2nd Annual Authors & Inns Tour in Spring Lake, NJ |
Okay, I admit it, I'm a book-aholic! Be it Barnes and Noble, Borders, or simply a newsstand in a supermarket, I'm hooked. It doesn't take much to excite me--a mystery, a romance, or perhaps a juicy biography. So it should be no surprise, based on this heartfelt admission, that upon learning of the 2nd annual Authors & Inns Tour in Spring Lake, NJ on Sunday, June 8th, my senses went into overdrive. Knowing enough about myself to 'fill a book' I called upon Leigh Cort, the PR specialist in charge of the Spring Lake event, about the possibility of interviewing the authors in their respective settings, namely one of the Victorian Inns there in Spring Lake. At that point, my addiction, as well as my credit card, went into full charge mode.
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Dragging my unsuspecting friend along, I headed for our first stop, The Grand Victorian, with the lure of a fabulous lunch on the porch overlooking the beach. The chef, Claudette, in the hotel restaurant Vivere was a delight (as was my roasted peppers, provolone and chicken sandwich).
The Grand Victorian gives off that true seashore 'vibe' with its wraparound porch, casual contemporary furnishings, and bright comfortable rooms. Soft seaside colors throughout the inn complement the breathtaking views of the beach, the boardwalk and the ocean beyond. For more information, go to www.GrandVictorianSpringLake.com or call (732) 440-5327 for reservations in the hotel or the Vivere Ristorante.
Fortified by the lovely lunch and enlightening conversation with a couple who joined us in the sunroom, I decided I was ready to assuage my book fetish with my first author, Dee Davis, who offered some great summertime reads in women's fiction:
| Award-winning author, Dee Davis, describes her newest romantic novel, A Match Made in Manhattan, as "the story of a modern-day matchmaker in Manhattan that is loosely based on Jane Austen's Emma."
Since Dee's highly acclaimed first novel in 2000, Everything in Its Time, a time travel romance set in 14th Century Scotland, she has gone on to write over 18 books and 3 novellas. Currently Dee is under contract for four new books that include a sequel to A Match Made in Manhattan due out in 2009 and a new series in the romantic suspense genre that will be available in 2010. For updates and more insight into Dee Davis' inspiring career, go to her website www.DeeDavis.com. |
The Breakers On the Ocean
The Breakers (originally called the Wilburton Hotel until 1905) is the largest working beachfront hotel to survive the Grand Victorian Era of Spring Lake. It operates as a full-service boutique-style hotel and resort that includes casual fine dining served three times a day adjacent to a piano bar lounge. The modernized rooms are large, many with fireplaces and whirlpool baths, and all with luxurious amenities. A large pool on-site offers an alternative to lying on the beach.
It’s the perfect spot for romantic interludes, small meetings, and weddings. While we were there, a wedding was being set up that included hors d'oeuvres being served on the verandah overlooking the ocean. The setting was absolutely breathtaking with the patio doors open on the large dining room, awaiting the arrival of the bride and groom. For information about event planning, reservations and dining, call (732) 449-7700 or go the www.BreakersHotel.com.
It was my pleasure to meet with Lois Winston there at the Breakers. Her sense of humor is evident in her whimsical romantic fiction “with a twist.”
| Lois Winston, award-winning writer of women's fiction, has been writing romantic novels for over 10 years. Her current bestseller, Love, Lies, and A Double Shot of Deception, is a romantic suspense that takes place in Philadelphia with the heroine portrayed as "one of the city's most beloved citizens who becomes the city's most notorious criminal and who needs to clear her name if she wants to save her budding romance with a billionaire hunk someone is willing to kill for." Lois' website www.LoisWinston.com describes her career in writing over the last ten years and her first publication, Talk Gertie to Me. Currently Lois has 10 more novels in the submission process and humorously described her walk to fame in which she was determined to "never give up." |
Spring Lake Inn
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Picture a European-inspired ‘mansion by the sea’—a turret tower, an 80-foot covered front porch with striped awnings and comfortable rockers and seating to enjoy the evening breezes. Such is Spring Lake Inn, located one block in from the beach and boardwalk and heralded as a photographer’s delight with its stunning architecture. Originally built in 1888 as the Grand Central Stables, it’s hard to believe that same spacious structure now embodies such elegance and at the same time is so unpretentious in its comfort and hospitality.
