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Author Talk | Grace Helena Walz

Join Grace Helena Walz as she discusses her Southern rom-com novel, "Southern by Design."

Sweet Magnolias meets Fixer Upper in this delightfully refreshing debut about a woman bravely chasing her dreams, building a life on her own terms, and maybe even discovering a second chance at love.

Magnolia "Mack" Bishop is staring down the barrel at single motherhood--thanks to an unsolicited personal picture her husband texted another woman that quickly went viral among every mom group in town. But she's determined to not let it distract her from the professional victory she's inches away from: securing Charleston's prestigious Historic Preservation Design Fellowship, the apple of every local designer's eye.

But when the final house tour is undone by a host of calamities, Mack's shot at the fellowship goes up in flames. Then, just when she finds her professional footing, at home she spots an impossibly familiar figure unloading his moving truck into the newly sold house next door. She is furious, floored, and regrettably flustered because Lincoln Kelly is the one who got away. Fifteen years earlier he was a summer romance she inadvertently fell in love with, and when he left, following his dreams to New York, Mack was broken-hearted. This novel is filled with characters who could step off the page and a reminder that nothing worth saving is beyond repair.

Books will be available for sale and signing from Bookmiser. 

The Duluth Fine Arts League will provide refreshments. 

Registration is requested.

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Grace Helena Walz received a master’s in social work at the University of Houston and worked with children in foster care, as a medical social worker, and in a mental health capacity. She currently resides outside of Atlanta, GA, with her husband and two young children. She writes women’s fiction in the moments between sticking Band-Aids on scraped knees and coordinating pint-sized social engagements.

Moderating the talk will be Alison Law, an experienced writer, editor, and communications professional based in Atlanta, Georgia. A self-proclaimed book evangelist and unapologetic author ally, Alison loves working with writers and publishing people. She has successfully planned and implemented marketing and public relations campaigns for bestselling authors, historians, and journalists. She's also programmed and promoted literary events, such as the Decatur Book Festival, Lost Southern Voices Festival, and Alice Walker 75.

Presented by Adult Services. 

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