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!

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!

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.

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

• Learn about Jólabókaflód, a wonderfully bookish Icelandic holiday.
• Meet author Linda Raedisch, who has written wonderful holiday-related non-fiction. Now, she has turned her talents to fiction!
• Learn about recent book releases and upcoming book events!

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.

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.

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!

Every summer, book lovers try to catch up on their reading, whether on the beach or in some secluded hideaway. It’s one of the great pleasures of summer.

What are your favorite books? Which would you recommend for everyone’s summer reading list? Please share your choices in the comments.

Local authors will be signing their books on Sunday, May 26th on the grounds of the Act 2 Books bookstore at 24 Central Station, Flemington, NJ. 
The festival will also include a used book tent. Learn more at www.summerbookfest.com.

On Saturday and Sunday, May 4th and 5th, over 50 authors will be signing books at the 9th annual Day of Wine, Romance & More, located at the Brook Hollow Winery at 594 Hwy 94 in Columbia, NJ. This event is organized by author Roz Lee.