Category: Books

Literary Giants Headline Book Festival

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Steve Berry returns to the Amelia Island Book Festival as Honorary Chairman for the 3rd consecutive year. Steve Berry is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of The Lost Order, The 14th Colony, The Patriot Threat, The Lincoln Myth, The King’s Deception, The Columbus Affair, The Jefferson Key, The Emperor’s Tomb, The Paris Vendetta, The Charlemagne Pursuit, The Venetian Betrayal, The Alexandria Link, The Templar Legacy, The Third Secret, The Romanov Prophecy, and The Amber Room. His books have been translated into 40 languages with 20 million copies in 51 countries. The Bishop’s Pawn, the Cotton Malone Series Book 13, The Bishop’s Pawn, is now available for pre-order. The story chronicles his protagonist’s first case, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., on that fateful day in Memphis.

History lies at the heart of every Steve Berry novel. It’s his passion, one he shares with his wife, Elizabeth, which led them to create History Matters, a foundation dedicated to historic preservation. Since 2009, Steve and Elizabeth have crisscrossed the country to save endangered historic treasures, raising money via lectures, receptions, galas, luncheons, dinners and their popular workshops.

The duo will present “Lessons from a Bestseller: Steve Berry’s Writers’ Workshop,” on Fri., Feb. 16, 2018, for authors and would-be authors of every genre to support the AIS Literacy Program. For tickets and more information, visit www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org.

Lee Child
Lee Child is the New York Times bestselling author of the Jack Reacher thrillers – sales at 100 million+ and counting. Reacher #22, The Midnight Line, released Nov. 7, 2017 worldwide is already on the NYT best seller. His debut, Killing Floor, won both the Anthony and Barry awards for “Best First Mystery,” and The Enemy won both the Barry and Nero awards for “Best Novel.” Personal and Night School were #1 on the best-sellers lists simultaneously in all English language countries and sold more copies than any other hardcover, of any type, for the year 2014 and 2016 in the UK. Jack Reacher, the film based on Child’s 9th novel, One Shot, starred Tom Cruise and Robert Duvall. His book Never Go Back was also a 2016 feature film with an all-star cast with Tom Cruise back as Jack Reacher.

Lee was born in Coventry, England. He attended the same high school as J.R.R. Tolkien, and went to law school in Sheffield, England. After part-time work in the theater he joined Granada Television in Manchester for what turned out to be an 18-year career as a presentation director during British TV’s “golden age.” During his tenure, the company made Brideshead Revisited, The Jewel in the Crown, Prime Suspect and Cracker. At the age of 40, he left due to corporate restructuring. Always a voracious reader, he decided to take a chance. Lee bought some paper and pencils, and wrote what turned out to be the first book in the Jack Reacher series.

Adriana Trigiani
The festival kicks off with this multitalented, New York Times bestselling author of 17 books in fiction and nonfiction. Adriana Trigiani is also a playwright, television writer/producer and an award-winning filmmaker. She wrote and directed the major motion picture Big Stone Gap, filmed entirely on location in her Virginia hometown. Her newest novel – complete with a new cast of characters – debuts in the fall of 2018.

Trigiani will be the keynote speaker at the annual kickoff luncheon, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, at Walkers Landing. She will be introduced by her friend and NYT bestselling author David Baldacci, who was last year’s key note speaker, and this past year’s One Book/One Community Author.

Adriana is beloved by millions of readers around the world for her popular novels – The Shoemaker’s Wife, the Valentine trilogy and Lucia, Lucia – as well as her latest bestseller, Kiss Carlo. Her themes of love and work, emphasis upon craftsmanship and family life have attracted legions of fans. According to Adriana, “…if there is one thing I hope my books do always and forever, it’s that they honor working people.” Her books have been translated in 36 countries around the world. Due to schedule conflicts, the luncheon will be her only appearance at the Festival.

Karin Slaughter
Karin Slaughter is one of the world’s most popular and acclaimed storytellers, and is known for the “stories that get under your skin.” Published in 36 languages, with more than 35 million copies sold across the globe, her 16 novels include the Grant County and Will Trent books, as well as the Edgar-nominated Cop Town and the instant New York Times bestselling novel, Pretty Girls. When asked about her writing schedule, Karin said, “Unfortunately, I’m not very disciplined. I’m more of a “run off into the mountains and write until I collapse” author. I wish I could be more structured, but it’s been working for me so far, so who am I to judge?”

