Brandylane Publishers/Belle Isle Books

09/03/2024

Bookish event alert ‼️📖

The nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center will host an evening with lowcountry legend Ron Daise, author of the newly published novel Raptors in the Ricelands, on Tuesday, September 10, at 5:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and books will be available for sale and signing!

More info at the link below!

The nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center will host an evening with lowcountry legend Ron Daise, author of the newly published novel Raptors in the Ricelands, on Tuesday, September 10, at 5:00 p.m., at the Conroy Center (601 Bladen St., Beaufort).

09/03/2024

Looking for something to listen to while driving to work, washing dishes, or cooking dinner? Raptors in the Ricelands by Ron Daise is now available on audio! 🎧 📖

Get the audiobook on Audible, Barnes and Noble, and more.

09/01/2024

A brand new month has arrived, and you know what that means . . . a brand new lineup of Brandylane titles! Three new picture books are on their way, each with an important story to tell! Swipe to learn a little more about each one.

📖 Henry and the Magical Words by Cathy Newbanks-Hawks: Separated from his parents, Henry is discovered by two children who once lived in the foster care system. By taking Henry in, the family discovers how important it is to listen to the similarities and differences of each member of a family. Profits from sales of this book will be donated in support of young people with lived experience in foster care.

📖 Littlest Mano at Bedtime by Anita Dromey: The goats love to graze and play all day on the sunny hillside. But when it's time to trek to the cooler breezes of the seaside for their evening rest, Littlest Mano says he isn’t tired of playing yet! How will Mama Goat keep Littlest Mano with the group so they can all settle down together for the night?

📖 I’d Rather Be Me by Emily Peace Harrison: If you were not you, who would you be? Maybe a whale in the deep blue sea? Hank the pup is happy just being himself, except for one little problem—a tiny flea buzzing in his ear, telling him that he’s not good enough. What if he were a monkey? Or a bird? Or even a lion? Wouldn’t that be better than just being himself?

Don’t miss out on this adorable new lineup of children’s books! Available for preorder now at the link in bio.

08/29/2024

Bookish event alert ‼️📖

Join Emily Peace Harrison, author of upcoming children's book I'd Rather Be Me, for a book signing next Saturday, September 7th! 🐶

Come see me on Saturday, September 7 to get a signed copy of my award winning book I'D RATHER BE ME! I'll be at Tweed Gift Shop from 12-2 pm - I'll see you there! https://www.emilypeaceharrison.com/events

08/29/2024

Linwood Norman, author of new book When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond, was interviewed on Fox 5! In the feature, Norman discusses his time as press secretary for former governor and mayor L. Douglas Wilder, the first elected Black governor's legacy, and how it feels to be described as a very "detailed" first-time author.

When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond is available now at the link in our bio! 📖

08/29/2024

“Goodnight, gentle goats, sleeping under the moon. May your dreams be as sweet as the twinkling stars. And to all creatures, near and far, a soft goodnight wherever you are.”

This sweet bedtime story follows Littlest Mano, who isn’t quite ready to quit playing and say goodnight. Will Mama Goat be able to keep Littlest Mano with the group so they can all settle down together for the night?

The perfect addition to any playful child’s bookshelf—preorder your copies today! 🌙🐑

08/28/2024

Henry and the Magical Words is coming on 9/10/24! Swipe for a quick flip through of the book, from beginning ➡️ to end.

“Meet Henry.

One morning Henry found himself feeling very alone. The turtle, the frog, and the worm wanted Henry to know he wasn’t alone, but Henry didn’t look up. He quietly stared at his own reflection in the puddle. ‘Is there anything else in the world like me? Do I belong anywhere?’

Henry did know he wasn’t entirely alone, but he wanted to hear the magical words that he belonged. A sweet little mouse rested nearby in the shade of the mushroom. And a little worm was playing peek-a-boo. He wondered if they could be his friends.”

That’s all for now! You’ll have to snag a copy of the book to see what happens in the middle 📖

Available for preorder now at the link in our bio!

08/28/2024

Terrific read from Llh Harms, author of middle-grade fantasy, The Aftertime!

Available now!

