Appearances by Janice Deal

"This seemingly simple story of a woman trying to come to terms with her daughter’s horrendous crime turns into an otherworldly reflection on how to be in the world and what matters—and it is deeply moving and marvelous in every sense of the word."

Those are the words of Ellen Akins, author of several acclaimed books, describing Janice Deal's new novel, The Blue Door.

The novel launches on April 22 with a reading and conversation with Jeremy T. Wilson at The Book Cellar in Chicago. Three days later, Jan will be at Barbara's Bookstore in Lombard, IL, in conversation with Kathy Bergen.

At the end of April, a virtual event, at 3 p.m. Eastern: Walking America, a conversation about writing and walking with Sharon White and Ann de Forest.

Then, in mid-May, we're proud to welcome Jan to the Philadelphia area with three more events:

Wednesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m. Eastern, Head House Books in Philadelphia, PA, in conversation with Kate Brandes, author of Stone Creek

Thursday, May 15, 6:30 p.m. Eastern, Main Point Books in Wayne, PA, with Elise Juska, author of Reunion

Saturday, May 17, 2:30–4:00 p.m. Eastern, Faithfull Book Club. Open to the public, with wine and cookie reception after. Religious of the Assumption Convent, 1001 S. 47th Street, Philadelphia, PA

We hope all our Philly- and Chicago-area friends will take the opportunity to come out and meet Jan in person, and if you can't do that, tune in to the Walking America online event.