Her Will Trent series, Grant County series and standalone novel Cop Town are all in development for film and television. A native of Georgia, Karin currently lives in Atlanta.

Jennifer Armentrout
Jennifer Armentrout, #1 New York Times bestselling author, spends her time watching really bad zombie movies when she’s not hard at work writing young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy and contemporary romance novels. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that eventually results in loss of vision among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.

Jennifer’s dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories. Her young adult contemporary The Problem with Forever is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction.

Sherri Rinker
In 2008, in the midst of hectically trying to manage the demands of being a working mom in an unfulfilling career, Sherri Rinker wrote Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site. It was picked up by the first publisher to whom it was sent! She is now a #1 New York Times bestselling author of eight children’s books.

Sherri began college as a journalism major, but moved to visual communications which combined creating beautiful, compelling compositions with visuals and text. After a 25-year graphic design career, her journey took a turn as she started writing books about big trucks to help kids go to sleep at bedtime. Construction Site paved the way for Mighty, Mighty Construction Site; Steam Train, Dream Train; and Big Machines. Sherri has also penned Silly Wonderful You and The 12 Sleighs of Christmas. It’s Soo Quiet debuts in 2018.

Jacques Pépin
An award-winning and internationally renowned chef, television personality, author, columnist and artist, Jacques Pépin is one of AMERICA’S most loved French chefs. He was born in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, and first apprenticed in a kitchen at the age of 13. Monsieur Pépin worked as a chef for the French Navy and then served as personal chef to three heads of state, including Charles de Gaulle.

Chef Pépin’s culinary background includes New York City’s Le Pavillon, La Potagerie and the French Culinary Institute/International Culinary Center. Working with Julia Child, they collaborated on a TV special for PBS, Cooking in Concert, at the Performance Center at Boston University, as well as a 22-episode series, Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home. In his latest cookbook, A Grandfather’s Lessons: In the Kitchen with Shorey, Jacques Pépin gives his granddaughter a short course on preparing “food that is plain, but elegant, and more than anything, fun.”

Chef Pépin will be talking and signing his books at the Author Expo/Reader’s Extravaganza on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 starting at 10 a.m. at the Fernandina Beach Middle School. This Author Expo event is free and runs till 5 p.m. with more than 100 noted authors of every genre and breakout sessions with NYT bestselling authors. There will be a kidz zone, food, fun, contests, prizes and books for purchase and signing for all ages.

In addition to our headliners, the Festival offers events and activities for teens and tweens, aspiring writers, fans and families…something for everyone!

Visit the Festival’s website www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org for more details on the Author Expo and other events and to buy tickets. The AIBF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, offering tax deductible opportunities. For more details on all festival events, and to purchase tickets and make donations, email info@ameliaislandbookfestival.org or call (904) 624-1665.

Jack Reacher, a billion dollar Literary Brand is coming to Amelia Island

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Fernandina Beach, FL – The strongest brand in publishing (according to Forbes Magazine in March 2014) is coming to Amelia Island in February for the 17th Annual Amelia Island Book Festival. The Jack Reacher series by Lee Child is a $1 billion dollar brand published in 47 languages and 101 territories. With well over 100 million books sold, the series has commanded over a billion dollars in global sales.

Jack Reacher is the creation of British author Lee Child (now a New Yorker). Child heads up a blockbuster line-up of New York Times and international bestselling authors coming to the festival, including Karin Slaughter, Adriana Trigiani, Jennifer Armentrout, Sherri Rinker and Jacques Pépin. Steve Berry returns as Honorary Chairman.

The 17th Annual, 3-day long festival continues the tradition of bringing amazing authors to the community in support of its mission of Connecting students, authors and books for lifelong learning. All The ticketed events support the Festival’s award-winning Authors in Schools Literacy Program. The free activities for students and the community ensure there is something for everyone during this annual literary extravaganza.

The Festival’s signature event, the AUTHOR FACE-OFF DINNER GALA, is an annual event that helps buy books for students. You don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to mix, mingle up close and personal with the creator of Jack Reacher and witness our lineup of literary giants as they “face-off” with each other on their writing craft! The sparring panel includes NYT bestselling authors Lee Child, Jennifer Armentrout, Karin Slaughter and Sherry Rinker, led by chief instigator, Steve Berry. The “face-off” always delivers surprising and witty insights from our headliners in a multi-genre blockbuster panel.

