Barbara Doyen is a literary agent with two decades of experience representing authors in the sales of their work to publishers. Doyen has handled many kinds of books, from illustrated childrens books through teen and adult fiction and nonfiction books

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Barbara Doyen literary agent, nonfiction author, write to $ell seminars

	The Last Cowgirl by Jana Richman Set on a present-day Utah ranch, this profound debut novel shows through protagonist Dickie Sinfeld that we can find that place where we're meant to be--and it's not just a geographic location--if we can overcome the memories holding us back.
	Now & Then by Robert B. Parker Once again, author Robert B. Parker has given us a tightly-written, fast-paced Spenser PI book that has the famous Boston investigator involved in what seems like a straight-forward case, but which ends up being anything but. This time around, the bad guy ultimately goes for Spenser's girl, Susan, causing Spenser to face ghosts from the past and to realize just how important she is to him.
	Father Knows Less by Wendell Jamieson Anyone who has been stumped trying to answer numerous oddball questions from a curious youngster might want to check out this book. The author, city editor for The New York Times, decided to do what all reporters do when they need answers for their child: ask the experts. The responses to real childrens' questions are as varied as is the background of the people who answer them.
	The Gift by Richard Paul Evans Heartwarming and hopeful, this is the story of a very special little boy who has the ability to heal through a mere touch. Once word gets out about his gift, crowds swarm around him begging for his help, as unsavory characters plot how to make a profit from him. An even bigger problem for those who love and care for the boy is the fact that each healing imperils his already fragile health. Full of depth and wisdom, this is a book to savor. My article includes a reader's guide with discussion questions.
	The Christmas Pearl by Dorothea Benton Frank Complete with a lovable Christmas ghost named Pearl, this gem of a book will get you into the holiday spirit as 93-year-old Theodora reminisces about all the preparations they used to make for past Christmases. By contrast, she was dreading the upcoming holidays because she missed all the homemade food, decorations and gifts--plus she couldn't abide her family members who were always bickering. A little magic from Pearl saves the family just in time for a glorious Christmas. Reader's group questions for discussion are included.
	The New Year's Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini The latest novel to appear in the popular bestselling Elm Creek Quilt book series, The New Year's Quilt picks up after master quilter Sylvia Bergstrom Compson and Andrew Cooper have decided to get married late in life. Their friends are happily planning on attending a June ceremony, only to be invited to a Christmas party with a surprise--their wedding. Everyone is pleased for them but for Andrew's daughter, whose negative attitude threatens to cause a permanent family rift. A New Year's quilt figures in the resolution. Includes reader's group discussion questions.
	The Choice by Nicholas Sparks The Choice is bestselling author Nicholas Sparks' latest novel. As a romance, it is all about the developing relationship between two people in love, a physician's assistant plus a veterinarian, with a bit of a twist to the ending. We've posted a reader's group guide including discussion questions, a book summary, a discussion of the major theme and the author's bio plus a link to his website.
	The Wheel of Darkness by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child This mystery-thriller continues the adventures of lead character Aloysius Pendergast, whose persona is reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes. The mystery begins in a monastery in Nepal with the theft of a relic that has the power to destroy all of humanity. Pendergast tracks it to a brand new ocean liner, where the thriller escalates, eventually threatening everyone on the ship and the ship itself. Entertaining fun! Includes a list of all the previous books, in order for new readers.
	The Road by Cormac McCarthy Something terrible has happened, some kind of unnamed cataclysm, leaving a man and a boy to scavage the country side as they aretraveling to what they hope will be a more hospitable climate. Set against a bleak environment full of unspeakable acts by humans turned into savages to survive, this novelleaves the reader to celebrate the love between a man and his son and the miracle of goodness in a desolate world.Included is a discussion of the writing techniques used so brilliantly in this Pulitzer-winning novel.
	Watchers by Dean Koontz Another all-time favorite, this book centers around a stray dog named Einstein, a golden retriever, who develops the extraordinary power of communicating via words spelled out with Scrabble tiles. Perhaps the most beloved and memorable canine character of all time, the dog seeks to protect humans from danger, making the book's theme one of good versus evil. Book Club guide and author bio are included.
	The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold Suzie Salmon narrates this novel from heaven, after she has died as the result of a terrible crime. Rather than being sad and depressing, this book ends up leaving the reader uplifted and inspired as the author skillfully helps Suzie and her family and friends back on earth come to deal with her death. Included is an author bio and the story behind this brilliant first novel and how it got a boost onto the bestseller lists.
	The Dead Zone by Stephen King This all-time favorite is about choice versus destiny. Johnny Smith gains a special gift the night he has an accident, the ability to see the future. What if he could prevent someone like Hitler from unleashing a new round of destruction--should he do it? This profile of the novel includes an author bio as well as a reader's discussion guide for book clubs.
	The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver This novel clearly illustrates the destructive end result of abuse and tyranny, whether it is in the family, the church, or the community--in this case, all three. Nathan Price, the abuser, drags his family to Africa where he plans to be a missionary and convert the natives to his own brand of religion. Included are an author bio and other information--be sure to read the Special Note to Readers before you begin the novel.
	Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang An important, compelling memoir about three generations of women in the author's family in China, detailing how each survived the tragic events of twentieth century China. The author's grandmother had her feet bound and was sold by her father as a concubine. The author's mother was a true believer in the Communist party only to have her loyalty cruelly repaid as she was unjustly ;victimized during the purges. The author, growing up witnessing the tubulent times, ended up leaving China.
	Night by Elie Wiesel This memoir about Hitler's concentration camps during World War II is a short yet powerful account of the people and events witnessed by the author. Included is the history behind the new edition of this bestseller that originally had trouble finding a publishing home. The book won the Nobel Peace Prize; we include an excerpt of the author's acceptance speech along with his bio.
	Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist’s Wife by Irene Spencer A memoir about the author's experience as the wife of a polygamist for 29 years and how she got free of that lifestyle. Her husband had nine other wives and a total of 58 children; 14 of them were hers. The author is now in a monogamous marriage and enjoys her 119 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. Included is a list of questions for reading group discussion.