Gallery begins 2015 lecture series with local writer Elsa Bonstein

Sunset River Marketplace begins its 2015 Coffee With the Authors lecture series on Thursday, March 5 from 10 – 11 a.m. with Elsa Bonstein, author of “Find Edsell,” a thriller set in the Pine Barrens of the New Jersey shore.

Bonstein is the child of Finnish immigrants, Arvo and Elvi Latomaa. She grew up on a small farm in rural Maryland, five miles from the nearest town. The family’s circle of friends included Swedes, Danes and other Finns who also owned small farms in and around Cecil County. She is fluent in Finnish and has visited her parent’s home country several times. Her earliest memory is sitting in her father’s lap while he read “The Secret Garden” to her in Finnish.

As an only child with a addiction to writing, she always wanted to be a writer. She attended Syracuse University in N.Y., graduating with a BA in Sociology and Journalism. Married and living in New Jersey, Elsa began freelancing for various newspapers and magazines. Today, she lives in North Carolina and writes for the Brunswick Beacon and other publications. Her popular column Golf Gab, has wond several awards.

An avid golfer, Bonstein served for seven years as a founding board member and PR chair of The First Tee of Brunswick County. Her PR Handbook is still used by the nearly 200 chapters of The First Tee both here and abroad.

Other Coffee With the Authors events at Sunset River Marketplace include:

April 9, 2015. Jacqueline “Jack” DeGroot (“The Cemetery Kids” series and “The Earl’s Wet Nurse”) An historical novel set in 1920’s England. Jack will also talk about her experience with her first audio book, “The Secret of the Kindred Spirit,” and tell some long held secrets related to the mailbox and the woman who inspired it. There will be a short reading of Jack’s favorite journal entries.

May 7, 2015. Robert Stern (“HOA Wars”) What happens in Vegas can happen anywhere! Robert Stern is one of the 63 million Americans who live under the jurisdiction of a Homeowners’ Association! There horror stories happen everyday, just about anywhere. Experience with him the daily ups and downs and learn the necessary tactics to prevail.

Sept. 10, 2015. Otis Lee. (“From South Boston to Cambridge”) Not just the story of race, this memoir of an aspiring black lawyer is a coming of age tale that involves courage, family history, perseverance, insight and finally success.

October 1, 2015. Linda Witherspoon (“Can I Paint in Heaven”) The author is a stroke survivor. This recently published book covers her near death experience and the long road to recovery, including the effects on her family.

November 2, 2015. Steve McMillen (“Murder on the Front Nine”) This is a tale of assassinations, black ops, corrupt politicians, big oil, the Columbian cocaine cartel, and a treasure hunt, with a twist, off the South Carolina coast. It’s a wild ride with the soon-to-be crime solving realtor/architect/golf pro, who also just happens to be an ex-Green Beret.

December 3, 2015. Joan Leotta (“Simply A Smile”) This collection of stories includes historical fiction, romances, mysteries, and stories about families. What each tale has in common is that it was inspired by a piece of art or a simple object such as a shell, a recipe, and even an historical marker. The title story is based on the Chinese terracotta warriors.

These events are free, but due to space limitations, reservations are required. Hold your spot by calling 910.575.5999 or email lassiter@staging.careful-crib.flywheelsites.com (don’t forget to include the author’s name and date along with your name and number!). Sunset River Marketplace is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (Hwy. 179) in Calabash, N.C. 28467. For more information, visit the website (staging.careful-crib.flywheelsites.com) or on Facebook.

Sunset River Gallery