This was the night I’d dreamed of for so long – my book launch party. In the Context of Love is published and released into the world! It’s a time to celebrate, but also an opportunity to gather my friends, neighbors, and family together to say thank you. Writing is a solitary act, but I couldn’t have done it without their  support and encouragement. The metro Detroit area has an incredible literary community!

The book launch was at the Rochester Community House, a local gathering place in the park. We served Eppa Sangria and Schlitz beer, two drinks mentioned in the book, and A Movable Feast provided a wonderful array of food from stromboli to bruschetta for seventy-plus guests. We had ten writing/book-themed giveaway prizes, including crazy book markers with legs and red high-heeled boots, plaques, notebooks, and a t-shirt that says “I read past my bedtime.” Half of the evening’s proceeds from book sales will be donated to HAVEN Domestic Violence Shelter — Angelica, the main character in In the Context of Love, works for a similar, fictitious non-profit shelter called Safe Harbor. It was a fun party that ended way too soon! Thank you to all who attended.

Many thanks to Olga Klekner for all the fabulous photographs!