January Art Show-"Sentinels and Sirens"
2021-01-06 - 2021-01-30 | Booklovers’ Gourmet, 72 East Main St, Webster, MA, 01570, United States
Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Maine
We are happy to announce this month’s art show – Sentinels and Sirens, acrylic paintings of lighthouses and portraits by Jim R. Wilton, on display and for sale January 6th-30th during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5. Call 508-949-6232 for more information.
For a brief video interview with the artist, go HERE.
Artist’s Statement:
I do acrylic painting of people as well as seascapes and lighthouses. Originally educated and raised in the Webster area, I’ve been in South​hbridge area since 1979 where I married then brought up my son​s. ​I started taking photographs and had a few in shows in New London CT in 200​8, even having some published and sold. ​About 4 years ago, after becoming a fan of lighthouses, I met Polly Seip, artist from Uncasville who painted from one of my photos which in turn inspired me to try to ​paint lighthouses. Having been a portrait artist, I needed to learn. I’ve since sold several around the country, being inspired from rides and boat trips​ and visits to some mostly ​in New England. I even donated a few to lighthouses to help them raise money for supporting ​them ​and had one put in a museum.

“New Hope” - February Group Art Show & Sale
2021-02-02 - 2021-02-27
“Le Coeur” photograph by John Gaumond
Following our annual tradition, this month’s art display features works by 16 local artists on view and for sale February 2-27, 2021. All pieces represent the artist’s interpretation of “hope” and includes photography, acrylic, watercolor, collage and mixed media. The show may be viewed during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5.

Booklovers' 26th Anniversary Festivities!!
2021-03-02 - 2021-03-06
Join us all week long in celebrating our 26th anniversary in business! It’s been a wild ride, and we are thankful for each and every one of you for your local love & support, especially during this past year. We invite you to join in the fun with daily raffles, special offers and of course cake while maintaining all safety protocols. Come in at your convenience anytime during our regular business hours, 10am-5pm, Tuesday, March 2nd-Saturday, March 6th. See you there!!

“It’s Never Too Late”-March Art Show
2021-03-02 - 2021-03-31
Stop in to view this month’s featured artist, on view March 2nd-31st during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5.
View a video interview with the artist HERE.
Hello! My name is Meg Harrison Young.
This is my first exhibit. After graduate school I worked for 25 years as an Art Therapist with mentally ill adults. In the almost decade since, I’ve been a mental health counselor. Over the years, art making was a hobby, with long stretches of time when materials lay idle and dusty.
In January 2020, my terminally- ill twin, Martha, could no longer care for herself, and so moved in with my husband and me. Soon thereafter, Covid made sheltering in place another challenge.
Martha had art school training, and over the years had exhibited her work on occasion. Making art again would become a self-therapy and an activity we could share. And then, she passed in November.
The opportunity to exhibit at Booklovers’ Gourmet seemed an excellent way to first and finally show together.

“Nate’s Adventures” Digital Photographs by David Niles
2021-04-01 - 2021-04-30
David Niles “Running with Pterodactyls”
Through the month of April, come view the somewhat surreal photography of David Niles at our cafe gallery. Open during regular business hours: Tue-Sat 10-5.
David Niles is a photographer, graphic designer and videographer living in Paxton, Mass. with his artist wife Jen (www.JenNilesArt.com) and his son Nathaniel. A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, he has exhibited his photographs throughout New England and worked as a freelance photographer for news outlets, magazines and commercial clients.
Several years ago, David began photographing his son, creating playful environments that portray a child’s creative and limitless inner world. “Nathaniel walks around in a bubble of imagination,” a close friend once observed. This imagination has always been present for Nathaniel, helping him navigate the fictional and real landscapes of his life, discovering and creating new ones every day.
Watch a video interview with the artist HERE.

Independent Bookstore Day!
2021-04-24 10:00 - 17:00 UTC
Join in the celebration with exclusive merchandise, giveaways and fun…all day long!!
Here are some of the items you will find…while they last!

Independent Bookstore Day with Poetry Hors d’Oeuvres
2021-04-24 14:00 - 15:00
Join us as we Celebrate National Poetry Month & Independent Bookstore Day!
In person seating is now filled.
To join the event via Zoom, go HERE.
Three Worcester poets join Booklovers’ Gourmet in celebrating Independent Bookstore Day and the last weekend of National Poetry Month. Curt Curtin, Judith Ferrara and John Gaumond will each share a few small bites of poetry from their respective works and will join other patrons in festivities to honor Independent Bookstore Day.
About IBD: Independent Bookstore Day is a one-day national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country on the last Saturday in April. Every store is unique and independent, and every party is different. But in addition to events and other fun stuff, there are exclusive books and literary items that you can only get on that day. Not before. Not after. Nowhere else.

