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  • Calling all historical fiction lovers! This is an event you won't want to miss!

    Midtown Reader is excited to host Erika Robuck in conversation with Judy Pearson for Erika's novel, The Last Twelve Miles.

    About the Book:

    From Erika Robuck, national bestselling author of The Invisible Woman and Sisters of Night and Fog, comes THE LAST TWELVE MILES (June 4, Trade Paperback Original, $16.99), an atmospheric tale about two women locked in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse on opposite sides of the Prohibition Rum Wars, perfect for readers of When We Left Cuba with an itch for the Roaring Twenties.

    1926: The infamous “Spanish Marie,” ruthless rumrunner royalty with a chip on her shoulder, imports countless tons of illegal alcohol to the U.S., humiliating the Coast Guard each time she practically dances through their Miami patrols upon her return from Cuba. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., Mrs. Elizebeth Smith Friedman assumes her role as the Coast Guard’s secret weapon: the lone codebreaker with the skills to infiltrate the smugglers.

    Marie and Elizebeth lead their respective sides of the Prohibition Rum Wars as fierce adversaries, but they will both quickly realize it’s hard to outsmart a woman who is a warped reflection of yourself, a woman who—despite living on the opposite side of the law—somehow shares your hopes, fears, and motivations.

    And, as with any rumrunning job, it will come down to the last twelve miles.

    Erika Robuck masterfully portrays the darker side of the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties and vividly illuminates the true story of two masterminds whose lives remain shrouded in mystery. Bursting with incredible historical detail, THE LAST TWELVE MILES is an unforgettable story of ambition, prowess, and the measure of exactly how far one will go for love—or loyalty.

    About Erika Robuck:

    ERIKA ROBUCK is the national bestselling author of nine novels, including HEMINGWAY’S GIRL and THE INVISIBLE WOMAN. A former teacher, Robuck was named Annapolis’ 2014 Author of the Year, and she resides there with her husband and three sons. You can find her online at www.erikarobuck.com, @erobuckauthor on Instagram, and @ErickaRobuck on Facebook.

    About Judy Pearson:

    Judy Pearson is a best-selling author, an accomplished presenter, and a graduate of Michigan State University. But her favorite title is “story teller.” Judy’s first two biographies told the stories of ordinary Americans who had been extraordinarily courageous during World War II. Her second, The Wolves at the Door, is not only a best-seller, but has been purchased for a movie. Her most recent book, Crusade to Heal America: The Remarkable Life of Mary Lasker, was selected the 2023 Florida Book Award Bronze Medal winner. The current work in progress, Radical Sisters, tells the history of the women’s health revolution through the breast cancer journeys of Shirley Temple Black, Rose Kushner, and Evelyn Lauder. Judy was named one of Chicago’s Most Inspirational Women, was selected as a finalist for the Arizona Healthcare Leadership Awards and named a Phoenix Healthcare Hero the same year. She and her husband, David, live in Nokomis, FL.
  • Join Midtown Reader for Trivia Night! We will be focusing on all things books and Sarah J. Maas this trivia night, so be sure to freshen up on categories ranging from classics to fantasy, to thrillers!

    Bring yourself, and friends and family if you want a little extra competition, for a fun night of trivia with a Midtown Reader bookseller!

    During trivia, enjoy a sweet treat or refreshing drink from the Piebrary too.
  • Celebrate National Donut Day with us! We will be reading a fun donut-themed story and decorating donut holes!

    About the Book:

    A generous but increasingly put-upon bear makes batch after batch of doughnuts for her woodland friends without saving any for herself in this delightful debut picture book about counting, sharing, and being a good friend.
  • “Set in the Everglades, Nodarse's debut has a rich sense of place, with descriptions of the lush landscape, crocodile encounters, and tropical weather giving readers a vivid mind’s-eye viewpoint. . . For readers who like their thrillers literary and atmospheric.” —Booklist

    Join Midtown Reader for a thrilling event with Alejandro Nodarse in conversation with Terry Lewis, for Alejnadro's debut novel, Blood in the Cut!

    About the Book:

    Iggy Guerra is out of prison, but his homecoming is anything but smooth. His beloved mother is gone, his grief-stricken father Armando is deep in debt, and they are about to lose the butcher shop that has been in their family for generations.

    Iggy must earn his father’s lost trust in order to save La Carnicería Guerra from the threats imposed by a new rival business, a vigilante activist, and big-game hunter Orin, who has dragged Armando into his dangerous money-making schemes deep in the Everglades, where more than secrets are buried. Iggy will wrestle with the beauty and the danger of the place he calls home as he tries to save his family—without losing himself forever.

    Sharp as a butcher knife gleaming in the Miami sun, Alejandro Nodarse's Blood in the Cut opens onto a deeply personal vision of the streets and swamps of Miami, where the roots are crooked but strong as mangroves.

    About Alejandro Nodarse:

    Alejandro Nodarse holds an MFA from the University of Miami and is an alum of Las Dos Brujas Writers Conference and a former staff member of the VONA Writers Conference. Blood in the Cut is his debut novel.

