Here are new books from some of my favorite writers. I hope our readers enjoy them as much as I did.

Before the Storm

By Diane Chamberlain

Mira, 2008, $13.95

I can never put down one of Chamberlain's novels once I start reading. Maybe one day I'll learn not to open the book at bedtime!

Laurel Lockwood is the mother of two children, 15-year-old Andy, who suffers from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder due to the fact that she was drinking during her pregnancy, and Maggie, his older sister. Laurel, now a nurse, has pretty much gotten her life together.

She is over-protective of Andy due to his problems, but has started allowing him a bit of freedom. When a fire breaks out in the church as a youth group meets, Andy is actually credited with saving some people. The fire is determined to be arson, and then Andy comes under suspicion.

Meanwhile Maggie, who has always felt somewhat ignored by her mother, is involved with an older man.

I loved the characters and the story. Luckily a sequel is in the works. This book joins Chamberlain's "The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes" on my list of favorites for 2008.

Now You Know

By Susan Kelly

Pegasus, 2008, $24

This book has also been added to my 2008 favorites list. Susan Kelly is a superb writer.

This story of Frances and Libba, who maintain their college friendship until the end, is poignant and compelling.

After graduation, Frances married and had children. Libba lived vicariously through Frances, soaking up every iota of information about her life -- and using it over the years in her novels. Frances' daughters resent the relationship between the two women, not to mention the fact that their childhood and teenage exploits were often the basis of scenes in Libba's books.

After their mother dies, the girls find that Frances has left their mountain cabin to Libba, who asks them to come and get anything they'd like to have. This offers them a chance to get reacquainted with one another as well as to learn things from Libba that they did not know.

This book was another that I wanted to read in one sitting.

My only complaint is that Susan Kelly takes too long between books. I'm not sure when the next one is coming out.

On Account of Conspicuous Women

By Dawn Shamp

St. Martin's Press, 208, $23.95

Ina Fitzhugh, a young widow, moves to Roxboro to teach school in the 1920s. Guerine, Doodle, and Bertie, local women around the same age, are hoping that Ina, a "city girl," will come to like life in the sleepy town and decide to stay.

Bertie is outspoken and friendly. Her mama is sure that Bertie will be the death of her because she is so unconventional. Guerine is a bit of a showoff, but means well, and Doodle has had a hard life.

The book follows the ups and downs of their hopes and dreams through romances and other life decisions.

This is another good book from a North Carolina writer.

Contact Faye Dasen at fdasen@thepilot.com or 693-2475.