Here’s a synopsis of each book to aid you in your decision-making process:
INK AND ASHES, by Valynne E. Maetani
Claire Takata has never known much about her father, who passed away ten years ago. But on the anniversary of his death, she finds a letter from her deceased father to her stepfather. Before now, Claire never had a reason to believe they even knew each other.Struggling to understand why her parents kept this surprising history hidden, Claire combs through anything that might give her information about her father … until she discovers that he was a member of the yakuza, a Japanese organized crime syndicate. The discovery opens a door that should have been left closed.
The race to outrun her father’s legacy reveals secrets of his past that cast ominous shadows, threatening Claire, her friends and family, her newfound love, and ultimately her life.
NOT IN THE SCRIPT, by Amy Finnegan
Millions of people witnessed Emma Taylor’s first kiss – a kiss that needed twelve takes and four camera angles to get right. After spending nearly all of her teen years performing on cue, Emma wonders if any part of her life is real anymore … particularly her relationships.Jake Elliott’s face is on magazine ads around the world, but his lucrative modeling deals were a poor substitute for what he had to leave behind. Now acting is offering Jake everything he wants: close proximity to home; an opportunity to finally start school; and plenty of time with the smart and irresistible Emma Taylor … if she would just give him a chance.
When Jake takes Emma behind the scenes of his real life, she begins to see how genuine he is, but on-set relationships always end badly. Don’t they? Toss in Hollywood’s most notorious heartthrob and a resident diva who may or may not be as evil as she seems, and the production of Coyote Hills heats up in unexpected–and romantic–ways.
P.S. You don’t have to participate in Utah Book Month to participate in the read-along or vice versa, though we'd love to have you along for both.
