My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars
This beautiful book is filled with the magic of dreaming big. The illustrations are amazing with bold colors that match perfectly with the story. I love that the illustrations have diverse characters and inclusivity. Perfect book to encourage children to dream big and that they can be anything they dream they can be. Children will enjoy a book that welcomes those with imaginative endeavors.
I was so excited to meet Ryan and his wife Regina. If you are a fan of the show, Oddities, or love collecting the weird and unsual, well, you will enjoy reading their new book. The event took place at the Westport Library in CT, which is a beautiful library.
We were lucky that they brought the witch’s door to the event. If you look closely, you will see a spooky figure and words. You can read more about the door in their book.
Thursday, December 5
Come meet the amazing Marisha Pessl, a New York Times bestselling author, on Thursday, Dec. 5th at 6PM!
Location
Books & Greetings
271 Livingston Street Northvale, NJ 07647
Purchase ticket here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-new-york-times-bestselling-author-marisha-pessl-thursday-dec-5th-6pm-tickets-1090051185439?aff=oddtdtcreator
Come Meet @ellemacpherson – Iconic Supermodel will sign her new book: ELLE – Tuesday, Nov. 19th @ 6pm. Don’t miss this one!
#author #celebrity #ridgewoodnj #bookstore #NewJersey #supermodel #booksignings
The event will be held at Bookends 211 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.
Goodreads Blurb
In the dazzling world of fashion, Elle Macpherson is synonymous with elegance, grace and timeless beauty. Growing up in Sydney shaped her formative years, imbuing her with her inimitable ‘give it a go’ Aussie spirit, which has driven all she’s done as an iconic model, businesswoman and wellness advocate.
At nineteen, Elle moved to New York, where she became a muse for prestigious photographers and designers, acted in a succession of film and TV roles, and co-founded Intimates – a lingerie collection that garnered global success. She moved to London with her partner and had her two beloved sons.
But behind the glamour and Elle’s embrace of motherhood, she was struggling – with ever-present insecurities, growing anxiety and the exhaustion of melding parties, modelling, running a business and motherhood. She knew she must take steps to change her life – forever.
Elle embarked on a physical, emotional and spiritual journey which she remains on to this day, having overcome adversities and illness in the years since she made her unwavering commitment to authenticity. And now, in this soul-expanding book, branded with her irrepressible humour and spirit, she is ready to share her hard-won wisdoms, so that we might all flourish in self-growth, expanding, rebalancing and being our authentically unique selves.
As a fan of Virgin River and getting a chance to meet my favorite character, Doc, it was a fangirl moment. Might I add, he is so handsome, I love him. Tim was so kind and friendly. It’s an experience you don’t always get when meeting celebrities. He took a moment to ask me where my name originated from, and he told me the upcoming series for Virgin River is the best one yet. I started reading his memoir, and I am enjoying it. I so far read about his humble upbringing and the struggles he went through growing up. The book gives you a welcoming feeling with a front row seat to Hollywood and those amazing actors during the 50s Era we all grew up loving. Right now, the chapter I am reading talks about I Love Lucy and how he learned how to sharpen his acting skills by watching these amazing actors and comedians. Do check out his new book. You will love it. Stay tuned for my review.
Goodreads Blurb
For the past seven decades, Tim Matheson has been an on-screen favorite in Hollywood. In his debut memoir, Tim takes fans behind-the-scenes of his illustrious career, and reveals what it was like to learn from and work alongside the greats, including Lucille Ball, Dick Van Dyke, Steven Spielberg, and Aaron Sorkin. Tim also talks about how he transitioned from acting to directing, the role in The West Wing that nabbed him two Emmy nominations–and so much more.
Filled to the brim with both riveting stories of the ever-changing entertainment industry and illuminating insight via “film school boot camp” sidebars, readers everywhere are going to be “damn glad” they read this fascinating memoir.
I’m so excited that Shelby will be coming to Paramus, Barnes & Noble, in April. This was my favorite book this year. It was released about two years ago, but it’s a must-read.
In Store
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 6:00 PM ET
Please join us in welcoming author Shelby Van Pelt as she celebrates the release of Remarkably Bright Creatures in paperback!
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in the Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors – until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
634 N State Route 17Paramus, NJ 07652
(201) 445-4589
My Review:
This outstanding book brought me so much joy. It’s been a while since I devoured a book in three days, not allowing me to take a break from this heartwarming story. This book gave me all the emotions, with characters who stole my heart. Shelby created characters who made us want to know more about their stories. I learned early on how this story was going to unravel. I was happy with how the story turned out.
