I'm thrilled to announce that Patry Francis's intriguing book The Liar's Diary is now out in paperback!
When Patry's book was published last year, I was almost as excited as if it were my own. I'd been hearing about The Liar's Diary, as well as appreciating Patry's enormous writing talent through her blog Simply Wait. We'd "met" through an online writer's group and I was impressed by how Patry was able to juggle her jobs as a waitress, wife and mother and still find time to write a book! And she hosted The Third Day Book Club. Most of all, I was inspired by Patry's brilliant writing.
Since that heady excitement when Patry's book was released and she was working on her second book, her life took an unexpected turn. An aggressive form of cancer was diagnosed. As one would expect of Patry, she faced the battle with courage, determination and fortitude. She writes about her experiences with grace and a lyrical beauty.
I'm one of more than 300 writers, bloggers and friends participating in The Liar's Diary Blog Day to help promote Patry's book, while she recovers from cancer. If you haven't read The Liar's Diary, you're in for a treat! It's a thrilling story that will keep you up late reading. In Patry's own words, "Though my novel deals with murder, betrayal and the even more lethal crimes of the heart, the real subjects of THE LIAR'S DIARY are music, love, friendship, self-sacrifice and courage. The darkness is only there for contrast; it's only there to make us realize how bright the light can be. I'm sure that most writers whose work does not flinch from the exploration of evil feel the same."
An excerpt from the publisher's synopsis of The Liar's Diary:
"Answering the question of what is more powerful—family or friendship? this debut novel unforgettably shows how far one woman would go to protect either."They couldn’t be more different, but they form a friendship that will alter both their fates. When Ali Mather blows into town, breaking all the rules and breaking hearts... she also makes a mark on an unlikely family. Almost against her will, Jeanne Cross feels drawn to this strangely vibrant woman, a fascination that begins to infect Jeanne’s “perfect” husband as well as their teenaged son.
"At the heart of the friendship between Ali and Jeanne are deep-seated emotional needs, vulnerabilities they have each been recording in their diaries. Ali also senses another kind of vulnerability; she believes someone has been entering her house when she is not at home—and not with the usual intentions. What this burglar wants is nothing less than a piece of Ali’s soul.
"When a murderer strikes and Jeanne’s son is arrested, we learn that the key to the crime lies in the diaries of two very different women . . . but only one of them is telling the truth. A chilling tour of troubled minds, The Liar’s Diary signals the launch of an immensely talented new novelist who knows just how to keep her readers guessing."
Watch a brief video clip here. The audio was produced by Eileen Hutton at Brilliance Audio, especially for this effort. Sheila Clover English, the CEO of Circle of Seven Productions created the video.
You can pick up a copy of The Liar's Diary at your local bookstore or order the book from Amazon,
Barnes & Noble or Powell's. Or you can buy the book directly from the publisher Penguin. Get a 15 percent discount by adding the book to your cart, entering the word PATRY in the coupon code field, then clicking 'update cart' to activate the discount.
Read the book - you won't be disappointed! And tell all your friends and family about The Liar's Diary. No doubt, they'll want to read it too!
The Liar's Diary Blog Day event was initiated by Laura Benedict and organised by Benedict, Karen Dionne, Susan Henderson and Jessica Keener. Visit Lit Park for a full list of participants. See what they have to say about The Liar's Diary!
That sounds like a fabulous read. I definitely will have to pick up a copy. Thanks for bringing this book and this woman's story to our attention.
Posted by: Carla | 30 January 2008 at 17:41
Thank you s omuch for bringing this to our attention1 I actually have a Barnes and noble gift and I will use it to buy the book! It sounds like it would be right up my alley! I have read some of her work on your blog and already know she is a great writer! Man..Ya gotta love the Bloggerville! You are such a great gal!!!!
Posted by: Pam Aries | 30 January 2008 at 17:14
Wonderful post, Tara!
I gave Patry's book for Christmas gifts to two aunts. One of them has picked it for her book club book. And just in time for the paper back. ;)
Add my well wishes and prayers to yours, and everyone's. Fight on Patry!
:)
Posted by: amber | 30 January 2008 at 16:51
Sounds fabulous
Posted by: Jeanne | 30 January 2008 at 12:09
Hi Tara....thank you for promoting the book and will most definately buy Patry's book and read it.
Posted by: awareness | 30 January 2008 at 10:45
wow! must read for me- Thanks for the heads-up Tara...I'm otherwise oblivious to stuff* I thank God for you! Xo
Posted by: apt. a {berriehead} | 30 January 2008 at 04:11
Thanks for reminding me of this Tara! I've posted about it here (http://ravenousreader.wordpress.com/2008/01/30/the-liars-diary-blog-day-giveaway/), and am hosting a giveaway as well.
Posted by: Becca | 30 January 2008 at 02:41
I'm just bopping around the blogosphere today spreading the bliss for Patry. How wonderful to see how far the bliss is spreading.
Posted by: Carolyn Burns Bass | 29 January 2008 at 22:41
how exciting ~ can't wait to check out the book!
Posted by: studio wellspring | 29 January 2008 at 21:05
What a joyful way to celebrate a paperback launch. It is evident that Patry has many friends and admirers in blog land and I'm inspired by her -- not just as a cancer thriver, but as someone else on the journey of life. This is a must read on my list. Thank you so much Tara.
Posted by: Sherry | 29 January 2008 at 19:41
Thanks Tara for participating and telling me about her book.
Posted by: Brian | 29 January 2008 at 19:04
This sounds like a wonderful book, I will have to check it out, Thank You for bringing it to our attention.
Sandra Evertson
Posted by: Sandra Evertson | 29 January 2008 at 18:54
I've just checked and the paperback's not yet available in Canada,except for pre-ordering, but I've made a note of it -- sounds like a good read, something to reward myself with when classes are done in the spring. And what a special woman Patry must be to inspire this support from her friends.
Posted by: materfamilias | 29 January 2008 at 17:13
Tara, wonderful post here promoting your friend, I'm going to get the book. I briefly looked at her blog and was taken with her writing immediately. Going back right now....
Thank you for pointing us in her direction,
x...x
steph
Posted by: stephanie | 29 January 2008 at 16:44
Thank you Tara! Discovering the book and this also amazing woman!
Posted by: Caty | 29 January 2008 at 16:35
Just stopping by to say hello and enjoy this amazing day!
Posted by: Aimee | 29 January 2008 at 16:05
Just stopping by to say hello and enjoy this amazing day!
Posted by: Aimee | 29 January 2008 at 16:04
I will buy Patry's book. She sounds like an amazing woman and a talented one too. I will pray for her and her perfect health.
Thank you for helping her Tara.
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 29 January 2008 at 15:38
Thank you for leading me to Patry, I've never visited her blog, my loss. What an amazing woman - I quickly added her to bloglines and now I'm going to go over and treat myself to her book.
Posted by: kristen | 29 January 2008 at 15:06
I have just been over to her blog and what an amazingly brave woman. I shall certainly buy the book - if it's in the UK yet.
By the way after printing 1 sheet of linen with the gorgeous document on it - the printer is buggered. Oh well back to the drawing board. Be patient I will crack it even if it kills me.
Posted by: Di Overton | 29 January 2008 at 14:13