Category Archives: Brick and Mortar Business

Book Browsing Virtually

Posted on July 18, 2020 | Leave a comment

Hi All,

In these days of staying at home as the best option to survival for some. I was thinking of how much fun it was to go to a bookstore and search for my next adventure.

I found the Barnes and Noble website and realized I could remember the store experience as I used the website – the look and feel is so familiar to when I would stop in to shop it was like coming home.

I found my next summer reading selections:

“One Yuletide Knight” by Lindsay Townsend Lindsay Townsend Browsing Link

I choose this book for a little Yuletide adventure in July. It also features one of my favorite authors and a chance to meet many more in the shared author experience.

“Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man” by Mary L. Trump Ph. D. This one is featured on the website Bestseller Link for Author Mary L Trump Ph.D. With knowledge comes power. I choose this after watching the interview on MSNBC Rachel Maddow’s show a special repeat of this interview is schedule for Sunday at 10 p.m. central time.

I’ve been interested in politics since my Grandma used to describe the fun she had attending the Republican State Convention in Des Moines, IA. She always had a smile and loved to read. She understood that to have a democracy all people need to be involved. Please vote responsibility this year, get the facts, go beyond what you see on TV and hear on talk radio. Research is what is needed to make the most of your vote.

“Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin” (New and Expanded Edition) by Fiona Hill. I remembered hearing her testify at the impeachment hearing. She has never come off as a partisan but as a public servant in her testimony and 60 minute interview she always kept to the facts and gave people credit for their ideas. She is a team player and one of the most knowledgeable people in US today on what Putin is all about. I’ve heard the most important thing anyone can do is get to know their enemy so I wanted to read Fiona Hill’s book. Fiona Hill browsing link

A good subject to know more about from an intelligent and well spoken professional Ms Fiona Hill.

“The SOUL of AMERICA The battle for Our Better Angels” by Jon Meacham a best selling author and historian.

I choose this book because I like Jon Meacham’s historical analysis of how US formed and where we are headed. He has good insights so I wanted to learn more.

All the books are on order and shipping out soon. Ms Fiona Hill’s book is available on the NOOK app and there’s an app for iPad, iPhone and Google play. Take a little bit of time to check out a virtual bookstore today. Happy reading.

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Posted in 2020, Barnes and Noble, Books, Bookstores, Brick and Mortar Business, Fiona Hill, Historical, HistoricalRomance, Jon Meacham, Lindsay Townsend, LindsayTownsend, Relevent, Summer Reading, Uncategorized

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Turn The Page Bookstore Anniversary Book signing Event Today in Boonsboro Maryland

Posted on July 21, 2018 | 2 comments

Hi All,

It’s sunny and warm in Minneapolis Minnesota today.

I’m getting into shape for a 25 mile biking event for fund raising for childhood cancer research, otherwise I’d be in Boonsboro, Maryland today celebrating literacy, authors and readers at Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe.

Since 2013 I’ve enjoyed going to Boonsboro Maryland to meet authors enjoy one of the best brick and mortar bookstore I’ve ever visited. I hope if you’re in the area you’ll take some time to check out Turn The Page Bookstore and celebrate literacy with other readers and authors.

If you can’t be there in person you can online shop at a safe and secure website Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe

I hope all are having great weather in Boonsboro, Maryland like we have here in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I made it over 5 miles on my bike this morning and up and down hills too. If you want to support my cancer fundraiser which is also a way for me to get healthier too by jump starting my daily work outs with walking or biking here’s my link:

Fairview Health Services Team Member Melissa Blanchard for Chainbreakerride.org

100% of the proceeds go to cancer research and a hospital I’m proud to work for Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Fairview Team of Nurses, Doctors, and Computer support make a difference in helping children heal.

Enjoy the day.

Sincerely,

Melissa Blanchard

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Posted in 2018, Biking, Book Signing Events, Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, Boonsboro MD, Brick and Mortar Business, Charity, Uncategorized

Share Love of Books and Enjoy Wonderful Accommodations at Inn BoonsBoro

Posted on April 1, 2018 | 2 comments

Hi All,

I’ve had the beautiful opportunity of staying at the Inn BoonsBoro in Boonsboro, Maryland, last September, 2017.

