Yes, the book does have new and unusual information, but not in the way I imagine most AT'ers hope...
My copy of the kit arrived yesterday, and I spent some of last night looking through the book. I believe that this may be the worst Lenormand resource I've seen yet. Although there is a little discussion of some traditional meanings for each card, much more space is dedicated to the archetypal associations of each symbol. With the Snake, for example, the author suggests links to "cults of antiquity" that worshipped the snake as a god of healing, as well as to the Caduceus of Hermes. He notes that it can be a card of "transformation" because a snake regularly sheds its skin. It might also signify "a situation where the viewer feels as if he or she is lying on the ground." (WHAT?!)
The worst are the possible suggestions/advice for each card in various areas of life: Tip, Love, Happiness, and Success. In the area of Success, for example, the Snake supposedly suggests the following: "Success belongs to those who understand how to change. If you're currently hitting rock bottom, coil and prepare to spring! Use the earth's energy to get ahead. Sometimes, detours are necessary, but never give up on your goal." There are lots of positive messages and exclamation marks like this throughout the book.
I fear that Lenormand traditionalists will cringe when they realize that this is hitting the market. The kit really does take all the utility out of the cards and transforms them into another toothless affirmation oracle. It strikes me that this is what Doreen Virtue would do if she decided to make a Lenormand.
Needless to say, I'm dumping my copy at Half Price Books the first chance I get.