READ LOCAL2023 Local Author Fair
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Join us for our first (hopefully) annual local author fair, Read Local! Several local authors will be in attendance (full list below) with books for sale. Stop by their tables to chat, purchase a book, and/or get a book signed! We also have some fun activities and giveaways planned!
Saturday, February 25 | 9:30 - 11:30 AM Free drop-in program. |
LOCAL AUTHORS
scheduled to attend
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AUTHOR BIOKate Bateman / K.C. Bateman, is a bestselling author of Regency and Renaissance historical romances, including the Secrets & Spies series, Bow Street Bachelors series, and Ruthless Rivals series. Both traditionally published (by Penguin Random House and Macmillan / St Martin’s Press) and indie-published, her books have received multiple Starred Reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, and feature feisty, intelligent heroines, (badasses in bodices!) wickedly inappropriate banter, and heroes you want to strangle and kiss. Her Renaissance romp The Devil To Pay was a 2019 RITA nominee. Her books have been translated into multiple languages, including French, Italian, Brazilian, Japanese, German, Romanian, Czech, and Croatian. When not writing, Kate leads a double life as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several TV shows in the UK. She currently lives in Illinois with a number-loving husband and three inexhaustible children, and regularly returns to her native England ‘for research.’ Kate loves to hear from readers. Contact her via her website: www.kcbateman.com and sign up for her newsletter to receive regular updates on new releases, giveaways and exclusive excerpts. |
BOOK DESCRIPTIONA Wicked Game marks the third book in Kate Bateman's popular regency romance series, Ruthless Rivals. If there’s one thing impossible for a Davies to resist, it’s a challenge from a Montgomery. . . A teasing bet. Shipwrecked and imprisoned thanks to an incorrect map, Captain Morgan Davies has returned to London to exact sweet revenge on the cartographer responsible for his suffering. He’s also vowed to claim the winner’s prize—three kisses—in the bet he made with his long-time nemesis, the prickly, smart-mouthed Harriet Montgomery. His incarceration has clarified his feelings for her, but convincing the infuriating woman he wants to marry her is going to be his greatest challenge yet. When Harriet’s revealed to be the very mapmaker he seeks, Morgan decides to combine revenge and seduction into one delightful package. . . A dangerous enemy. Harriet’s always wanted witty scoundrel Morgan, and now he’s back; as handsome and as taunting as ever. She has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s failing eyesight and a rival mapmaker copying her work to play wicked games with a dastardly Davies—however tempting he might be. But when a threat from Morgan’s past puts them both in danger, Harry discovers that she and Morgan might not be enemies at all . . . |
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AUTHOR BIOMolly Crusen Bishop is a 5th generation, lifelong Peoria County resident. She is married to Douglas Bishop, and they have 5 children, one son-in-law, and 3 precious grandchildren. She grew up on Peoria’s West Bluff, in the home her Irish great grandparents built in 1885. She is the 9th child of a 9th child, coming from a long line of large Irish Catholic families. Her parents, Don Crusen and Joani Needham Crusen were raised here in Peoria during the Great Depression, and are big influences in her life and shaped her love for community and passion for history, and her love for all things Peoria. Molly is a local writer, having written two books; a children's book called Serendipity's Song, and a nonfiction history book called Footprints of Our Forefathers. She has written for over 8 different magazines, and most recently contributing to Peoria Magazine, and Construction Beauty Magazine. She is thrilled to share 100 Things that make Peoria a special place to live, work, and play. |
BOOK DESCRIPTION100 Things To Do In Peoria Before You Die is a book focused on all of the amazing and fun things to do in Central Illinois. This series is one of Reedy Press best selling series and has been done for over a decade with well over 100 cities across the country. |
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AUTHOR BIOSpringfield Illinois native. Thirty-two years at Illinois Bell / Ameritech. In retirement, I developed interested in my family history, which led to my first novel, When You Speak My Name in 2010. Next came cozy mysteries, The Parrot in the Parlor, and Wednesdays at the Red Pepper Cafe. I switched gears and wrote three novels (Dead Head, Dead Ringers, Dead at the Wheel, a series of police murder mysteries. My latest works are novels, The Journey, and The Farewell Tour. I live near Springfield with my husband and a very demanding cat. |
BOOK DESCRIPTIONDiana Wanless is leaving Las Vegas, and a broken marriage. She'll drive over two thousand miles in her motorhome to Reston, Virginia, where she plans to put her life back together. Diana will also do a favor for her big brother. Transport the cremated remains of WWII Army Nurse Corps First Lieutenant Mildred Hall for inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery. Plenty of things can happen on a two-thousand-mile trip. Things that might change a person's life - or things that might snuff it out. Diana may have to decide which one it will be. |
