Tag: author events

War Bonds

Authors, libraries and books– what a great combination!

Cindy Hval

I’m delighted to be partnering with Spokane Public Libraries this summer for a trio of War Bonds events.

Auntie’s Bookstore will be on hand to sell copies.

Really looking forward to this opportunity to engage with readers!

Here’s a snippet from the Library’s newsletter:

Peggy and Harold Smart celebrate two anniversaries– the day they married and The Fourth of July. They met in high school and though Harold was an older man, he thought he’d have a chance with the beautiful Peggy. “I am 39 days her senior,” he confided.

—Cindy Hval, from her book, War Bonds: Love Stories from the Greatest Generation, Chapter 22, “Peg O’ My Heart”

Cindy Hval – War Bonds –
July 18, 4 pm at Shadle
July 28, 6 pm at South Hill

August 7, 5 PM at Downtown

More information here.

War Bonds

Coming soon…

Cindy Hval

 JULY 7, 11 AM-Noon

WAR BONDS: Love Stories from the Greatest Generation

Cindy Hval, columnist and correspondent for the Spokesman Review, will talk about and read from her first book, “War Bonds: Love Stories from the Greatest Generation” which was published in February 2015. The Greatest Generation is often associated with their efforts during the battles of World War II. Equally compelling are their stories of life on the home front.

Her “Front Porch” column in the Spokesman offers humorous, often poignant commentary about life, love and raising sons– not necessarily in that order. In addition, her work has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies including seven volumes of the Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Everyone welcome. Sign up now.

For sign up info go to: SOUTHSIDE SENIOR AND COMMUNITY CENTER or call 509.535.0803

Hope to see you there!

 

War Bonds

Thoughts From the Road

Cindy Hval

Spent some time sharing War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation with readers in Wenatchee, WA. and had a signing event at a wonderful indie bookstore in Leavenworth this weekend.

Safely home now, but the Sleepy Hollow wildfire is  burning in the area I just left. Many homes have been evacuated and my thoughts and prayers are with the people in Wenatchee during this fire season– especially my family there.

The reading at the Wenatchee Public Library was especially cool, because my sister and her family live in Wenatchee and my niece works at the library! War Bonds Family

The crowd was wonderfully responsive and asked some great questions during the Q&A time.

War Bonds at Wentachee Library

Then it was on to Leavenworth, WA and the delightful bookstore, “A Book For All Seasons.”

War Bonds Leavenworth

This store is a must visit when in Leavenworth. They have a great selection of books and a welcoming, knowlegeable staff.

War Bonds Leavenworth 2

Perhaps not all authors will agree, but for me the best thing about being an author is meeting wonderrful readers and interacting with bookstore staff. It’s good to be home, but I’ll never forget the people I’ve met during this adventure.

War Bonds

War Bonds in Wenatchee and Leavenworth

Cindy Hval

WarBonds in Wenatchee

Really looking forward to these upcoming events! Wenatchee Library, Thursday, 7 PM, Leavenworth Library, Friday, 6:30 PM and A Book For All Seasons in Leavenworth on Saturday at 1 PM.

A Book For All Seasons will be selling War Bonds at both library events. Great time to get your personalized copy.

More information here.

Hope to meet some new readers!

War Bonds

The best part of being an author is spending time in bookstores!

Cindy Hval

Bookstores are the best places on earth and since War Bonds was released in February, I’ve spent a lot of time in bookstores.

On Friday, I had a reading at the Well-Read Moose in Coeur d’ Alene. This charming store features the perfect trifecta: books, wine and coffee! And my friend, Phil, aka Idaho Dad came to visit!War Bonds at the Moose

On Saturday, I signed copies of my books at Barnes & Noble in Spokane Valley. War Bonds BN ValleyA rainy day meant lots of people browsing the shelves. The staff was welcoming and wonderful and kept me supplied with coffee. Even better, War Bonds bride, Bonnie Shaw came to visit! War Bonds Valley BN

I love it when my War Bonds family attends a signing. The Shaw’s story is featured in  a chapter titled, “Little Things Add Up To Love.”

An even bigger surprise was a visit from Eric Loer and his family! He said, “I’m Eric and my picture is in your book!” War Bonds Chpt 7 James and Helen Loer with son, early 1949

Yep. That’s baby Eric above featured in his parent’s chapter “From Sailor to Preacher.”

And that’s Eric below with his wife, son and granddaughters.

War Bonds Valley BN Loers

At every signing or reading event, I feel like my War Bonds family grows.

What a wonderful thing!

If you weren’t able to attend these events, I signed lots of extra copies, so autographed books are available at both of these locations.

War Bonds

Special Book Signing Event With WWll Couple

Cindy Hval

War Bonds Valley B&N

Cindy Hval with Rusty and Marie Clemons

I was delighted to spend a little bit of time with Rusty and Marie Clemons yesterday at a local Barnes & Noble store. We had an impromtu signing because their daughter was visiting from Montana and wanted to take a stack of War Bonds back with her.

Rusty and Marie have been married 68 years and are still just as sweet and fiesty as ever. Their story is told in Chapter Six “Dishpan Hands.”

War Bonds

Special guests make book signings better

Cindy Hval

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Tom Tucker, Cindy Hval, Shirley Tucker

What a delight it was to have Tom and Shirley Tucker join me at Barnes and Noble on Saturday for a War Bonds reading/signing event.

The Tucker’s story, “Romance on Wheels,”  is the final chapter in the book. The pair met at a roller rink when Shirley was a high school senior and Tom was stationed at Farragut Naval Training Station.

Tom endured the last enemy attack on a navy ship (USS LaGrange) two days before WWll ended. The things he experienced caused him to write to Shirley and tell her to cancel their wedding plans.

Thankfully, he changed his mind.

The Tuckers will celebrate their 70th anniversary in November.11009995_860846953953933_7279905678144352977_n[1]

War Bonds

The story in her hands

Cindy Hval

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Donna Stafford one of the brides featured in War Bonds, holds her copy during a reading at the Coeur d’Alene Library Wedneday night. The photo was taken by Cindy Mitchell, daughter-in-law of one of the couple’s featured in the book.

I can’t tell you what it means to me to have people featured in War Bonds attend readings. To see the delight on their faces as they turn to their chapters, to see the tears in their eyes as they hear me share their memories… it’s such a privilege.

And during the signings I get to hear so many stories of parents or grandparents who served in WWll. It’s a wonderful thing! I’m so thankful for the ovewhelming positive response to War Bonds.

War Bonds

He brought the shrapnel with him

Cindy Hval

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From Chapter 8 of War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation;

As he ran down the beach back toward his duty station, a Japanese Zero strafed the sand around him. Nick hit the ground and covered his head. He said he felt a hot breeze and heard a whistling sound inches from his ears. He looked up and saw the face of the pilot as he flew alongside him. The pilot grinned.
When he got up he discovered a large piece of shrapnel next to him. “I grabbed it,” he said. “It was still hot from the explosion.”

Last night, Nick Gaynos attended a War Bonds reading at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. He brought that piece of shrapnel with him.

Simply amazing.

War Bonds

More War Bonds at Auntie’s

Cindy Hval

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After selling out on Sunday, Auntie’s Bookstore recieved a new shipment of War Bonds, today!

I’ll be in the store Thursday, March 5 from 4 PM – 5 PM to sign copies. Come in and say “hi” and watch me get writer’s cramp 🙂 More importantly, get your signed copy of War Bonds while it’s hot!

Make sure to check my EVENTS page to find out where I’ll be next.