All About Trees - Artwork by Debra Horan
2024-09-01 - 2024-09-28 | Booklovers’ Gourmet, 72 East Main St, Webster, MA, 01570, United States
Spring’s Green Diptych Mixed Media Painting by Debra Horan

September’s Art Show features a retrospective of work by owner Deb Horan exploring her love of trees. From roots to branches to leaves, the drawings, mixed media and digital photographic images represent a wide view of the beauty and expressiveness of trees. Some images include figures interacting with or becoming part of nature. All in all, the intent is to show a deep respect for trees and their vital role in our world.

CLOSED FOR VACATION
2024-09-03 - 2024-09-06
We will be closed for vacation September 3rd-6th, reopening regular hours on Saturday, September 7th.

Mystery Book Group
2024-09-18 11:00 - 12:00 UTC
This month’s mystery group pick is Bayou Book Thief by Ellen Byron.
A fantastic new cozy mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author Ellen Byron.
Twenty-eight-year-old widow Ricki James leaves Los Angeles to start a new life in New Orleans after her showboating actor husband perishes doing a stupid internet stunt. The Big Easy is where she was born and adopted by the NICU nurse who cared for her after Ricki’s teen mother disappeared from the hospital.

The book is available for purchase in store at a 10% discount or online at bookshop.org HERE.
For more information or to attend, please call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com

Evening Book Group
2024-09-25 18:00 - 20:00
This month’s evening book group pick is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
We will be getting together at a member’s home to watch this classic movie starring Gregory Peck (1962)
For directions, please call 508-949-6232.
Voted America’s Best-Loved Novel in PBS’s The Great American Read

Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork of honor and injustice in the deep South–and the heroism of one man in the face of blind and violent hatred

The book is available in store at a 10% discount or online through Bookshop.org HERE.
If you plan to attend, please let us know. Call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com

Fall Decoupage Class with Jean Walker Creations
2024-09-27 18:00 - 20:00
Come join us for a fun Fall Decoupage Class with Jean Walker Creations – let’s get crafty together!
Join us for a fun, creative event! Learn the art of decoupage with the talented Jean Walker. This hands-on class will teach you how to transform a 23″ wood panel barn-board into a beautiful piece of art. All supplies will be provided. No experience necessary, just bring your creativity and sense of fun! Don’t miss this opportunity to make a unique fall-themed craft. Sign up now to secure your spot!
As an extra bonus, buy 2 tickets together and you’ll each receive (1) FREE BEVERAGE!

Reserve your spot HERE or in store during regular business hours. You may also call 508-949-6232.

EARTH RHYTHMS: A HAIKU COLLECTION by Ann E. Listenik
2024-09-28 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for a special local author book signing and reading!
A poetry haiku collection inspired by the beauty, mystery and majesty of the world around us. It is Ann E. Listenik’s hope that through these selections, her readers may be moved to embark on their own journey of reflection of nature.
The event is free. Signed copies will be available for purchase.

Ann E. Listenik was born in Quincy Massachusetts and lived there until she attended Tufts University. After graduation, she taught junior high and high school English classes in central Massachusetts. She also holds a Master’s degree in English literature from Clark University and a Master’s degree in religious education from Assumption College. She currently lives in Massachusetts and Florida.
Ann began writing poetry in her teens and especially enjoys the challenge of creating haiku. She has traveled extensively on four continents. A particularly memorable trip with her family included two weeks each in South Korea and China, which helped foster her appreciation of Oriental architecture and culture. She also loves the beach, opera, painting in both watercolor and acrylics, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends.
Her debut book EARTH RHYTHMS: A HAIKU COLLECTION, released in August 2024, represents her most recent poetry and drawings.

Gnomettes-Small Paintings by Sharon Lindgren
2024-10-01 - 2024-10-31
October’s Art Exhibit is “Gnomettes”, small paintings & prints featuring gnomes in various settings, by local artist Sharon Lindgren. The exhibit will be on display and for sale in the cafe gallery and may be viewed during normal business hours, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-6pm.
A meet the artist reception will take place on Saturday, October 12th, 2-4pm. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 508-949-6232.
Artist’s Statement: My oil paintings and photography have been seen in galleries, art shows and businesses throughout New England. Retiring from a health care career afforded me the ability to pursue my passion in oil painting. I love the richness of the colors and the different textures of paint on my canvas. When COVID kept most people homebound, I started making sock gnomes to give to family members and friends. Gnomes are believed to be symbols of good luck and protectors of home and family. These sock gnomes inspired me to paint a series of gnomes in different settings.

