CAMDEN – Donnaldson Brown, author of the debut novel, “Because I Loved You,” and her Maine mentor Bill Roorbach, whose latest novel is “Lucky Turtle,” will be together for ‘Authors in Conversation’ Thursday, July 20, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Camden Public Library Picker Room.

The event takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will include a book signing.

Brown grew up riding horses on her family’s ranch in East Texas and in New England. She is a former screenwriter and retired attorney, who in addition to writing teaches trauma-sensitive yoga and somatic experiencing to veterans, first responders, and others coping with post-traumatic stress injuries. Her first novel, “Because I Loved You,” (She Writes Press), already in its second printing, is a finalist for the 2023 International Book Awards in literary fiction. With family up and down Maine’s midcoast, she has spent many a summer—and even a few winters—along the Maine coast.

Kirk Walsh, author of “The Elephant of Belfast”, said “Because I Loved You” embodies all of the expansiveness and intimacy of a contemporary Western page-turner, and more…. this vivid, riveting narrative will transport you and break your heart at same time…” Kirkus Reviews calls the novel "...a  page-turning story that will keep readers invested."

Roorbach is the author of ten books, including the memoir “Summers with Juliet,” novels “The Remedy for Love” and “Life Among Giants,” and the Flannery O’Connor Award–winning collection “Big Bend.” His work has appeared in Harper’s, The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, Granta, The American Scholar, and many other publications. His newest novel, “Lucky Turtle,” (Algonquin Books) was a New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice in 2022. 

The New York Times Book Review said of “Lucky Turtle,” “… Fans of Roorbach’s prolific work will appreciate his signature lyricism and sense of place, his sweeping narrative, humor and romance. New readers are walking into the hands of a skilled storyteller who’s not afraid to take on a big, messy tale of love, privilege and abuse."

The two authors will also hold an event at Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop in Damariscotta, Saturday, July 22, 1 to 3 p.m.