"The Frozen River," beloved by book clubs and historical fiction fans alike, has sold nearly 2 million copies since its 2023 release. Now author Ariel Lawhon is back with a new tale about an old legend, which she will detail Nov. 14 at the Johns Creek Literary Fair.
The fifth-annual event, the New York Times bestseller's only Georgia appearance, will be from 3-7 p.m. at a new location, Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road.
Lawhon will be discussing her latest release, "The Pirate Queen," a sweeping historical adventure inspired by the life of Grace O'Malley, the legendary Irish folk heroine who risked everything to defend her people on the high seas. In addition to "The Frozen River," Lawhon's other titles include "Code Name Hélené," "I was Anastasia" and "The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress." Her novels have been translated into more than 30 languages and have been Good Morning America Book Club, Library Reads, Costco, Amazon Spotlight and Book of the Month Club selections.
Lawhon will be in conversation with Patti Callahan Henry, the NY Times, Globe and Mail, and USA Today bestselling author of 17 novels, including her newest, "The Story She Left Behind." Henry is the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly online "Friends & Fiction" live web show and podcast.
This year's event, presented by the nonprofit Arts On The Creek, in partnership with the City of Johns Creek, returns with some familiar features – including a panel of renowned regional authors – as well as some first-time offerings, such as an exclusive reception with the authors.
The suspense panel, "Secrets, Lies & Alibis," will feature Tiffany Crum, author of "This Story Might Save Your Life," Emily Carpenter, whose latest thriller is "A Spell for Saints and Sinners," and Matthew C. Smith with his new release, "The Ones in the Corner." The moderator will be Valerie (V.M.) Burns, an adjunct professor in the Writing Popular Fiction MFA Program at Seton Hill University.
Crum's debut novel had over 140,000 Good Reads reviews in just four months. Carpenter's 10th title has been optioned for TV, Smith does double duty as a practicing attorney and novelist, and Burns has authored five cozy mystery series.
Additionally, a juried selection of 30 metro-area adult and children's authors will be selling and discussing their books throughout the event.
Two tickets levels are available: Free and $45 VIP, the latter of which offers a host of perks including a signed/personalized copy of "The Pirate Queen," priority seating and a reception with the authors featuring light refreshments, a photo and swag bags.
The schedule for the day is:
• 3 p.m., doors open with 30 local adult and children's authors promoting their work
• 3:30 p.m., "Secrets, Lies & Alibis" panel
• 4:30 p.m., VIP reception with Ariel Lawhon and Patti Callahan Henry
• 5:30-7 p.m., Ariel Lawhon and Patti Callahan Henry in conversation, followed by book signing
For more information and to reserve tickets, click here or go to ArtsOnTheCreek.org.
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