Join us for lunch at Elaine's, the home for authors in Old Town Alexandria. Reminiscent of the literary salons of old, Elaine's offers full restaurant service from its Mediterranean menu while interviewing Virginia novelist Carolyn McBride. Carolyn will sign copies of her debut novel, The Cicada Spring, and her holiday rom-com, Santa Overboard, both set on the banks of the Potomac River. Please save your seat by completing the form below.

Pick up a signed copy of The Cicada Spring and Santa Overboard at the Winchester Book Gallery from 12-2 p.m.

Join us for a book talk and reading by the author of the Potomac Shores series, Carolyn McBride, in the Visitor Information Center at Occoquan Bay NWR. Occoquan Bay NWR is featured in both books, along with nearby parks and refuges bordering Belmont Bay and Occoquan Bay. She will discuss the literary and regional influences for her eco-fiction and share photos of the real Bonnie Brae described in the story.

Join Puzzle Palooza, Glory Be, and Mill Street Sweets for the inaugural Holiday Sip & Shop. Enjoy an evening of sips, snacks, and holiday specials at all three stores! Bring a friend and enjoy holiday shopping for all ages, even some book shopping with author Carolyn McBride and her Occoquan-based books, The Cicada Spring and the holiday-inspired Santa Overboard!

Meet me at the South Florida Writers Association table (Booth 230) in Section C on NE 2nd Avenue between NE 4th and 5th Streets. The closest free parking is the Miami-Dade garage on NE 5th Street opposite the Red entrance, and our booth is in the first block.

Sips, signings, and salty serenity - the perfect holiday happy hour! Save your seat by filling out the form below. Meet local author Carolyn McBride, who lives in Hypoluxo and gets recharged at our Salt Suite. Her books feature a female boat captain who finds her way from Fort Lauderdale to Virginia's Potomac River. Join us as she reads from and shares stories about on-the-water adventures in The Cicada Spring and Santa Overboard, enjoy some signature drinks from the Potomac Shores series, and get signed copies for your holiday reading and gift-giving. Then enjoy thirty minutes relaxing in the salt suite!

Dale City/Lake Ridge, VA

Five local authors discuss their heartwarming novels and the writing process in a panel discussion and signing event at Fonts Books in McLean from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4th. RSVP on the bookstore website. Meet the following authors and hear about their new novels: Barbara Boehm Miller - When You See Her Carolyn McBride - The Cicada Spring, Santa Overboard Christine Gunderson - Friends with Secrets Jennifer Milder - The Epilogue of August Sharon J. Wishnow - The Pelican Tide Each book shares a common thread of women navigating complex relationships, personal growth, and societal expectations, delving into themes of identity, resilience, and

Bristow, VA

Celebrate the release of Santa Overboard at Belmont Bay Marina, the setting featured in the book and enjoy everything this unique Occoquan River community has to offer:  Unique Vendors: Discover one-of-a-kind gifts, handcrafted items, and locally-made treasures that are perfect for everyone on your list.  Food Trucks Galore: From savory bites to sweet treats, enjoy a variety of food trucks offering something for every craving.  Live Holiday Music: Get into the holiday spirit with a special performance from the Way City Church Choral Group—they’ll have you singing along to your favorite festive tunes!  Hot Chocolate Bar: Treat yourself to a custom cup of hot chocolate