Book Club: Local Authors
Whether you’re looking for a new children’s book to keep the littles entertained, or on the hunt for a gripping true story of survival, our roundup of local authors has something for every literary taste.
Barnes & Noble
280 Palladio Parkway, Suite 913, Folsom, 916-984-4428; 1256 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville, 916-788-4320, barnesandnoble.com
Beers Books
915 S Street, Sacramento, 916-442-9475, beersbooks.com
The Book Cellar
96 Lincoln Boulevard, Lincoln, 916-645-9999, facebook.com/mybookcellar
The Bookery
326 Main Street, Placerville, 530-626-6454, thebookeryplacerville.com
The Bookhouse
3000 Green Valley Road, Suite 13, Cameron Park, 530-350-8903, facebook.com/thebookhousecp
Boomerang Books
6925 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights, 916-722-6133
Capital Books
1011 K Street, Sacramento, 916-492-6657, capitalbooksonk.com
Crawford’s Books
5301 Freeport Boulevard, Suite 200, Sacramento, 916-731-8001, crawfordbooks.net
East Village Bookshop
3604 McKinley Boulevard, Sacramento, 279-202-9018, bookshop.org/shop/eastvillage
Face in a Book
4359 Town Center Boulevard, El Dorado Hills, Suite 113, 916-941-9401, getyourfaceinabook.com
Half Price Books
7975 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights, 916-722-1101, hpb.com
Ruby’s Books
724 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-790-8760, rubysfolsom.com
Trent’s Bookworm
8544 Madison Avenue, Fair Oaks, 916-961-0542
Winston Smith Books
933 Lincoln Way, Auburn, 530-823-5940, winstonsmithbooks.com
Winnie and Ruby’s Folsom ABC Adventure by Brian Wallace
Each page of this alphabetical adventure highlights the best things about Folsom, from A to Z, and features two of the town’s most famous animal friends: Winnie (the Sutter Street pig) and Ruby (Ruby’s Books). This essential children’s book is a wonderful way to share the best that Folsom offers with your out-of-town family and friends.
» Brian Wallace has lived in Folsom with his wife, Jessica, their two children, and their dog, Henry, for the last 20 years. He’s a recipient of the Northern California Publishers & Authors Book Award and Folsom Telegraph’s Best of the Best Award.
Remember by Diane Dean-Epps
One circa 1987 tape, one gutsy WWII Stalag 17-B POW, one determined daughter, and one all-important question answered equals one heck of a story. Having embarked upon a journey to tell her father’s World War II Stalag 17-B POW tale in an authentic voice, Diane Dean-Epps delivers a powerful father-daughter writing duet.
» Diane Dean-Epps and her family have called Grass Valley home for the last two decades. She holds a master’s degree in English and a teaching credential.
Peter Easter Frog by Erin Dealey
In this hilarious picture book, a group of basket-bearing, egg-delivering animal friends (cow, turtle, chipmunk, and dog), give the Easter Bunny a run for his money—led by Peter Easter Frog! But what happens when the actual Easter Bunny finds out?
» Erin Dealey, a Placerville resident, has penned over a dozen picture books. Peter Easter Frog, illustrated by G. Brian Karas, is a Junior Library Guild selection.
A Shoe in the Sand by Elizabeth Ciufo Waters
This compelling story is based on original and raw journal entries written while the author was deployed in the Persian Gulf War as a Military Intelligence Officer. She invites you into her most intimate thoughts as she tries to answer the question: Is it worth the cost?
» Elizabeth Ciufo Waters has circled the globe with the United States Army. Eventually, she returned to her native California and now resides in Roseville.
Marketing 3-4-5 by Brian Ostrovsky
Marketing doesn't have to be complicated; it doesn't have to be time-consuming; and it doesn't have to be expensive, but it must be done. Marketing 3-4-5 will teach you the three reasons why you should do marketing, the four reasons people choose to work with you, and the five ways they find you. Throughout the book, you’ll learn to quickly create and distribute content using a guided prompt-based approach, ensuring you can be effective even if you don't have much time, aren't a great writer, and lack creativity.
» Brian Ostrovsky runs a successful Internet software marketing company in Folsom. Since 2020, he’s been on a cross-country tour with his family, conducting Marketing 3-4-5 workshops. To date, he has taught his marketing principles to 300 communities nationwide.
The Gift by J.A. Sweeney
The Lollipop Brigade series fuels children's imaginations while teaching them important life lessons. In the most recent adventure, The Gift, they meet Penelope, a dragon that has lost her fire. Emily and Ally show her that everyone has their own special fire—their own special gift to give to the world.
» J.A. Sweeney paints the illustrations for her books by hand and enlists the help of local illustrator, Thomas Dillon, to create the dragons. She resides in Folsom.