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AUTHOR BIOPastor Daniel D. Doty was born and raised in Clarion, Iowa. He was ordained into the Christian ministry in 1966, and for 45 years, Pastor Doty has served several congregations in the United States and one in New Zealand. Pastor Doty completed his academic training with Bachelor of Theology and Master of Science degrees. The inspiration for writing fiction was planted in his young mind by an elementary teacher and was put on the back burner until retirement when he began writing his debut novel, Legacy of a Frozen Scream. Pastor Doty's upbringing in a deeply troubled home left him with a lifelong interest in the guidance of youth with dysfunctional backgrounds. His experiences from a lengthy career involving such relationships, as well as his love for the small Midwestern towns he served, is reflected in this mystery story set in a tiny fictional village named Baunsee, Illinois. |
BOOK DESCRIPTIONOn a cold October morning, Pastor David Lee Brady hears a scream and discovers a dying young man in the snow. Rumors run wild in a small town, with whispers echoing in the breeze. The sleepy village of Baunsee has its first ever murder investigation and Dave is caught up in the middle. In Pastor Dave's attempt to find out what happened to the young man, the work of the would-be detective quickly involves Misty, a troubled teenage girl, who is a member of the pastor's congregation. Street-wise, tough-minded, and in-your-face bold, Misty's intent to solve the crime all by herself leads her to the dark shadows of the past. Will this young lady's efforts help or hinder the pastor in his efforts? Can Dave help protect those who are in need of justice and healing, just as he has been called to do in his ministry? Legacy of a Frozen Scream is a story about discovery, transformation, and looking inward to find strength and the truth. |
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AUTHOR BIOKaren Fyke is a local historian who has authored several books for the Woodford County Historical and Genealogical Society. They include Eureka Illinois: Celebrating 150 Years, Veterans of Woodford County: Respect and Remember, The Archive compilation, and the History of the Poor Farm. Karen is an avid researcher and writer and a mainstay of the Society. She has been a resident of Eureka since 1995. |
BOOK DESCRIPTIONHardbound, 288 page book including pictures and data from 102 rural schools in Woodford County. The book includes maps and personal stories from those who attended the schools. |
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AUTHOR BIOLorie Link is a Mother, wife, sister, and friend who has an undying spirit to help others see God even though challenges. Originally from a small town in Middle Tennessee, Lorie now lives in Central Illinois with her husband Steve. She enjoys traveling,serving her community, shoe shopping, and spending time with family and friends. |
BOOK DESCRIPTIONA personal story, a message of courage, compassion, and friendship. Each step of life gives us choices and every choice a consequence. Even in the darkest times, God is there to offer help-just ask for it. Though not easy, you can survive tragedy. With God, you are stronger than you think. |
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AUTHOR BIOBeth Harms Miller grew up in Rutland, Illinois in LaSalle County. She attended Minonk-Dana-Rutland Schools graduating in 1974. She graduated from Western Illinois University with a teaching degree in Family and Consumer Science. Miller taught at 4 Central Illinois schools; Streator-Northlawn, Mid-County Jr.-Sr. High School in Varna, Minonk-Dana-Rutland High School, Fieldcrest Jr. High and High School. Beth retired after 38 years of teaching in 2016. Since retiring, she has been volunteering at Woodford County Historical and Genealogical Society where she is currently president. Miller is also a member of the Christ Child Society of Central Illinois and 1st vice-president. She is also a member of the Rutland Cemetery Board where she is the secretary. Miller and her husband Dan live in a barn on his family's farm that they converted in to their home. Beth is also an active member at St. Mary's Catholic Church in El Paso where she has lived since the two married in 1985. |
BOOK DESCRIPTIONExtensive collection of photos and information about the 12 Eureka Pumpkin Festival celebrations included names of people and businesses that made it possible. Including never before published information about the 5th Festival and the visit of Ronald Reagan Eureka College graduate, movie start and president of the Screen Actors Guild. Reagan spent time with the J. Wade Collins family for his stay in 1947. The family shared their Christmas letter for the book that tells of Reagan's activities when he stayed in their family's home that is still standing in Eureka. 208 pages with at least one picture on every page. |
