Title: The Stranger You Seek

Author: Amanda Kyle Williams

Genre: mystery, suspense, thriller, Georgia author, Augusta Literary Festival author, Yerby Award winner, takes place in Georgia

Source: Augusta Literary Festival/William Gray

I met Amanda Kyle Williams at the Augusta Literary Festival last month. She won the 2015 Yerby Award for Fiction for her third book Don't Talk to Strangers. I was able to get Ms. Williams' autograph for my personal copy of her first book The Stranger You Seek. Due to school projects I was only able to read a few pages here and there until last night. Last night after finishing my term paper, I went on a 3-hour fun reading binge with The Stranger You Seek and I wasn't disappointed!

Keye Street is a private investigator, process server, bail recovery agent and recovering alcoholic. After alcoholism ruined her career as an FBI profiler, Keye remakes her life in Atlanta. While working odd assignments Keye gets pulled into profiling a serial killer terrorizing the citizens of Atlanta. At first the Wishbone Killer's victims appear to have no relation to each other. Keye must use a mixture of her wits and FBI training to pinpoint the killer's motives and protect herself, her loved ones and the citizens of Atlanta. Throw in a few plot twists and tight, quick (but not too quick) pacing, and no-nonsense writing= one of the best mystery/suspense/thriller novels I have read in a long time.

For more information on Amanda Kyle Williams: http://amandakylewilliams.com/

For more information on the Augusta Literary Festival: http://www.augustaliteraryfestival.org/

Title: Isabella's Libretto

Author: Kimberly Cross Teter

Genre: YA historical fiction

I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Kimberly Cross Teter last week at the 4th annual Augusta Literary Festival. She was one of five finalists for the Yerby Award for fiction for her debut YA historical novel Isabella's Libretto.

Source: Augusta Literary Festival/William Gray

Source: Augusta Literary Festival/William Gray

Source: Augusta Literary Festival/William Gray

Isabella's Libretto takes place in Venice in 1715. The title character, Isabella dal Cello, is a teenage orphan who lives in the Ospedale della Pieta- an all-girls orphanage. This orphanage is special because the girls receive a musical education and play in a weekly orchestra directed by Don Antonio Vivaldi (yes, that Vivaldi). Isabella is a cello player in the orphanage orchestra and her dream is to play a solo cello concerto. 

Like most teenagers, Isabella has a bit of a rebellious streak- she and her best friend Catherine sneak out to watch fireworks. Of course they are caught by the all knowing and all seeing Signora Priora! Isabella's punishment is a unique one- she must teach a new resident to play the cello. This "punishment" turns out to be a positive growing experience for Isabella as she gains a new friend and further improves her musical skills.

Unfortunately, Isabella faces three hardships in quick succession (keep the tissues handy!) and must make an important, life-changing decision: will she marry or will she stay at the Pieta for the rest of her life?

For more information on Kimberly Cross Teter: http://www.kimteter.com/

For more information on the Augusta Literary Festival and the Yerby Award for Fiction: http://www.augustaliteraryfestival.org/