According to Mayan tradition, if you whisper your troubles to the worry dolls, they will do the worrying instead of you-therefore, it follows that worry dolls are the keepers of a great many secrets. From the award-winning author of "Lemongrass Hope" comes a new story of unbearable love, loss, and redemption, with a thread of magical realism and a twist readers will never see coming-"Secrets of Worry Dolls" brings us to the end of the world, and back.
On the eve of the end of the Mayan calendar in 2012, Mari Guarez Roselli-a 9/11 widow who immigrated to New York City from Guatemala more than 20 years earlier-is keeping secrets from her 23-year-old daughter, Lu. The worry dolls that Mari gave Lu have not been able to hold all of Lu's burdens, especially her most painful one. Ghosts from the past-including Lu's firefighter dad, Joe Roselli, and Lu's twin sister, Rae-stand between Mari and Lu who are locked in a downward spiral of estrangement until yet another plane crashes too close to home. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Lu embarks on an emotional, international journey to unravel Mari's dangerous past. What Lu discovers rocks her world.
Today's leading novelists have embraced this family saga. Kate Moretti, New York Times best-selling author of "The Vanishing Year" writes, "'Secrets of Worry Dolls' will capture your imagination and your heart...Impellizzeri's signature magical touch keeps you flipping pages well into the night." Sarah Pekkanen, internationally best-selling author of "The Opposite of Me" reviews, "A truly original book-told with grace and style. Lu and Mari are vivid characters whose intertwining stories will move and surprise you." Kristy Woodson Harvey, best-selling author of "Dear Carolina" reviews, "With heart, humor and her signature touch of magic, Amy Impellizzeri brings to life the tale of a mother and daughter each facing all together extraordinary circumstances. 'Secrets of Worry Dolls' will make you laugh, cry, and, in the end, leave you completely spellbound. It is easily one of my favorite books of the year!"
Industry reviewers agree; Booklist writes, "Author Impellizzeri creates a haunting story of the past that can bind and the courage to break free." Kirkus Reviews states, "Complex layers...fast-paced...a novel of grief, love, and truth." The Foreword Reviews 2017 Winter Edition claims, "This is a strong and memorable work of fiction."
Timed to release in December of 2016, echoing the storyline-four years after the Mayan calendar ends-"Secrets of Worry Dolls" is available in Paperback and Kindle at http://www.amazon.com/dp/1942545657. Rights are represented by Bob Diforio at D4EO Literary Agency.
Amy Impellizzeri is a reformed corporate litigator whose award-winning 2014 debut novel "Lemongrass Hope" garnered positive features in Library Journal, Kirkus, Foreword Reviews Magazine, and accolades from New York Times best-selling authors, along with being named the #1 Reviewed Book of 2014 by The Literary Connoisseur. In 2015 Impellizzeri's non-fiction "Lawyer Interrupted" was published by the American Bar Association.
"Secrets of Worry Dolls" by Amy Impellizzeri (Dec. 2016), ISBN: 978-1-942545-65-1; 312 Pages, 5.25 x 8; $14.99 Trade Paperback; $6.99 eBook; BISAC categories: FIC044000/Fiction/Contemporary Women, FIC045000/Fiction/Family Life, FIC051000/Fiction/Cultural Heritage, FIC061000/Fiction/Magical Realism; Distributed by Ingram, Follett, Coutts, Bertrams, and Gardners. Wyatt-MacKenzie in Deadwood, Oregon celebrates their 18th year of publishing in 2016.
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