Curt Curtin
Curt Curtin is a first generation Irish-American poet who lives in Worcester. Both his parents emigrated from County Kerry at the beginning of the 20th century, taking different routes but finding one another in Boston. Curt’s newest collection, Kerry Dancers, captures many ways that Irish settlers attempted to retain their heritage while also assimilating into American culture. The book is published by Kelsay Books which also published his first full length collection, For Art’s Sake. Curt also has three chapbooks and has won local awards for poetry including the Connecticut River Review Poetry Contest (2019) and of the Frank O’Hara Award (2010) from the Worcester County Poetry Association. He was twice named a Pushcart Prize nominee and has been a featured reader at many events in Massachusetts and also in Ireland.

Judith Ferrara
Writer and visual artist Judith Ferrara lives in Worcester, Massachusetts. Her poetry, essays and artwork have been published in three collections: Gestures of Trees (2000), A Brush with Words (2013) and The little O, the earth: Travel Journals, Art & Poems (2015), as well as in journals such as the black fly review, The Comstock Review, The Portland Review Literary Journal, GSU Review and The Worcester Review. In 2009, she began a study of poet Stanley Kunitz and continues to do research on his family and Worcester-based poems. Since 1998, her art has been shown in group and solo exhibitions. Visit www.PaletteAndPen.com to read the complete collection of Judy’s Journals, a monthly blog on the creative process.

John Gaumond
John Gaumond of Worcester is a poet, photographer and gardener, and professor emeritus at Fitchburg State University. He led a poetry writing workshop at Borders Bookstore for five years. His poetry has been published in Poets in the Galleries, The Connecticut River Review, Sahara, Worcester Magazine, The Longfellow Society Journal, The Leaflet, The Lancaster Times, The Issue, Ballard Street Poetry Journal, The Worcester Telegram and The Worcester Review. He received The Jacob Knight Poetry Award in 2006. His photographs have appeared in The Worcester Review, Diner, Ballard Street Poetry Journal, The River Valley Current, The Worcester Telegram and Worcester Magazine. His photograph Flower Pots, Siena III was selected for the 2014 Art in the City program.

Water-The Stuff of Life, Photography Show & Sale
2021-05-01 - 2021-05-29
“Sunrise Water” by Don McCallister
“Water – The Stuff of Life”, photography by Don McCallister, will be on display and for sale May 1st-29th, 2021 during regular business hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 10-5. Please note: We will be closed for vacation May 11th-13th.
For more information call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com
Watch a short interview with the artist HERE.

Artist’s Statement:
Years ago I read the book “The Immense Journey” by naturalist Loren Eisley. In it he wrote “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water”. It was also around this time that I began my own forty plus year journey as a photographer and I did not realize how often water would be a key element in my images. In reviewing my archives this past winter, the idea of building a collection based upon the theme of water took hold. Memories of some of my favorite images came back and I dug through boxes of old Kodachrome slides to find some of these pictures. Melding the old and the new resulted in dozens of candidates that I whittled down to this final collection. Looking forward and back, I hope these images inspire people to look for beauty in our natural world and in that most common of everyday things, water.

CLOSED FOR VACATION
2021-05-11 - 2021-05-13
We will be closed for a brief vacation May 11th-13th.

June Art Exhibit - "Inspired by Nature"
2021-06-01 - 2021-06-30
Paintings by Jean Walker will be on display and for sale in our cafe gallery June 1-30, 2021 during regular business hours: Tue-Sat 10-5.
A meet and greet with the artist will take place on Saturday, June 12th from 2-4 p.m.
Please RSVP to 508-949-6232 or deb@bookloversgourmet.com.
About the artist: Jean Walker is a lifelong resident of Webster, MA. Jean is married to her high school sweetheart and together they have two great children. Jean always wanted to paint and was surprised and excited that a paint studio opened in Webster in 2012. The studio was owned and operated by Cindy Smith, a great artist that has been teaching for many years. With Cindy’s great teaching skill , Jean learned quickly and soon started getting commission work for her paintings. To her surprise and delight, students in the class were buying her paintings! As time went on, she acquired her own painting style, which comes from her love of nature. Jean has also taken lessons from Pierre Theriault, an artist in Charlton MA. With Pierre, Jean took her painting skill to another level, learning many mediums such as oils, pastels, tempera and oil pastels.
For a brief video interview with the artist, go HERE.

