Renee C. Fountain

Renee C. Fountain is a freelance writer and publishing industry veteran, having working for major publishing houses such as Harcourt Brace and Simon & Schuster. During her time in publishing, Ms. Fountain had the great fortune of working with some of the best writers and illustrators in the publishing world.

Additionally, with ten years of licensing and branding experience, Ms. Fountain has been involved in creating book-related merchandise including iconic favorites such as Raggedy Ann and Nancy Drew.

Currently Ms. Fountain spends her time as the managing editor and senior writer for the Bookfetish.org site, where she writes reviews and commentary on all things publishing; and as a freelance book scout for a well-known television network.

A native New Yorker, Ms. Fountain has given up the frantic pace of the city for the quiet of the suburbs, where she lives happily with husband and her books.

Book Reviews by Renee C. Fountain

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Quinn definitely proves that she can hold her own, leaving no question that she has a distinct aim and voice.”

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The Up Side of Down: Why Failing Well is the Key to Success reminds us that although it’s a tough pill to swallow, failure is a necessary evil in

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"A commendable, but highly saccharine and overreaching literary effort..."

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“An exploratory exercise into understanding the human condition, Triceratops is an introspective, thought-provoking, debut.”

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In a story about good versus evil, Jonathan Ryan brings an old-school vibe back to contemporary horror. 

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In a story about good versus evil, Jonathan Ryan brings an old-school vibe back to contemporary horror. 

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“. . . does provide excellent guidance on structure and mechanics . . .”

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“A fun and delightful read.”

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In the introduction Robert Gottlieb notes The Most of Nora Ephron started out as a collaboration between him and Ms. Ephron that, sadly, she never saw completed. Following her death Mr.

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“With more than 80 contributors covering various aspect of speculative fiction, there is bound to be something for everyone.”

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Theo Pauline Nestor (How to Sleep Alone in a King-Size Bed) is an author, blogger, and writing instructor whose latest book reads like a journey outlining one writer’s struggle for her own

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“. . . another exciting, titillating, and action-packed adventure . . .”

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When six strangers awaken on a beach they're not only confused as to how they got there, but why they are there.

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“David Michael Slater . . . throws all kinds of crazy against the wall—and not only does it stick, it works brilliantly.”

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“Beautifully capturing the tone and voice of a classically told tale . . . ”

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“. . . a highly enjoyable, intelligently written story.”

David Anderson has been an agent of death—a grim reaper—for the past 60 years.

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Reeling from the humiliation of being dumped by her fiancé Samuel for someone outside of their circle, devoted Quaker Honor Bright decides to join her newly betrothed sister Grace on her trip from

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Chelsea Price grew up believing her mother died from a sudden illness.

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“. . . Ms. Davidson is right back in the saddle—almost.”

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“. . . fast-paced and raw.”

Chuck Wendig (Blackbirds, 2012) returns with a new Miriam Black adventure.

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“. . . limitless genius for storytelling guarantees readers a wild ride . . .”

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“. . . it’s about time for Jacob Tomsky to move on to bigger and better things. If this book is any indication, writing will be his next calling.”

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“‘Friendship might be free, but it requires a real investment.’” —Julie Klam

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“. . . realistic . . . rendered in a quiet prose that speaks volumes . . .”

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“. . . luscious prose filled with richness, depth, and meaning. Each bite satiates . . .”

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“. . . rich in history, steeped in family tradition, and full of emotion—a lesson in practiced elegance.”

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“Good Self, Bad Self provides a wealth of insight and productive suggestions for conducting a successful personal and professional life.”

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“Mr. Cooper’s vivid writing brings every energy-charged scene to life, fueling this top-notch thriller on pure talent and adrenaline. . . . [a] pulse-pounding plot.”

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“To say James Renner’s fictional debut is a lofty undertaking given all that it encompasses would be an understatement. Mr.

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“Lynn Messina’s writing style and storytelling prowess is not just skillful, but also incredibly enjoyable and entertaining.

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“. . . despite a few slight disappointments, Third Grave Dead Ahead is still incredibly enjoyable and as entertaining as always. Charley is still on top of her game.

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“In addition to a cast of well developed yet mentally unstable characters that enhance a fantastically horrifying plot, Blackbirds possesses a natural progression that doesn’t rely on conve

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“Though Truth might lean a little heavy on the feminism at times, it also contains the heart and soul of an authentic coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the essence of fir

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“Leigh Stein’s debut successfully captures the purgatory between childhood and becoming an adult.

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“Once again Darynda Jones keeps the action fast and the adrenaline pumping. Expertly weaving intricate plots full of twists and turns, Ms.

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“From the very first page, Darynda Jones has you hooked.

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“Rusty Fischer does an amazing job of writing a first-person narrative of Maddy Swift’s decent into zombie-hood.

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“Ms. James is nothing short of brilliant. Successfully channeling the spirit of Jane Austen, P. D.

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“Despite being aimed at teenagers, The Space Between takes the road less traveled, resulting in a more refined story that can appeal to adults as well.

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“Ms. Eimer’s twist on God and the Devil is genius. . . .

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“Fraught with doubts, broken dreams, deep desires, and heartbreaking realizations, rather than poke fun at the human condition, I’ll Be Dead unwittingly epitomizes the strength and

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“Mr. Fowler does an excellent job capturing the tone for his bi-period piece, creating a veritable movie within a novel . . .

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“Joe Schreiber has created an acutely teen-focused action thriller that blurs the line between gender and age, making it an enjoyable book for almost anyone.”