    About Terry Lewis:

    Award-winning author, Terry Lewis, grew up in Perry, Florida, and attended FSU for undergraduate studies and law school. He became a trial judge in 1989 and served for 30 years, presiding over a variety of criminal and civil cases, including such high-profile cases as the 2000 presidential election contest and the congressional redistricting case in 2012. Terry is a past board member of Mystery Writers of America, Florida Chapter, and served on the advisory board for the Florida Book Awards. He lives in Tallahassee with his wife, Fran, and their Border Collie Mix, Pepper. Outside of writing and reading, he enjoys a good game of tennis or basketball.
  • Whether you're an avid reader, looking to grab the perfect gift, or simply want a fun night out, then the Pride Boozy Bookfair is where you want to be!

    As you peruse the book fair, be sure to grab a drink from the Piebrary - they offer wine, beer, seltzers, coffee, tea, and of course - pie!

    We look forward to seeing you and your friends at the Pride Boozy Bookfair!
  • The Downtown Concert Series is back on Saturday, June 22th! BYOB, picnic blanket, chairs, and friends- or find them onsite at our free concert! We'll also have yard games and activities, food trucks, and more. On the Edge will be the opening act, followed by our headliner Willis!

    Thank you to Visit Tallahassee, City of Tallahassee, Amicus Brewing Ventures, The Becovic Management Group, Hotel Indigo, The AC Marriott, and more for making this series possible!
  • Join Midtown Reader for our Meet and Greet Happy Hour! Stop by to grab a drink from the Piebrary and meet authors Karmen Lee, Logan Schober, and Blake Todd.

    About The 7-10 Split:

    This is how love rolls…

    For teacher Ava Williams, some subjects are not up for debate. Like history—specifically, the one she has with Grace Jones, bowling pro and local celeb. Who is now, for no identifiable reason, teaching at the same small-town Georgia high school as Ava. Once upon a time, they were thick as thieves, best friends, rivals who pushed each other, and total bowling nerds. Then they shared a kiss, sweet and confusing…and after that, they split and nothing was ever the same.

    Ava is pretty sure she has every reason to hate Grace. Especially when the school’s soggy potato of a principal announces—finally—that the students can have the bowling team Ava has been pushing for, for years…only to hand it to Grace.

    Now they’re expected to be partners and lead their new bowling team to victory in six months. And with that, their rivalry is back. Fierce, ultracompetitive…and with an undeniable attraction that pushes, pulls and crashes together. It’s history. It’s chemistry. And it’s just a matter of time before it explodes…one way or the other.

    About Karmen Lee:

    Karmen Lee is a lifelong Southerner living it up in Atlanta, Georgia, with her kid, her cats and humidity. When not packing lunches or working her nine-to-five, she can be found drinking coffee too late at night, watching House Hunters International and dreaming up ways to show her readers a good time. Find her on Twitter (@Author_KLee) or Instagram (@authorkarmenlee).

    About Briarwood Chronicles - Mentor Me:

    Amelia Roberts's world undergoes a seismic shift when she secures a journalism scholarship to Briarwood Academy, thrusting her into a realm her mother once tried to escape. Amidst the elitism of her new surroundings, Amelia discovers she's already earned the detest of her peers simply by joining the school's newly founded recruitment program. Determined to prove herself, she resolves to navigate this unfamiliar territory determined not to be swayed by distractions.

    However, fate has other plans in store for her when she's paired with Benedict Blake as her mentor. Benedict, with his effortless charm, razor-sharp intellect, and looks straight out of a teenage romcom, is the epitome of the privileged party boy—everything Amelia wants to avoid. Yet, when a confrontation with some of Briarwood's elite girls leaves Amelia in need of assistance, she reluctantly turns to Benedict for help, unwittingly setting both of them on a course they never anticipated. As they embark on this unexpected journey together, Amelia and Benedict must confront their preconceived notions and navigate the complexities of privilege, friendship, and newfound feelings that threaten to unravel their worlds.

    About Logan Schober:

    Logan Schober was raised in Darlington, Florida. She grew up with her mom and three older brothers. From an early age she wanted to be a writer. She attended Florida State University. After college she relocated to Georgia with her Husband, Jesse Schober. They have two beautiful children together.

    Currently, Logan channels her creative energy and love for language as a dedicated middle grades English teacher. Through her role, she not only imparts knowledge but also ignites the flame of curiosity and appreciation for literature in the hearts of her students.

    Despite the demands of her profession and the responsibilities of motherhood, Logan has never let go of her dream of becoming a published author. Her debut work stands as a testament to her perseverance and unwavering dedication to storytelling.

    With immense joy and gratitude, Logan Schober welcomes readers into the world she has crafted, inviting them to embark on a journey of imagination and emotion. Through her words, she hopes to inspire, uplift, and touch the hearts of all who delve into her

    About Formed in Experiences:

    A Camel Caravan in the Jordanian desert, working the docks in Manama Bahrain, traveling through the history of Europe firsthand, and on the front lines for the start of the Beirut civil war with bullets flying around Blake - all in the span of less than two years and all before he was 20 years old. Add to those experiences his youthful moments of life preparation with all the unique challenges that growing up presents.

