10/27/25

Book of the Week (10/27/2025)

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.

10/20/25

Book of the Week (10/20/2025)

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!

10/13/25

Book of the Week (10/13/2025)

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 CĂ©vennes 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

10/6/25

Book of the Week (10/6/2025)

A Killer Serve by Mark Okrant (Independently published, 2025)

Old guys don’t always play nice. Lawrence Peters arrives at the historic Beachmere Inn in Ogunquit, Maine, with two simple goals: win the first ever regional ping pong tournament and save his crumbling marriage. But, when a fellow competitor is found brutally murdered at the start of the event, Peters’ plans—and his future—are thrown into chaos. As suspicion spreads and secrets surface, Peters must navigate old rivalries, his rocky marriage, and a relentless investigation. --Publisher's blurb

About the author:

Mark Okrant is an author and professor emeritus of tourism management at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. Research has taken him to South Dakota, New Hampshire, Maine, Alaska, Canada, and Romania. He is past president of the Travel and Tourism Research Association. He is the author of fifteen books, including murder mysteries, non-fiction books, and one tourism planning textbook.

Join Mark at Gibson's Bookstore on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 6:30 pm where he will be discussing his newest novel!

9/29/25

Book of the Week (9/29/2025)

King Sorrow: A Novel by Joe Hill (William Morrow, 2025)

Arthur Oakes is a reader, a dreamer, and a student at Rackham College, Maine, renowned for its frosty winters, exceptional library, and beautiful buildings. But his idyll—and burgeoning romance with Gwen Underfoot—is shattered when a local drug dealer and her partner corner him into one of the worst crimes he can imagine: stealing rare books from the college library.

Trapped and desperate, Arthur turns to his closest friends for comfort and help. Together they dream up a wild, fantastical scheme to free Arthur from the cruel trap in which he finds himself. Wealthy, irrepressible Colin Wren suggests using the unnerving Crane journal (bound in the skin of its author) to summon a dragon to do their bidding. The others—brave, beautiful Alison Shiner; the battling twins Donna and Donovan McBride; and brainy, bold Gwen—don’t hesitate to join Colin in an effort to smash reality and bring a creature of the impossible into our world.

But there’s nothing simple about dealing with dragons, and their pact to save Arthur becomes a terrifying bargain in which the six must choose a new sacrifice for King Sorrow every year—or become his next meal. --Publisher's blurb

About the Author:

Joe Hill is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels (King Sorrow, The Fireman, NOS4A2, Horns, Heart-Shaped Box), fiction collections (Strange Weather, Full Throttle, 20th Century Ghosts), and a comic-book series (Locke & Key). Much of his work has been adapted for film and TV. Joe Hill lives in Exeter, NH.

9/22/25

Book of the Week (9/22/2025)

The Book of Fairies by Susie Spikol (Gibbs Smith, 2025)

Discover the enchanting world of fairies and how to find them in secret hiding places you would never expect.

Meet the Earth, Air, Fire, and Water fairies! From rainbows in bubbles to dandelion seeds on the wind, come meet the wee folk who enchant our everyday world. Wake with dainty Auroras who paint the sky each dawn. Let the rascally wind fairies dance up some mischief in your life and open your heart to the dear Brownies who keep your home tidy and your garden growing.

Search for secret fairy signs in snowflakes and the sparkle of a stone. Find out which animals are best friends to each fairy, which fairies have dragon blood in their veins, and how to spot these charming beings in your neighborhood. Which enchanted fairy are you most like?

Look inside and discover:

How to make friends with the fairies that live around your home

That pigs really do fly, with the help of a little pixie dust

The best jokes to share with cheeky Knockers

How to make a wish on a magical fairy feather

A wildflower that opens the gate to the fairy realm

About the author:

Susie Spikol is a beloved local author, educator, and naturalist. When not catching frogs with preschoolers, making gnome homes with second-graders, tracking bobcats with middle-schoolers, or hawk-watching with her own three children, Susie tucks away time to write. Susie is the Community Programs Director and Naturalist at The Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock, NH.