The rooms celebrate some the great literary works of our times. In keeping with the book stylizing, the guest rooms stay true to the building’s original function and design as an Inn for travelers from 1700 Maryland.

They also have modern conveniences with free refreshments, baked goods and common area activities from games to movie/TV viewing to chatting about what we all love that visit Boonsboro for Book Signing events – books and those that make them possible the authors.

Next door you can get 5 star food at Dan’s Restaurant and Taphouse or across the street is a really terrific pizza or pasta place at Vesta Pizzeria and Family Restaurant.

For me I found the Inn a wonderful place to rest and share my love of books and have some freshly backed chocolate chip gluten free cookies, after a long hike at Antietam and the National Civil War Cemetery. Both National parks are within a 15 minute drive from the Inn. To see pictures from my September trip follow this link to my photo blog: September, 2017 Maryland Vacation Trip Highlights In Pictures 2 – Antietam National Cemetery 150th Anniversary & Inn Boonsboro Stay

The bathroom facilities were awesome too, 5 headed showers with a rain head – just like being in a gentle rain. They also had a full bath with a place to prop your book while you soaked away the days cares.

I hope to go to the Inn again in 2018. It’s a magical place attracting book and history loving people. Maybe I’ll see you there some day.

Check out this link: InnBoonsBoro 18th Century Inn and More for more event information for the Spring and you can sign up for their Newsletter too. A bit of peace and dreaming for your weekend reading.

Below are some pictures from my stay in September, 2017. Sincerely helpful staff and beautifully appointed guest rooms and shared areas make for a wonderfully restful visit. There’s a special Gifts Inn Boonsboro Inc right across the street – so be sure to stop in and get some special art, pottery or nicknack to remember your visit. All very well done and worth the trip.

Enjoy.

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Posted in Books, Boonsboro MD, Brick and Mortar Business, CivilWar, Events, Five Stars, InnBoonsBoro, Uncategorized

July 9th Book Signing Event at Turn The Page Bookstore in Boonsboro, MD

Posted on July 17, 2016 | Leave a comment

Book Signing, Boonsboro, Maryland, Nora Roberts

Line for tickets at the July 9th Turn The Page Bookstore Book Signing Event in Boonsboro Maryland

Beautiful weather and people at the July 9th Event at Turn The Page Bookstore at 18 N. Main Street, Boonsboro MD  21713 – follow this link for more information about the event:  http://ttpbooks.com/category/VB.html

The authors all the authors and staff had smiles.  I enjoyed talking about the books they write and the libraries we both support.

Here are the pictures from the event with the authors:

Book Store, Maryland, Boonsboro, Nora Roberts

July 9th, 2016 Books on Display for the Book Signing at Turn The Page Book Store

Gage Shepherd children's book author

Gage Shepherd 1st in line and busy with book signing.

Stephen Bockmiller, Boonsboro, Maryland, Book Signing, Turn The Page Bookstore

Hagerstown and Washington County historical account of how the Civil War impacted the people living in the war zone.

Lisa Scottoline, Francesca Seritella

Mom and daughter writing team. Lisa loves libraries and said Hi to my librarians in Minneapolis, Minnesota – Hennepin County Library.

Maya Banks, Kendra Castle

Maya Banks writes great books with excellently developed characters. I haven’t read any from Kendra yet more to follow as I work my way through her book.

Samantha Chase, Turn The Page Bookstore

Samantha Chase greeted us in the line and gave us a very nice pen with stylus top for tablets – thanks much, Samantha. The book I bought during the event will be the first I’ve read from you.

Nora Roberts, J. D. Robb, Turn The Page Bookstore

Thanks for the picture and signatures, Nora and for hosting the event for the Fans of your writing. I’m glad you support libraries and literacy for everyone.

Laura is Nora Roberts' personal publicist

Thanks to Laura for taking all the pictures with Nora and organizing the social media accounts and Fan events.

Eva, Boonsboro, Book Signing, Friends

Eva and I after the book signing event – happy to have met so many of the Authors we enjoy reading.

Troops, USA, Support

Support for the troops evident in Boonsboro on all the lights along the downtown street. Thanks for all that have served and continue to serve USA.