“Here is my voice and this is what I have to say.” On pub day I shared my personal path to publication on Women Writers, Women Books. Read here: https://booksbywomen.org/on-writing-the-aftertime

08/27/2024

"I found the journals while cleaning closets during spring break. Six 9-by-6-inch books written by my new husband’s daughter, who had taken her life at age twenty-four. A person I’d never met. When I asked Keith about them, he said Gretchen had told him she wanted to tell herself the truth, so he’d encouraged her to keep a journal. I nodded then asked for permission to read them. 'Oh yes,' he said, 'reading Gretchen’s journals is the best way to get to know my daughter. And you can ask me anything you’d like.' Keith didn’t speak about Gretchen much but enjoyed talking about her when he did. Of course, I was curious."

Another terrific essay by Carole Duff, which details the process of writing a book about someone she'd never met. Her honest and haunting memoir, Wisdom Builds Her House, is available now at the link in our bio! 📖

Carole Duff’s memoir Wisdom Builds Her House released in August 2024. She is a teacher, flutist, naturalist, and creative nonfiction writer.

08/26/2024

“Ben Campbell’s book is an insightful and factual treatment of Richmond’s history during the first four centuries of the city’s existence. It is a must-read that captures the spirit of conflict, rebellion, and change from several perspectives."
—Former Senator Henry L. Marsh, III, civil rights lawyer and politician

In many ways, Richmond, Virginia, is a microcosm of America’s history, making Richmond’s Unhealed History of paramount relevance to citizens of all stripes, everywhere. In the tradition of Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States, Rev. Campbell examines the contradictions and crises that have formed Richmond over more than four centuries, from before Columbus to the current era. Centered on ideas of spiritual and social justice, Rev. Campbell believes the people of Richmond can prove to the world that race and class can be conquered by the deliberate intention of honest and dedicated citizens.

Grab your copies at the link in our bio. 📖

08/23/2024

Virginia Beach friends, check out this bookish event alert ‼️📖

Join Sheena Jeffers, author of Living Tidal, for a cozy morning of good food, great books, and lively conversations at The Garage in Virginia Beach next Saturday, 8/31!

Reserve a spot and get more information at the link below. 🌊

Join us for a cozy morning of good food, great books, and lively conversations at Book Brunch | LIVING TIDAL!

08/23/2024

Linwood Norman’s new book, When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond, comes out on 8/27/24! We asked Mr. Norman, the press secretary for former Mayor Wilder, a few questions about his book and background.

Q: Can you give us a summary of your book, and what readers can expect inside its pages?
A: Readers will get an unvarnished, in-depth look at one of Virginia’s most remarkable political figures. Ten years after being governor, Wilder returned to public service as Richmond’s new mayor with the pledge to eliminate the “cesspool of corruption and inefficiency” at City Hall. He had his work cut out for him—and he did not refrain from exercising bold leadership to get the job done. This book offers quite a trip down memory lane, with revelations that may be surprising to many.

Q: You served as Mayor Wilder’s press secretary. Can you walk us through one of your most memorable days in that position?
A: Without question, the most memorable day was September 21, 2007. It was a full day, to say the least. That morning, a press release was issued about evidence of "p**n site" visits being discovered on the city computer used by the president of the Richmond City Council. That evening at City Hall, the Richmond School Board offices were packed up and forcibly moved out of the building, under monitoring by the city police, until a midnight court order was issued to put an end to it. I even held a press conference out on the street at City Hall that night to explain Mayor Wilder’s rationale for the school board’s eviction.

Q: For those who perhaps haven’t read a political biography before—why is this book a good place to start?
A: For those interested in Virginia history, this book is an excellent place to start because Mayor Wilder is widely regarded as one of the most captivating—and combative—politicians of his day. This book offers never-before-published correspondence between Wilder, the council, and the school board that may illuminate prior assumptions regarding a number of different issues. My publisher has even described the book as a “gold mine” for future historians.

A political biography you won’t want to miss! Preorder your copies today at the link in our bio.

08/22/2024

Author Sheena Jeffers will be in the store for a book talk and signing for her latest novel, Living Tidal: a coming of age memoir that is part adventure, part love story. Stop by from 1-4pm on Saturday, August 24th to meet this unique author and pick up a signed copy of her book!

08/22/2024

Bookish event alert ‼️📖

Join author Ron Daise as the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance proudly welcomes him as their first author in the new Arabia Alliance Reads book series! From 6-8 p.m. on August 29, at Black Dot Cultural Center, Daise will give an interactive reading with the audience from his latest book Raptors in the Ricelands. Expect poetry, singing, a Q&A about Gullah Geechee culture, and a reception with fresh bites and beverages!

