Award-winning author to visit Flenniken Library
CARMICHAELS – Award-winning author Linda Rettstatt will be appearing at the Flenniken Public Library from 4 to 6 p.m. May 20 to speak with visitors about her work and sign her books.
Rettstatt grew up in Brownsville, the daughter of a railroad worker and a housewife. Her grandparents, Ann and Pat Hennessey, lived on Old Waynesburg Road. She spent a lot of summer days in Carmichaels, buying penny candy at Zoldos’ Market and enjoying the coal festivals.
She graduated from Brownsville Area High School and went to work for the Brownsville Telegraph as a clerk. There, she got her first opportunity to become “published” when she wrote reviews for local community theater productions.
Rettstatt obtained a bachelor’s degree at Duquesne University and a master’s in social work at the University of Pittsburgh. She worked for several years as a social worker and therapist in the Pittsburgh area before moving to Northwest Mississippi.
Rettstatt writes both women’s fiction and mainstream contemporary romance. Her first novel, “And the Truth Will Set You Free,” was published in 2007 and its was a finalist for an EPIC eBook Award, as were three others. She has 13 novels to her credit and is included in one anthology of fiction. Her book, “Love, Sam,” won the EPIC eBook Award in 2012. She was named Author of the Year at Champagne Book Group in 2010 and has been nominated again for this honor for 2012. Her recent novel, “A Falling Star,” is loosely based on her hometown of Brownsville. Of writing, she says, “When you find your true passion, follow it. I could no more stop writing than I could stop breathing.” Her favorite quote is: “Life’s an adventure – wear comfortable shoes.”
Visitors to the library are also invited to browse the Friends of the Flenniken Library Used Book Sale. The sale will run during regular library hours from May 17-25. All proceeds benefit the mission of the library.
Library hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Check out the library’s website, www.flenniken.org, to search the catalog, renew books, download e-books and audiobooks and find links to reliable information.