escape, before its too late.

Rosalinda is trapped in Sinner’s Isle, where young women known as Majestics, beautiful witches with dangerous magic, are both loathed by society yet coveted by powerful men who wish to use them. Under the watchful eye of her power-hungry headmistress, Rosa’s certain her phantom magic makes her most favored at this year’s Offering, a fiesta for the wealthy to engage in drink, damsels, debauchery and where Majestics’ powers are put on display…for the wealthy choose a witch to serve them for life.

Mariano, the Prince of Pirates, has spent his entire life sailing the high seas. That is until, the king’s fleet attacks his ship, leaving him marooned on Sinner’s Isle, with his late mother’s enchanted chain meant to guide him to his heart’s desire. Before he can loot the isle of its vast riches and be on his merry way, Rosalinda steals his amulet and holds it ransom. Her price for its return? Let her escape the Isle with Mariano before the Offering’s end. As they attempt to outwit each other and their enemies, the pirate prince has found himself a (brazen) bewitching headache.

Now without further ado, the cover, illustrated by Zarin Baksh (@nir4z):

Cover Illustrator / Artist: Zarin Baksh – Publisher: Joy Revolution (Penguin Random House)

Rosalinda is trapped on Sinner’s Isle, an island filled with young women like her—Majestics, beautiful witches loathed by society for their dangerous magic yet revered by powerful men who want to use them. 

For years, she has been kept under the watchful, calculating eye of Doña Lucia. Now eighteen, Rosa will be the prized commodity at this year’s Offering, a fiesta for the wealthy to engage in drink, damsels, and debauchery. That is why she must flee—before someone forces the vicious phantoms within her to destroy everything she touches. 

Handsome, swashbuckling Mariano has long sailed the high seas as the Prince of Pirates. Then the king’s fleet attacks his father’s infamous ship, leaving him marooned on Sinner’s Isle with only an enchanted chain meant to lead him to his heart’s desire. Instead, he falls into the hands of a brazen (although) bewitching headache—Rosa.

Together they must outwit each other and their enemies before the Offering ends and it’s too late to escape the perils of Sinner’s Isle

Told in dual POV, the novel can best be pitched in these four phrases according to the author’s tweet ft. a “Broody pirate with a heart of gold / Baddie witch tired of people telling what she can and cannot do / Blackmail & / Phantoms that can tear the world apart.”

Montoya’s Latinx fantasy romance is being released under the Joy Revolution Books imprint, through Random House Kids, a division of Penguin Random House Publishing. Cover Designer is Trisha Previte.

Sinner’s Isle by Angela Montoya is set to be released October 31, 2023!

You can preorder now and add the novel to Goodreads:

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What are your thoughts on this bewitching cover? 👀⚔✨

‘A Warning About Swans’ by R.M. Romero Cover Reveal

On The Booked Shelf we’re doing a cover reveal highlight from January 12 via Twitter for A Warning About Swans by R.M. Romero, her newest original YA fairytale novel in verse about a swan girl dreamed into existence who rejects her gift to escape to the human world in 1880 Bavaria. Romero’s novel is slated for a Summer 2023 release with Peachtree Teen!

Hilde was dreamed into existence by Odin and alongside her five sisters, they were granted cloaks that allow them to transform into swans. Each of the sisters has a unique gift, Hilde’s of which involves being able to lead the souls of dying creatures to the afterlife. Hilde meets a handsome boy with no inheritance by the name of Baron Maximilian von Richter. The two form a pact, she will manifest the riches he desires and in return, he takes her to the human world.

After learning about activities deemed fashionable, in response to her struggling to fit in the court of King Ludwig II, Hilde hires non-binary Jewish artist Franz Mendelson to paint her portrait (of which he does so with wings). As she feels drawn to overtime, Richter becomes more controlling. Then when Hilde’s swan cloak goes missing, Mendelson’s gift in painting the true nature of souls becomes her only hope in having it returned.

As of January 30 during the ALA Youth Media Awards, Romero’s 2021 novel The Ghosts Of Rose Hill was recognized as a Sydney Taylor Notable Book, for books that “authentically portray” the Jewish experience (according to JewishLibaries.org)

Cover artist is Daria Hlazatova.

Swan Lake meets The Last Unicorn by way of the Brothers Grimm in a dreamy, original fairytale in verse which transports readers to the Bavarian Alps.

Bavaria. 1880. Hilde was dreamed into existence by the god Odin, and along with her five sisters, granted cloaks that transform them into swans. Each sister’s cloak is imbued with a unique gift, but Hilde rejects her gift which connects her to the souls of dying creatures and forces her to shepherd them into the afterlife—the “Other Wood.”

While guiding the soul of a hawk to the Other Wood, Hilde meets the handsome Baron Maximilian von Richter, whose father was once a favorite of the king and left him no inheritance. Hilde is intrigued by Richter’s longing for a greater life and strikes a deal with him: She will manifest his dreams of riches, and in return, he will take her to the human world, where she will never have to guide souls again.