Grab tickets at the link below!

Join us for and interactive reading event with Ron Daise from his latest book “Raptors in the Ricelands.”

08/22/2024

No one has ever seen the world the way you have.

This is a truth that noted author, poet, and professor Richard Lee Zuras knows well. Mining your past—for its characters, its lessons, its regrets, and its joys—can feel intimidating, but it leads to authenticity in a writer’s written work that cannot be replicated. No one has seen the world the way you do, and so learning how to tap into that world as you create new stories is an invaluable way of finding your voice.

In this accessible and informative writing guide, Zuras skillfully combines his previous written works and personal histories with concrete tools for any reader looking to integrate their own pasts into authentic writing. Refreshingly reader-focused, Mining Your Past provides its audience tangible methods for uncovering their unique worldview in order to create more compelling and genuine storytelling.

Writers—grab your copy at the link in our bio and start mining your past today! 📖

08/21/2024

Henry and the Magical Words patiently awaiting its at the Brandylane office! 🐥

Separated from his parents, Henry is discovered by two children who once lived in the foster care system. By taking Henry in, the family discovers how important it is to take time to listen to the similarities and differences of each and every member of a family. Later, when Henry and his aunt and uncle are reunited, Henry learns that he can happily belong to more than one family!

Profits from sales of this book will be donated in support of young people with lived experience in foster care, and the story is sure to touch the hearts of anyone who has ever longed to belong.

Available for preorder now. 📖

08/21/2024

Wisdom Builds Her House by Carole Duff has finally hit bookshelves, and Women Writers, Women Books published a lovely piece written by Duff to accompany its release—we certainly recommend checking it out before diving into your copy! 📖

"Housebound on a rainy day, my sisters and I play hide and seek. While one sister covers her eyes and loudly counts to ten, I tip-toe into our parents’ bedroom and open the closet door. The left side of the narrow closet has a double row of dowels, the nearest for in-season clothing, stored coats in the back. When I hear my sister’s footsteps, I shut the door, pull the chain to turn off the light, and hang from the back dowel, lifting my feet to hide among the cedar-scented coats.

My sister opens the closet door, turns on the light, peers left, right, and down, then turns off the light and shuts the door. After she leaves the bedroom, I lower my feet to the floor. I hear my sister shout, 'You’re it,' when she finds the other, and now they both come looking for me.

Outside the closet door of our parents’ bedroom, they call, 'Where are you?' Hanging from the back dowel again, I smirk but do not answer. At six, I’m already good at hiding."

Read the rest of the piece at the link in our bio! And grab your copies of Wisdom Builds Her House TODAY! 🌲🏡

08/21/2024

08/19/2024

Happy ! ✈️

Meet Astra: a private luxury jet who loves to go flying with her best friend and pilot, Captain Dan! From overcoming loneliness to making new friends in sunny LA, Astra’s big personality always shines through, and her story has captivated children and adults alike, all across the country!

📖 Astra the Lonely Airplane + Astra in Hollywood by Julie Whitney
🎨 Michelle Simpson

Soar with Astra by grabbing your copies today at the link in our bio!

08/19/2024

Bookish event alert ‼️📖

Join poet Julie Fritz, author of Twinings: Poems at Eighty, at the Henrico County Public Library's Community Authors Showcase, where writers join to read, discuss, and connect with other writers and readers in the community!

More info at the link below.

Come see Julie Fritz, author of Twinings: Poems at Eighty, a collection of mostly narrative poems- short in length with simple structures and clear voice. Each piece gives the...

08/17/2024

Another fantastic review for Sheena Jeffers, Author's new book, Living Tidal! Thank you, En Forme magazine for the wonderful feature!

"'Living Tidal' is a quintessential summer read. From the sunny, coastal vibes to the romance of life at sea, Jeffers' story is joyful, uplifting and perfect to throw in your beach bag."

Living Tidal is available for purchase now at the link in our bio 📖🌊

08/16/2024

Author Julie Phillippi Whitney was featured as a guest on the PR Podcast, where PR people, reporters, and communicators discuss strategies for publicity.