The Sacred Seasons: Winter by Sarah Isabel Ix’Chel Moe
In The Sacred Seasons: Winter, you’ll find family-friendly yuletide rituals and ceremonies, soulful crafting, winter plant medicine recipes, sustainable lifestyle ideas, and more to transform the holidays from crazed Christmas to soulful solstice. If you’re a mother looking to create more meaningful time with your true self, your loved ones, and the gifts of the Earth, let this book be your guide.
» Sarah Isabel Ix’Chel Moe, a Granite Bay resident, has been a writer and spiritual teacher for over 20 years. In addition to environmental policy and programming for cities worldwide, she teaches sustainability at the graduate level.
Hiking Lake Tahoe: A History and Trail Guide by Suzie Dundas
The history of Lake Tahoe, nestled in the Sierra Nevada, stretches far beyond its shores. Travel back in time on more than two dozen hikes, from short lakeside trails used by the Washoe people to all-day trips exploring the abandoned shelters left behind by early mapmakers. Join author and hiker Suzie Dundas as she dives deep into the history of Tahoe's scenic trails.
» Truckee-based writer Suzie Dundas has a master’s degree in media and communications. She’s passionate about history and the outdoors, which she combines to bring Lake Tahoe alive in this informative guide.
Dying for a Double by Cindy Sample
Heads turn when Laurel McKay gets a gig as an extra in a movie being filmed in Coloma. Why? She's a dead ringer for the female lead. The next day, the actress vanishes from the set, and Laurel takes her place, chasing clues from the Gold Country to the beaches of Malibu. Can she find the actress and catch the killer before it's too late or will her final role be playing dead?
» Cameron Park resident Cindy Sample is a five-time finalist for the “Lefty” Award for Best Humorous Mystery, a two-time finalist for the Silver Falchion Award for Best Traditional Mystery, and a two-time finalist for the Chanticleer Murder & Mayhem Award for Best Cozy Mysteries.
Tears and Trombones by Nanci Lee Woody
A depression-era boy wants badly to become a classical musician against the wishes of his hard-drinking, heavy-equipment-operating father. His long-suffering mother wants him to escape the kind of life she’s had and supports his musical dream. Tears and Trombones is a roller coaster of highs and lows with humorous twists and poignant turns.
» Nanci Lee Woody, a Roseville resident, was a teacher, textbook author, and Dean of Business at American River College before writing her prize-winning novel.
Each page of this alphabetical adventure highlights the best things about Folsom, from A to Z, and features two of the town’s most famous animal friends: Winnie (the Sutter Street pig) and Ruby (Ruby’s Books). This essential children’s book is a wonderful way to share the best that Folsom offers with your out-of-town family and friends.
» Brian Wallace has lived in Folsom with his wife, Jessica, their two children, and their dog, Henry, for the last 20 years. He’s a recipient of the Northern California Publishers & Authors Book Award and Folsom Telegraph’s Best of the Best Award.
Remember by Diane Dean-Epps
One circa 1987 tape, one gutsy WWII Stalag 17-B POW, one determined daughter, and one all-important question answered equals one heck of a story. Having embarked upon a journey to tell her father’s World War II Stalag 17-B POW tale in an authentic voice, Diane Dean-Epps delivers a powerful father-daughter writing duet.
» Diane Dean-Epps and her family have called Grass Valley home for the last two decades. She holds a master’s degree in English and a teaching credential.
Peter Easter Frog by Erin Dealey
In this hilarious picture book, a group of basket-bearing, egg-delivering animal friends (cow, turtle, chipmunk, and dog), give the Easter Bunny a run for his money—led by Peter Easter Frog! But what happens when the actual Easter Bunny finds out?
» Erin Dealey, a Placerville resident, has penned over a dozen picture books. Peter Easter Frog, illustrated by G. Brian Karas, is a Junior Library Guild selection.
A Shoe in the Sand by Elizabeth Ciufo Waters
This compelling story is based on original and raw journal entries written while the author was deployed in the Persian Gulf War as a Military Intelligence Officer. She invites you into her most intimate thoughts as she tries to answer the question: Is it worth the cost?
» Elizabeth Ciufo Waters has circled the globe with the United States Army. Eventually, she returned to her native California and now resides in Roseville.
Marketing 3-4-5 by Brian Ostrovsky
Marketing doesn't have to be complicated; it doesn't have to be time-consuming; and it doesn't have to be expensive, but it must be done. Marketing 3-4-5 will teach you the three reasons why you should do marketing, the four reasons people choose to work with you, and the five ways they find you. Throughout the book, you’ll learn to quickly create and distribute content using a guided prompt-based approach, ensuring you can be effective even if you don't have much time, aren't a great writer, and lack creativity.
