Release Party (and Give Away)! A Fair to Remember

Welcome! We are celebrating the release of Suzie Johnson’s A Fair to Remember (available in both print and digital formats). Suzie will be giving away a copy of A Fair to Remember to one lucky reader. 

Doesn’t that title just make you think of Cary Grant? As a matter of fact, Suzie’s hero James Brinton is a bit Grant-like, with dark hair, dark eyes, and a turn-your-innards-to-Jello smile. Speaking of which, I could use a little something to munch on. 

Ah, here come our servers, treating us to some delicacies.

No, no. Those aren’t the delicacies. That’s just the wait staff. Isn’t it amazing how they all look like Cary Grant doppelgangers? It’s almost like I made that the job requirement. I mean, a job requirement. I mean— Oh, never mind. Here is our fair-inspired fare.

Since A Fair to Remember is set in Buffalo, what else should we start with but wings???

 Caramel apples are a favorite fair-time treat.

Oh, yes. Don't forget the funnel cake.

And after those sweets, I could use something salty.

And a drink. Oh, waiter! I'd like a...what is that stuff Clara Lambert likes so much? Oh, yes. Coca Cola. I'd like to try one of those, please.

Now, where was I? Oh, yes. Suzie’s book. A Fair to Remember starts with a bang. No, really. The book opens with photographer Clara Lambert taking pictures—or snapshots, as her boss George Eastman calls them—at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY. 

Here is a little footage of the Expo, created with Mr. Edison's new camera that takes moving pictures.

Oh, dear. What's that I hear? The band is playing...no, no. It can't be! 

Welcome, Mr. President! I really shouldn't be surprised to see you at Suzie's release party.

You see, Clara is the only female on the list of photographers invited to capture President William McKinley’s reception at the expo's Temple of Music. Isn't it a beautiful building?

Photo by C.D. Arnold, 1901

She even gets a photograph (on the sly) of a handsome Buffalo police officer who was there providing security.

No, this isn't the picture from the expo. He's out of uniform here.

But then things go terribly wrong when one of the guests pulls out a pistol and shoots the president! Clara takes several pictures of the ensuing melee. But what is on her film that someone with nefarious intent so badly wants her camera?

Fortunately, Officer James Brinton, one of Buffalo's finest (and handsomest), is ready to serve and protect. Lucky Clara -- that is, if she and James can convince his boss she isn't part of a conspiracy to assassinate the president. Will he be able to keep Clara out of jail?

A Fair to Remember is full of intrigue, romance, and fabulous Tiffany glass.

Here is the "official" blurb:

A fair that will never be forgotten… 

Clara Lambert attended the Pan-American Exposition as a Kodak girl, never dreaming that she would end up photographing the attempted assassination of President McKinley. 

James Brinton, a disgraced police officer now working security at the Expo, wants only to redeem his good name…and perhaps earn a new position with the president’s security. 

When Clara is accused of being involved in the assassination attempt, James has to put aside his own ambitions to try to prove the innocence of the young woman who has captured his heart as surely as her camera captures the world before its lens. 

But in the face of investigations, arrests, and mounting danger, they must do the hardest thing that could be asked: forgive 


Doesn't that sound just as yummy as a deep-fat fried candy bar on a stick?

Congratulations, Suzie! We're looking forward to more stories in the World's Fair Series.

And if you want to get in on the giveaway, be sure to leave a comment by 11:59 Saturday with your email address (disguised from spammers in a your_name (at) service_provider (dot) com/net format).