"Into the Room" author event with Steven Rogers
2021-06-05 14:30 - 16:00
Meet and greet with Steven Rogers, author of Into the Room, A Contemporary Christian Novel & Book One in The Accidental Pilgrim Trilogy.
Signed copies will be available for purchase that day.
About the book:
Can a journey across the Holy Land redeem a reluctant pilgrim?
Ben Cahill’s life is an alcohol-saturated mess. After an insincere effort in a rehab facility, he is alienated from his family, out of work, and determined to continue his habit. To make matters worse, thanks to his brother, he reluctantly finds himself on a twelve-day tour of Israel, along with, as he calls them, a bunch of Holy Rollers.
As the trip progresses, Ben experiences the Holy Land’s major historical sites and is exposed to God’s word. He interacts with his fellow travelers, gradually learning about their faith and their lives. Along the way, Ben becomes embroiled in a spiritual war, reinforcing his guilt and, in turn, forcing him to recall his past actions and behaviors. He also begins a different journey, one that leads him to redemption and a place in God’s family.

Steve Rogers is an award-winning author and novelist. After attending The College of the Holy Cross, he became a Certified Public Accountant and went on to fill various roles in public accounting and private industry. When asked to describe his professional career, he uses the phrase, “fortunate beyond all reason.” It enabled him to travel extensively around the United States, visit Amsterdam, England and South America, meet famous people like Alan Alda, Howie Long, and Earl Hamner, ride in a private jet, tour a nuclear power plant, interact with members of Congress, and, incredibly, stand next to Bill Clinton as the former President shaved in a public restroom. More importantly, his corporate career created profound and enduring friendships. In addition, Steve fondly remembers his time as a fifth-grade teacher, a role he filled for three years between financially oriented gigs.
In his free time, Steve loves to fish, hike, and travel. His favorite destinations are Israel, Jordan, Costa Rica, and Italy. Having grown up in Massachusetts, he is a die-hard Boston sports fan and enjoys visiting Maine every summer to fish. Steve, a proud father of three adult children and one incredibly lucky son-in-law, is happily married to his wife of thirty-four years, Kathy. They live in Richmond, Virginia.

In the Heights virtual book launch
2021-06-15 20:00 - 21:00
Your ticket includes admission to this exclusive online event plus a hardcover copy of In the Heights: Finding Home ($40 retail price).

Get your ticket HERE!

About this event

Before Hamilton became a global phenomenon, before Lin-Manuel Miranda became a household name, a little show called In the Heights shook up Broadway with its hip-hop and salsa soundtrack and big, bilingual heart. In the new book In the Heights: Finding Home, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Quiara Alegría Hudes, and Jeremy McCarter tell the story of the show’s humble beginnings, from rehearsals in a bookstore basement to the Broadway smash (and soon-to-be feature film!) that created an unbreakable community and a new kind of family for everyone involved.
Join Miranda, Hudes, and McCarter for a very special In the Heights Virtual Book Launch on Tuesday, June 15 from 8:00 to 9:00pm ET on Zoom. Sure to be an unforgettable conversation on creativity, community, and finding home, this is your chance to hear directly from the creative team behind the timeless story of how one neighborhood—Washington Heights—can speak to the world.
Please contact Booklovers’ Gourmet with any questions. We can’t wait to see you there!

"Wedding Interrupted" author event with Debi Graham-Leard
2021-06-26 14:00 - 15:30
Click on image to purchase online.
Come meet Debi Graham-Leard who will be discussing her latest novel, Wedding Interrupted.
Signed copies will be available for purchase.
Free, RSVP requested. Call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com
‘Wedding Interrupted’ — the 4th story in the Gwen Andrews mystery series — takes Gwen and her cousin Sally from Harbor Falls to Cape Cod in search of proof that her niece is innocent of any wrong-doing. Her latest takes the reader on a suspenseful journey toward a most satisfying ending.