This very special evening is set for Friday, Feb. 16, 2018 from 6 – 10 pm at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort. The evening includes an open bar cocktail reception with the authors, a gourmet sit-down dinner (wine included), a limited live auction, where the winning bidder can live on forever in a Jack Reacher novel. This special prize is a generous donation by author Lee Child. Tickets are $175 per person. purchase tickets at www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org

See the complete festival program at www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org for details on all events and activities. Proceeds from all ticketed festival events benefit the Authors in Schools Literacy Program for students of Nassau County.

Authors in Schools… A book for every student
The AIBF is home to the award-winning Authors in Schools (AIS) Literacy Program. With the support of sponsors, members, donors and fundraising events, the AIBF rolls out this annual program, bringing authors into every public school in Nassau County and buying books for each student of the author they meet. This February, the Festival will purchase and gift more than 11,000 students with a book of the noted author they meet, in turn inspiring young people to achieve their goals.

“Authors in Schools has grown in the past few years especially, encouraging area students to read and write,” said Dr. John Ruis, AIBF President and former Nassau County Schools Superintendent. “Being exposed to this level of quality authors, spending time with them – hearing how they develop ideas and get inspired – and taking home the book of the author they met…it’s an invaluable opportunity to help our students develop important literary skills for their future.”

AIBF annually solicits applications and books from prospective author presenters. This year, close to 80 books from more than 70 authors were submitted for consideration for the AIS program. The books are reviewed by the AIBF Board, then scrutinized by the school media specialists, reading coaches and other educators to determine age appropriateness and applicability to the curriculum requirements. School representatives make the final decisions on all books.

“The Authors in Schools Literacy Program is a perfect example of community partnerships at their best,” Dr. Ruis said.

Donna Martin, School Board chair, added, “The Authors in Schools program is a tremendous gift to our students.” This year’s Authors in Schools Day is set for Fri., Feb. 16, 2018.

Annual Fall Book Sale 2017

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Press release: The Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library’s annual Fall Book Sale kicks off Thursday, November 16th, with a special FOL members-only preview and reception from 5-7 pm at Peck Center Gym, 516 South 10th Street. If you are not a member, you are invited to join at the door or online at our website before the sale and get first choice of thousands of books, vinyl records, CDs and DVDs for sale. Memberships are $15 for students, $35 dollars for individuals, $50 for a couple or $75 for a family.

Your membership dues help to off-set the cost of the many free events sponsored by the Friends over the course of the year, from classes on various subjects to lectures to art exhibits to children’s programs.

The doors will open to all on Friday, November 17th, from 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 18th, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Books are carefully organized for easy browsing in dozens of categories, including fiction, biographies, art, history, children’s books, sports, cooking, audio books and more. We also have a large selection of vinyl records, CDs and DVDs, including boxed sets, for this sale. We, of course, will once again have thousands of books for sale, with most priced at $3 or less. It is always the best book sale on the island!

All proceeds from the sale support the Fernandina Beach Library. For further information regarding this event, on joining Friends of the Library, or to donate, please visit the Friends of the Library website at www.fernandinaFOL.org.

NYT Best Selling Author Comes to Amelia Island’s Book Loft

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book-signing-karen-white

We are thrilled to share that New York Times bestselling author Karen White is coming to the Book Loft on Amelia Island to promote the beloved Tradd Street Series, THE GUESTS ON SOUTH BATTERY (Berkley Hardcover; January 10, 2017; 9780451475237). White is the author of twenty previous novels, including Flight Patterns and The Forgotten Room which was an instant New York Times bestseller.

White has always been charmed by the brick-walked streets of Charleston, its beautiful architecture and its rich history. So, when it came time for White to write a series about complicated characters with a side of spooky lore, she knew just where to set it. And so began the story of Melanie Middleton, a Charleston realtor with a special gift, in The House on Tradd Street. THE GUESTS ON SOUTH BATTERY picks up on the picturesque streets of Charleston after Melanie has given birth to twins, and is married to the love of her life, Jack Trenholm. Melanie’s maternity leave has reached its end and she is less than thrilled to return to work, especially when she’s awoken by a phone call with no voice on the other end, and the uneasy feeling that the ghostly apparitions that have stayed silent for over a year are about to invade her life once more. But, Melanie’s return to the realty office goes better than expected, with a new client eager to sell her recently inherited home on South Battery. Despite her stroke of luck, Melanie can’t deny that spirits have started to appear to her again. And while she knows nothing good can come from unearthing the past, some secrets refuse to stay buried. THE GUESTS ON SOUTH BATTERY is the perfect addition to the Tradd Street series, reuniting fans with their quirky doughnut-loving, schedule-obsessed heroine.