The leading character, Marcellus, who happens to be a giant Pacific octopus, makes the story interesting with his countdown to the end of his life. I was sad that, as the reader, you knew his death was imminent, but his smarts and skills will show the powers these beautiful creatures have. It was great learning more about the lifespan and abilities of an octopus.
This story is a rollercoaster of emotions. It follows a son who never knew his father, and his mom abandoned him. He searches for his possible father after locating a picture and a high school class ring. You have a seventy-year-old widow who had lost her husband and her son who died a mysterious death when he was eighteen. This story beautifully weaves together these broken hearts who lost a lot but have so much to give to each other. Marcellus (the octopus) helps the characters figure out the mystery between these two lives, which brings new opportunities and locates what they lost. The characters’ growth and resilience throughout the story will leave you feeling hopeful.
I loved Tova Sullivan’s strength in pushing through the loss of her family and working hard at her age in the aquarium. His mother’s actions scarred Cameron Cassmore. He was a lost character trying to make it through the day in hopes of locating his happiness. I have a fascination for all sea creatures and was so happy I got to spend some quality time with Marcellus, the hero of this story. Marcellus days were outnumbered, but that didn’t stop him from making Tova realize who Cameron was to her. His friendship with Tova meant a lot to him. His memory of Erik, Tova’s son, made him want to bring Tova joy again. This is a magical story that will brighten your life.
I wore a similar coat and hat like the cover of Christmas with the Queen.
We had a wonderful evening meeting these amazing authors. There are so many more books to add to my TBR list.
Goodreads Blurb
’Tis the season! The Crown meets When Harry Met Sally and Bridget Jones’s Diary, in the latest heartwarming historical novel from Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb, bestselling authors of Meet Me in Monaco and Three Words for Goodbye.
December 1952. While the young Queen Elizabeth II finds her feet as the new monarch, she must also find the right words to continue in the tradition of her late father and grandfather’s beloved Christmas Day radio broadcast. But even traditions must move with the times, and the Queen faces a postwar Britain hungry for change.
As preparations begin for the royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk, two old friends—Jack Devereux and Olive Carter—find themselves reunited for the festivities. A single mother, typist at the BBC, and aspiring reporter, Olive leaps at the opportunity to cover the holiday celebration, despite self-doubts. When a chance encounter with the Queen presents an exciting opportunity, Olive begins to believe her luck might change.
Jack, a grief-stricken widowed chef originally from New Orleans, accepts a last-minute chance to cook in the royal kitchens at Sandringham. When he bumps into a long-lost friend, an old spark is reignited.
Despite personal and professional heartache, Jack and Olive’s paths continue to cross over the following five Christmas seasons and they find themselves growing ever closer. Yet Olive carries the burden of a heavy secret.
Christmas Day, December 1957. As the nation eagerly awaits the Queen’s first televised Christmas speech, Olive decides to reveal the shocking truth of her secret, which threatens to tear her and Jack apart forever. Unless Christmas has one last gift to deliver…
Goodreads Blurb
It’s never too late for new beginnings.
On the cusp of turning eighty, newly retired pharmacist Augusta Stern is adrift. When she relocates to Rallentando Springs—an active senior community in southern Florida—she unexpectedly crosses paths with Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy from her father’s old pharmacy—and the man who broke her heart sixty years earlier.
As a teenager growing up in 1920’s Brooklyn, Augusta’s role model was her father, Solomon Stern, the trusted owner of the local pharmacy and the neighborhood expert on every ailment. But when Augusta’s mother dies and Great Aunt Esther moves in, Augusta can’t help but be drawn to Esther’s curious methods. As a healer herself, Esther offers Solomon’s customers her own advice—unconventional remedies ranging from homemade chicken soup to a mysterious array of powders and potions.
As Augusta prepares for pharmacy college, she is torn between loyalty to her father and fascination with her great aunt, all while navigating a budding but complicated relationship with Irving. Desperate for clarity, she impulsively uses Esther’s most potent elixir with disastrous consequences. Disillusioned and alone, Augusta vows to reject Esther’s enchantments forever.
Sixty years later, confronted with Irving, Augusta is still haunted by the mistakes of her past. What happened all those years ago and how did her plan go so spectacularly wrong? Did Irving ever truly love her or was he simply playing a part? And can Augusta reclaim the magic of her youth before it’s too late?
There have been plenty of cases that captured the American media, but if ever there was a first, it was the case of Polly Bodine. This may well be the origin story of the true crime sensation that still has its hold on the media today.