Water Lilly, flowers, Boonsboro, Maryland

Boonsboro Flowers I found after the Book Signing Event

Sunflowers, Boonsboro Maryland

Sunflower plants found after the book signing in Boonsboro, Maryland

Rose, Boonsboro, Maryland, local gardens

Rose at the perfect point to before the peddles start to fall.  I found this Rose in Boonsboro, Maryland backyard garden – thanks to those that garden.

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Posted in 5 Stars, Book Signing Events, Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, Boonsboro MD, Brick and Mortar Business, Francesca Serritella, Gage Shepherd, Historical Novel, In Death Series, JDRobb, Kendra Castle, KGI Series, Lisa Scottoline, Maryland, MayaBanks, Monica Murphy, MurderMysteries, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, Novel, Samantha Chase, Stephen Bockmiller

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July 18th Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe is Hosting Nora Roberts book signing Event 11 a.m. Eastern Time

Posted on July 11, 2015 | Leave a comment

Nora Roberts and I great moment for me - I love all her books and her ability to bring characters to life.

Nora Roberts and I great moment for me – I love all her books and her ability to bring characters to life. My thanks to Laura – Nora’s PR & Social Media expert thanks for a great picture.

Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe is the place to be on July 18th for the 20th Anniversary book signing event with Nora Roberts
http://ttpbooks.com/category/VB.html

I have the T-shirt shown here – wears great and supports brick and mortar business. Note the change of time – signing starts at 11 a.m. Eastern Time out in Boonsboro, Marylandgateway to Civil War Discovery Trail and Antietam National Battlefield. Make this area your next vacation stop or long weekend get away. The area revives the soul.  I’ll be with all the book lovers in spirit:)

Don’t forget you can get books signed virtually – be sure to follow the instructions on the TTPBooks.com Website (especially note on mobile devices) to be sure to get your book signed the way you want it to be.  They will ship all over the world.

 

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Posted in Book Signing Events, BookSignings, Bookstores, Boonsboro MD, Brick and Mortar Business, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe

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Sarah Addison Allen to sign at Turn the Page on Saturday – Herald Mail Media: Life

Posted on February 7, 2015 | Leave a comment

Sarah Addison Allen to sign at Turn the Page on Saturday – Herald Mail Media: Life.

Great bookstore on main street Boonsboro MD.  More than books are available virtually and in person.  Check out the website at:  TTPBooks.com.

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Posted in Book Signing Events, BookReviews, Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, Boonsboro MD, Brick and Mortar Business, In Death Series, JDRobb

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Nora Roberts’ Book signing November 1st, 2014 at Boonsboro Maryland

Posted on November 17, 2014 | 5 comments

Loved the Piper too - special for this book signing event. He is a Piper for Hire contact him at celtic4m@hotmail.com

Loved the Piper too – special for this book signing event. He is a Piper for Hire contact him at celtic4m@hotmail.com

Once again the team that makes the Nora Roberts’ book signing events a success delivered.

The first in line (I’m told) arrived around 6:30 a.m. I arrived at around 8:30 a.m. or so on Saturday, November 1st.  Here’s picture of how many were in line at that time:

Altitude at 1500 feet in Boonsboro made air feel colder to this Minnesotan

Meeting the authors and the great fans in line made the wait in line an adventure well worth braving the cold.

I met many lovely people in the line. First was Becky pictured with me here:

Nora Roberts' Book Signing Event Novemember 1st

We tweeted this picture from the line and an author RT and mentioned great fun

She took a picture of me too – I got my coat on an a trip to Harper’s Ferry with my friend Eva on October 31. Well worth the investment – perfect fall coat.

Harper's Ferry, Eva, Civil War sites

Coat from Harper’s Ferry visit – thanks much Eva for a wonderful day on October 31 enjoyed every moment

I also met Denise and Jennifer – this is a picture I took of them in line before I met them later right before signing with the authors:

Friends, Book Signing Event, Boonsboro Maryland, Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe, Nora Roberts

Denise and Jennifer waiting for the Nora Roberts’ book signing event tickets

After we got our tickets we were assigned a group and a time to return for the book signing. I took advantage of the great shops in Boonsboro and went shopping at Gifts Inn Boonsboro to start its right next door to Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe and here are some highlights of what I found in that excellent shop:

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They also had hand painted silk scarfs, ear rings, hand made pottery by Turn the Page Bookstore Cafe Manager Janeen Solberg

Here’s what I bought:

