This past week was an amazing one! And I am so excited to tell you all about it. Many of you know that I just kicked off my book tour for Emily’s Next Chapter, a heartwarming, later-in-life love story that explores second chances, blended families, and the courage it takes to start over.
As someone who’s written both memoir (Perseverance. Reinvention.) and business guidance (The Top 10 Mistakes I Made My First Year as a Copywriter), returning to fiction with Emily’s Next Chapter has been incredibly special. And the support I’ve received so far has been equally meaningful. I’d like to share more with you about the success of my first two book tour stops!
A Beautiful Start at Niche Books in Lakeville, MN
My first signing event took place on May 29th at Niche Books in Lakeville, Minnesota. It’s a cozy, welcoming space filled with charm and personality, and the owner, Ashley, is one of the most supportive booksellers there is. I was so happy to be surrounded by friends, family, and familiar faces. The event was the perfect way to launch this next chapter (pun fully intended).
We shared stories, laughs, and lots of hugs. It was heartening to connect in person with my friends who have followed my writing journey and to introduce them to Emily’s story. The feedback was warm and enthusiastic, and I even had the chance to personalize several copies with handwritten notes.
The event was such a success that I’ll be returning to Niche Books on September 20th, this time with fellow Twin Cities authors Ellie Palmer and Kathleen West. I look forward to returning and sharing the spotlight with two talented women whose work also resonates deeply with our community’s readers. If you haven’t read any of their books yet, now is the time. Plus, both Ellie and Kathleen have new releases coming out this summer!
A Stop at Story Line Books in St. Paul
Next on the tour was Story Line Books, located inside the historic Union Depot in downtown St. Paul. Though this bookstore hasn’t yet celebrated its first anniversary, it’s already making its mark as a must-visit for travelers and locals alike. The setting was unique, seeing people pop in and out of the store before heading to the train platform or after a long day of traveling. And of course, the conversations were so inspiring!
This signing gave me the chance to meet new readers, answer questions about Emily’s Next Chapter, and hear what people are currently reading. One of the highlights was meeting Katie, a Story Line team member who had already finished the book. Hearing her feedback in person was such a gift. She told me how much she enjoyed the alternating perspectives in the novel and shared that her favorite character was Lily, Emily’s polar-bear-loving eight-year-old stepdaughter-to-be. (Honestly, how could you not love Lily?)
Thanks to the warm reception and engaging conversations, I’m so excited to share that I’ll be back at Story Line Books on June 7th from 11 AM to 2 PM for a second signing event. If you’re in the area, I’d love to meet you and chat more about the book!
What’s Next on the Tour?
There’s more excitement ahead! Here’s a quick look at where Emily’s Next Chapter is headed next:
- June 6 – The Bookstore in Pine City
- June 7 – Story Line Books (Round Two!)
- June 13–14 – Pack in the Readers in Green Bay, WI
Whether you’re a longtime reader or new to my work, I hope to see you at one of these events. It’s been such a joy to connect with readers face to face, hear your stories, and share more about Emily’s journey.
For the full list of upcoming signings, visit the Books page on my website (don’t forget to bookmark it!). And PS… I’ll be heading to the Northtown Barnes & Noble in Blaine next week to sign copies of Emily’s Next Chapter. So, if you are in the area, stop in and be sure to pick up your copy!
Thanks to everyone who’s come out so far, and to those planning to stop by soon. Your support means more than you know. Cheers (with a buttery Chardonnay, please) to second chances, great books, and the communities that help bring them to life.