Join us in welcoming author Alex Hortis for a discussion about The Witch of New York from 1PM-2PM and a signing from 2PM-4PM
Books must have a Barnes and Noble receipt for entry into the event
Sunday, December 08, 2024 1:00 PM ET
Staten Island Mall
2655 Richmond Avenue Suite 1590
Staten Island, NY 10314
(718) 355-6033
This was an informative book event that explained the real events of a murder trial that happened in Staten Island. This murder case shocked everyone when, on Christmas Day, a mother and child were found murdered. The event I attended took place in the court house where the third trial took place in Newburgh, NY. Unfortunately, the location no longer looks the same as it did, but it was a great experience standing in the same spot the final trial was decided. I’m glad the building still stands today.
Event Details
Please join us for a special author conversation between two historical fiction/romance writers – Lynda Cohen Loigman and Heather Webb – on Thursday, November 7, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. For those of you who love to get lost inside the world of a book, come prepared with questions to learn how these tales are woven.
Lynda’s book, The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, is set in a dual timeline, travelling between 1920’s Brooklyn and 1980’s Boca Raton, FL. It’s not just a page-turner, but a remedy for the soul, sprinkled with a touch of magic, a dash of heartbreak, and plenty of laughter; a must-read for anyone who believes in the enduring magic of second chances and a bit of mystery.
Heather has joined forces once again with her writing partner, Hazel Gaynor, for a fourth collaboration, Christmas with the Queen, which invites readers to spend the festive season with Queen Elizabeth II as she delivers her traditional Christmas message during the first five years of her reign, and traces a tumultuous relationship between a young woman working as a royal correspondent, and a chef in the Queen’s household.
Lynda Cohen Loigman graduated from Harvard College and Columbia Law School. Her debut novel, The Two-Family House, was a USA Today best seller and a nominee for the Goodreads 2016 Choice Awards in Historical Fiction. Her second novel, The Wartime Sisters, was selected as a Woman’s World Book Club pick and a Best Book of 2019 by Real Simple Magazine. The Matchmaker’s Gift was named a Best New Book by People Magazine and a Best Book of Fall by the New York Post, Parade Magazine, Buzzfeed, and Good Morning America.com. The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is her fourth novel and will be published by St. Martin’s Press on October 8, 2024.
Heather Webb is the award-winning, USA Today and international bestselling author of ten historical novels, including her most recent The Next Ship Home, Queens of London, and Strangers in the Night. To date, her books have been translated to eighteen languages.
Hazel and Heather’s co-written historical novels have all been published to critical acclaim. The USA Today and international bestseller, Last Christmas in Paris, won the 2018 Women’s Fiction Writers Association Star Award, Meet Me in Monaco was shortlisted for the 2020 Romantic Novelists’ Association Historical Novel award, and Three Words for Goodbye was selected by Prima Magazine as a Best Novel of 2021. Christmas With The Queen is their fourth collaboration.
Elm Street Books will be selling copies of both books, which the authors will sign after the program. A portion of the proceeds goes to Wilton Library.
The media sponsor of our author talk is GOOD Morning Wilton.
Registration is requested. Link to register https://wilton.librarycalendar.com/event/hold-author-talk-2801
Meet & Greet NBC’s Al Roker w/ Courtney Roker Laga Sat. Oct. 26th 4pm
Come meet Al Roker from NBC and his daughter Courtney Roker Laga on Sat. Oct. 26th at 4 pm for a fun Meet & Greet!
Purchase ticket at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-greet-nbcs-al-roker-w-courtney-roker-laga-sat-oct-26th-4pm-tickets-972435118617
Location:
Books & Greetings271 Livingston Street Northvale, NJ 07647
Goodreads Blurb
Al Roker and his daughter, Courtney Roker Laga, welcome you into their home, where a good conversation or a needed dose of laughter always starts with something great to eat.
100 original and kitchen-tested dishes for every occasion, including Sunrise Burritos Shrimp and Grits with Bell Peppers and Bacon Smothered Chicken Coffee- and Spice-Rubbed Pork Chops Tuscan Polenta Silky Cauliflower Puree Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls Bourbon Apple Pie Milkshakes Lemon Meringue Crumb Crust Pie Stunning dishes in this book will inspire you to start cooking memory-making meals.Full of cheerful family photos and Al’s frank, witty opinions on food and cooking, Al Roker’s Recipes to Live By is sure to become the most well-thumbed cookbook on your shelf, whether you’re a beginner home cook or a seasoned chef.
FabulousReader4Ever 