Author bio:
New England author Debi Graham-Leard retired from her marketing position in the business word before writing her first Gwen Andrews mystery titled ‘The Uninvited Guest’. Three more mysteries have been published in the series including The Uninvited Guest and Bed, Breakfast & Blackmail. Born in Delaware, she now resides with her husband in southeastern Massachusetts. For more information, visit debigrahamleard.com

July Art Exhibit - At Peace in Nature
2021-07-01 - 2021-07-31
Fox Totem by Lisa Kretchman
Mixed-media artwork by Lisa Kretchman, will be on display and for sale July 1st-31st during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5.
A meet and greet with the artist will take place on Saturday, July 17th from 2-4 p.m. Please RSVP to deb@bookloversgourmet.com or 508-949-6232.
For a video interview with the artist, go HERE.

Artist Bio
Lisa Kretchman is a local mixed-media artist living in Dudley, MA.
She studied painting, illustration, and digital media at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Her artwork has been shown in local galleries, museums, and events, including the Warwick Museum of Art, The Attleboro Arts Museum, the RI Convention Center (as part of the Flower Show), and the Quinebaug Valley Council for the Arts & Humanities. She also participates in several public art projects, including Putnam’s Fire & Ice Festival, and is a regular artist at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI, an event that draws tens of thousands of viewers each year.
Much of her work is inspired by nature, often with added story or symbolism. In her process, she blends media including watercolor, pastel, and acrylic, and found objects. By exploring themes of positive intention, compassion, and peace, she hopes to share that energy through her work with others.
More examples of the artist’s work, including her Art Hearts charity project can be seen at: lisakretchman.wordpress.com/fine-art/

Artist Reception for "At Peace in Nature"
2021-07-17 14:00 - 16:00
Ever curious to ask the artist what inspires them or how they approach their materials or technique? Now is your chance! Come meet the artist of the month, Lisa Kretchman. Her mixed media work includes watercolor, pastel, ink, wax and more.

Soul Vibrations, a mixed media art exhibit by Dawn Wilson
2021-08-03 - 2021-08-31
“Chakras”, by Dawn Wilson
Come on in to view the August Art Exhibit!
“Soul Vibrations”, a mixed media exhibit by Dawn Wilson will be on display and for sale August 3-31, 2021 during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5.
A meet the artist reception will take place on Saturday, August 14th from 2-4 p.m. For more information, call 508-949-6232.
Artist Statement
The mystery of life is all around us.
Soul Vibrations is an exploration of life through energy.
These interpretations are rooted in energy medicine (Reiki, Chakras, and meditation), wavelengths of color, frequency of sound, and quantum physics. Experimenting with different mediums the artist digs into the meaning of life using art as the vehicle through which the divine can be reached.

Artist Biography
Dawn Wilson is a Central Massachusetts artist, teacher, and soon to be author.
Dawn has a BA in Fine Arts from Framingham State College and a Masters in Occupational Education from Fitchburg State University. Her artwork has been shown in local galleries and museums throughout the United States. She has also been published in Somerset, Art Doll Quarterly, and Cloth Paper Scissors Magazines, as well as, the following book “Altered Art: Techniques for Creating Altered Books, Boxes, Cards & More”.
Dawn’s inspiration is drawn by her daily life, life observations and the relationship to human energy and healing. The work is created from recycled and repurposed materials from her many collections. Using what she has is an important part of the making process. Exploring themes of healing, the human connection, and relationships to color, she hopes to empower others in their own healing journeys.

"Strange New England" author signing & talk
2021-08-07 14:00 - 15:30
Join us as we welcome back a visit with paranormal investigators Thomas D’Agostino and Arlene Nicholson who will be signing and talking about their newest book, “Strange New England”. Please RSVP to deb@bookloversgourmet.com or 508-949-6232.
New England boasts some of the strangest characters and stories that ever graced a region. From ghosts blessing a marriage to a clairvoyant who raised the dead, mysterious happenings abound. There is the simple grave of the mysterious and anonymous “XYZ” and the extravagant monument built for a pauper. One man may have actually found the elixir of immortality, while another woman left her whole fortune to a spirit she met via a Ouija board. Stories of the Melon Heads, the Leather Man and the Old Coot of Mount Greylock have fascinated New Englanders for years. Join Tom D’Agostino and Arlene Nicholson as they unveil the mysteries and oddities of this unique region.

