Chocolate and books offer a cozy feel

Thursday, February 18, 2010

AMHERST – Friends, free delicious samples of wine, fudge and chocolate and a good book. What could be better on a cold, wintry Friday night?

Join Hollis authors Robin Beaudette and Michaeline Della Fera for a book signing event at The Black Forest Cafe, 212 Route 101, from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19.

Martha Walters, owner of The Black Forest Cafe, is opening the foyer of the cafe to the two local authors, who will answer writing and publishing questions, as well as sell and sign copies of their books. A portion of each book sale will be donated to the Second Chance Sato Rescue of Temple. Walters, Beaudette and Della Fera are longtime dog owners and lovers; in fact, Walters has rescued two female mixed breed dogs, Bailey and Ruby, from Sato.

Beaudette, newly published, will be signing copies of her mystery/thriller “Pool.” She said, “Sometimes people get lucky. And sometimes those people are cold-blooded killers.”

In “Pool,” remains of a body are discovered when the owner opens a backyard swimming pool for the season. All eyes turn to wife and mother Kyle Mercer for answers. An attorney and a policeman come to her aid, yet only one wants the truth uncovered. If she chooses wrong, she may be the next victim.

Beaudette is also the author of “Absence,” a short story published by Great Mystery and Suspense Magazine. It is available on her Web site www.RobinBeaudette.com.

“After reading ‘Pool,’ I guarantee that you will never again be able to pass by your neighbor’s covered-up pool without getting chilled to the bone, calling your local police or feeling privileged that you discovered such a clever and engaging book,” said Lorraine Lordi, English professor at St. Anselm College in Manchester.

Michaeline Della Fera is not new to the Hollis area. An eclectic writer, she is caught between her two favorite topics – mysteries and women politicians. Della Fera will feature her three-part cozy mystery series, “Trading Faces,” “Beneath the Villa Moon” and “A Taste of Death.” All three cozies begin in the Hollis-Nashua area. Della Fera said, “Its fun to write about local restaurants and places I go to regularly.”

Pelham author Julie MacShane calls “Beneath the Villa Moon” “a great story of life, laughter and love, all Italian style.”

“A Taste of Death” is a spoof about the Hollis chef Liz Barbour, whose cooking repertoire includes a demonstration of cooking with edible flowers.

“Not all flowers are edible,” Della Fera said with a laugh.

A few months ago, Della Fera traveled to Washington to speak to several hundred women legislators. “Women at the Table, 40 Intimate Profiles of Political Women of the Northeast,” Della Fera said, “features 17 New Hampshire women among the 40 interviewees. Women politicians are dedicated and selfless in their service to others.”

Beaudette and Della Fera are friends and have been writing together for years, but this is their first book-signing event together as authors.

“We hope we’re together for many, many more,” Della Fera said.