Harper's Ferry

Hat from Harper’s Ferry Free Trade Shop

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Olde-Homestead/234966193272631

Shelf for coats found at Olde Homestead great place to shope in Boonsboro MD

https://ttpbooks.com/ Nora's book bag holding all the books I bought and authors signed. The stuffed animal is from the Free trade store at Harper's Ferry

https://ttpbooks.com/ Nora’s book bag holding all the books I bought and authors signed. The stuffed animal is from the Free trade store at Harper’s Ferry

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Olde-Homestead/234966193272631 purchases

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Olde-Homestead/234966193272631 purchases hanging ornament good reminder

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Olde-Homestead/234966193272631 purchases

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Olde-Homestead/234966193272631 purchases wreath for Fall hand made by a local artist

https://www.facebook.com/giftsinnboonsboro lovely picture card of Antietam Battle ground road

https://www.facebook.com/giftsinnboonsboro lovely picture card of Antietam Battle ground road

https://ttpbooks.com/ Wonderfully unique cards

https://ttpbooks.com/ Wonderfully unique cards

https://ttpbooks.com/ Wonderfully unique cards

https://ttpbooks.com/ Wonderfully unique cards

https://www.facebook.com/giftsinnboonsboro beautifully crafted pottery made and signed by Janeen Solberg

https://www.facebook.com/giftsinnboonsboro beautifully crafted pottery made and signed by Janeen Solberg

https://ttpbooks.com/ "Blood Magick" Nora Roberts signed my copy:)

https://ttpbooks.com/ “Blood Magick” Nora Roberts signed my copy:)

https://ttpbooks.com/ "Blood Magick" Nora Roberts signed my copy:)

https://ttpbooks.com/ “Blood Magick” Nora Roberts signed my copy:)

I hope if you ever get the chance you’ll attend a Nora Roberts’ Book Signing event – Boonsboro is a great place to shop, see the Civil War sites (Harper’s Ferry is just 18 miles away) and climb South Mountain and see the beginning of the Appilacian North Trail and the Washington monument that resides in Maryland here are some sights to see:

 

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Here’s the best for last – my pictures with the authors my thanks to each and everyone for all the smiles, chatting about the books, Facebook posts, and genuinely enjoying the experience of meeting their fans:

Anne Barton on the left - I'll be getting her book soon

Anne Barton on the left – I’ll be getting her book soon

Cara Connelly thanks the smile and the signature

Cara Connelly thanks the smile and the signature

https://marieforce.com/ Love Marie's smile and her writing is excellent too:)

https://marieforce.com/ Love Marie’s smile and her writing is excellent too:)

http://donnakauffman.com/ I've read Donna's books for many years good to meet her in person

http://donnakauffman.com/ I’ve read Donna’s books for many years good to meet her in person

Brenda Novak's husband took this picture

Brenda Novak’s husband took this picture

Book Signing, Kristan Higgins

Kristian is a lovely lady so glad she was at the book signing with Nora at Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe

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A new author, Patricia Donohoe - writing about an ancestor from the Civil War fasinating story

A new author, Patricia Donohoe – writing about an ancestor from the Civil War fascinating story. Enjoyed our talk as she signed my book.

Nora Roberts and I great moment for me - I love all her books and her ability to bring characters to life.

Nora Roberts and I great moment for me – I love all her books and her ability to bring characters to life. My thanks to Laura – Nora’s PR & Social Media expert thanks for a great picture.

Thanks everyone at Boonsboro MD – you all made me feel welcome like an old friend.  This post took more time than I thought it would so my review of “Blood Magick,” Nora Roberts latest best seller, will follow next week.  Peace.

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Posted in 5 Stars, Book Signing Events, BookSignings, Bookstores, Boonsboro MD, Brick and Mortar Business, CivilWar, Maryland, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts

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Recommend JD Robb’s Survivor In Death

Posted on October 12, 2014 | Leave a comment

I’m traveling to Boonsboro, Maryland for the November 1st book signing event at Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe see this link for further details:   http://ttpbooks.com/category/VB.html

I’ve been listening to the In Death Series on digital audio and just completed book 20 in the series.
SURVIVOR IN DEATH AUDIO (select for prices)

This title is available via this link:  http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1AUDIOJDRa20

