Romance book conference heads to North Shelby Library

The North Shelby Library will host a Summer Lovin’ Romance Conference June 23-24. Designed as a mini-conference for readers and aspiring writers in the romance genre, this will be the second such event at the library. The first was in 2015. 

Reference Librarian Michelyn Reid said she expects this year’s crowd to be larger than the first due to the high-profile names they have recruited. Most of the authors are local, with a few from aroundthe Southeast.

“It’s a great platform for new writers to come and promote their books. We have both new and older writers that make up the group,” Reid said.

The event will kick off Friday night with a dinner and book signing, featuring New York Times best-selling author Sabrina Jeffries as the keynote speaker. Attendees will have the opportunity to chat with the authors and other readers. 

Following the dinner will be book signings by authors including Nancee Cain, Carla Swafford, Julie Johnstone, Christine Glover, Brina Cary, TJ Penn, Lexi George, Kimberly Lang, Christy Reece, Larynn Ford and Marie Nicole Harper. 

Saturday morning starts with a Champagne brunch at 10 a.m., followed by discussion panels and sessions with the authors from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Authors will discuss their experience as well as their specific writing styles. 

The event will include giveaways, catered dinner and brunch, cardboard cutouts to take photos with and books available for purchase. Guests can also bring books to be signed. 

Tickets may be purchased online or at the library. Cost is $40, but will increase to $50 on June 1. For more information, go to northshelbylibrary.org.