In this week’s “It’s been another BIG week” edition of Friday Five! we’re excited to be celebrating author Amy Shearn’s recent feature in Parenting magazine. Author Sarah Castille’s novel Against the Ropes was chosen as a top fall pick by Publishers Weekly. Author Fleur Philips shares how the inspiration for her award-winning novel Crumble was born out of a tragic event. The Calgary Herald features Steena Holmes talking about her new novel, Emma’s Secret (which came out this week!). Authors T.L. Costa, Cindy Callaghan and Fleur Philips are all featured in Working Mother‘s summer books roundup, and in a bonus feature we’re excited to share Christopher Buehlman’s hilarious Kickstarter video and Dee DeTarsio’s big win.

What’s on my iPod: Odds by Mute Math
What I’m reading: Ways of Leaving by Grant Jarrett
The last person I followed on Twitter: @KateDeveaux

1. A wise and funny story of hope

Parenting magazine recently featured Amy Shearn’s novel The Mermaid of Brooklyn and said, “Pick this book up if you need a wise, funny story of hope when you felt all was lost.”

2. Top pick for the fall

Publishers Weekly featured author Sarah Castille’s novel Against the Ropes in their top 10 Romance & Erotica books for fall!

3. Inspiration through tragedy

Author Fleur Philips spoke with The Portland Book Review about how the concept for her most recent novel, Crumble, was born out of the tragic events at Columbine.

4. Hometown hero

Bestselling author Steena Holmes was in The Calgary Herald chatting about her new book, Emma’s Secret, which celebrated its release earlier this week.

5. Perfect books for summer

Fleur Philips, Cindy Callaghan and T.L. Costa were all featured in Working Mother’s roundup of the 7 summer books that are perfect for tweens and teens.

6. Extra, Extra!

We’re excited to announce author Dee DeTarsio’s novel Haole Wood was the 2013 San Diego Book Awards winner in the romance category! Also author Christopher Buehlman shares his love of fiction writing in his Kickstarter campaign for his new fiction project, The Necromancer’s House.