An Enjoyable Evening

That Bookstore in Blytheville hosted a very special book signing this evening. Robin Oliveira came to TBIB and gave a fascinating account of how her first novel, My Name is Mary Sutter, was conceived and researched. Then Robin read from the first chapter. You know how a really good book just hooks you from the first page? Well, that was my impression of this new historical novel that weaves a story about how a nurse midwife, who really wants to be a surgeon, gets involved in taking care of the injured soldiers during the Civil War. This book is undoubtedly a beautiful blend of historical facts intertwined with a captivating work of fiction.
Robin credits Mary Gay Shipley, the owner of TBIB, for helping this book come to publication. Robin's agent asked Mary Gay to read the manuscript before taking the book to a publisher. Mary Gay owns and operates a fabulous independent bookstore and she is highly esteemed in the book world. She has helped many a good author get their start and her bookstore is truly a class act that anyone traveling near shouldn't miss. When Mary Gay says a book is good, it usually moves to 1st place on my book list. Mary Gay has an e-commerce website, www.tbib.com, and she is also glad to work with customers by phone. I don't think a soul left without purchasing a copy of My Name is Mary Sutter and asking Robin to autograph and personalize their book.

Robin Oliveira is seated as she prepares to autograph my book. Mary Gay, at the right of the photo, is busy preparing a book for the next person in line. I won't be able to start my book tonight, but I will say more about this book after I've had a chance to read it. Mary Gay thinks that My Name is Mary Sutter will be among the best books published this year. Ms. Oliveira told us that her second novel is underway.