Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Valerie Taylor, author of the What's Not series of romantic comedies and A Whale of a Murder, a new cozy mystery coming April 23. Read on to learn more!
"Valerie Taylor’s characters face a tangle of events and emotions that keep the reader turning pages!” ~Joan Cohen, author of Land of Last Chances
What's Not Said
Genre: Romantic Comedy4.2 stars, 240 ratings
Paperback: From $11.59
Ebook: From $0.99
Kassie O’Callaghan’s meticulous plans to divorce her emotionally abusive husband, Mike, and move in with Chris, a younger man she met five years ago on a solo vacation in Venice, are disrupted when she finds out Mike has chronic kidney disease—something he’s concealed from her for years. Once again, she postpones her path to freedom—at least, until she pokes around his pajama drawer and discovers his illness is the least of his deceits.
But Kassie is no angel, either. As she struggles to justify her own indiscretions, the secret lives she and Mike have led collide head-on, revealing a tangled web of sex, lies, and DNA. Still, mindful of her vows, Kassie commits to helping her husband find an organ donor. In the process, she uncovers a life-changing secret. Problem is, if she reveals it, her own immorality will be exposed, which means she has an impossible decision to make: Whose life will she save—her husband’s or her own?
Praise for What's Not Said
- “In this dramatic tale of love, lust, and lies, author Valerie Taylor crafts an entertaining and gripping story...a shocking novel full of secrets, twists, and turns, but it also has elements of pure humor and deep love.” ~Readers' Favorite
- “Highly recommended for women who look for not just stories of marital relationships, but the unexpected revelations that revolve around life purpose and the immortality of love.” ~Midwest Book Review
- “Taylor’s dialogue is snappy and contemporary... A witty and often amusing marriage drama.” ~Kirkus Reviews
- 2021 CIBA Chatelaine Book Awards First Place Winner
- 2021 Firebird Book Awards Winner in Romantic Comedy, Chick Lit, Contemporary Novel, & Marriage
- 2021 Literary Titan Book Awards Silver Winner
- 2021 Best Book Awards Finalist in Fiction: Literary & Women’s Fiction
- 2021 American Fiction Awards Finalist in Women's Fiction
- 2021 International Book Awards Finalist in Fiction: Women’s Fiction
- 2020 Canadian Book Club Awards Finalist in Fiction
What's Not True
Genre: Romantic Comedy4.3 stars, 93 ratings
Paperback: From $12.70
Ebook: From $2.99
With the court date set for her divorce and the future she’d planned with a younger man presumably kaput, Kassie O’Callaghan shifts attention to reviving her stalled marketing career. But that goal gets complicated when she unexpectedly rendezvous with her former lover in Paris. After a chance meeting with a colleague and a stroll along Pont Neuf, Kassie receives two compelling proposals. Can she possibly accept them both?
Kassie’s decision process screeches to a halt when her soon-to-be ex-husband has a heart attack, forcing her to fly home to Boston. There, she confronts his conniving and deceitful fiancée—a woman who wants not just a ring on her finger but everything that belongs to Kassie. In the ensuing battle to protect what’s legally and rightfully hers, Kassie discovers that sometimes it’s what’s not true that can set you free.
Praise for What's Not True
- “Compelling, real, and utterly enjoyable.” ~Readers’ Favorite 5-star review
- “An engaging story of love, honesty, tangled family relationships, jealousy, and ambition.” ~Midwest Book Review
- “A dramatic, comedic telenovela of a women’s fiction about infidelity and fickle hearts...with spicy characters and drama galore.” ~Reedsy
- 2022 Best Book Awards Finalist in Fiction: Literary & Women's Fiction
- 2022 Maxy Awards Winner in Romance & Women's Fiction
- 2022 Literary Titan Book Awards Gold Winner
- 2022 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite in Romantic Comedy
- 2021 Firebird Book Awards First Place Winner in Series, Chick-Lit, Contemporary Fiction, & Marriage
What's Not Lost
Genre: Romantic Comedy4.3 stars, 124 ratings
Paperback: From $14.06
Ebook: From $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
What would you do if you discovered your fiancé's ex-girlfriend is having his baby?
Kassie O'Callaghan is searching...for herself and for answers. With her husband six feet under and an engagement ring on her finger, Kassie is convinced managing a company merger in Paris will complete her quest for recognition on her own terms. When she learns her fiancé's ex-girlfriend is pregnant, Kassie's dreams come tumbling down. At least for the moment.
Through the eyes of an overachiever, the schemes of a homewrecker, the magic of a bottle of wine, and a cat, award-winning author Valerie Taylor propels this captivating and heart-warming romance to an unpredictable and delightful conclusion.
Praise for What's Not Lost
- "Juicy, gripping, and so much more than a simple romance. It's about self-discovery, complicated modern family relationships, redefining happiness, and conflicting roles. The writing is fantastic, incredibly sharp, and realistic." ~Readers' Favorite, 5-star Review
- "A story of growth, acceptance, and evolution. Book club readers will find plenty of entertainment value alongside numerous topics of debate." ~Midwest Book Review
- 2023 Literary Titan Book Gold Award Winner
- 2023 International Book Awards Finalist in Fiction: Romance
- 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards in Chick Lit Fiction
- 2022 Firebird Book Awards Winner in Romantic Comedy, Chick Lit, Contemporary Novel, & Series
A Whale of a Murder: A Venus Bixby Mystery
Genre: Cozy MysteryNew release: Coming April 23, 2024
Book 1 in the new Venus Bixby Mystery series
Paperback: From $16.69
Ebook: From $4.99
Sea breezes and fireworks fill the air in cozy Chatham Crossing, the peaceful and historic whaling town situated between Providence and Cape Cod.
Venus Bixby, owner of the forever popular music store Oldies & Goodies, is counting on the festivities over the Fourth of July weekend to propel her to a position on the prestigious Town Committee. After years of living in the shadow of her late husband, Venus will finally be the center of attention this holiday weekend: starting with her fiftieth birthday celebration and ending as the parade’s Grand Marshal.
Faster than a cookie crumbles, her dream collapses on the morning of her party when she trips over orange platform shoes in the gardens of the Sofia Silva Whaling Museum and breaks her thumb. When it’s discovered the shoes are attached to the body of the manager of the museum’s gift shop, Venus becomes both a suspect and a sleuth in Chatham Crossing’s first murder in decades.
Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Katie Gayle, or Ellery Adams.
About the Author
Valerie Taylor is a novelist and book reviewer who was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut. She had a thirty-year career in the financial services industry as a marketer and writer, including stints in Boston and Seattle. When she retired, she resettled in her home state to be near her two grown children and granddaughter.Valerie is a published book reviewer with BookTrib.com and a member of the Westport Writers’ Workshop. She enjoys practicing tai chi and being an expert sports spectator. Learn more about Valerie and her work at ValerieTaylorAuthor.com, sign up for email updates from Valerie, and be sure to follow her online:
