Join Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) for the annual Author Series Learning Community Event featuring Dr. Temple Grandin, author of “Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism.” Continue reading
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 Post
Planning 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.
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
Combine birds of Amelia Island with loving words for the children in your life at the book signing at the Book Loft on Saturday, October 15, 2016, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Continue reading
“A new voice in Southern Fiction” is how a recent reviewerlabeled Kay Dew Shostak’s debut novel, NextStop, Chancey. Continue reading
Friends of the Library’s spring and fall book sales feature thousands of books in dozens of categories, plus audio books, CD’s and DVD’s. One hundred percent of the proceeds pay for specialized databases, network access, books, e-books, periodicals, and other materials to keep the Fernandina Beach Library current. Continue reading
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.
Click image to enlarge
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.
Fernandina 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.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment below or subscribe to the feed to have future articles delivered to your e-mail and get the latest Amelia Island News, business, tourist activities and videos every morning!
You can also choose to follow SearchAmelia on Twitter to get your daily updates!
Born 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.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment below or subscribe to the feed to have future articles delivered to your e-mail and get the latest Amelia Island News, business, tourist activities and videos every morning!
You can also choose to follow SearchAmelia on Twitter to get your daily updates!
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.
Dr. 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.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment below or subscribe to the feed to have future articles delivered to your e-mail and get the latest Amelia Island News, business, tourist activities and videos every morning!
You can also choose to follow SearchAmelia on Twitter to get your daily updates!
Fernandina Beach, FL – “Bring ’em on!” says Annie Sparkle, Chair for the Friends of the Library Book Sale scheduled for November 5th thru 7th at the Peck Center, in Fernandina Beach. “We have thousands of great books already, but we have room for loads more of every kind.”
As always, the sale will feature a broad assortment of books in dozens of fiction and non-fiction categories as well as hundreds of children’s books, audio books, CD and DVDs. For the best selection, come for FOL members only night, Thursday, November 5 from 5 pm – 7 pm. If you’re not a member, it’s easy to join at the door.
The sale is open to the public on Friday, November 6, 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday, November 7, from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm. There will be special sales early Saturday afternoon.
The Peck Center Gym is located at 516 South 10th Street in Fernandina Beach.
Items to donate can be left in the collection box under the covered walkway in front of Peck Head Start at 511 S. 11th Street. For larger donations call Annie Sparkle (904-310-9290) or use the collection area in the Peck School located at 516 South 10th Street. Go in the front entrance (Fir Street between S. 10th and S. 11th Streets), turn right and look for the Friends of the Library sign on your left, next to the stairwell.
With most items priced at $2.00 or less, FOL’s spring and fall book sales generate approximately $20,000 annually for specialized databases, network access, books, e-books, periodicals, and other materials to keep the Fernandina Beach Library current.
As a separate project, FOL is conducting a capital campaign to help furnish the Library on N. 4th Street that opened last spring.
For more information, to join or donate, visit FernandinaFOL.org. or call 321-6529.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment below or subscribe to the feed to have future articles delivered to your e-mail and get the latest Amelia Island News, business, tourist activities and videos every morning!
You can also choose to follow SearchAmelia on Twitter to get your daily updates!
Fernandina Beach, FL – With Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library (FOL) approaching its fundraising goal for library improvements, an anonymous benefactor has donated $5,000 of the $35,000 needed to sponsor the local history section. This gift includes a challenge to other local history buffs to join him and cover the remaining $30,000 needed to purchase furniture and collection additions, says Dee Torre, Friends of the Library Campaign Chair.
According to Torre, most rooms and special sections in the ‘new’ library have already been sponsored or ‘named’ by donors or in memory of their loved ones. “Local history is important in our community and is one of only two areas left without a ‘name.’ We are excited that this individual has started this effort to sponsor ‘Friends of Local History’ section.”
Currently, the local history section features books, periodicals and other documents relevant to past and current people and events in Nassau County, nearby Georgia, and Florida as a whole. “In addition to physical publications, we need a designated computer and databases so people can access the many other resources that are available online. Tables, shelving and comfortable work and study areas are also greatly needed,” says Nassau County Assistant Library Director, Janet Loveless. “With additional funds we can add special collections and resources not already available in our community, thus giving patrons free access to local history six days a week.”
The first phase of furniture and equipment purchased with FOL funds is now on order and should arrive soon and we anticipate other orders this fall, Torre said. “We are thrilled to be so close to reaching our goal of a well-equipped library. Thanks to amazing generosity from the community, FOL has raised $1,020,000 of the $1.2 million it promised several years ago to match City and County contributions to this library improvement project.”
To donate to “Friends of Local History” or learn more about naming opportunities, call 904-321-6529 or visit fernandinafol.org, where you can make a donation online, join FOL, renew your membership, purchase event tickets and volunteer.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment below or subscribe to the feed to have future articles delivered to your e-mail and get the latest Amelia Island News, business, tourist activities and videos every morning!
You can also choose to follow SearchAmelia on Twitter to get your daily updates!
The Amelia Island Book Festival, in partnership with The Book Loft, welcomes Mary Alice Monroe for a special luncheon, speaking, and signing event celebrating the release of her new novel The Summer’s End.
Monroe will be in Fernandina Beach Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at the Ocean Clubhouse at Omni Amelia Island Plantation.
Charleston, SC – Nature is the lifeblood of Mary Alice Monroe novels, and fans of her bestselling Lowcountry Summer Trilogy will soon enjoy reading the powerful conclusion, The Summer’s End, now on sale (Gallery Books).
Rooted in the charming seaside town of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, summer is ending and Mamaw’s beloved family estate, Sea Breeze, must be sold. It’s an emotional season as Mamaw and the three half-sisters each face loss and struggle to find a fresh start in life. Harper, the youngest sister, who lived under the narcissistic abuse of her wealthy and influential mother, has no home or career after breaking free of her mother’s tyranny. With summer’s end fast approaching, Harper must find the courage to release her insecurities, recognize her strengths and accept love fully to save her family and her future.
Each book in the trilogy focuses on one of the three estranged half-sisters (Harper, Carson, and Eudora) spending a final summer at their grandmother’s seaside home. A wild dolphin they name Delphine serves as the trilogy’s keystone and all of their lives are changed by this creature. Throughout the series, Monroe expertly raises awareness about the threats facing bottlenose dolphins, while engaging readers with a story that explores contemporary human and moral issues.
Described as “the canary in the coal mine,” the New York Times bestselling author’s conservation convictions add richness and meaning to her novels. Monroe’s modus operandi before writing a novel involves hands-on research. For this trilogy, Monroe worked with researchers through The National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) in Charleston, SC and volunteered at the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, FL.
This book release kicks off a 31-city summer tour and celebrates twenty years for Monroe as a published novelist.
For more information, call (904) 624-1665, or purchase your ticket online at www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org.
Visit www.maryalicemonroe.com for tour dates and book information.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment below or subscribe to the feed to have future articles delivered to your e-mail and get the latest Amelia Island News, business, tourist activities and videos every morning!
You can also choose to follow SearchAmelia on Twitter to get your daily updates!
