Now & Then: Books & Banter This Week, and Big Pre-Orders Happening Now!

The last club of the month happens this Tuesday as the Books & Banter fiction club meets up to discuss the intriguing The Memory Library. We look forward to chapters and chatting at 6:30 p.m. You bring the scintillating conversation, we’ll provide the treats. (And gearing up, next month’s pick is Three Days in June by Anne Tyler. We still have a limited number of SIGNED copies available. HINT: They won’t last long.

Summerville Book Fest Accolades

Our thanks for all YOUR thanks! My apologies too, as we’re still working on an album/video of all the pics, and it’s been a busy week of post-festival activity, but it’s coming, I promise! And we expect to announce a 2026 date in the coming weeks… you’ll know first!

Two Stunning Pre-Orders:

A Sneak Peek at Your Next Favorite Reads

We’re thrilled to announce two pre-order opportunities that promise to ignite your imagination and enrich your collection in the coming months. As we sift through a treasure trove of upcoming titles, these two gems stand out and are not to be missed.

Sunrise on the Reaping: The Next Chapter in the Hunger Games Saga

Fans of Suzanne Collins will be ecstatic about the soon-to-be-released Sunrise on the Reaping. Building on the legacy of the Hunger Games series, this new novel is set to deliver the intense, thought-provoking storytelling you love, taking you deeper into a world of resilience, rebellion, and unexpected alliances. Pre-order now to ensure you’re among the first to experience this highly anticipated continuation of a beloved universe.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Interactive Book: Magic in a New Dimension

For those who have always dreamed of stepping directly into the Wizarding World, the newly announced Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Interactive Book offers an enchanting twist. Set to release on October 15th, this innovative interactive edition invites you to engage with the story in a whole new way—bringing the magic of Hogwarts to life with every turn of the page.

Why Pre-Order?

Pre-ordering your next literary adventure comes with three unbeatable benefits:

  • Guaranteed First Edition Copy: Secure your special edition on release day, a collector’s delight for fans and enthusiasts.
  • Exclusive 10% Discount: Enjoy a discount on your pre-order, making it a smart, budget-friendly choice.
  • Better Planning for a Seamless Release: Your pre-order helps us accurately gauge demand so that we can print the right number of copies and ensure everyone gets their magical moment on launch day.

These pre-orders are more than just an early purchase—they’re a ticket to be part of the unfolding story and to guarantee that when these books hit the shelves, you’re already a step ahead in the literary world. Secure your copy today and join us as we count down the days to these unforgettable releases!


AND…Patti Callahan Henry is Coming to Town!

Get ready for an unforgettable literary evening as the Timrod Author Series presents two New York Times bestselling authors—Patti Callahan Henry and Mary Alice Monroe—on March 28, 2025. Join the fun for an engaging conversation centered around Patti’s mesmerizing new novel, The Story She Left Behind, and secure your spot for an event that promises inspiration, mystery, and a touch of magic.

Event Highlights

  • When: March 28, 2025
  • Tix available at: Timrod Library online or in person AND in-store at Main Street Reads
  • Tickets Include: A signed copy of The Story She Left Behind

Ticket Options:

  • Standard Admission:
    • 7 p.m. Author Presentation Only
    • Price: $40 (Members $35)
  • VIP Experience:
    • 5:30 p.m. VIP Reception at the elegant Timrod Library and 7 p.m. Author Presentation
    • Price: $60 (Members $55)
    • Perk: Enjoy an exclusive opportunity to meet Patti Callahan Henry and Mary Alice Monroe before the main event.

As Timrod’s bookstore partner, we’ll also have a selection of Patti Callahan Henry and Mary Alice Monroe titles available for purchase so you can get ’em all signed!

About The Story She Left Behind

Told in Patti Callahan Henry’s lyrical, enchanting prose, The Story She Left Behind is a captivating novel of mystery and family legacy. The narrative follows eight-year-old Clara Harrington, whose magical childhood was upended in 1927 when her famed mother, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, vanished off the coast of South Carolina. Fast forward to 1952—now a mother herself, Clara receives a mysterious message from London. A stranger claims to have discovered a handwritten dictionary of the secret language her mother invented as a child prodigy. Compelled by loss and a thirst for truth, Clara embarks on a journey to England with her daughter, determined to unravel the mystery of her mother’s disappearance and the hidden story she left behind.

About Patti Callahan Henry

Patti Callahan Henry is a celebrated New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author whose works include The Secret Book of Flora Lea, Surviving Savannah, and Becoming Mrs. Lewis. Her accolades include the Christy Award, the Harper Lee Award for Alabama’s Distinguished Writer of the Year, and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year. In addition to her writing, Patti cohosts the popular web show and podcast Friends and Fiction. For more details on her work, visit PattiCallahanHenry.com.

Don’t miss your chance to experience an evening of literary enchantment. Secure your tickets today and be part of this captivating conversation with two of today’s most influential voices in storytelling!

And if all this isn’t enough to spark your literary taste buds as we head out of February and into March, here’s a list of more upcoming events and clubs – SEE YOU ON MAIN STREET!