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“Craig Marks and Rob Tannebaum have penned one of the most comprehensive and informative histories of MTV’s golden age, an age that changed the face of music and impacted the lives of milli

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“Shannon Nering does a good job of plausibly illustrating the soulless, cutthroat world of show business and provides a great cast of characters to perfectly complement the story.

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“Despite coming in at just under 500 pages, If This Is Paradise, I Want My Money Back seems to go by in a flash.

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“Linda Urbach preserves the integrity of a classic, while adding another sparkling gem to the literary crown.”

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Tough-talking Homicide Detective Jane Perry takes a deep drag of her cigarette before firmly crushing it under the heel of her well-worn cowboy boot, in anticipation of viewing yet another homicide

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The intrinsic factor as to whether a book or movie is a success is quite subjective, and so it would follow that reviewing a book that is about reviewing movies poses its own set of challenges.

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“In her new book, Cook Like a Rock Star, Chef Burrell not only tells the how, but also the why of cooking; and, best of all, she does something truly amazing—she makes cooking fun

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“Overall, The Night Circus is a wondrously dark and entrancing story, taking place in a world that is truly a departure into a limitless magical realm, a story whose sole purpose i

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“. . . in his debut novel, Ernest Cline weaves a fascinating futuristic, semi-dystopian tale of our world 30 years in the future. . . .

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“Packed with mystery, emotion and wit, Ms. Ashford’s debut is so unexpected and original. . . .

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“Clare O’Donohue writes in a clear, strong voice with a style that flows from one page to the next as she expertly lays out the mystery and deftly keeps the reader guessing.”

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“Buskers is . . . an affirmation of all [the Weinsteins] have endured to get where they are and an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere.

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“Before the Paparazzi is the Pulitzer Prize-nominated press photographer Arty Pomerantz’s love letter to the art of press photography during a different time, in a world that no lo

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“. . . an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into a world where retaliation is the path to respect and forgiveness often comes in the shape of a bullet.”

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“Camille Noe Pagán’s debut sweeps the reader up and effortlessly carries them across decades of friendship, heartache, and pain.”

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“The Psychopath Test looks at both the dark and light side of psychiatry, and Jon Ronson’s findings raise a few serious issues regarding questionable decisions and the exponential

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“Jennifer McMahon is such an expert at blurring the line between fact and fantasy that even the most rational person will begin to question what is possible and what is not.”

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“Aimee Carter does a great job of creating a very interesting and entertaining new fantasy series.”

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Not Dead & Not for Sale tells the tale of false starts and unfinished business—the heartbreak of true genius both realized and wasted and the ongoing battle against indelible demons.

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No stranger to the newspaper industry herself, Rainbow Rowell’s debut is incredibly fun, quirky and full of charm; and reads like You’ve Got Mail meets Four Weddings and a Funeral

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Grace Balogh is almost 30 years old before she found out her birthday was April 6th and not the 16th.

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In S’Mother: The Story of a Man, His Mom and the Thousands of Altogether Insane Letters She’s Mailed Him, Adam Chester recounts a lifetime of humiliating circumstances suffered at the hand

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Bridget Duke is the daughter of a famous sportscaster, popular-by-default among her peers and a nightmare for her stepmother and school faculty.

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Animal behaviorist Pru Marlowe returns to her small Berkshires town for the final days of her mother’s life—or at least that’s what she tells herself.

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Craig Clements-Rabbitt gave up the draw of Dartmouth to embrace the prestige of Godwin Honors Hall, located in the heart of one of the countries biggest public universities.

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The lovable, snarky Sophie Mercer is back in Demonglass, part two of the Hex Hall series.

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Kristi Cook’s debut, Haven, reads like one-stop-shopping for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Twilight, and Vampire Diaries, neatly packaged in an updated version of L. J.

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Frank Wildermuth fell in love with Gert Murphy, and then, in a strange twist of fate, marries her sister Clara.

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David is a college dropout, addicted to computer porn, and toiling away in a dead-end job.

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Tina Whittle’s crime fiction debut tells the story about Tai Randolph, former tour-guide to the dead and recent gun shop proprietor.

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Ari Selkirk has always stood out with her long, silvery white hair and strange teal eyes; it’s difficult not to notice her.

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Ever since the sixth grade, Dale Sampson has loved the idea of being in love—even if it means being used by the prettiest girls in school.

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With the same imagery and tone as Sleepy Hollow and a hint of The Village’s mystery, Sarah Blakely Cartwright has written a novel based on David Leslie Johnson’s screenplay for th

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In her debut book The Daughters, Joanna Philbin introduced us to three best friends: Carina, daughter of one of the richest men in the world; Hudson, daughter of a famous pop star; and Liz

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The first in a trilogy, Delirium is Lauren Oliver’s follow up to the heartbreaking and beautiful debut, Before I Fall.

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After more than 200,000 years, Fabio has become bored with his job . . . as the incarnation of Fate.

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“It has never been easier to make a great living doing what you love. But to make it happen, first you need an EVIL PLAN.

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Anna, Portia, and Emery return home after their mother, Louise, has a massive heart attack.

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A short, novella-style book with no words, Images You Should Not Masturbate To uses random photographic images of common objects that, when viewed on their own merit, contain no hint of se

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Nina Oberon is a few short months away from turning 16, and she can’t think of a worse fate. Nina’s best friend, Sandy, thinks 16—or “sex-teen” as it’s called—can’t come soon enough.

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From random dark thoughts and angst-ridden apologies, to personal successes and once-in-a-lifetime moments, D. R.

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The reissue of Mark SaFranko’s powerful narrative, Hating Olivia, is proof that timing is everything.