Fall Issue of Book Lovers Dispatch is Out!

Yes, it’s the Fall. It’s time to hit the books, even if you’re not headed back to school.

In this issue, we learn about America’s first library. And yes, Benjamin Franklin plays a key role, although without his kite. We also introduce you to author Steven Falco, a baseball enthusiast and riveting author. Learn how he artfully combines these two passions.

This issue also shares the dates of various upcoming book events and recent book releases. Feel free to share the PDF file or the link bit.ly/bookloversdispatch-009a with friends and fellow book lovers. We’d also love to hear about what you’d like to see more of in Book Lovers Dispatch. Let us know.

We’re already working on our holiday issue. If you have any ideas for content you’d like to see, let us know. Until then, happy reading!

Book Lovers Dispatch is an Official Sponsor of the New Providence Book Festival

Book Lovers Dispatch is now a sponsor of the New Providence Book Festival on September 20, 2025, from 9 AM to 3 PM. The festival will be held on the grounds of the Salt Box Museum at 1350 Springfield Avenue in New Providence.

At 10 AM, during the Children’s Storytime, Sue Steinhardt will read from her children’s series, ImperfectPhil is a Friend. Danielle Willmott will read Sampson the Square.

At 11:00 AM, Susen Edwards will talk about “Turning Your Memoir into Fiction.”

At 12:00 Noon, D.M. Barr, Ted DelGrosso and Michael Penncavige will conduct an “Ask the Author” panel discussion.

At 1:00 PM, the festival will host a “Spoken Word Open Mic” event. Any attendee may read their written work, including fiction, poetry, or essays. All readings must be “family friendly,” with a time limit of six minutes. Interested “readers” may sign up on the day of the event on a first-come, first-served basis.

A range of New Jersey authors will be available to sign their books, including J.R. Bale, D.M. Barr, Michelle Cameron, Michael Stephen Daigle, Ted Delgrosso, Susen Edwards, Elle Hartford, Kim Harwanko, Rebecca Holmes, Sarajane Giere, Tom Kranz, Elissa Matthews, Michael Penncavage, Sue Steinhardt and Danielle Willmott.

“New Jersey is filled with amazing authors,” explains J.R. Bale, author and one of the organizers of the event. “This event allows readers to connect with local authors in a very personal way. With over a dozen authors, writing in various genres, it will be a stimulating event for even the most casual book lover.”

Anyone purchasing a book at the festival will be entitled to receive a free raffle ticket for drawings for a prize, which will include a Barnes & Noble gift card.

The festival will be held on the grounds of the Salt Box Museum at 1350 Springfield Avenue, New Providence, NJ. The rain date is September 27, 2025. The Salt Box Museum, the site of the festival, is operated by the New Providence Historical Society and will be open for tours, free of charge. Refreshments will be available on the grounds.

More information is available at www.newprovidencebookfestival.com

Spring Issue of Book Lovers Dispatch is Out!

Spring is upon us.  Our Elissa Matthews has come up with some interesting book and wine pairings to share with us. Learn more about them, starting on Page 1.

In this issue, we also learn about author Reyna Favis, author of the Zackie-O supernatural suspense series. Learn more on Page 3.

This issue also shares the dates of various upcoming book events and recent book releases. Feel free to share the PDF file or the link (bit.ly/BookLoversDispatch-008) with friends and fellow book lovers. We’d also love to hear about what you’d like to see more of in Book Lovers Dispatch. Let us know.

We’re already working on our summer issue. If you have any ideas for content you’d like to see, let us know. Until then, happy reading!

Author & Historian Bob Mayers Passes Away


It is with a heavy heart, that we announce the passing of Robert Mayers, author and historian, at age 94. Bob was the first author to be featured in Book Lovers Dispatch. But more importantly, he was a supportive friend to me and many other authors.