About the authors: Thomas D’Agostino and his wife, Arlene Nicholson, have been extensively studying and investigating paranormal accounts for more than thirty-eight years, with more than 1,400 investigations to their credit. Tom and Arlene are ardent researchers of New England history, haunts, legends and folklore. Creators of fourteen books, together they have penned and captured on film the best haunts and history New England has to offer. Tom and Arlene’s interviews and paranormal experiences have appeared in numerous newspapers, magazines and other periodicals throughout New England and beyond in regard to their books and comprehensive work in the paranormal field. Tom has contributed to various other books and publications and has appeared on many television and radio shows, as well as documentaries on the subject of the paranormal. Arlene is a professional photographer with a degree in photography. Tom is a graduate of Rhode Island College with a degree in political science. He is a professional teacher and musician. Tom builds his own musical instruments, many from the Medieval and Renaissance periods, that are used in his profession.

Bookstore Romance Day!
2021-08-21 10:00 - 17:00
Join us in celebrating Bookstore Romance Day 2021, because who couldn’t use a little more romance in their life? Stop in the store anytime during the day on August 21st and get 20% off any new or used romance title on our shelves! Plus, pick up a special candle by Hardin Soy Candles at a 20% discount as well. Choose from scents like Steamy Romance Novel, Book Boyfriend, A Midsummer Night’s Dream & more!!
You can also join in the fun online all weekend long. For a full schedule of events, go HERE. Tickets are free, but you must pre-register.

Granite: The Bullmastiff Story, children's author event
2021-08-21 11:00 - 12:30
Join us for a barking good time with local author Louise Chadborne as she reads her new book “Granite: The Bullmastiff Story”! There will be time for coloring too and you can take home your very own book signed by the author to read again and again.
Space is limited so please reserve your spot by email at deb@bookloversgourmet.com or call 508-949-6232.
Please note: children must be accompanied by an adult. Appropriate for ages 4+

Granite: The Bull Mastiff Story is about a family pet that was adopted
when he was a puppy into a family that loves dogs. When Granite gets to his new
home, he is given some amazing presents including toys, a bed, treats, and a huge
condo to sleep in. As he grew from 8 lbs to 165lbs, he became a great helper to the
family. For instance, standing guard and helping to do chores around the house
and yard. The book also, includes pet tips to teach your children how to take care of their pet.

About the Author: Louise Chadborne is born and based in Webster, Massachusetts. She has worked in the Department of Mental Health for more than 32 years and co-own Frosty’s Tree Stand Farm. When not writing, she can be found volunteering at the zoo because animals bring her joy and a feeling of companionship.

Closing at 3 pm
2021-08-28
We are closing at 3 pm today in order to attend the wedding of some good friends.

The Curious Life of Pollinators photo exhibit
2021-09-01 - 2021-09-30
September Photo Exhibit – The Curious Life of Pollinators
By Nature’s Perspective Photography
Stop in to check out this month’s featured local artist 0n view September 1st-30th in our cafe gallery during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5.
Please note, the store will be closed September 14-16 for a brief vacation.
A meet and greet with the artist will take place on Friday, September 10th from 3:30-5 pm.
For more information email deb@bookloversgourmet.com or call 508-949-6232.
Nature’s Perspective Photography started when photographer Nicole Giles began raising Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars in 2017. The hobby grew and in 2018, Nicole released 271 tagged butterflies, with almost 200 more in 2019. She is now working on a Master’s Degree in Entomology where her interest continues to expand to include improving insect habitat and pollinator health. Along the way, Nicole discovered a talent and passion for photography, and has now amassed a collection of nature-themed pictures ranging from beautifully colored butterflies to macro photography of native bees and caterpillars.
The goal of Nature’s Perspective Photography is to increase nature appreciation through educational and artful photographs. Through craft fairs, library displays, and social media posts, Nicole is opening eyes to the curious life of pollinators and the need for conservation. Follow Nicole on Instagram at @naturesperspectivephotos to join her on an endless search for the perfect photos of new and different pollinator species.

CLOSED FOR VACATION
2021-09-14 - 2021-09-16
We will be closed for a brief vacation September 14th-16th, reopening on Friday, September 17th our usual hours 10-5.