Certain to delight long-time fans of the series, and easy to jump into for newcomers, THE GUESTS ON SOUTH BATTERY is another winner from the “ultimate voice of women’s fiction” (Fresh Fiction).

Karen White will be speaking at The Book Loft located at 214 Centre Street from 12:30 until 2 p.m. on January 20, 2017. Dessert and tea will be served.

“Charming and complex living characters, combined with unsettled ghosts that balance uncanny creepiness with very human motivations, keep this story warm, real, and exciting.” – Publishers Weekly

“White’s latest will keep you in its grip from first page to last.” – RT Reviews

“A book with the right combination of chills, thrills and romance.” – Huffington Postkaren-white-books

Santa Fe on Foot at The Book Loft

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Santa Fe on Foot at The Book LoftPlanning a get away to New Mexico? Dreaming of Santa Fe? The Book Loft is excited to host author Elaine Pinkerton on Friday December 2, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Pinkerton will be reading from her book Santa Fe on Foot and answering questions.

The Book Loft is located in historic, downtown Fernandina Beach, at 214 Centre Street.

For more information, please call them at (904) 261-8991.

First Aid for High Risk Writing

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Excellent editing may do more than save your book from the dust bin. It carries the possibility of projecting your work to first-class acclaim. On November 17, at 6:00 p.m., all local writers are invited to join in as Writers by the Sea presents First Aid for High Risk Writing, by Heather Whitaker. Her approach to the editing process is not limited to improving your manuscript and increasing its chances of success, she also helps her clients become better writers along the way.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m., at the Amelia Island Museum of History, announcements and introductions will be facilitated by Donna Jennings, whose newly-released book will also be available to look at.

BIO: Heather Whitaker is a developmental editor and writing coach specializing in novels and memoirs, including children’s literature, adult literary, and adult genre fiction. She has worked with over 150 writers across the nation, from budding novelists to award-winning and NYT best-selling authors, Julianna Baggott (The PURE trilogy), J.C.Quinn (THE INFINITY OF YOU & ME), Jon Jefferson (CUT TO THE BONE, THE BREAKING POINT), and Laura Lascarso (COUNTING BACKWARDS, RACING HEARTS). In addition to manuscript editing, Heather leads ongoing writers groups and teaches writing classes for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at FSU.

Learn more about her at www.heatherwhitaker.com

Friends of the Library Reception at Plantation Artists Guild

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There is a a charity reception at Plantation Artist’s Guild & Gallery to benefit Friends of the Library on Friday, August 12, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Spa & Shops, 94 Village Circle.

A donation of $10.00 is requested at the door and this is a great opportunity to support Friends of the Library, view fine art by local artists, partake in refreshments, and possibly win a door prize!

Everyone is welcome and exhibited art works will be offered for sale.

For more information regarding Friends of the Library, membership or to donate, please visit www.FernandinaFOL.org.

2016 Spring Book Sale

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2016 Spring Book Sale

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The Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library’s annual Spring Book Sale kicks off Thursday, April 7, 2016, with a special Friends of the Library “Members-Only” preview from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Peck Center Gym located at 516 South 10th Street, on Amelia Island.

If you are not a member, you are invited to join at the door and get first choice of thousands of books, CDs and DVDs for sale.

Memberships are $15 for students, $35 dollars for individuals, $50 for a couple or $75 for a family.

The doors will open to all on Friday, April 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Saturday, April 9, from 9:30 to 2:00.

Books are carefully organized for easy browsing in dozens of categories, including fiction, biographies, art, history, children’s books, sports, cooking, audio books and more. Most books are priced at $2.00 or less.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.FernandinaFOL.org.

Hit the Pin for Literacy

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Hit the Pin for LiteracyFernandina Beach, FL – The Amelia Island Book Festival (AIBF) proudly announces its Inaugural “Hit the Pin for Literacy” Charity Golf Tournament supporting the Authors in Schools Literacy Program. The setting is the beautiful, award winning, Golf Club of Amelia Island, (the Ritz-Carlton/Summer Beach Course), Friday, December 11, 2015. Check-in starts at 11:00 am with the Shotgun start, Scramble format starting at noon.