    One of Blake’s many passions is history, and he sprinkles Formed in Experiences with fascinating details about the Israel and Palestinian conflict, Germany’s divided history, and the Lebanese Civil War as he reckons with the harrowing moments in 1975 which could have ended his life and learns to forgive those who caused him pain.

    We all have experiences that form our values and beliefs. Some seemingly mundane, and some true life-defining. This story is filled with both, giving context, history, and candor to reveal some of my own life lessons that shaped my understanding that there are at least two sides to every story. And in learning that, to live life fully with no regrets or animas.

    About Blake Todd:

    Blake Todd is a writer and world traveler with a particular focus on history. Through his new book “Formed in Experiences,” he aims to share with readers life lessons he has learned and offer them as encouragement to remain steadfast in the face of life challenges and struggles.
  • Do you knit, crochet, or sew for fun? Do you like to listen to audiobooks (or would you like to try)? Then this event is for you!

    Bring your work-in-progress* to our craft circle, and we'll enjoy each other's company and get some inches done while we preview a new or upcoming audiobook from our partners at Libro.fm!

    If you like the book, you can purchase the audiobook or hard copy from Midtown Reader and keep going on your own!

    Questions about this event can be directed to jess@midtownreader.com.

    *This is not a knitting class and craft materials will not be provided at this event. It's really just a chance to chill and vibe out with other knitters (or crocheters, or sewers, or macrame, or heck if you want to make friendship bracelets the whole time that works too!)
  • Foodies and book lovers alike, join us for this delicious event! Stop by Midtown Reader to meet local Chef Fe as she takes us through some of the flavors of her cookbook, Cooking With Fe.

    About the Book:

    Embark on a culinary journey filled with love, flavor, and simplicity with Chef Fe's latest masterpiece, "Cooking with Fe: Delicious Food Made with Love."

    As a self-taught home chef, Chef Fe has crafted a collection of recipes that reflect her lifelong passion for cooking. From comforting classics to innovative culinary creations, each dish is infused with Chef Fe's unwavering love for the art of cooking.

    In " Cooking with Fe: Delicious Food Made with Love," Chef Fe invites you into her kitchen, where she shares her favorite quick, easy, and fun recipes that anyone can cook. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, Chef Fe's approachable recipes will inspire you to unleash your inner culinary artist.

    With a focus on fresh ingredients and straightforward techniques, Chef Fe proves that delicious meals don't have to be complicated. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners, each recipe is carefully crafted to bring joy to your table and warmth to your heart.

    But " Cooking with Fe: Delicious Food Made with Love " is more than just a collection of recipes—it's a celebration of the joy found in cooking for others. Chef Fe believes that food is a universal language that brings people together, and she infuses each recipe with a generous helping of love and care.

    Join Chef Fe on a culinary adventure as she explores flavors worldwide and shares her love for cooking with you. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or your friends, " Cooking with Fe: Delicious Food Made with Love " will surely become a cherished companion in your culinary journey.

    About Chef Fe:

    Chef Fe, a native of Tallahassee, Florida, is a self-taught home chef whose culinary journey began at an early age. With an unwavering passion for cooking, she views the kitchen as a sanctuary for creative expression and a platform for cultural exploration.

    Driven by a profound love for global cuisine, Chef Fe embarked on a quest to immerse herself in diverse culinary traditions, constantly seeking to broaden her culinary horizons. In 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she seized the opportunity to share her culinary expertise by founding "The FE-Nomenal Experience, LLC." Specializing in in-home private dining experiences, Chef Fe and her team transformed dining into an unforgettable affair, complete with meticulously crafted meals, captivating tablescapes, and expertly documented memories through photography.

    Since its inception, "The FE-Nomenal Experience, LLC" has flourished into a multifaceted enterprise. Chef Fe's repertoire extends to event catering, virtual and in-person cooking classes, and engaging cooking camps tailored for aspiring young chefs.

    Supported by a network of entrepreneurial family and friends, Chef Fe's dedication to her craft has garnered acclaim. In 2022 and 2023, "The FE-Nomenal Experience, LLC," was honored as "Caterer of the Year" in the Reader’s Choice Awards for Tallahassee.

    For Chef Fe, food transcends mere sustenance; it is a universal language that fosters connections and celebrates cultural diversity. With the belief that everyone shares a fundamental need to nourish both body and soul, Chef Fe's culinary mission embodies the notion that regardless of background or beliefs, food unites us all in the joy of shared experiences.
  • Jump into June with Capital Health Plan's Walk with a Doc! Join us for a chance to walk and talk with Dr. Marlisha Edwards about heat awareness. Walkers of all levels are welcome at Cascades Park on June 8, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Free admission, no pre-registration required. Let's keep our community informed about how to beat the heat this summer as the temperatures rise!

    For those eager to pre-register, you are welcome to do so at https://walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/tallahassee-fl/
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