» Brian Ostrovsky runs a successful Internet software marketing company in Folsom. Since 2020, he’s been on a cross-country tour with his family, conducting Marketing 3-4-5 workshops. To date, he has taught his marketing principles to 300 communities nationwide.
The Gift by J.A. Sweeney
The Lollipop Brigade series fuels children's imaginations while teaching them important life lessons. In the most recent adventure, The Gift, they meet Penelope, a dragon that has lost her fire. Emily and Ally show her that everyone has their own special fire—their own special gift to give to the world.
» J.A. Sweeney paints the illustrations for her books by hand and enlists the help of local illustrator, Thomas Dillon, to create the dragons. She resides in Folsom.
The Sacred Seasons: Winter by Sarah Isabel Ix’Chel Moe
In The Sacred Seasons: Winter, you’ll find family-friendly yuletide rituals and ceremonies, soulful crafting, winter plant medicine recipes, sustainable lifestyle ideas, and more to transform the holidays from crazed Christmas to soulful solstice. If you’re a mother looking to create more meaningful time with your true self, your loved ones, and the gifts of the Earth, let this book be your guide.
» Sarah Isabel Ix’Chel Moe, a Granite Bay resident, has been a writer and spiritual teacher for over 20 years. In addition to environmental policy and programming for cities worldwide, she teaches sustainability at the graduate level.
Hiking Lake Tahoe: A History and Trail Guide by Suzie Dundas
The history of Lake Tahoe, nestled in the Sierra Nevada, stretches far beyond its shores. Travel back in time on more than two dozen hikes, from short lakeside trails used by the Washoe people to all-day trips exploring the abandoned shelters left behind by early mapmakers. Join author and hiker Suzie Dundas as she dives deep into the history of Tahoe's scenic trails.
» Truckee-based writer Suzie Dundas has a master’s degree in media and communications. She’s passionate about history and the outdoors, which she combines to bring Lake Tahoe alive in this informative guide.
Dying for a Double by Cindy Sample
Heads turn when Laurel McKay gets a gig as an extra in a movie being filmed in Coloma. Why? She's a dead ringer for the female lead. The next day, the actress vanishes from the set, and Laurel takes her place, chasing clues from the Gold Country to the beaches of Malibu. Can she find the actress and catch the killer before it's too late or will her final role be playing dead?
» Cameron Park resident Cindy Sample is a five-time finalist for the “Lefty” Award for Best Humorous Mystery, a two-time finalist for the Silver Falchion Award for Best Traditional Mystery, and a two-time finalist for the Chanticleer Murder & Mayhem Award for Best Cozy Mysteries.
Tears and Trombones by Nanci Lee Woody
A depression-era boy wants badly to become a classical musician against the wishes of his hard-drinking, heavy-equipment-operating father. His long-suffering mother wants him to escape the kind of life she’s had and supports his musical dream. Tears and Trombones is a roller coaster of highs and lows with humorous twists and poignant turns.
» Nanci Lee Woody, a Roseville resident, was a teacher, textbook author, and Dean of Business at American River College before writing her prize-winning novel.
BUY LOCAL
Love books as much as we do? Check out these great local bookstores!Barnes & Noble
280 Palladio Parkway, Suite 913, Folsom, 916-984-4428; 1256 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville, 916-788-4320, barnesandnoble.com
Beers Books
915 S Street, Sacramento, 916-442-9475, beersbooks.com
The Book Cellar
96 Lincoln Boulevard, Lincoln, 916-645-9999, facebook.com/mybookcellar
The Bookery
326 Main Street, Placerville, 530-626-6454, thebookeryplacerville.com
The Bookhouse
3000 Green Valley Road, Suite 13, Cameron Park, 530-350-8903, facebook.com/thebookhousecp
Boomerang Books
6925 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights, 916-722-6133
Capital Books
1011 K Street, Sacramento, 916-492-6657, capitalbooksonk.com
Crawford’s Books
5301 Freeport Boulevard, Suite 200, Sacramento, 916-731-8001, crawfordbooks.net
East Village Bookshop
3604 McKinley Boulevard, Sacramento, 279-202-9018, bookshop.org/shop/eastvillage
Face in a Book
4359 Town Center Boulevard, El Dorado Hills, Suite 113, 916-941-9401, getyourfaceinabook.com
Half Price Books
7975 Greenback Lane, Citrus Heights, 916-722-1101, hpb.com
Ruby’s Books
724 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-790-8760, rubysfolsom.com
Trent’s Bookworm
8544 Madison Avenue, Fair Oaks, 916-961-0542
Winston Smith Books
933 Lincoln Way, Auburn, 530-823-5940, winstonsmithbooks.com
by Nelly Kislyanka
Splash Around photo by Jenna Dawn Photo. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.