Events

Sarah Emsley’s debut novel, The Austens, brings to life the story of Jane Austen’s friendship with her sister-in-law Fanny Austen, who lived for a while in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with her naval captain husband during the years when Jane was writing Pride and Prejudice and other novels that would eventually make her famous.

Jane chooses art and the freedom to write fiction instead of marrying for money and thereby selling her body and soul, while Fanny chooses to marry for love. Their disagreements about work and family threaten their friendship in a world that is hostile to art and love, and even the idea of a woman making a choice.

The Austens will be published by Pottersfield Press, and all are welcome to attend the launch. Alexander MacLeod will introduce Sarah, harpist Isabelle Gagnon will perform music from Jane Austen’s time, and copies of the novel will be available for purchase from Bookmark.

“In the Shadows Tea” with authors Deanna Foster and B.R. Myers. Deanna will be launching her new book, Shadow’s Grace, and Bethany will be discussing her book, The Third Wife of Faraday House. We will be serving NovelTea’s Bram Stoker’s Vlad’s First Bite Berry Bliss Herbal Tea at 5:45 pm, with the event to follow at 6 pm. Deanna will be doing free Tarot Card readings at the end of the event.

To monitor our numbers, a spot can be reserved by the purchase of a $10.00 gift certificate. Gift certificates can be purchased at the store, by phone with a Credit Card at 902-435-1207, or by transfer at dbex1187@gmail.com

Join Sean Paul Bedell for the launch of his second novel, Shoebox.

In this gritty and emotional exploration of the human condition, Steve Lewis, a dedicated paramedic, faces the devastating aftermath of a fatal collision that casts a dark shadow over his once-passionate commitment to saving lives.

Plagued by guilt and grief, he finds his career, family, and very existence hanging in the balance as he navigates the complexities of trauma both personal and professional. As Steve grapples with the high stakes of his job amidst the scrutiny of a community that admires yet questions him, each life he saves rekindles his passion for his work, reminding him of the profound connections he can forge through compassion and care.

A compelling and visceral journey of personal redemption and triumph over adversity, Shoebox explores the human spirit’s capacity for healing.

“Buckle up for a Code One adrenaline rush! Harrowing yet uplifting, Shoebox puts us inside the skin of a first responder, exposing the highs and desperate lows of life on the front lines. Sean Bedell speaks truth to trauma and vulnerability as only an insider can. A gutting love letter to loyalty, the frailties that make us human, and the true meaning of heroism. “  —Carol Bruneau, author of Brighten the Corner Where You Are and Threshold.

“In this riveting novel, Sean Paul Bedell tells the story of Steve Lewis, a paramedic who works crummy hours for crummy pay but on many days saves someone’s life. On other days, he comes face to face with death. Unexplainable. Unavoidable. Crushing. “I thought about all my calls and congratulated myself for this and cursed myself for that,” Steve says. “I relived every ugly and beautiful scene.”  Bedell has written a powerful book that draws you in; he keeps you deeply invested in a complex personal journey. Shoebox never slows down. Bedell masterfully weaves in secondary characters. “From the second I met Robert Warner, everything about him reminded me of a giant slug. I named him The Slug.” He takes the reader places. “This shoebox, this slice of paradise, was my home away from home for forty-eight hours at a time.” Steve is heroic, flawed, and human. He juggles his high-pressure job with family and sometimes drops the ball. If an ambulance ever pulls up to your home, if you are ever at that cataclysmic juncture where you are relying on prayer and hope and a medical miracle, think about Steve and how much he wanted you to make it. Think about the price he paid.” —Elaine McCluskey, author of Rafael has Pretty Eyes and The Gift Child

Immerse yourself in wartime Halifax as local author Aren A. Morris reads passages from her historical fiction novel We Happy Few in the very locations that inspired the book.

• Reading/walking tour will run approx. 75 minutes
• Book sales available at the end of the tour
• To RSVP or for more info visit www.arenamorris.com or email arenamorris@gmail.com
• Rain date is Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 2 pm

Free to attend c/o funding support from the Canada Council for the Arts through The Writers’ Union of Canada.

Meet Jen Colclough and pick up a signed copy of Jen’s debut poetry collection, Our Little Agonies.

Come join us for a festive afternoon of pumpkin carving, spooky stories read by Steve Vernon, and warm drinks.

Please pay $12 at the door for your reserved pumpkin and pumpkin carving tools, to help us avoid charging organizing fees. Each ticket reserves one pumpkin (and gives you a cozy drink – we recommend our house-roasted chai latte).

This event is for all, but we kindly request that any children are accompanied by a responsible adult.