All for You: A World War II Family Memoir of Love, Separation, and Loss by Dena Rueb Romero (She Writes Press, 2024) Emil, a Jewish man in 1930s Germany, loves Deta, a Lutheran, but Nazi racial purity laws forbid their marriage. Desperate to find a place where their love can survive, they must separate to get away. Deta leaves for England, but Emil has to overcome red tape, resistance from his aging parents, and his own ambivalence before he can embark for America. With only telegrams and letters from Deta to sustain him, he does all he can to bring her and his family to America. But the clock is ticking as the war breaks out and the Nazis tighten their stranglehold. From the heartbreaking news of November 10, 1938 (Kristallnacht) to the horrific revelations after the German surrender in 1945, Emil’s story runs the course of the war. Can he make his way in this new world? Will he be reunited with his beloved Deta? And will he ever see his family again? Told by Emil’s daughter with the help of letters and historical documents, All for You is a true story about love overcoming despair and the impact the Holocaust continues to have on the rising generation.-- Publisher's blurb
About the author: Dena Rueb Romero grew up in Hanover, New Hampshire, the daughter of a Lutheran mother and a Jewish father, both refugees from Nazi Germany. She graduated from Brandeis University and received an MA in English from the University of Virginia and an MSW from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. "All for You" is her first full-length book. Dena still lives in Hanover, where she sings in a women’s chorus, volunteers at a daycare center, and works with a recently arrived refugee family.
Pedal, Balance, Steer: Annie Londonderry, the First Woman to Cycle Around the World by Vivian Kirkfield (Calkins Creek, 2024) Annie Londonderry proves women can do anything they set their minds to—even cycle around the world—in this nonfiction picture book for cycling enthusiasts, budding travelers, and anyone who dreams of reaching a difficult goal. In the 1890s, times were tough, and opportunities for women were few and far between. When mother-of-three Annie Londonderry saw an ad promising $10,000 to a woman who could cycle around the world in a year, something no one thought possible, she decided it was time to learn to ride. She waved goodbye to her family in Boston and set off for Chicago. Annie was exhausted when she arrived fifty-nine days later—and she realized she’d never make it across the Rockies before winter, and certainly not riding a heavy women’s bike and wearing a corset and petticoats. So Annie got herself a better bicycle and comfortable bloomers, and headed back East to try a different route. Facing robbers, sprained ankles, and disapproving stares, Annie missed her family and wanted to quit. But she journeyed on, all over the world. And, when she finally reached California and the Southwest, she kept pedaling. Her family was counting on the prize money, and people around the world, especially women, were watching. Annie came through for all of them, arriving in Chicago fourteen days before her deadline and proving that women could do just about anything. --Publisher's blurb
About the author: Vivian Kirkfield is a retired kindergarten teacher with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Vivian encourages new writers through her critique and editing services, shares her love for reading and writing with children through school visits, and offers advice and resources for aspiring authors through her blog, Picture Books Help Kids Soar. She lives and writes in Bedford, NH.
Udder Nonsense: More Tales from Frost Heaves by Ken Sheldon as "Fred Marple"(Harmon House, 2025) Welcome back to Frost Heaves, New Hampshire, where the coffee's strong, the winters are longer, and common sense is about as rare as a reasonable property tax bill. In this delightful new collection, Yankee humorist Fred Marple returns with more tales from New England's most charmingly unpredictable town. When the Loon Lodge decides to raise funds with a duck race, nobody counted on the ducks having their own agenda. Young Albert Cooper discovers that prize sows and romance don't mix, And when Millard Tuttle spots a certain red-suited fellow in distress, Christmas in Frost Heaves takes an unexpected turn. From the church basement to the town square, Pastor Woodstead questions his calling while a champion bingo player meets her match in an overly chatty newcomer. Plus, catch up on all the local news through Fred's signature "News Nuggets" and police reports that prove truth really is stranger than fiction. Fred Marple has been called the Garrison Keillor of New England and the voice of New Hampshire as Bert & I once were to Mainers. Nobody captures small-town Yankee life with more warmth and wit. Whether you're a longtime New Englander or just wish you were, Udder Nonsense serves up the perfect blend of gentle humor, quirky characters, and the kind of storytelling that makes you feel right at home-even if home has more than its share of stubborn livestock and well-meaning folks with questionable judgment.-- Publisher's blurb
About the author: Ken Sheldon was a pre-med art major at the University of New Hampshire. The medical schools of America were not amused, which is why he's a writer today. Ken is the creator of Frost Heaves, a comedy show set in the mythical town of the same name, winner of a "Best of New Hampshire" award. He is also a freelance writer and editor, with articles published in numerous magazines ranging from Acoustic Guitar to The Old Farmer's Almanac. Join Ken at Gibson's Bookstore on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 6:30 pm where he will be discussing his latest book!
The Shopkeeper of Alsace by Laura Knoy (Bedazzled Ink Publishing, 2025) When WWII comes for her family, Sarah thinks she’s ready. She’s had training, after all, coming of age in Poland during World War I. In 1920, Sarah leaves behind the ruins of Poland for France, full of youthful hope and ambition. Jewish immigrants are welcome, and soon, she’s built the Perfect French Life. In the postcard-pretty Alsatian town of Colmar, she runs a thriving clothing store, gaining a reputation as a stylish and savvy businesswoman. She has three adorable children, a gorgeous husband, and a close extended family. Sarah’s legendary sixth sense for trouble grows through the 1930s as Germany gathers strength under a frightening, new nationalist party. Everyone around her insists that France is doing all it can to avoid another war. But Sarah calls upon the lessons she learned in World War I. Stockpile essentials. Have an escape plan. And always be ready to run, hide, lie...whatever it takes to protect those you love. From the Great War in Poland to the long-contested borders of Alsace to the remote refuge Sarah finds in the Cévennes mountains, The Shopkeeper of Alsace is an uplifting tale of family, love, resilience, and one unstoppable woman. Perfect for fans of We Were the Lucky Ones, The Nightingale, and The Alice Network, this dramatic debut brings to life a little-known corner of wartime history—and an inspiring real-life heroine you’ll cheer for. --Publisher's blurb
About the author: Laura Knoy is an award-winning journalist. She founded New Hampshire’s most widely respected and recognized public radio program, “The Exchange,” which she hosted for 25 years. Laura has also worked at the national level, newscasting, hosting, and reporting for NPR. Today, she’s an in-demand narrator, podcaster, and public speaker. In her free time, Laura can be found reading or somewhere in NH’s great outdoors. Join Laura at one of the following upcoming events promoting her new book: Wednesday, November 12, 2025- Authors on Main- Concord, NH Monday, November 17, 2025- Beliveau Arts Series- Manchester, NH Tuesday, November 18, 2025- Lit at the Lounge- Portsmouth, NH Thursday, November 20, 2025- Authors at the Pope with White Birch Books- North Conway, NH
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