But at the court of King Ludwig II in Munich, Hilde struggles to fit in. After learning that fashionable ladies are having themselves painted, she hires non-binary Jewish artist Franz Mendelson, and is stunned when Franz renders her with swan wings. The more time she spends with Franz, the more she feels drawn to the artist’s warm, understanding nature, and the more controlling Richter becomes. When Hilde’s swan cloak suddenly goes missing, only Franz’s ability to paint souls can help Hilde escape her newfound prison.

A Warning About Swans by R.M. Romero is set to be released July 11, 2023!

‘A British Girl’s Guide To Hurricanes And Heartbreak’ by Laura Taylor Namey Cover Reveal

On February 2, New York Times and international bestselling author Laura Taylor Namey revealed through Twitter the cover to her YA companion / spin-off novel to A Cuban Girl’s Guide To Tea And Tomorrow which is titled, A British Girl’s Guide To Hurricanes And Heartbreak, releasing fall 2023!

Set a few years after Cuban Girl’s Guide, it follows Orion Maxwell’s younger sister Flora as she heads to Miami after the passing of her mother, in addition her family’s recommendations she apply to university and take up a larger role in the tea-shop business.

After escaping to Miami for the summer to visit her long-time friend Gordon and get away from her “hurricane” of emotions, Flora finds her heart conflicted when she’s also caught in the flashbulb of Miami Cuban influencer Baz Marín who also shares her love for photography.

A Cuban Girl’s Guide To Tea And Tomorrow has wrapped on filming for it’s YA adaptation starring Maia Reficco (PLL: Original Sin) and Kit Connor (Heartstopper), which initially took place in Yorkshire, England during August of 2022. No word yet on a release date or streaming service that will acquire the film from ACE Entertainment and TeaShop Films. Namey’s novel was also a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick during 2020.

Cover designer is Karyn Lee and illustrator is Andi Porretta.

In this highly anticipated companion to the New York Times bestseller and Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club YA Pick A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, Flora Maxwell heads to Miami to find a path for her future . . . and finds her heart along the way.
 
Winchester has always been home for Flora, but when her mother dies, Flora feels untethered. Her family expects her to apply to university and take a larger role in their tea-shop business, but Flora isn’t so sure. More than ever, she’s the chaotic ‘hurricane’ in her household, and she doesn’t always know how to manage her stormy emotions. So she decides to escape to Miami without telling anyone –especially her longtime friend Gordon Wallace.
 
But Flora’s tropical change of scenery doesn’t cast away her self-doubt. When it comes to university, she has no idea which passions she should follow. That’s also true in romance. Flora’s summer abroad lands her in the flashbulb world of teen influencer Baz Marín, a Miami Cuban who shares her love for photography. But Flora’s more conflicted than ever when she begins to see future architect Gordon in a new light.

A British Girl’s Guide To Hurricanes And Heartbreak by Laura Taylor Namey is set to be released September 26, 2023!

‘Up In Flames’ by Hailey Alcaraz Cover Reveal

As of January 5, Penguin Teen revealed the cover to debut author Hailey Alcaraz’s forthcoming YA contemporary novel pitched as a retelling of ‘Gone With The Wind’ titled Up In Flames, slated for an October 2023 release.

Ruby Ortega an “unapologetic flirt” finds that her life comes crashing down when the California wildfires devastate her hometown and destroy her parent’s business. In the aftermath and all seeming hopeless, Ortega takes on a resilient nature as she tries to rebuild in addition to helping undocumented people among her town, with the help of a mysterious boy.

Cover artist is Jeff Ostberg and designer is Danielle Ceccolini.

Gorgeous, wealthy, and entitled, Ruby has just one single worry in her life—scheming to get the boy next door to finally realize they’re meant to be together. But when the California wildfires cause her privileged world to go up in flames, Ruby must struggle to find the grit and compassion to help her family and those less fortunate to rise from the ashes.

At eighteen, Ruby Ortega is an unapologetic flirt who balances her natural aptitude for economics with her skill in partying hard. But she couldn’t care less about those messy college boys—it’s her intense, brooding neighbor Ashton who she wants, and even followed to school. Even the fact that he has a girlfriend doesn’t deter her . . . whatever Ruby wants, she eventually gets.

Her ruthless determination is tested when wildfires devastate her California hometown, destroying her parents’ business and causing an unspeakable tragedy that shatters her to her core. Suddenly, Ruby is the head of the family and responsible for its survival, with no income or experience to rely on. Rebuilding seems hopeless, but with the help of unexpected allies—including a beguiling, dark-eyed boy who seems to understand her better than anyone—Ruby has to try. When she discovers that the fires also displaced many undocumented people in her town, it becomes even more imperative to help. And if she has to make hard choices along the way, can anyone blame her?