The Haunting of the Oxford Library Author Event with Robert Racicot
2024-10-12 11:00 - 13:00
You’re invited to a book signing event with local author Robert Racicot for his book The Haunting of the Oxford Library.
The event is free and open to the public. Signed copies will be available for purchase. For more information or to RSVP, call 508-949-6232.
About the book:
Do you believe in ghosts? The Library Rats: a small group of middle school students who regularly meet at the Oxford Library never thought about that question until they witness a strange sighting. The Rats begin the hunt to find evidence of the possibility that the library could be haunted by a real ghost.
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 book The Legend of Carbuncle Pond.

Gnomettes Artist Reception
2024-10-12 14:00 - 16:00
A meet the artist reception will take place on Saturday, October 12th, 2-4pm. for Gnomettes by Sharon Lindgren.
Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 508-949-6232.
Artist’s Statement: My oil paintings and photography have been seen in galleries, art shows and businesses throughout New England. Retiring from a health care career afforded me the ability to pursue my passion in oil painting. I love the richness of the colors and the different textures of paint on my canvas. When COVID kept most people homebound, I started making sock gnomes to give to family members and friends. Gnomes are believed to be symbols of good luck and protectors of home and family. These sock gnomes inspired me to paint a series of gnomes in different settings.

October Mystery Book Group
2024-10-16 11:00 - 12:00
This month’s Mystery Book Group selection is Transient Desires: A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery by Donna Leon.
In the landmark thirtieth installment of the bestselling series the New Yorker has called “an unusually potent cocktail of atmosphere and event,” Guido Brunetti is forced to confront an unimaginable crime.
New members are welcome! Please let us know if you’ll be attending by calling 508-949-6232 or emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com
All book picks are available in store for a 10% discount or online at Bookshop.org. Click on book cover for a full description and ordering online.

An Afternoon of Music with P.E. James
2024-10-26 14:00 - 15:30
Join us for an afternoon of music with P.E. James
$10 per person payable at the door. Limited seating. To reserve a space, call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com.
P.E. James (pejamesmusic.com) has been entertaining audiences by singing and playing acoustic guitar for over four decades. He performs at concerts and at restaurants all through central Massachusetts and is also enjoyed on the circuit of over 100 Memory Cafes, assisted living, retirement, Senior Centers, and rehabilitation facilities. He has completed his fourteenth consecutive year at Worcester’s Grill on the Hill restaurant in Green Hill Park.
He has been the featured headliner twice at the Amazing Things Art Center in Framingham, MA, and has performed his song “The Pantyhose Blues” at a well-known stage in Nashville, TN. He has twice sung the National Anthem for WooSox baseball games at Polar Park. He had a successful tour of concert halls and breweries in his native Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this August.
P.E. writes and performs cover songs and original material, and his recordings have been played on radio stations in both Worcester, Massachusetts and Pittsburgh. His recordings are available for listening at his web site.

Literary Costume Party!
2024-10-26 18:00 - 20:00
Come join in the fun and celebrate Halloween & Books!!
Dress as your favorite author, literary character or book theme for a chance to win fun prizes! All guests will receive a goodie bag, enjoy spooky snacks & devilish desserts, great photo-ops with props, a scavenger hunt, all while celebrating your love of reading. You can also book an Oracle Card Reading with Fay Eight of Swords for an additional fee of $25. There are limited spots, so don’t wait to book yours to add to the festivities!
Tickets are $25 per person and can be reserved at Eventbrite or in store during normal business hours.
***PLEASE NOTE: THE TIME OF THIS EVENT HAD CHANGED TO 6-8 P.M.***
For more information call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com
See you there!!

October Evening Book Group
2024-10-30 17:30 - 19:00
The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama is October’s pick.
In an inspiring follow-up to her acclaimed memoir Becoming, former First Lady Michelle Obama shares practical wisdom and powerful strategies for staying hopeful and balanced in today’s highly uncertain world.

Books are available in store at a 10% discount or online through Bookshop.org. Click on book cover for full description and to order online.