A tour of the guestrooms and suites allowed us to see the charming décor and some luxury features such as fireplaces, ocean views, Jacuzzis, 4-poster beds, refrigerators and digital cable TVs. Children are most welcome in this family-friendly atmosphere. For details, go to www.SpringLakeInn.com or call (732) 449-2010.
Two well-known authors graced this mansion, Annette Blair and Nancy Herkness.
National best selling author, Annette Blair, sees her genre as contemporary romantic comedy, all of which is evident in her latest book, Gone with the Witch. The second book in a triple witch trilogy, the story begins in Salem, Massachusetts and ends in Cape May, New Jersey. The first book in the series, Sex and the Psychic Witch, was released in August of 2007 and introduced three psychic triplets; one who senses the present, one the future, and one the past. Book number three in the series is due out in February of 2009 entitled Never Been Witched. Annette has been writing for over 20 years with her first publication in 1998. Her books and series are listed on her website www.AnnetteBlair.com. Look for a new mystery series called “Vintage Magic Mysteries” set in Mystic, Connecticut beginning in January 2009. |
Nancy Herkness, award-winning author of A Bridge to Love and Shower of Stars continues to fill her novels with romance, passion and suspense. Her newest book, Music of the Night, brings murder and betrayal to the illustrious Carnegie Hall.
With her first published novel in 2003 and being fairly new to the book-signing venue, I found Nancy to be quite engaged in her new career. Chosen as one of three "Best Up and Coming Authors" for 2003 in Affaire de Coeur's Readers' Poll, she seems to have found her ‘niche’. For contests, news and updates, you can visit Nancy online at www.NancyHerkness.com. |
The Sandpiper Inn
A huge wraparound porch that catches the ocean breezes just half a block away compel you to relax and stay awhile at the Sandpiper Inn. Classified as a ‘bed and breakfast’ this unique inn offers breakfast served in its first floor restaurant, The Black Trumpet, which opens in the evening to the public. Elegant, but casual is the tone of the establishment, offering many of the amenities found in a large hotel; bright and airy guest rooms with high ceilings, many of which have ocean views, air-conditioning, and each with a private modern bath. For accommodations and restaurant hours, please go to www.SandPiperInn.com or call (732) 449-6060.
In the enormous parlor with a fireplace that wasn’t needed on this particularly warm day in June, is where I found our next author, Irene Peterson.
Irene Peterson, a writer of contemporary romance, says she has been writing all her life but it took a cancer diagnosis for her to learn how to “make her day’s longer.” That lifesaving determination led to her first published novel in 2006, Glory Days, which takes place in Asbury Park and travels through different locations in New Jersey. “The Jersey Shore is such a huge part of my life,” Irene said, having met her husband on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. Following her award-winning first novel, her second novel, Kisses to Go, went on the stands in March of 2007. Irene says she is working on a sequel to Glory Days and has three more books “on the burner” (in her words). See more about Irene and her inspiring story on her website wwwIirenePeterson.com. |
The Ocean House
The first thing that grabs your attention once you cross over the threshold of the Ocean House is the 3-story staircase that is from the 1876 World’s Fair. The mansion exudes elegance by the sea with its art, antiques and colorful guestrooms, all decorated in their own distinctive style. Browsing through the rooms on the tour you’re tempted to want to stay in them all, picturing yourself in these luxurious and restful surroundings. You can imagine lingering over a homemade buffet in the morning, taking a walk on the beach a few steps away, or enjoying the breezes on what many guests consider “The best porch in Spring Lake.” To treat yourself to this experience, go to www.TheOceanHouse.net or call (732) 449-9090.
