My honoring of Veteran’s Day is complicated. I had two grandfathers who fought with distinction as Jewish soldiers during WWI— for Germany. My maternal grandfather’s earning of an iron cross first class for his military service, and his status as an appellate attorney, weren’t enough to protect him twenty years later from persecution by the Nazis. He and most of his family members escaped Germany to Belgium, Palestine and the U.S. (This extended family story served as the b

I loved this book and loved the way it builds. It is a beautiful and honest look into how the resolve of one person can affect those around them, challenging family roles and individual purpose.

Hard Cider by Barbara Stark-Nemon is a book about discovery and determination. The main character, Abbie Rose, is a woman in her fifties looking to explore the opportunities in a new chapter of her life. Though her children are all grown, she is slowly getting used to letting go of their lives while still maintaining a sense of family. Plus, she is ready to leap into a whole new business making hard cider. Her husband is getting ready to retire and has little respect for her

In 2010, I celebrated my 60th birthday by taking the recently completed manuscript of my first novel to the San Miguel Writers Conference. I’d entered their novel contest and won. My prize was to meet with an agent, which turned out to be an utterly forgettable experience, and then dine with the conference keynote speaker. That speaker was the author, Barbara Kingsolver, and I will never forget that evening. I not only got to know her and her family a little, and hear about

Autumn is my favorite season- crisp air, stunning foliage, and that deeply rooted ‘back-to-school’ energy. That last is a good thing, as it’s been launch season for Hard Cider. Checkout these highlights of the last two months! Leland, MI- My first event at the Leland Township Public Library. Hard cider tasting supplied by Amoritas Vinyards, and books from Leelanau Books! Northport, MI- Leelanau Uncaged debut for Hard Cider. In cooperation with Dog Ears Books, this all-vil