INK BLOCK PRINTING ART SHOW-“ON, IN AND AROUND THE WATER” BY LINDA LITTLETON
2024-11-01 - 2024-11-30
Cattails by Linda Littleton
Local Artist Linda Littleton of Webster, MA is the featured artist of the month November 1st-30th in our cafe gallery. Her show will feature 20+ small original ink block prints of scenes, animals, plants and boats found in and around water (fresh or salt) including Fish, Heron, Beaches, Boats, Lighthouses, Eagles and more to treat your eyes to bright impressions of inks pressed from carvings on blocks.
A public meet and greet with the artist will take place on Saturday, November 9th from 2-4 p.m.
The show may be viewed during normal business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6. For more information call 508-949-6232.
Ink Block Printing has been traced back to 617 AD in China as a method to print designs, letters and art on paper, cloth, pottery and other surfaces. Over centuries, this type of printing using a carved impression in a block of wood, linoleum, rubber etc. has evolved into a popular art for printing cards and art on paper and materials.
Linda Littleton is well known for her watercolors and acrylics, as the Webster Lake Artist with displays currently at Point Breeze and permanent work at Hometown Bank as well as numerous pieces in lake homes. All of her sales at Point Breeze result in a donation to the Webster/Dudley Food Share through AJ Alkire.
She has a home studio, conducts paint nights and does commission work as well, working in all media, sizes and subject matter. She is still an active member of the Rhode Island Water Color Society in Pawtucket having won 2 awards this year, one watercolor accepted into the National Show.
Linda previously taught for 36 years in Burlington and Framingham before retiring here and now lives with her forever partner John Lefebvre (and rescue dog Darla) on Webster Lake. She has received numerous awards and recognition in Milford Ma where she resided for 26 years was head of the Arts Counsel there, Cultural Committee chair and president of the Milford Artist Guild, officer in the Blackstone Valley Artist Guild and displayed in many local restaurants/galleries in central Massachusetts in the past. She was a member of the Cape Cod Artist Association, painting and displaying watercolors along the Cape/North Shore art venues and galleries.

A Poetry Book Signing & Open Mic with Alan Ira Gordon
2024-11-02 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for a Book Signing & Open Mic with Alan Ira Gordon featuring “Pittsburgh and Other Poems”.
To sign up for the Open Mic portion of the event, hosted by Paul Szlosek, please call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com. Space is limited.
About the book: Sometimes a sense of place is easy to identify and understand. In those instances, it can be a physical city, town, neighborhood or just a piece of property. Other times it can be a point in time, either past, present or future. And in yet other instances it can be a more exotic or alien sense of place, perhaps intergalactic, or multi-universe, even an alternate reality version of a well-known place and time, existing at a quantum point or merely within the minds of writers and readers.
All of the poems in this book explore in poetic form various ideas of sense of place, whether physical locations, points in time or ideas of place that could only exist (for now, at least) within the creative realms of science fiction, fantasy and/or horror.
Alan Ira Gordon is an urban planning professor at Worcester State University. His poetry publications include Analog Magazine and The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction and he’s a frequent contributor to Star*Line, the quarterly journal of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Poetry Association (SFPA). Alan’s poetry has received eight Rhysling Award nominations, two Dwarf Star Award nominations and an Analog Magazine year’s best nomination (Second Place Award). He has three published poetry collections, Planet Hunter, The Doggo Book and the just-released Pittsburgh & Other Poems (Hiraeth Books). Planet Hunter was nominated for the SFPA Elgin Award.
Alan guest-edited Issue #24 of Eye To The Telescope, the on-line publication of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Poetry Association (SFPA). His poetry, short stories and articles have been published in various genre magazines and anthologies, a list of which can be found on his website at www.alaniragordon.com.

Artist Reception for Linda Littleton
2024-11-09 14:00 - 16:00
Memorial Beach, Webster, MA by Linda Littleton
Local Artist Linda Littleton of Webster, MA is the featured artist of the month November 1st-30th in our cafe gallery. Her show will feature 20+ small original ink block prints of scenes, animals, plants and boats found in and around water (fresh or salt) including Fish, Heron, Beaches, Boats, Lighthouses, Eagles and more to treat your eyes to bright impressions of inks pressed from carvings on blocks.
A public meet and greet with the artist will take place on Saturday, November 9th from 2-4 p.m.
The show may be viewed during normal business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6. For more information call 508-949-6232.
Ink Block Printing has been traced back to 617 AD in China as a method to print designs, letters and art on paper, cloth, pottery and other surfaces. Over centuries, this type of printing using a carved impression in a block of wood, linoleum, rubber etc. has evolved into a popular art for printing cards and art on paper and materials.