A fantastic resource for fellow authors—Whitney is a true professional on the topic! Check it out on YouTube, as well as wherever you get your podcasts.

Julie Whitney is a self-employed PR pro based in Cincinnati, OH with four decades of PR, marketing and advertising experience. She's worked in health care, f...

08/16/2024

On the Virginia coast, summer means crabbing and plenty of time spent on the water. And the artwork in Oliver’s Adventures certainly celebrates the season! 🌊🦀

Oliver loves his home among the wildlife of the Chesapeake Bay. But one day, he and his canoe are swept out into the wild waters of the North River. Can he and his animal friends make it back to safety?

This beautifully illustrated book is the perfect mantlepiece addition to every coastal Virginia home. Grab your copies at the link in our bio!

📖 Marjorie E. Masek
🎨 Parks Duffey

08/15/2024

Carole Duff, author of upcoming title Wisdom Builds Her House, has written a wonderfully informative and inspiring blog about her road to publication! A fabulous read for all aspiring authors, especially those who may be in their later years of life.

Check it out! 📖

The following blog post, written by Carole Duff, was originally published on Brevity Blog on 8/5/2024.   “Memoir is hard to sell,” the webinar presenter said. “The market is glutted. Does anyone want to read another story about loss, trauma, mental illness, mother, father, son, daughter, spou...

08/15/2024

Marco Pollo, World-Traveling Chicken is coming on 10/22/24! 🐥

In a world completely fenced in, one young chicken dares to break away from tradition and out of the farmyard to explore the world he knows is just on the other side. Marco’s heart aches to spread his wings and go where no chicken has gone before—and one day Marco gets his chance! But he discovers quickly that he’s not ready for the big, bustling world outside the safe nest he’s known his whole life. Luckily, his uncle is there to save him and prepare him to fulfill his destiny of becoming Marco Pollo, World-Traveling Chicken!

Preorder your copies today! 📖

08/14/2024

Look what we found hanging around the office 👀

Wisdom Builds Her House is part spiritual memoir, part haunting tale of tragedy and secrets; but trust us, it’s wholly captivating! In Carole’s slower, second stage of life following a busy career, the struggles of self-inquiry ultimately lead to healing—and the discovery of a new home.

Coming 8/20/24, and available now for preorder at the link in our bio. 📖

08/13/2024

Get ready, middle-grade readers . . . The Aftertime is finally here! 🏹

What if you had a weapon—a knife with the power to heal—as long as it’s never used in anger? This time-traveling tale begins in 1700s Virginia—when English settlers claimed Monacan land as their own—and moves all the way into the twenty-first century. The Aftertime spans generations, yet starts with the simple friendship between two boys: one Monacan, one English.

An innovative and thoughtful middle-grade novel that asks what’s worth fighting for, and teaches, above all, how to stand up for what is just. Grab your copies NOW at the link in our bio! 📖

08/12/2024

The Midwest Book Review featured Save the Trees in their July Children’s Bookwatch! 🌳

“Brilliantly introducing children to the concept of 'invasive species', 'Save the Trees' by author/storyteller Leslie Eva Tayloe and artist/illustrator Lintang Pandu Pratiwi is a fun and informative picture book that is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, middle school, and community library nature and environmentally themed picture book collections for young readers ages 6-10.” —Midwest Book Review

We have to agree! Grab your copies at the link in our bio! 📖

08/12/2024

Boomer Magazine has featured an excerpt of Linwood Norman's upcoming book, When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond: Strong-Arm Politics in Virginia's Capital City.

Go check it out to get a sneak peek of the former mayor and governor's candid biography! 📖

Excerpt: “When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond: Strong-Arm Politics in Virginia’s Capital City” by Linwood Norman, Wilder’s press secretary.

08/09/2024

I’d Rather Be Me by Emily Peace Harrison is coming soon! 🐶

“If you were not you, who would you be? Maybe a whale in the deep blue sea?”

Hank the pup is happy just being himself, except for one little problem—a tiny flea buzzing in his ear, telling him that he’s not good enough. What if he were a monkey? Or a bird? Or even a lion? Wouldn’t that be better than just being himself? Sometimes it’s hard to avoid the pressures to change who you are just to fit in. Will the flea convince Hank to be someone he’s not, or will Hank stay true to himself?

Available for preorder now and coming 9/24/24! 📖