Four States of Abuse book signing & talk
2021-09-25 11:00 - 12:30
Join us for a book signing and talk with Dorothy Cooper-Browne, author of “Four States of Abuse”
RSVP to deb@bookloversgourmet.com or 508-949-6232. Masks are required for anyone not vaccinated.
About the Book
“Four States of Abuse” is my personal journey of experiencing abuse from my childhood to adulthood. I did not know that I was being abused at times, but it was abuse, mental and physical. I was born in the south. Sheltered from society. Taught to not question adults.
At a young age, I found out that my mother did not want me and sent me to live with my Aunt and Uncle, who did not have kids. It was here that I was closed off from the world, sheltered from society. I was made to follow commands without question or hesitation.
Being an only child, my sense of innocence was not exposed to life and I took everything at face value. There was no one really there to educate me about the way life should be.
Through my story, I hope to inspire people to get out of their situations and seek help.
Bio
Dorothy Cooper-Browne wants to help other people by sharing her harrowing story of abuse. While she did not know at the time that she was being abused, she survived mental and physical mistreatment. Growing up, Dorothy thought she would be a nun, so she never smoked, never drank, and never did any drugs. To this day, she is still living a clean lifestyle. Though she never had any idea what the future would hold for her, she has always been on a journey to love herself unconditionally. With her sons’ encouragement, she finally decided to pen her story.
In her downtime, Dorothy loves to read, spends quiet moments working on puzzles—everything from crosswords to Jigsaws—and enjoys dancing and singing. With an impressive forty-two years in the banking industry, she is proud of her achievements. She hopes to inspire others who are caught in abusive situations to escape and seek help. There is no shame in starting over and she believes everyone has the right to be happy, safe, and loved for their true selves… even if they can’t see that.

October Art Show- #stillhereb!tch*s
2021-10-01 - 2021-10-30
Wear a Mask, painting by Annie Spear
Paintings of Fur Friends by Annie Spear will be on display and for sale October 1-30, 2021 during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5.
A meet the artist reception will take place on Saturday, October 30th from 2-4 p.m.
About the artist: Annie had fourth stage heart failure and was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus at 32yrs. Every year for the past 15 years she has had a different major organ failure, coma, 2 strokes. She has been criticality ill 70% of her life but still manages to keep a positive attitude, smile and cheer us up with her crazy, funny, healing art.

The Last Green Valley poetry reading
2021-10-02 14:30 - 16:00
We are pleased to present a reading with Barbara Thomas from her newest poetry collection, The Last Green Valley. Barbara will be joined by fellow poet Joan Bernard, who will also read a selection of her work. Please RSVP your attendance to deb@bookloversgourmet.com or 508-949-6232. Masks are required for anyone not fully vaccinated. Signed copies will be available for purchase.
Bios:
Barbara Thomas grew up in the Last Green Valley. She earned a Masters Degree from Boston University in Education and was an English and Reading teacher for 35 years. She is an active member of the New England Poetry Club, the Greek Institute, Glenbrook, a nature writing group in New Hampshire. She was a Joiner/Umass participant for ten years and received the Jeff Mayle Award for her recent book, The Last Green Valley, Cherry Grove Press, 2019. Other publications are a chapbook, Seduced by Sighs of Trees, Cloudkeeper Press, 2007 and poems published in The Paterson Literary Review, 2015, Fiele-Festa, an online publication, Lalitamaba, 2005, and in several Bagel Bard Anthologies. Barbara’s poem, Hickory Nuts will be published in Treelines, An anthology of 21st century American Poems, by Grayson Books in 2022.

A native of Thompson, CT, Joan Bernard divides her life between Thompson and Boston, MA. Always a poet, her work morphed into a level of earnestness in the 1980s when she mentored with the late Ottone Riccio, teacher of creative writing and author of books, notably The Intimate Art of Writing Poetry,” both privately and in the classroom. Since that time, she received tutorship from Fran Quinn, former Poet-in-Residence at Butler University and founding member of The Worcester County Poetry Association. Joan has studied at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education and at the William Joiner Institute/UMass Boston. Her poetry has been published in The Main Street Rag, the Aurorean, Connecticut River Review, The North American Review, The Bellowing Ark and in two anthologies. She is in the process of culling her poems for a chapbook submission to a literary press.

Mystery Book Group-October
2021-10-20 11:00 - 12:00
This month’s pick is Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie.
Please RSVP your attendance to deb@bookloversgourmet.com or 508-949-6232.