In the enormous dining room at the back of the inn is where I found two inspiring new authors, Kaitlin O’Riley and Amy Holman Edelman.
Kaitlin O’Riley considers herself “the new kid on the block” with two books to her credit, the first Secrets of A Duchess published in 2007 and the recent release of One Sinful Night. Kaitlin described her newest historical romance as a “Reunited love story set in England and Ireland in 1870 with the lovers meeting again ten years later.” She is currently working on a new series that takes place in 1870 and revolves around the lives of five sisters, with the first in the series due out in April of 2009. For updates and new release dates, go to www.KaitlinORiley.com. |
Starting her writing career with a fashion history book entitled The Little Black Dress in 1997, Amy Holman Edelman wanted to write a memoir following the sudden death of her husband in 2001. The book took on a life of its own and ended as a contemporary romance. Amy describes Manless in Montclair as “about how a happily married woman becomes a widow looking for love in the wilds of suburbia.” She takes some of the things she learned upon reentering the dating world in the 21st Century at 43 with two kids to raise. People magazine gave it three stars and said “Manless in Montclair deftly chronicles the uncomfortable, funny and hopeful journey from happily married to unexpectedly single.” To learn more about Amy and her plans for future writings go to www.AmyEdelman.com. |
Chateau Inn & Suites
If you want elegance and luxurious accommodations with historic charm, the Chateau Inn and Suites can deliver it all. Located in the center of town directly across from the lake with its walking paths and romantic footbridges, the Chateau offers upscale ambience and the amenities of a boutique-style hotel. There are luxurious furnishings, Italian fabrics and linens, imported marble bathrooms, deep soaking tubs for two, 42 inch plasma TV’s, just to name a few of the hotel’s distinctive qualities. And I can’t fail to mention the Spring Lake shopping center consisting of 60 unique shops/boutiques, salons, restaurants and art galleries is just steps away! All denominations of churches, the Historical Society Museum, the train station, as well as the theatre are also all nearby. For rates and availability, call (732) 974-2000 or go to www.ChateauInn.com.
In the lovely dining room I found my next two authors on the tour, C.H. Admirand and Tara Nina.
Award-winning author C.H. Admirand introduced her latest novel, Pearl’s Redemption, the third book in an Irish/Western series set in the late 1870’s. Marshall’s Destiny was the first in the series, followed by Rancher’s Heart. C.H. Admirand received the 2002 Lorie’s Award as “Best New Historical Author” for Marshall’s Destiny. The fourth novel is set in Ireland and according to the author is currently “a work in progress.” Please check her website www.CHAdmirand.com for more details and updates about this popular series. You’ll find information there on C.H., her list of published books, and updates on her first book in a new historical romance trilogy that weaves a story of three cousins, Patience, Charity and Prudence, modern-day women in a Regency era. |
Tara Nina describes her novels as “erotic, paranormal, romantic suspense.” Her first in a new series Curse of the Gargoyle brings to life the story of four brothers in 1740 Scotland. The second, Eyes of Stone, will be in print by 2009. Tara’s werewolf series begins with Blue Moon Rising, set in the swamps of South Carolina. In the murder mystery/romance genre Tara offers Arian’s Angel, a story set in today’s time about a woman on the run for a murder after she wakes up next to a dead nun. For a complete list of Tara’s books and her wide range of selections, go to www.TaraNina.com. |
White Lilac Inn
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Stalling, I grabbed one of Mari’s homemade cookies she provides for her guests and with my mouth full, I made my way to the Inn’s library in anticipation of meeting Jan Coffey. Imagine my surprise to find not one author, but two!
