Join local authors for the monthly Words and Wine event at 6 p.m. Tuesday hosted by Kona Stories Book Shop. This event is free to the public and offers a chance to meet and greet some of Hawaii’s favorite authors while enjoying complimentary pupu and wine. April’s featured authors are Carol Thorsness, Sara Ackerman and Gordon Noice with Virginia Isbell.
Carol Thorsness is a retired middle school teacher who lives in northern California with her husband and near her to sons and their families. “Flight” is her third novel.
In “Flight,” we meet Samantha Quinn who has seen the public service announcements with the help numbers she could call, but she just can’t bring herself to do so. She is too afraid of her controlling, often violent husband, Mark, knowing he would somehow find out and punish her.
Depressed and constantly afraid, she sees no way out, until one day, through fate or happenstance or karma, a larcenous salesclerk, a hair stylist going on maternity leave and a TV show start Sam on a journey to a new life.
Sara Ackerman was born and raised in Hawaii and studied journalism and later earned graduate degrees in psychology and Chinese medicine. Prior to practicing acupuncture, she worked as a high school counselor and teacher on the famed north shore of Oahu, where surf often took precedence over school.
She is the author of six novels – “Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers,” “Sea of Four Directions,” “Volcano House,” “The Ranch at Redwater,” “Salt and Seaweed,” and “Honeycreepers.”
Set amid the tropical beauty of Hawaii, “Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers” offers a fresh perspective on World War II as it presents timeless depictions of female friendship, the bond between a mother and her child, and the enduring power of love even in the darkest times.
Virginia Isbell is a fixture on Hawaii Island. Isbell has worked tirelessly as a public servant: Girl Scout leadership, swimming and water safety instructor and and much more. She went on to spend fourteen years in the Hawaii State House of Representatives followed by six years as a County Councilwoman.
“Die to Live: To the edge of Heaven and Back” is her story of surviving three life-threatening illnesses and three glimpses of Heaven — three times she had to come back. Based on the true story of Isbell’s journeys to the edge of eternity, “Die to Live” explores the controversial world of out-of-body experiences.
“Die to Live” was written by Gordon Noice, a Florida native, surfer, ordained minister, who has an extensive background in theatre, film and television. “Die to Live” is his third writing project, and he is currently working on a true story about his adoption. Gordon lives in Hawaii with his wife, Iwalani.
This event starts at 6 p.m. with an informal meet and greet merging into a more formal book presentation from each author and concluding around 8 p.m. after a Q&A session. Dress is casual aloha wear. Kona Stories is located in the Keauhou Shopping Center.
Info: Call Brenda or Joy at 324-0350.