Up In Flames by Hailey Alcaraz is set to be released October 3, 2023!

‘Always Isn’t Forever’ by J.C. Cervantes Cover Reveal

On September 8, the Penguin Teen Blog revealed the cover to NYT Bestselling author J.C. Cervantes’s forthcoming 2023 YA romance titled Always Isn’t Forever.

Following two best friends who’ve known one another since they were six years old, Hart Agusto and Ruby Armenta are soulmates, ready to take on senior year together. However, Hart drowns tragically in a boating accident. As Ruby struggles to move on, Hart does too and due to some divine intervention, Hart’s soul transfers to the body of a local bad boy.

As posted on her Instagram Cervantes shared that her second Young Adult novel will feature her favorite trope which she calls “sandbox love” in addition to “tragedy, grief, shattered worlds, glimpses of the afterlife, rock star angels, but most of all a depth of love so rare it might break your heart.”

Cover illustrator is Karmen Loh and designer is Kristie Radwilowicz.

Best friends and soul mates since they were kids, Hart Augusto and Ruby Armenta were poised to take on senior year together when Hart tragically drowns in a boating accident. Absolutely shattered, Ruby struggles to move on from the person she knows was her forever love.

Hart can’t let go of Ruby either…. Due to some divine intervention, he’s offered a second chance. Only it won’t be as simple as bringing him back to life—instead, Hart’s soul is transferred to the body of local bad boy.

When Hart returns to town as Jameson, he realizes that winning Ruby back will be more challenging than he’d imagined. For one, he’s forbidden from telling Ruby the truth. And with each day he spends as Jameson, memories of his life as Hart begin to fade away.

Though Ruby still mourns Hart, she can’t deny that something is drawing her to Jameson. As much as she doesn’t understand the sudden pull, it can’t be ignored. And why does he remind her so much of Hart? Desperate to see if the connection she feels is real, Ruby begins to open her heart to Jameson—but will their love be enough to bridge the distance between them?

Always Isn’t Forever by J.C. Cervantes is set to be released June 6, 2023!

‘A Cuban Girl’s Guide To Tea & Tomorrow’ Film Adaptation In Development

On August 16, Deadline reported exclusively that Laura Taylor Namey’s 2020 NYT Bestselling romance novel A Cuban Girl’s Guide To Tea And Tomorrow is getting adapted into a film through ACE Entertainment, with a cast already attached and production launched in Yorkshire, England.

Taylor Namey’s novel follows baker Lila Reyes who never planned to spend a summer in England. However, a series of events primarily including the loss of her grandmother, her parents worry about her mental health deciding it’s best to spend time away from the family’s Cuban panadería to stay at her aunt’s inn located in Winchester, England for a much needed reset. From Miami to London, she finds herself falling in love with the countryside, fusion cooking and a charming British tea-shop clerk named Orion. As she warms up to the charming English summer, she finds that food and her adventures, slowly heal her heart.

Maia Reficco will star as Lila Reyes, Kit Connor (Heartstopper) is set to play Orion Maxwell (according to Taylor Namey’s tweet) and Kate del Castillo has also been attached to star in the adaptation.

In her narrative debut, Katherine Fairfax Wright will direct the project, Khalia Amazan and Savion Einstein have been attached as screenwriters, alongside Matt Kaplan who will produce.

ACE Entertainment has adapted Young Adult novels such as the ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ trilogy and more recently ‘Hello, Goodbye And Everything In Between.’

Taylor Namey stated with much excitement in her initial tweet “So honored and completely over the moon to announce this news that took my breath away so many months ago…” According to her profile, she is also confirmed to be an executive producer on the project.

No other news was revealed as to release date or whether a streaming service will acquire the film. A Cuban Girl’s Guide To Tea And Tomorrow was featured as Reese’s Book Club pick in November of 2020.

For Lila Reyes, a summer in England was never part of the plan. The plan was 1) take over her abuela’s role as head baker at their panadería, 2) move in with her best friend after graduation, and 3) live happily ever after with her boyfriend. But then the Trifecta happened, and everything—including Lila herself—fell apart.

Worried about Lila’s mental health, her parents make a new plan for her: spend three months with family friends in Winchester, England, to relax and reset. But with the lack of sun, a grumpy inn cook, and a small town lacking Miami flavor (both in food and otherwise), what would be a dream trip for some feels more like a nightmare to Lila…until she meets Orion Maxwell.

A teashop clerk with troubles of his own, Orion is determined to help Lila out of her funk, and appoints himself as her personal tour guide. From Winchester’s drama-filled music scene to the sweeping English countryside, it isn’t long before Lila is not only charmed by Orion, but England itself. Soon a new future is beginning to form in Lila’s mind—one that would mean leaving everything she ever planned behind.

A Cuban Girl’s Guide To Tea And Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey is out now!