“There will be loads of fun, food and fabulous prizes, but the joy of knowing you have helped a child in our Nassau County Public Schools own a book presented by its author is the real prize,” says John Carr, AIBF immediate-past president and tournament team leader.

“Participants in the tournament can make a huge difference. This event helps to raise the funds to buy a book for every student in our Nassau County Public School System. Golfers are playing for a good cause, and having a great time in the process,” says Jim Weinsier, author, board director and tournament team member.

“For more than a decade our Authors in Schools Literacy Program has been contributing to the educational process. The program is all about the Festival’s goal to promote literacy and life-long learning, as it touches every student throughout the county’s public schools in the process,” says Raffaela Marie Fenn, this year’s AIBF Board president. “We have some fabulous children and young adult authors coming to present, entertain, and excite the kids about learning through books on Festival Friday, February 19, 2016 at their schools. Where else can a golfer spend a relaxing day out in the fresh air-in friendly competition, while affording a local student a unique life-long learning experience?”

The tournament format is a “scramble” with lots of interesting twists. There will be a putting contest, gifts, prizes, raffles and much more. Registration includes greens fees, carts, range balls, cart baggie, buffet & awards. Prizes will be awarded to the Top Three Teams. Buy tickets on line or by mail. Registration for a foursome is $500, which buys books for one classroom; an individual player’s cost is $150, which contributes to the purchase of books for ten students. A portion of the registration fee is tax-deductible.

To learn more about the Golf Tournament, visit www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org

Led by Honorary Chairman and NYT and Number One International Bestselling Author, Steve Berry, the 15th Annual Amelia Island Book Festival promises new venues and formats designed to delight book fans and readers of all ages.

The Amelia Island Book Festival is a not for profit 501(c)3 Corporation seeking to open up the world for people of all ages by promoting and celebrating literacy through books. With a mission to promote life-long learning through fostering an appreciation for books, we provide quality events featuring authors in engaging venues.

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Born to Read at Fernandina Library

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Born to Read at Fernandina LibraryBorn to Read is a chance for young mothers and their tots to come to the new library in Fernandina Beach, and to learn more about how to help their young children learn to read and understand at a very young age.

On Tuesday, October 20th, at 10:30 a.m., infant/toddler specialist Jennie Hall will be at the Library to demonstrate how we can read out loud and help our children understand the meaning of the word, at a very young age, by using particular techniques.

The Children’s Committee of the Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library hope you’ll come, and bring your children. It’s a chance to get out of the house, to share ideas with other Moms, to get to know our wonderful new library, and to learn these very effective techniques from Jennie Hall.

For more information, please contact Sara Moerman at 912-399-7275.

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Local Author Releases New Book, TICO!

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Local Author Releases New Book, TICO!Fernandina Beach resident, Dr. Richard A. Smith, releases his debut children’s book, TICO.

WHEN: Saturday, October 17th, 3:00-5:00 PM
WHERE: Lulu’s, 11 South 7th Street, historic Fernandina Beach.

All are welcome to stop by Lulu’s at the Thompson house for a meet and greet, and book signing. Rich will be there as well as the book’s illustrator, Mandy Stoffa.

TICO is the story of one girl, one dog, two countries and three languages. Poor, lonely puppy Tico lives on the streets of Costa Rica. He has no family, and barely survives on scraps and handouts. One day, Tico meets an outgoing American student, and she starts to feed and care for him. But, when the student has to return to the U.S., will Tico be forced to go back to living on the streets?

Based on a true story, TICO is written in English and in Spanish. Read it in one language and then flip it around to read it in the other. What’s the third language? Wait & see!

TICO is by Dr. Richard A. Smith and illustrated by Mandy Stoffa. María Díaz created the Spanish translation and Jude Dvorak designed the book layout.

rich-smith-authorDr. Richard A. Smith is Professor Emeritus of Elementary Education at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where he taught for over 20 years. His teaching experiences at the elementary and middle school levels aided in the development of his first children’s book, TICO. He lives on Amelia Island, Florida with his wife of over 50 years, Julie, and works as Director of Parish Life at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Fernandina Beach.

Mandy K. Stoffa is a fifth generation Floridian who draws inspiration for her artwork from the beauty and natural surroundings of her native state. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Fine Arts from Florida State University, and has taught and created art in various media for many years. She lives in North Florida with her husband and her kitty cat, Violette.

After the book release on October 17th, copies of TICO can be purchased on amazon.com.

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