Moral dilemmas in female fiction
Guest post written by author Heather Frimmer
Heather Frimmer is a breast imaging and emergency room radiologist. His first novel, Bedside manners, was published in 2018 and received several awards, including the National Indie Excellence, Reader’s Favorite and Independent Press awards. She completed her medical education at Weill-Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian-Cornell, and Yale New Haven Hospital.
She lives in suburban Connecticut with her husband, a trained actor and college teacher, and their two children. Better to trust is his second novel. Learn more at heatherfrimmer.com
Ever since I took an ethics course in college, I have been fascinated by moral dilemmas, both in real life and in the pages of fiction. When a character is faced with a difficult choice, I like to weigh the evidence and decide for myself which way the scales are tipping. Perhaps that is why I chose to focus my book, Better to Trust, on a question of medical ethics. What if a world-renowned neurosurgeon struggling with prescription drug addiction decides to operate on his sister-in-law’s brain? Each of these page-turning readings also poses fascinating ethical questions for the reader to deliberate.
He gets it from me by Jacqueline Friedland
September 14, SparkPress
Maggie Fisher wants to escape her job at the cash register to become a teacher. When she sees a flyer offering thousands of dollars for surrogacy, she recognizes an opportunity. She gives birth to twins for a gay couple in New York and finally begins to build the life she has always dreamed of. Ten years later, the fertility clinic called him unexpectedly. Why would they need Maggie to do a DNA test now? A stimulating novel exploring genetic dilemmas and unconventional families.
Other people’s things by Kerry Anne King
September 21, Lake Union Publishing
Nicole Wood suffers from an overwhelming urge to move things from one place to another, not to steal, but rather to move them to a better place. As her marriage collapses and the threat of prison looms, she accepts a job as a housekeeper. When Nicole moves a paperback from one client to another, it sets off a chain reaction. Will Nicole choose to embrace her dangerous gift in order to solve the mystery or leave the items where they are? A unique story full of original and imperfect characters.
Happy accidents by Jamie Beck
September 21, Montlake
In a casino to celebrate her birthday, Jessie Clarke convinces her sister, Liz, and her childhood friend, Chloe, to join her in a pact; they must say yes to all the adventures that come their way. After a mad night of viral videos and gambling losses, they realize the shocking consequences of their choices. Will they decide to double down or fold? A touching story of long-standing friendship, love and fulfillment.
Both are true by Reyna Marder Gentin
October 5, Moonshine Cove Publishing
Family court judge Jackie Martin is shocked when her boyfriend, Lou, leaves her without an explanation. The breakup turns Jackie’s world upside down, making her doubt her job, her attractiveness as a partner, and even her self-esteem. When a member of Lou’s family ends up in her courtroom, Jackie is faced with a choice between her career and her relationship. But maybe there is a way to have both? A gripping story about self-exploration and lost and found love.
Doctors and Friends by Kimmery Martin
November 9, Berkley
Friends from medical school, Hannah, Compton and Kira, reunite for a reunion vacation in Spain just as a viral pandemic erupts. When they return home, they all have to negotiate the terrifying changes they find. Kira, an infectious disease specialist at the CDC, faces an unfathomable choice: which of her children will receive an experimental but possibly life-saving treatment? With a hook like this, you won’t want to let go of this one.
The secret next door by Rebecca Taylor
November 9, Sourcebooks
When Alyson Tinsdale moves into The Enclave, a Denver-exclusive development, she hopes to provide a safe and stable education for her child. Tensions boil as neighbors argue over a planned community entertainment facility, and boil over when the body of a teenager is found near the community lake. Will Alyson stay loyal to a friend or share the information she knows? Suburban drama, neighborhood gossip and mystery blend together, a perfect recipe for engaging read.
wish you were Here by Jodi Picoult
November 30, Ballantine Books
Diana O’Toole’s life is on the right track. She is moving up the corporate ladder in the art auction world and her boyfriend, Finn, a surgical resident, is about to propose their romantic trip to the Galapagos Islands. But when a pandemic hits New York City, Finn must stay in the hospital, leaving Diana to make the trip of her life on her own. The more trapped she is in this remote place, the more Diana wonders about the path of her life. Will she stay the course with Finn or evolve into a completely different person? Either way, trust Jodi Picoult to take you on an emotional journey.