After a career in business, Bob developed a keen interest in the history of the American Revolution, going on to write five books on the subject, as well as a family history and another book of essays on Watchung, New Jersey history. He was a sought-after speaker. Bob will be missed.

New Providence Book Festival

Book Lovers Dispatch is proud to be a sponsor of the 2024 New Providence Book Festival. On Saturday, September 21, 2024, authors will sign books and talk to visitors at the New Providence Book Festival. Located on the grounds of the historic Salt Box Museum, the festival will include a series of presentations by authors.

  • At 10:00 AM, during the children’s storytime, Sue Steinhardt will read from her children’s series, ImperfectPhil is a Friend.

  • At 11:00 AM, Pamela Hegarty will talk about “Finding Your Inner Hero” and read from and discuss her new novel Jo Moonstone and the Atlantis Diamond.

  • At 12:00 Noon, novelist Michelle Cameron will lead an “Ask the Author” Panel. Joining her will be Susen Edwards, Michael Stephen Daigle and J.M. Adams.

  • At 1:00 PM, Dr. Peter Lubrecht will share the history of Carl Schurz, the German immigrant who became a reformer, ambassador, Civil War general, US senator and Secretary of the Interior. As a newspaper editorial writer, Schurz was instrumental in abolishing slavery.

A range of New Jersey authors will be signing their books, including J.M. Adams, J.R. Bale, Linda Barth, Michelle Cameron, Michael Stephen Daigle, Ted Delgrosso, Susen Edwards, Steven A. Falco, Steven Farkas, Sarajane Giere, Pamela Hegarty, Tom Kranz, Dr. Peter Lubrecht, Elissa Matthews, Andrea Stein, Sue Steinhardt and Suzanne Trauth.

“New Jersey is filled with wonderful authors. This event allows readers to connect with local authors in a very personal way,” explains J.R. Bale, author and one of the organizers of the event. “With over 17 authors, writing in various genres, it will be a stimulating event for even the most casual book lover.”

Anyone purchasing a book at the festival will be entitled to receive a free raffle ticket for drawings for a gift basket, which will include a Barnes & Noble gift card.

The festival will be held on the grounds of the Salt Box Museum at 1350 Springfield Avenue in New Providence, NJ, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The rain date is September 28, 2024. The Salt Box Museum, the site of the festival, is operated by the New Providence Historical Society and will be open for tours, free of charge. Refreshments will be available on the grounds.

 

Fall Issue of Book Lovers Dispatch is Out!

The Fall Issue of the Book Lovers Dispatch is out. What’s inside?

  • Elissa Matthews shares her thoughts on “A Room Filled with Books,” starting on page 1.
  • We learn about Pamela Hegarty, author of the Christa Devlin series, and all the fun she has. Pam has moved to a new genre with the launch of her young adult thriller, Jo Moonstone and the Atlantis Diamond. Page 3.
  • Book Lovers Dispatch is proud to be a sponsor of the New Providence Book Festival, held on Saturday, September 21st on the grounds of the Salt Box Museum in New Providence, NJ. Check out page 4.

Book Lovers Dispatch is Back!

You may have wondered what ever happened to Book Lovers Dispatch. Yes, we went on a bit of a hiatus over the last year, but we’re back! And we’re now committed to a more consistent delivery schedule, (quarterly). We are also expanding our content and page count. I offer special thanks to our new team member, Elissa Matthews, author of Where the River Bends, a superb historical fiction.

In this Summer issue, we address an issue close to the hearts of many book lovers, the “summer reading list” and provide a few suggestions. In addition, we have a profile of mystery writer Michael Stephen Daigle, author of the Frank Nagler mysteries. We also share a list of various book events worth attending. 

Feel free to share the PDF file or the link (bit.ly/BookLoversDispatch-005) with friends and fellow book lovers. We’d also love to hear about what you’d like to see more of in Book Lovers Dispatch. Let us know.

We’re already working on our fall issue. If you have any ideas for content you’d like to see, let us know. Until then, happy reading!