Stand Up Comedy Show!
2024-11-15 19:00 - 21:00
Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at the Stand Up Comedy Show! Join us for a night filled with hilarious jokes and side-splitting humor. Our local talented comedians will have you rolling in the aisles with their wit and unique humor. Don’t miss out on this evening of non-stop laughter and fun! Grab your friends and come on down for a night you won’t forget. 18+ show
GET YOUR TICKETS ON EVENTBRITE OR IN STORE!

Holiday Cards Decoupage Class with Jean Walker Creations
2024-11-22 18:00 - 20:00
Come join us for a fun and creative Holiday Cards Decoupage Class with Jean Walker Creations! Learn the art of decoupage and create 5 beautiful, personalized holiday cards & envelopes to share with your loved ones with your special message using napkins, stencils and metallic paints. No experience necessary – our expert instructor will guide you through the process step by step. Supplies will be provided, just bring your creativity and holiday spirit!
Don’t miss out on this festive event, sign up now! Chance to win a door prize too!
Reserve your spot in store or on Eventbrite

Meet & Greet with Author R. F. Mineo
2024-11-23 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for a meet & greet with local author R. F. Mineo, who will discuss and sign copies of his suspense novels Fatal Conspiracies and Cargill Falls: The Mill Conspiracy.
About Fatal Conspiracies: Greed! Envy! Revenge! Conspiracy! Murder!
R. F. Mineo’s Fatal Conspiracies is a prescription for an exciting literary ride. It has more than the required active ingredients for intrigue, suspense, and surprise. Mineo’s debut novel is a thrilling page-turner. Follow his characters as some take unimaginable risks and others try to find justice for those wronged. One slip or one erroneous move, and medicine turns to poison. And for some, that will mean falling victim to the ultimate – the fatal – conspiracies.
Mineo takes a deep dive into the world of big Pharma—the therapies, the drive for more profits, and the people, scientists, and executives who get those prescription tablets to your local pharmacy.

About Cargill Falls: A tale of greed and betrayal unfolds in the middle of an old mill’s renovation. The discovery of hidden Civil War treasure ignites a deadly game of power, where trust is a liability, and every handshake hides a betrayal. As the body count rises, the Connecticut State Police find themselves outmaneuvered at every turn. The killer, a ghost in the night, remains elusive, her motives as hidden as the treasure itself.
R F. Mineo has had thrilling mysteries on his mind for years. Consistent encouragement from friends and family—and the freedom that retirement affords—catalyzed him to act. To put pen to paper! And so, a new mystery novelist was empowered.
Rich’s business career has spanned over three decades, including a prominent role at a large corporation in the Medical Diagnostic and Pharmaceutical business units. What’s more, Rich has been the Managing Partner of a small investment bank firm and operated an antiques business. Rich was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Penn State University.
Rich served as head of the State of Connecticut Fundraiser for the Special Olympics. His other philanthropy includes volunteering at a nearby hospital and the local YMCA. When he’s not writing, Rich enjoys biking, bowling, and spending time with his two adult children, three grandchildren, and his wife of 57 years, Wanda.

Small Business Saturday Sale Event!
2024-11-30
Join us as we celebrate the joys of shopping small! Enjoy refreshments, special deals, giveaways and raffles all day long and feel good as you also make a real difference in our community.
Your support matters and helps keep diversity, culture and vibrancy alive while picking up some unique, thoughtful gifts at the same time!
1-3 PM Meet & Greet with Thom Ring, author of the children’s Red Racecar Book Series for kids. Get signed copies for the young readers on your list!

Red Racecar Series Author Thom Ring Appearance
2024-11-30 13:00 - 15:00
To add to the festivities of Small Business Saturday, we are welcoming Thom Ring, author of the children’s The Red Racecar series, racing stories young racefans want to read! Pick up a few copies for all the young sports fans on your list!

AUTHOR THOM RING covered racing for a number of daily newspapers across New England before publishing Shorttrack magazine, which featured the sport in the region. He’s served as Technical Editor for Trackside magazine as well as a senior editor for Late Model Racer and New England Correspondent for Late Model Digest.
Ring was a race-winning kart driver and a solid middle-of-the-packer in a dirt midget. He lives in Rhode Island with his wife, singer-songwriter Jan Luby.