Fantasy Author event Xionqnu
2021-10-23 14:00 - 16:00
Queen Astrid & Sorcerer Gaul

Fantasy Author event Xionqnu, Book 3 in the Saga of Kee series signing event with Robert Conard and Cathrene Youngquist. Signed books will be available for purchase. The first two books in the series, Book I Nogard and Book II Nubia, will also be available. Call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com to reserve a space.
Xiongnu, a fast paced, YA/Adult fantasy-adventure novel, is a great read for all who love the power of dragons. This unique action-packed fantasy features strong female protagonists, historical facts woven into the rich tapestry of the tale, and dragon-napped hatchlings. Set in the time of the Vikings, the novel follows a diverse band of characters working together through many amazing adventures that span the globe.
Bio: Robert Conard
Robert Conard was born in Columbus, Ohio in November 1939. He is a Navy veteran who served on a destroyer as a gunner’s mate during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Bob is an avid fisherman, and has written several periodicals for the New England Fisherman. In addition to the Saga of Kee series, he has also written several short stories. Sharks’ Soup, taken from a personal experience in the drink; Jake’s Springs; and The Flower of the Mashantucket are the best known. He currently lives in Guilford, Connecticut.
Bio: Cathrene Youngquist
Cathrene Valente Youngquist is a retired educator and author of The Three Billygoats Gruff and Mean Calypso Joe, published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Her two YA/Adult poetry books: Island, Vignettes from Paradise and Caribbean Smiles invite all readers to experience Caribbean life on the island of Anguilla, where her family had a second home for over twenty-five years. She is an active member of SCBWI and the Connecticut Poetry Society. You will always find her with pen at the ready. Xiongnu is her first novel with Robert Conard.

Artist Reception with Annie Spear
2021-10-30 14:00 - 16:00
Come meet artist Annie Spear, whose animal paintings #stillhereb!tch*s are on display through October.

"It's a Colorful Life", Paintings by Jen Niles
2021-11-02 - 2021-11-30
Seaside Scituate Scene, painting by Jen Niles
Drop by to see this month’s featured artist, Jen Niles, in our cafe gallery during regular business hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, open Wednesdays until 6.
For more information call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com
Artist’s Statement: I am a self-taught artist living and working in Paxton, Mass. I’ve been drawing all my life, and for many years concentrated on pen & ink illustrations including commissioned house portraits. In 2001 I began experimenting with acrylics, inspired by the comical antics and effortless elegance of my two cats, PK and Nellie. From there, I developed a recognizable, whimsical style usually featuring bold color and cheerful subjects from everyday life. In recent years, I’ve started teaching both adults and children, including my popular “Paint Your Pet” classes. Whether it is animals, my surroundings here at home in New England, or scenes from daily life, I never fail to find inspiration.

Children's Author Extravaganza!
2021-11-06 11:00 - 12:30
Meet three local children’s book authors in one day! Pick up some signed copies to keep or give as gifts this holiday season. Read on for details!
Please register to attend by calling 508-949-6232 or emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com.

Julia Kneeland is a Connecticut author of Jig Gets Lost, an adventure story about a dog named Jig. He lives in a big city and decides he wants to go exploring. One day he leaves his home and discovers the wonderful smells from the street vendors selling all different kinds of foods. He meets a young vendor who gives him a treat! But when he looks around to get back home, he cannot find his way.
Julia Kneeland is a retired public school teacher. She taught in Eastford and Tolland Connecticut for twenty-six years. She especially enjoyed teaching writing classes to her fifth grade students. She would share with them her own writings. Also, she participates in the Teacher as Writer classes at University of Connecticut.

Pedro Samuel Saquic and Ana Echevarria DeSaquic are a mother/son duo authors of the bilingual book Pedro Penguin: Let’s Go to the Beach/Vamos a la Playa. Pedro Penguin a great story that teaches children to be kind and share.
Ana and Pedro live in Rhode Island. Ana enjoys writing and crafts while Pedro loves watching gaming videos and playing his Nintendo Switch games. They’re tight-knit and enjoy spending family time at the beach. Pedro is an energetic young one who enjoys nature and playing in the great outdoors. The pair hopes to inspire other families to try new activities and stay positive no matter what obstacles arise in life.

Shawn Boyle of Massachusetts, is the author of several children’s books in The Chief & Lefty series, which take place in Paperville City, a place where almost everyone and everything is made of paper. The top cops in charge of keeping everyone safe are The Chief, a paper action figure and Lefty, a paper hand turkey. They deal with great adversity when they encounter an epic losing streak trying to catch bad guys.
Shawn currently lives in Massachusetts with his wife, two daughters and son. Shawn has spent the last several years as a stay at home dad. In a different lifetime, Shawn had a job in finance just outside of Boston. He has also tried his hand at stand-up comedy and improv.
