Saturday, November 25^th Sally and I attended the Green Valley Book Fair sponsored by the Society of Southwest Authors to promote Telling Tales and Sharing Secrets. There were forty-four authors there, some had as many as nine different books to sell.  It was a very good turnout of book lovers/readers. Sales of our book went well but the most fun we had was talking with other writers and the readers. We connected our stories with their stories in many ways thus making our community of book lovers even larger. The three hours went like ten minutes, then we packed up and left, glowing from the experience.

I’ve listed some of the books that I saw there that really interested me and, of course, I bought a few (there go the profits). Their authors had great stories to tell.

Out of the Fog by Sandra CH Smith – a bigger-than-life adventure story. Too big for one book, she is writing a second. I wish there were pictures in it. Every page is another ah-ha or oh! my goodness. This is definitely a true adventure that should be made into a movie – but who would believe it?

One Mile at a Time by Marie (Midge) Lemay and Suzanne Poirier. This book is a synopsis of the travels of two sisters who left everything behind to travel the continental U.S. in 2009 in a Honda CRV named Gypsy. They planned to travel for 12-18 months but ended up continuing for 21 months with the mantra “One Mile at a Time”. This story is dear to my heart because they traveled the “blue roads” just as our family did in our 14-month journey around the U.S. in 1984-85. Those are the roads less traveled, through small towns instead of freeways through major cities. Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon is one of my very favorite books and inspired our travels.

A series of John Santana Mysteries by Christopher Valen. I love mysteries. I have not read this series, but I peeked into a few of Chris’ books and they look like they will be interesting reads. They are on my TBR shelf.

My compatriots at the Oro Valley Writers’ Forum cannot be forgotten. Wonderful authors all. I’ve read many of their books and highly recommend them.

Karen Admussen – Moon of Many Names. A year of poems

Wes Choc – four titles- his true life adventures in the world, and a fascinating biography of a spy from WWII whom he personally interviewed.

David R. Davis – six books of short stories and poetry

Brad D’Emidio – Sometimes the Turn. The story of a woman who emerges from the shadows of a difficult past.

Debra VanDeventer – Out of the Crayon Box. A memoir of a lifetime as an educator and the transition to retirement