Summerset shines in this continuing story of the crime busting, Lieutenant Eve Dallas.  10 year old Nixie Swisher finds solace with Summerset when Lieutenant Dallas needs to keep her safe in the fortress Roarke built.
JD Robb writes several moving and vivid scenes in “Survivor In Death”.  The most memorable was the trip to the morgue to take Nixie to say goodbye to her murdered family.  Every time I read this section of the book I cry.  It reminds me so much of those I’ve said goodbye to as a child and adult.  The crowning scene though is when Nixie goes back to Lieutenant Eve and Roarke’s house and sits with Summerset.  Brings tears to my eyes just remembering the moment between them. Take some time today and experience these touching scenes.  This story is also a great Fall book – I love how Peabody describes the falling leaves and how bare the trees are after all the leaves have gone before the first snow falls.  So true to the mid-west and New York too. May you find comfort for any loses you’ve experienced as you read “Survivor In Death”. Peace.

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Posted in 5 Stars, Audiobooks, BookReviews, Books, BookSignings, Brick and Mortar Business, BrillianceAudio, Child Grief, fantasy, Five Stars, JDRBookReviews, JDRobb, Mystery, New York, Overcoming Grief, Romantic Suspense, Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe

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Recommend JD Robb’s Festive In Death

Posted on September 29, 2014 | Leave a comment

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I recommend “Festive In Death”, by J.D. Robb.

Trina needs to tag Eve in this story when a friend finds herself in a situation that demands the services of a murder cop.

J.D. Robb delivers in this fresh In Death tale of double crossing lovers and a conniving personal trainer.

I didn’t figure out who did the murder until the very end.  The journey to finding the murderer is brilliantly interwoven with Christmas shopping, and preparing for the annual gala thrown at Lieutenant Dallas and Roarke palatial home.

J.D. Robb  is an artist painting a word picture with fantastic dialog and narration that is completely engrossing.  The world and characters that make up the In Death series is maintained and consistent with each new release.  Festive In Death develops Trina in a new way without taking away from the core players that all fans love so well.

Susan Ericksen, In Death narrator in the audiobooks, does an excellent job bringing each character to life with her voice inflection and flowing delivery of the script.  I purchased my copy with my iPhone at the iTunes store.  Listening to the reading is like attending a play.  Every move, feeling and expression is represented during the telling.

I appreciate both the hard copy and the audiobook each have their own gifts to bring to the story and reader.

Thank you J.D. Robb for writing another best seller that stays true to the beautiful characters you have created over the years.  I also appreciate the signed copy – you know how to treat your fans and I’m happy to be one.

Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe http://ttpbooks.com/ is also something I’m grateful for – offering book signings both on site and virtually.  I know it takes a lot of work to track all the orders and get them safely to their destinations.  Thanks to one and all.

Peace,

In Death Series Fan,

Melissa Blanchard

 

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Posted in 5 Stars, BookReviews, Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, Brick and Mortar Business, Five Stars, JDRBookReviews, Lt Eve Dallas, MurderMysteries, Mystery, New York, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts, Novel, Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe

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Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe Book Signing News

Posted on September 14, 2014 | Leave a comment

IMG_0207_2Festive In Death, JD Robb, Murder Mysteries, Women Dectives, New York

Thanks to JD Robb for delivering another great murder mystery and for signing my copy.  I appreciate all you do for your fans.

I’ll be at the November 1st signing. Saving my money but I did get a signed copy of Festive in Death loving the story so far. Eve rocks. Thanks JD Robb for the writing and the signing and Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe for hosting and mailing out all the virtual copies you all are the best brick and mortar business going and you never forget a customer order. I appreciate your dedication to customer service. See you in November along with Eva Cutter Coppersmith a great lady I met at the July 13th signing event in 2013. Love all of Nora Roberts & JD Robb fans. Peace.

 Post below quoted from my Facebook News Feed:

Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe

We had a wonderful event yesterday! Thank you to all the authors who signed with us and for the fans who came out to meet them! Our next signing will be on November 1st and we have another great line up. You will get to meet Nora Roberts, Jill Shalvis, Kristan Higgins, Brenda Novak, Marie Force, Cara Connelly, Anne Barton and local author Pat Donohoe. We hope you can make it!

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Posted in Books, BookSignings, Bookstores, Brick and Mortar Business, JDRobb, Nora, Nora Roberts, NoraRoberts

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