The Southern Festival of Books

Jennifer just returned from Memphis and her visit to the Southern Festival of Books. She met her favorite authors. She bought too many books. She watched the ducks parade.

The Southern Festival of Books was wonderful. Jennifer enjoyed Memphis, riding the downtown trolley and watching the famous ducks in the Peabody Hotel. The festival itself was amazing--more than 200 authors such as Julia Glass, Edward Jones, George Singleton and Garrison Keillor. Jennifer was thrilled to meet A. Manette Ansay and have her sign a copy of her latest, Blue Water. (Note from Jennifer: "This one is great! Go buy it today. I inhaled it during my trip and on the plane back home.")

Jen also met Beth Ann Fennelly who has a sweet new book out called Great with Child: Letters to A Young Mother. Beth Ann was funny and gracious, and Jennifer loved meeting her and hearing her read. Another thing about festivals is that you get introduced to writers you don't know and Jen's discovery of Ben Fountain and Anne Shayne was a happy outcome.

On Saturday morning, Jennifer read from Toss the Bride and took questions along with Sarahbeth Purcell. Their panel was called "Her Way or the Highway: Modern Women Come to Terms with Romance." Fun! A few pictures are below.

Manette signs Jennifer's copy of Blue Water! It was so cool to meet her.

Jennifer with Sarabeth Purcell, author of This Is Not a Love Song.

Jennifer reading from Toss the Bride at the festival.