Jan Coffey, a pseudonym for husband and wife team Jim and Nikoo McGoldrick, are award-winning authors in their own right. Nikoo and Jim have been writing collaboratively since 1994 with the publication of their first historical romance. Today they have twenty-six novels to their credit and are focusing their combined talents on hi-tech suspense novels. Their latest thriller, The Deadliest Strain, tells of a possible plot to spread a flesh-eating disease that kills within hours. Their website www.JanCoffey.com lists the Jan Coffey collection, historical novels, young adult fiction and non-fiction. Orders can be placed online. |
Villa Park House
Bring the children to stay at the Villa Park House! A family-friendly B&B, you can enjoy the homey feeling, the casual décor, art and accessories. Villa Park House is one of the original Grand Victorian Era mansions and has been a welcoming retreat since 1896. Located just one block from Wreck Pond and four and a half blocks from the ocean and Spring Lake’s 2-mile boardwalk, it is the perfect place to kickback and relax. Breakfast at Villa Park House is a real treat, gaining the distinction of being named as the “Best Breakfast in the Northeast” by Arrington’s Bed and Breakfast Journal in 2006. Make your reservations by phone (732) 449-3642 or online at www.VillaParkHouse.com.
It was at the large dining room table in the Villa Park House where I was introduced to Shobhan Bantwal, an author who had her first published novel in 2007.
Shobhan Bantwal, the author of The Dowry Bride describes her first novel as the story of a young bride in southwestern India that is going to be killed by her in-laws because she didn’t bring the promised dowry. Shobhan considers herself as “a writer of contemporary women’s fiction with romantic elements.” Once she became an empty nester she began freelancing with her free time devoted to social interest articles for an India/American weekly publication, “India Abroad,” based in New York City. Her second novel, The Fabulous Daughter, will be available in August 2008 and two additional books have been contracted for 2009-2010. To check in with Shobhan and follow her promising career, go to her website at www.ShobhanBantwal.com. |
Beacon House
The Beacon House, located one block from the ocean, the boardwalk promenade and the Sea Girt Lighthouse, actually consists of two picturesque Victorian-Style homes. Built in 1879 with lumber that came from the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibit of 1876, the homes grace a corner property with a pool nestled between them. Panoramic wrap-around porches adorned with romantic striped awnings beg you to sit and stay awhile. Inside, guests can enjoy the regal parlors, the antique crystal and brass chandeliers in casual but elegant surroundings reminiscent of a bygone era.
The beautifully decorated guest rooms echo the refined atmosphere of a seaside home with modern amenities. Candy, the innkeeper, and her children invite you to visit their website www.BeaconHousenInn.com or call (732) 449-5835 for detailed information and availability.
An author’s reception at the Inn offered me the opportunity to meet with Caridad Pineiro and discuss her latest romantic novel, South Beach Chicas Catch Their Man.
Caridad Pineiro sets the story of South Beach Chicas Catch Their Man in modern-day South Beach, Miami. The novel, published in September of 2007, tells of an investigative reporter that has to prove that her undercover lover is not a dirty cop. In describing the book, Caridad explains that she wrote this particular novel to introduce her readers to a successful 40-something mother enjoying a second time-around romance. Caridad’s first book, a multi-cultural Latino romance, Now and Always, was published in 1999. Since then she has spread her talents, going on to write vampire novels, romantic suspense and contemporary romance. A paranormal romance, Holiday with a Vampire, was published in December of 2007 and tells of a 2,000 year-old Roman vampire that has to deal with a bell-ringing Santa on his doorstep. For a complete list of Caridad’s publications, go to www.Caridad.com or for more chilling details www.TheCallingVampireNovels.com. |
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Whew…can I go back to the Inn now? I met so many wonderful, talented and accomplished authors, I feel so humbled. It’s amazing how gathering together so many authors with different styles, different backgrounds and each with their own story to tell, can produce such an outstanding event as the Spring Lake Authors & Inns Tour. I can only imagine what Leigh Cort has in store for next year!
For more information about Spring Lake, its fabulous historic inns (there are many more that were not on the tour) and activities, including a theatre schedule, be sure to tap into the website www.SpringLake.org. For lodging you can go directly to www.HistoricInnsOfSpringLake.com for updates and complete details.
By Elizabeth Fleming
AboutNewJersey.com Travel Writer
