Upcoming Event: Alafair Burke

Meet New York Times Bestselling Author Alafair Burke

Sun 12th January

12:00 PM

Books & Greetings

Come meet Alafair Burke, the bestselling author of the New York Times, in person and hear about her latest book!

Each person attending the event must purchase their own book/ticket. You can order your book through this link or call the store 201-784-2665 and purchase it over the phone with a credit card or stop by the store if you are local

Link to purchase book https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-new-york-times-bestselling-author-alafair-burke-tickets-1101169119479

Location
Books & Greetings

271 Livingston Street Northvale, NJ 07647

Upcoming Book Event: Pam Jenoff, February 12 at 6 pm

About this Event

Please join us in welcoming author Pam Jenoff as she celebrates the release of her new book Last Twilight in Paris.

A Parisian department store, a mysterious necklace and a woman’s quest to unlock a decade-old mystery are at the center of this riveting novel of love and survival, from New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff.

London, 1953. Louise is still adjusting to her postwar role as a housewife when she discovers a necklace in a box at a secondhand shop. The box is marked with the name of a department store in Paris, and she is certain she has seen the necklace before worked with the Red Cross in Nazi-occupied Europe-and that it holds the key to the mysterious death of her friend Franny during the war.

Following the trail of clues to Paris, Louise seeks help from her former boos Ian, with whom she shares a romantic history. The necklace leads them to discover the dark history of Levitan – a once-glamorous department store that served as a Nazi prison, and Helaine, a woman who was imprisoned there, torn apart from her husband when the Germans invaded France.

Louise races to find the connection between the necklace, the department store and Franny’s death. But nothing is as it seems, and there are forces determined to keep the truth buried forever. Inspired by the true story of Levitan, Last Twilight in Paris is both a gripping mystery and an unforgettable story about sacrifice, resistance and the power of love to transcend in even the darkest hours.

Special Instructions

TICKETS CAN BE RESERVED AT THE LINK BELOW:

https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/bncliftoncommons/pam-jenoff-book-signing

There will be a book signing following the discussion. The featured title Last Twilight in Parismust be purchased from our store to gain access the signing line. 

Clifton
Clifton Commons
395 Route 3 East
Clifton, NJ 07014
(973) 779-5500

Review: The Make-Believers by Ryan Seacrest and Meredith Seacrest Leach

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.

Book Event With Ryan Matthew Cohn and Regina M. Rossi

Witch’s door

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.

Upcoming Book Event: Marisha Pessl

Thursday, December 5

Meet New York Times Bestselling Author Marisha Pessl Thursday Dec. 5th 6PM

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

Upcoming Book Event: Come meet Elle Macpherson

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.

I got to meet Tim Matheson at Bookends in NJ

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.

Upcoming Book Event With Author Shelby Van Pelt

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

Shelby Van Pelt discusses and signs REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES


About this Event

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.

Event Location

Paramus

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.

Book Event with Authors Lynda Cohen Loigman and Heather Webb

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?

Upcoming Book Event: The Witch of NY by Alex Hortis

About this Event

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

Special Instructions

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.