Book Launch for Grabtown by Sarah P. Blanchard
2025-10-15 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Booklovers’ Gourmet, 72 East Main St, Webster, MA, 01570, United States
Booklovers’ Gourmet invites you to a book launch with author Sarah P. Blanchard for her newest suspense novel Grabtown.
Set in an authentic New England mill town, this multi-generational thriller weaves between 1985 and today as it explores themes of family secrets, unshakable loyalty, and a mother’s courage in the face of chilling abuse. The event is free and open to the public. Signed copies will be available for purchase.
Sarah P. Blanchard is a novelist, short story writer, and poet living in northeastern Connecticut. She taught English and communications at the University of Hawaii-Hilo and creative writing at the University of North Carolina-Asheville. Her debut novel, Drawn from Life, won several awards including a 2025 Independent Press Award for New Adult Fiction and was shortlisted for a 2024 unpublished novel award by The Letter Review. Recognized also for her short fiction, Sarah won the 1992 National League of American Pen Women’s Dorothy Daniels Fiction Award and was selected as a finalist for the 2024 Porch Prize for Fiction, and the 2021 Doris Betts Short Fiction Award.
She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Connecticut and an M.B.A. from Nichols College. Sarah’s writing of this novel has been informed by her past experience as a volunteer firefighter and a radio news reporter. She lives now in an old New England mill town that closely resembles the fictional town of Winslow, the setting for Grabtown.
For more information about the author, visit sarahpblanchard.com.

Scars to Stars, Volume 4 Book Release with Bil Gardiner
2025-10-25 13:00 - 15:00
“Scars to Stars, Volume 4,” is a collection of 13 vulnerable, personal experiences of overcoming adversity, from loss and grief to abuse, suicide and much more. The writers vulnerably share their personal, authentic stories of overcoming adversity to motivate and inspire you, wherever you might be along your own journey… so you will never again need to feel alone in your struggle.
The stories in these pages will meet the reader where they are and show them that they are not alone, inspiring and motivating them to overcome situations in their own life.
William “Bil” Gardiner, is a professional photographer by trade, who spent 10 years as a police officer in his hometown of Worcester, MA. During that time, Bil was blackballed and persecuted because he solved situations using his head, his heart and the law without bending the law or simply using brute force. As a result, Bil has been suffering from anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder for over 20 years now and was forced to leave the job on a 25% personal, medical disability.

Evening Book Group October
2025-10-29 17:30 - 19:00
Join the fun in discussing Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus!
Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.
Books are available in store at a 10% discount or online at Bookshop.org HERE.
Please call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com to let us know you’re coming.

Mixed Media Art Show by Lisa Onderdonk
2025-11-01 - 2025-11-29
Come see our November Art Show of Mixed Media works by Lisa Onderdonk!
The show includes pieces in watercolor, alcohol ink and more in both representational and abstract forms and may be viewed in the cafe gallery November 1st-29th during normal business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-6 pm.
You are invited to a reception with the artist in attendance on Saturday, November 8th from 2-4 p.m.
For more information, call 508-949-6232 or visit bookloversgourmet.com/events.
Artist’s Statement: Lee is a multi-media artist with a fine arts degree from Clark University in Worcester, MA. Even though Lee graduated back when dinosaurs still roamed the earth, she has never stopped growing and learning as an artist. Her never ending quest for knowledge led her to Laguna Beach, CA where she recently painted with world-renowned marine life muralist, Wyland. With praise and encouragement from Wyland, Lee decided to pursue art as a career instead of just a hobby.
Lee wants her art to appeal to a variety of tastes. She admires many styles of art and doesn’t feel the need to commit to just one style or medium. Enjoy the many faces of Lee O!

"Painting a Family" New Book Release with Mary Anne Slack
2025-11-01 14:00 - 16:00
We are pleased to be hosting a book release and signing with author Mary Anne Kalonas Slack. Her second novel, Painting a Family, features mother and daughter relationships. Her short stories have been published in Adelaide Literary Magazine and in the 2013, 2024, and 2025 Quabbin Quills Anthologies. Her first novel, The Sacrificial Daughter, was published in 2024 by White River Press.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, please call 508-949-6232.

About the book: Painting a Family tells the story of Jane, who endures a strict Catholic upbringing in the 1960s and 1970s, when good girls only leave the nest to marry and have babies. Longing to be an artist, Jane dares to follow her dreams—until she meets handsome, stalwart Tim O’Connell. They marry and have four daughters. But when her girls are nearly grown, Jane is faced with a challenge for which she is utterly unprepared.
With twists and turns along the way, the mother and daughters shield themselves with secrets and test their loyalties to one another, until the ties that bind threaten to break once and for all.

The Legend of the Oxford Pirate Book Release with Robert Racicot
2025-11-08 11:00 - 13:00
Aargh!! Join us for a high adventure book signing event with local author Robert Racicot and his latest release The Legend of the Oxford Pirate.
The event is free and open to the public. Signed copies will be available for purchase. For more information or to RSVP, please call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com

About the book: A storm sinks pirate Sam Bellamy’s ship off Cape Cod. A stranger carries a secret inland along the Bay Path. Centuries later a discovery is made at ancient ruins. Blending legend, local lore, and childhood adventure, this coming of age tale uncovers how mysteries of the past still haunt the forests of New England.
About the author: Robert Racicot is a retired Air Force Lt Col and Professor of Chemistry. He is enjoying his retirement years hiking, mountain biking, and writing stories, and poetry. He is the author of the young reader books The Legend of Carbuncle Pond and The Haunting of the Oxford Library.

