Eliza Knight in store, huge Battle of the Books news and new releases this week!
- Tim Pinel
- Jun 7
- 4 min read
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Join us in-store on Thursday, June 12 at 7pm for a special evening with Eliza Knight, celebrating the release of her newest novel, Confessions of a Grammar Queen.
Set in 1960s New York, this sharp, spirited story follows Bernadette Swift - a fearless young copyeditor fighting for equity, community, and her shot at becoming publishing’s first female CEO. With a feminist book club, a lovable Great Dane, and a determined heart, Bernadette’s journey is as empowering as it is entertaining.
If you enjoy historical fiction, feminist narratives, or insider publishing drama, this is not to be missed!
The event will include an author talk, Q&A, and signing. Tickets are required (no cost to attend), and books will be available for purchase on-site. Preorders are available now in-store, by email, or online.
We’re thrilled to announce that Queen Takes Book is an official partner for the very first Adult Battle of the Books, hosted by the Howard County Library and Friends of HCLS! Inspired by the beloved kids’ event at Merriweather, this version is strictly 21+ (yes, there will be drinks) and promises a spirited evening of books, brains, and local pride.
Here's how it works: teams of 3–5 adults will read six selected books (announced June 15), then go head-to-head in a live trivia competition this fall - at either Oscar’s Ale House in Marriottsville or Game On in Columbia. We'll have all the books in-store, exclusive bundles, and maybe even a few surprise events to help your team prepare.
Ready to join the battle? Start gathering your team and watch for more details at Instagram.com/QueenTakesBook.
New Releases - June 10, 2025
New in Fiction
S.A. Cosby's newest title - King of Ashes - is a gripping Southern crime novel that explores the complexities of family, loyalty, and the consequences of past actions.
The story centers on Roman Carruthers, a successful financial advisor who returns to his hometown of Jefferson Run, Virginia, after his father falls into a coma following a suspicious car accident. Upon his return, Roman discovers his family's crematorium business struggling, his sister Neveah overwhelmed, and his brother Dante entangled with dangerous criminals.
As Roman attempts to resolve his family's issues, he becomes entangled in a web of crime and secrets that force him to confront his own past and the lengths he will go to protect his loved ones. The novel explores themes of redemption, the weight of family history, and the moral ambiguities faced when trying to do what's right in a flawed world.
King of Ashes is a compelling read that combines suspense with emotional depth, offering a nuanced look at the ties that bind and the choices that define us.
Eliza Knight’s Confessions of a Grammar Queen is a warm, witty historical novel set in 1960s New York. It follows Bernadette Swift, a determined copyeditor with big dreams of becoming the first female CEO in publishing. Along the way, she battles workplace sexism, navigates office politics, and leans on her feminist book club, and her loyal Great Dane, Frank, for support.
This is a perfect pick for fans of Lessons in Chemistry - both novels center on bold, smart women challenging expectations and carving their own paths in male-dominated industries, all with heart and humor.
Even better! Eliza Knight will be joining us in the store this week! Don’t miss the chance to meet her in person this Thursday, June 12 at 7pm - RSVP here.
V.E. Schwab’s Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is a sweeping, genre-defying novel that intertwines the lives of three queer women across five centuries, exploring themes of identity, desire, and defiance. Set in 16th-century Spain, 19th-century London, and modern-day Boston, each narrative delves into the characters' transformations - both literal and metaphorical - as they navigate the constraints of their societies.
Schwab weaves these timelines together, creating a unique tapestry that examines the hunger for autonomy and the complexities of queer identity. The novel's atmospheric settings enhance its exploration of the supernatural, offering a fresh take on vampire lore.
This standalone work, following the success of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, showcases Schwab's ability to craft emotionally resonant stories that challenge and captivate readers. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is a meditation on the lengths one will go to live authentically, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and supernatural narratives.
Also Available Today in Fiction
New in Nonfiction
Sara Kehaulani Goo’s Kuleana: A Story of Family, Land, and Legacy in Old Hawai‘i is a blend of memoir and investigative journalism that explores the deep connections between land, identity, and heritage. When Goo's family faces a sudden 500% increase in property taxes on their ancestral land in Hāna, Maui, she sets out to understand and preserve her family's legacy.
The term "kuleana" in Hawaiian encompasses both privilege and responsibility, particularly regarding stewardship of the land. Goo delves into this concept as she uncovers the history of her family's land, originally granted by King Kamehameha III in 1848, and the broader issues of Native Hawaiian displacement and cultural erosion.
Through personal narratives, historical context, and cultural insights, Kuleana offers a compelling look at the challenges faced by Native Hawaiians in maintaining their connection to the land amidst external pressures. Goo's storytelling invites readers to reflect on their own responsibilities to place and heritage, making this book a poignant and thought-provoking read.
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