Special Holiday Extended Hours
2024-12-02 - 2024-12-23
We will be open the following extended hours for the holiday season:
Open Sundays-December 8th, 15th & 22nd 12pm-4pm
Open Mondays-December 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd 10am-5pm
Closing at 3 pm December 24th

"Daydreaming Near a Causeway" December Photo Exhibit by Johanna Riddle
2024-12-03 - 2024-12-31
The December featured artist of the month in our cafe gallery is photographer Johanna Riddle. Her show is titled “Daydreaming Near a Causeway” and can be viewed during normal business hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Wednesday & Friday 10-6, Sunday 12-4 through December 22nd.
The public is invited to a meet & greet reception on Sunday, December 15th, 2-4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information call 508-949-6232.
Artist’s statement:
Johanna (Jo) Riddle’s photography explores the realms of the unconscious mind, capturing the fleeting, surreal moments that exist between wakefulness and sleep. In this body of work, she brings the intangible world of daydreams to life through a town in rural Massachusetts. She uses film photography to offer a glimpse into the nostalgia of our inner landscapes. Through the use of blur and surrealism, Johanna evokes the sensations and distortions that come with dreaming—where logic fades and meaning becomes fluid.

Holiday Shop Hop!
2024-12-07 - 2024-12-08
Visit us along with 19 other local businesses for a Holiday Shop Hop weekend! Enjoy special deals, discounts, refreshments & fun while you shop local for the holidays. Check each business for specials and hours. Santa will be around for photos at The Flower Garden right next door on Saturday, Dec. 7th from 9am-3pm with any Toys for Tots donation of an unwrapped toy.
Visit 5 or more participating businesses for a chance to win $400 worth of gift cards!! Shop Hop til you Drop!

Author Appearance & Signing with Sarah Blanchard
2024-12-14 13:00 - 15:00
We invite you to a book signing and talk with Sarah Blanchard, author of the psychological thriller Drawn from Life.
This event is free and open to the public. Signed copies will be available for purchase. For more information call 508-949-6232.
In her debut novel, writer Sarah P. Blanchard tackles complex themes of betrayal, abandonment, guilt, and the destructive power of lies. She has always been drawn toward flawed, compassionate characters who believe they must battle their demons alone; and complex antagonists who feel they have nothing to lose. She found the spark for her her psychological suspense story DRAWN FROM LIFE in an article in The New Yorker, “The Sorrow and Shame of the Accidental Killer” (Alice Gregory, September 11, 2017). Wanting to learn more about how an ordinary person might learn to live with—or try to move past—a deep moral injury, Blanchard dug deeper into the traumas people experience when they act, or fail to act, in a way that violates their moral compass. In DRAWN FROM LIFE, Blanchard introduces readers to a troubled family and the unbalanced relationship between two cousins—one an untrustworthy bully, the other a compassionate target who carries an undeserved burden of guilt.

A Connecticut native, Sarah P. Blanchard graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.A. in literature, and from Nichols College in Dudley, MA with an M.B.A. in marketing. Her short stories, poems, and essays have been widely published in magazines and literary journals. She was a finalist for the 2024 Porch Prize for Fiction and the 2021 Doris Betts Fiction Prize. Her story collection PLAYING CHESS WITH BULLS was published in December 2023.
Sarah taught English and communications for five years at the University of Hawaii-Hilo, and two semesters of fiction writing at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of North Carolina-Asheville. She has led many workshops in creative writing while also working as a magazine editor, radio news reporter, textbook editor, and talk show host.

Artist Reception for "Dreaming Near a Causeway"
2024-12-15 14:00 - 16:00
Come meet and chat with local photographer Johanna (Jo) Riddle and view her exhibit “Dreaming Near a Causeway.”
Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public.

CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY
2024-12-25
We will be closed December 25th for Christmas Day.
We will be open normal hours December 26th-28th, and December 31st.

CLOSED NEW YEAR'S DAY THROUGH JANUARY 6TH FOR VACATION
2025-01-01 - 2025-01-06
We will be closed January 1st for New Year’s Day and closed for vacation January 2nd-6th, reopening Tuesday, January 7th.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Nature in Flight-Photography by Pat Cheever
2025-01-07 - 2025-01-31
Our first art show of 2025 showcasing local artists is Nature in Flight, photographs by Pat Cheever, featuring butterflies, bees, birds and more. The show may be viewed in our cafe gallery during normal business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6.
An artist’s reception will take place on Saturday, January 11th from 2-4 p.m. Free and open to the public with light refreshments served.
For more information, call 508-949-6232.

Artist's Reception for Nature in Flight
2025-01-11 14:00 - 16:00
Come meet and chat with local photographer Pat Cheever and view her exhibit Nature in Flight, featuring butterflies, birds & more.
Light refreshments will be provided. Free and open to the public.