Reception with Mixed Media Artist Lisa Onderdonk
2025-11-08 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for a meet and greet with mixed media artist Lisa Onderdonk.
Light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome to come browse the art and chat with the artist!
For more information or to RSVP, call 508-949-6232.

Local Amnesty International Group monthly meetup
2025-11-12 18:30 - 19:30
Interested in taking meaningful, focused action and learning more about human rights issues in our country and around the globe? Join our Local Amnesty International Group #356 monthly meetup. New members are always welcome. Call 508-949-6232 for more information, visit www.amnestyusa.org or join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/229444612021375 for updates and information about future events.

Open Mic Poetry with Special Feature Tom Skarzynski
2025-11-15 14:00 - 16:00
Please note: this will be the last open mic of 2025!

Join us for a monthly round robin style, open poetry reading hosted by Robert Eugene Perry. Bring original pieces to share.
In addition to the regular open mic, a special feature reading with Tom Skarzynski for his new book release Echoes of Reflections will also take place.
Echoes of Reflections is a collection of poems, songs and prosaic essays that explore the various aspects of existence. Painting poetic portraits of thoughts and emotions. This book is arranged into chapters, each with a general theme. Together, they read like a story. With every poem carefully selected to flow seamlessly into the next, like the songs on a well-produced music album. Each chapter is prefaced with a lovely picture that illustrates and reflects the poetic theme to follow.

Tom Skarzynski has been writing poetry since he read his first Robert Frost poem. In junior high, the poetry process was accelerated by a teacher’s use of Simon and Garfunkel lyrics to illustrate the concepts. Later in life, he began submitting his work to The Springfield Journal where it was well received and inspired fan letters from his readers. When The Journal eventually folded, he continued to write poems and articles for various small publications. He also started attending open mic events where he was able to network with many accomplished poets.
He has since had his work appear in several anthologies. He has also self-published his first fantasy novella Journey to Druidwood as well as compiling his first poetry book entitled Echoes of Reflections, which is now available through Metaphysical Fox Press.
Space for the open mic is limited to 14 participants and usually fills up quickly.
Sign up to reserve your spot by calling 508-949-6232 or emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com

Holiday Shop Hop on Small Business Saturday!
2025-11-29 10:00 - 17:00
Celebrate the holiday season by shopping local! Treat yourself to a fun time while finding unique gifts & books for everyone on your list.
Special appearance by Santa & Mrs. Claus for storytime and photos from 11am-12:30pm!
Free hot cider & cookies while you browse!
Discounts & deals all day long!
Visit 5 or more of 26 participating local businesses for your chance to win gift cards!
Pick up your flyer at any participating business.

"The Wonders of Nature", Artwork by Deb Lifer-Piselli
2025-12-01 - 2025-12-31
Come view our featured artist of the month!
“The Wonders of Nature”, artwork by Deb Lifer-Piselli will be on view December 1st-31st in our cafe gallery during normal business hours.
The shop will be open daily through December 24th. Monday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6, Sunday 12-4.
A meet the artist reception will be held on Saturday, December 6th, 2-4 p.m. with light refreshments. Free and open to the public. For more information call 508-949-6232.
Artist’s Statement: Art, photography and writing are my passions. Many of my paintings are inspired by my photography. I am drawn to the quiet beauty and wonders of nature. Detail oriented, I gravitate towards painting animals, while my photography focuses mainly on flowers and nature. My paintings blend realism with emotion, often incorporating natural elements.
I work primarily in acrylics, with occasional pieces in oil or pastels, approaching each project with patients in precision, building many careful layers of detail, every subject slowly comes to life until its unique personality shines through.
Commissions are available, including pet portraits or a favorite animal and flower combined to make a beautiful piece of art.

Evening Book Group Author Visit with Dean Cycon
2025-12-03 17:30 - 19:00
Join us in welcoming Dean Cycon, author of A Quest for God and Spices, for an in-person visit!
“A grand historical joyride through the medieval world.” -David R. Gillham, New York Times bestselling author of City of Women
A Quest for God and Spices begins an epic journey across the ancient world. In the year AD 1200, a new pope agitates for a renewed crusade to reconquer Muslim-controlled Jerusalem.
All are welcome! Signed copies will be available for purchase.
Please RSVP to deb@bookloversgourmet.com or 508-949-6232.

Dean Cycon is an author, international lawyer, and pioneering social entrepreneur. His first novel, Finding Home (Hungary, 1945), received a gold medal from the Independent Press Awards, was a finalist for the Goethe Late Fiction Award, and was the grand prize winner in the International Cinematic Book Competition. His narrative nonfiction book, Javatrekker: Dispatches from the World of Fair Trade Coffee, received a Publishers Weekly starred review and a gold medal from the Independent Publishers Association. He was the host of two PBS specials, Traveling in the 1970’s and Coffee-The Drink that Changed America, and has appeared on the Today Show, Rick Steves’ Europe, and NPR’s Living on Earth.

Artist Reception for "The Wonders of Nature" by Deb Lifer-Piselli
2025-12-06 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for a meet and greet with artist Deb Lifer-Piselli!
Light refreshments will be served.

Mystery Book Group December
2025-12-17 11:00 - 12:00
The mystery book group will be discussing Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto.
A lonely shopkeeper takes it upon herself to solve a murder in the most peculiar way in this captivating mystery.
Please let us know if you plan to attend. All are welcome!
Books are available in store at a 10% discount or buy online at Bookshop.org.
