"A bittersweet story of beauty.Kiernan has written a lovely, moving elegy for those who were lost, and resilient survivors who long for redemption." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune on THE GLASS CHÂTEAU "Rarely does historical fiction get everything so right as Universe of Two: compelling characters, faithful detail, a story packed with unexpected twists, and a sure, authentic voice that never wavers. In this novel of the dawn of the atomic age and its profound consequences, Stephen Kiernan leads us along a journey of conscience as complex and infinite as the science itself." -- Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author of Our Woman in Moscow on UNIVERSE OF TWO "Nothing is more audacious or more inspiring than the human spirit, as we well see Stephen Kiernan's luminous new novel, The Baker's Secret. With painterly precision and great heart, Kiernan gives us an intimate view of a small French village forced to endure the soul-stifling humiliations of German occupation, and Emma, the young baker and consummate survivor whose boldness and ingenuity help keep her village alive as they pray the Allies will make good on their promise of rescue. Emma is an unforgettable heroine, and Kiernan's novel will have you weeping, and then cheering. A tale beautifully, wisely, and masterfully told.

" -- Paula McLain, author of The Paris Wife and Circling the Sun on THE BAKER'S SECRET "Like a good movie focusing on a momentous occasion -- in this case, D-Day, June 6, 1944 -- Stephen P. Kiernan's novel The Baker's Secret makes the moment personal, particular, and vivid. Almost crushed by Nazi occupation, the inhabitants of a French village have no way of knowing that liberation is imminent or of its monumental cost in American and British lives. Thematically, this novel transcends even a critical moment in history to suggest the inescapable human condition of ignorance of the future, and the absolute necessity of hope, courage, and unselfish sacrifice." -- Sena Naslund, author of Ahab's Wife on THE BAKER'S SECRET "Stephen Kiernan's The Curiosity is a true page-turner, mixing cutting edge science with an all-too-human love story, while simultaneously taking on the Big Questions. What is the true measure of a human life? Where does the line fall between legitimate science and playing God? If death could be undone, what would it mean to live? I'm green with envy for this writer's bold imagination. It's one of the most assured debuts in years, a book that will stop your heart and start it again." -- Justin Cronin, bestselling author of The Passage on THE CURIOSITY.