Many books at the festival center around strong women, such as bestselling author Sarah Bird’s newest release, “Last Dance on the Starlight Pier,” and award-winning author Laekan Zea Kemp's second young adult novel, “Heartbreak Symphony.” Kemp said she relies on her own experience growing up in West Texas with a Mexican background as inspiration for her writing.
“We have such talented authors, especially female, right at our doorstep,” said Barbara Hathaway, Bee Cave Public Library director. “And this year, many of their newest novels are set in Austin and the Texas area. Fans are going to love diving into these stories involving places they know and have seen.”
Also featured in the lineup is bestselling author Amanda Eyre Ward, whose novel “The Jetsetters” was chosen by actor Reese Witherspoon as Reese’s Book of the Month in February 2020. Ward will be discussing her latest mystery, “The Lifeguards,” which is set in the Barton Creek neighborhood of Austin.
Local international curve model Amanda Tice will hold a self-love exercise and sign copies of her book, “The New Mom Code,” which is for new moms looking to take care of their own mental health.
“It’s time we stop sugarcoating the motherhood experience by pretending we are OK at every moment,” Tice said. “‘The New Mom Code’ confronts the taboo topics no one will talk about and includes some healing practices we can add to our daily routines to keep our heads in the right space as we embark on this new journey.”
Children’s authors Candy Wellins and Meghan Browne will talk about their biographical children’s books on strong women and exploration on the Galleria lawn. Bees for All beekeeper Peter Keilty will also host educational bee activities, and children's performer Lucas Miller will finish out the children’s programming with animal-themed songs.
“As a Bee City USA affiliate, we want to make sure we take every opportunity to educate the public about this important insect,” Bee Cave Mayor Kara King said. “What better way than a festival that celebrates education in so many ways?"
Texas historian Stephen Harrigan will be at the festival with his new book, “The Leopard is Loose,” along with naturalist Christopher Caran and nature photographer and author Eric Pohl. Cecil Perkins, a 94-year-old local legend, will also be in attendance with his book, “The Value of a Nickel,” which explores his life story of pulling himself out of poverty in the Texas Hill Country.
The festival will be from noon-4 p.m. in several areas within the Hill Country Galleria at 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave. More information about the event and the full lineup are available at www.booksandbeesfestival.com.
