Candace Simar, celebrates the release of her seventh book, “Dear Homefolks” with a reading and book talk at the Brainerd Public Library on Monday, August 28, from noon to 2 p.m.
“Dear Homefolks” is a collection of short stories using research from her popular novels. Simar says, “Some tidbits were just too good to waste and readers keep asking for more.” The stories are set both in frontier Minnesota and modern times. It contains a little more of Tolga Township for those anxious for a “Shelterbelts” sequel. The book is published by Chip and Jean Borkenhagen of RiverPlace Press who Simar states, “left their artistic imprint on this beautiful book, and I think readers will enjoy it.”
Early reviewers agree. Nancy Plain, award winning author of “This Strange Wilderness” and” Light on the Prairie”, had this to say: “’Dear Homefolks’ made me laugh and cry. Simar writes with an evocative clarity that reminds me of Willa Cather. Be prepared to ignore everything else when you pick up Dear Homefolks.”
Local review blogger Charlie Johnson gives it five stars, “The tone throughout the book is a grand taste of Candace Simar’s writing. The vocabulary is accessible to all, the style is warm. The storytelling offers a spectrum of emotions from sadness to some truly happy and joyous pronouncements.” Read the full review here.
M.E. Parnell, a North Dakota fan says, “Candace Simar is a page turner, the one who creates sleepless nights and characters so indelible that it is a sorrow to close the final page.”
When asked how she felt about such enthusiastic responses, Simar replied, “People have been very supportive and encouraging. I’m truly grateful.”
Simar is the author of the award winning Abercrombie Trail series, writing historical fiction set in Minnesota. “I have always been fascinated with history, and how it affects ordinary people,” Candace said in a recent interview. “I like to imagine how things might have been.”
Her vivid stories about Scandinavian immigrants in frontier Minnesota spark interest across the nation. “Birdie” received the Western Writers of America coveted Spur Award in 2012, and “Blooming Prairie” was a finalist in 2013. “Shelterbelts” was a finalist in both the 2016 Willa Literary Awards for Historical Fiction and the Midwest Book Awards. She is represented by Krista Soukup of Blue Cottage Agency.
The August 28 library event is free and open to the public. Everyone is invited. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Brainerd Public Library.
