provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Sanibel Public Library welcomed readers, community members, and literary enthusiasts for a memorable evening at The Community House with internationally bestselling author Kristin Harmel. This Author Series event brought together more than 345 attendees of all ages to celebrate storytelling, learning, and a shared love of reading.
Harmel, best known for her historical novels, including The Book of Lost Names and The Winemaker’s Wife, spoke warmly about her writing journey, the inspiration behind her work, the importance of preserving stories from the past, and the most vital part of being an author: staying true to yourself.
Harmel also offered insight into her research process and how she intricately weaves real historical events with fictional characters to create meaningful emotional connections for readers.
Lastly, Harmel gave guests a deep dive into her newest book, The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau, sharing her inspiration for the story and its two jewel thieves.
Throughout the evening, Harmel emphasized the power of literature to foster empathy, understanding, and grace. Attendees were especially moved by her powerful personal story of resilience, bravery, hope, and human connection – themes that deeply resonated with the Sanibel community.
The speaking portion of the program concluded with a lively question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to interact directly with Harmel, who answered their questions thoughtfully.
On the way to the signing table, guests had the opportunity to purchase their favorite Harmel books from MacIntosh Books and Paper. Champagne and sparkling juice were available as refreshments, along with light hors d’oeuvres from Paper Fig Kitchen. The reception and book signing are fan favorites, offering guests a one-on-one experience with the authors.
The atmosphere reflected the library’s ongoing commitment to providing opportunities that encourage discovery, inspiration, and enrichment. “Since 2006, the Library has brought over sixty world-class Authors to Sanibel,” SPL Adult Program Coordinator Duane Shaffer said. “We look forward to bringing more in the future.”
The library is extremely grateful to The Sanibel Public Library Foundation, which directly funds the Author Series through its support and generosity. The Sanibel Public Library continues to offer a variety of programming for all ages, designed to enrich and educate, while encouraging lifelong learning.
For more information on Sanibel Public Library programs and events, please visit www.sanlib.org and view our calendar.
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