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AUTHOR BIOMy debut novel was written under the pseudonym, Amanda Collins Beams. I am a locally-published poet, author, and life-long history geek. Born and raised in the Land of Lincoln, I have always had a keen interest in life in the nineteenth century. After a career in marketing and public relations, I am exploring a new career as a novelist. I am the mother of two grown sons, Rob and Wayne, and a willing slave to one extremely-spoiled, four-pound 'dog-ter', Li'l Bit of Joy. |
BOOK DESCRIPTIONOn the Illinois prairie . . . In October 1897, Louise Hawkes, severely beaten and near death, and her two young children, are found on the muddy bank of Friends Creek. Transported to Dunham's Crossing, they are taken in by Agnes Dunham Hoskins. As the women's lives become increasingly intertwined, an unbreakable bond is formed that will endure far beyond their natural lives. Nearly a century later, Belinda Page and Julie Stephens embark on a day trip to Allerton Park. A twist of fate forces them off the highway and in to the clutches of a violent thunderstorm. In the aftermath, the discovery of a long-buried curio leads to an experience neither Belinda or Julie could have ever imagined. |
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AUTHOR BIOSusan Reising, professional development coach and trainer, writer and champion question-asker, continues her lifelong quest to better understand our world and the diverse people who inhabit it. She lives in East Peoria, where she enjoys spending time with her favorite people, dogs, gardens and trees. |
BOOK DESCRIPTIONLola and the Tree of Life introduces children ages 4 through 8 to the idea of death as a part of life through the story of a young girl named Lola, her beloved friend Tree (a wise old oak) and her ailing grandfather. This story can help a child: - Prepare for the death of a loved one or pet before it happens. - Understand that while death is permanent, memories, meaning and connections live on. - Learn about natural cycles in the web of life. |
Otto Schafer Mackinaw Young Adult fantasy author of The Secret Journal 2020 Young Adult Fiction Winner of the Soon To Be Famous Illinois Author Project CONNECT
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AUTHOR BIOOtto Schafer grew up exploring the small historic town in central Illinois featured in the God Stones series. If you visit Petersburg, Illinois you may find locations familiar from the books. You may even discover, as Otto did, that history has left behind cleverly hidden traces of magic, whispered secrets, and untold treasures. Currently, Otto is working on the fifth book in the God Stones series. He and his loving wife reside in a quiet log cabin tucked away in the woods. When Otto isn't writing you can often find him running the forest trails near his home, deep in a tangle of thoughts he'll need to rush home to put on paper. |
BOOK DESCRIPTIONA history hidden from the world. A truth long sought, but better left unfound. Will two teenagers survive the magical secrets they unearth? Oak Island, Nova Scotia. Breanne Moore blames herself for her mother’s tragic death. So when her archaeologist father is invited on an exciting new dig, she’s determined to tag along and keep him safe. But as the mystery leads them closer to the island’s secret, Breanne’s dreams are filled with visions of a strange boy she’s never met… and a world of flaming carnage. Petersburg, Illinois. Sixteen-year-old Garrett Turek is the unofficial leader of his fellow outcasts. Grappling with a volatile relationship with his stepfather, he avoids his home life by helping an eccentric accountant restore a historic Victorian house. But when he and his crew stumble on a crusty journal in the basement, Garrett uncovers a dead president’s key to a secret world-saving society. As Breanne and her dad seek clues to a treasure hidden deep beneath the surface, they trigger a dangerous magic that should have stayed dormant forever. And when Garrett closes in on the truth, he’ll question everything he thought he knew and find trust in a girl from far away as they prepare to battle a dangerous foe. Can the two would-be heroes fulfill a powerful prophecy and save the planet from destruction? The Secret Journal is the first book in the sensational God Stones YA contemporary fantasy series. If you like unusual pairings, well-researched historical backgrounds, and heated suspense, then you’ll love Otto Schafer’s coming-of-age adventure. Destiny awaits those brave enough to turn the page! |
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AUTHOR BIODeb Young is a retired young adult school librarian who loves books and kids. She is crazy about Maltese dogs and the Chicago Cubs, and reading, of course. She grew up living next door to the “real” Dorothy and Orrin and the wonderful kids in her hometown in the tiny village of Timewell, IL. She lives in Eureka, IL and can be reached at [email protected]. Deb has more stories to tell in the Dorothy and Orrie series. She received her B.S. in English and Psychology in 1976 from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO and her M.S. in Instructional Media in 1983 from Illinois State University in Normal, IL which certified her as an IL school librarian. |
BOOK DESCRIPTIONToo much watermelon inspires a respected older couple to host a watermelon party in celebration of the children in their small town. Antics of fun and love make it an afternoon to remember. And, in the end, the reader knows there may be more fun with watermelon ahead. |
