This weekend let’s chat about some of the witchy work of Katherine Howe. Her debut novel, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, was so much fun to read. It contained a lot of the things I love to read about: smart characters, historical mystery, family drama, academic drama, a lush setting, a touch of romance, and an earnest belief in magic. What could be better, especially for this time of year?
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane came out in 2009, debuting at #2 on The New York Times Bestseller List.
Since then, Howe has gone on to write several more books to significant acclaim. (You should definitely check them out.) Her accomplished pedigree in academia — she holds degrees in philosophy, art history, and American and New England studies — shows in the subtle but unmistakable authority of her historical fiction.
And finally, at long last, a sequel to Howe’s debut is on our radar. The Daughters of Temperance Hobbs will hit the shelves in the summer of 2019. I can’t wait!
Sappho's Torque 
One thing. What the heck does “Bestseller” even mean any more? It’s on just about every cover of every book on every bookstand at every railway station. “The No.1 Bestseller.”
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Great question.
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It might also be that only the #1 bestsellers make it onto those bookstands, where space is at a premium and they’re looking for what’s most likely to sell the broadest audience.
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… and then again, it might be an outright lie.
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I suppose it might be, but it’s pretty easily verifiable. I also know Katherine personally and know that in her case, at least, it’s not one. 🙂
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