By Mark Ambrogi
It’s a year later than she expected, but New York Times best-selling author Elin Hilderbrand will be featured at the Guilded Leaf Book and Author luncheon in Carmel.
“Last year she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent a double mastectomy,” said Julie Shadinger, president of the Carmel Clay Public Library Guild. “After the successful surgery, she was scheduled to come to us in October but unfortunately in the early part of October she developed an infection and was hospitalized. She said ‘Please forgive me and ask me back.’ So when we called, she said, ‘Count me in.’”
The 11th annual luncheon is set from 11:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 22 at the Ritz Charles, 12156 N. Meridian, Carmel. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
There will be an inaugural Writers at the Pavilion session with the authors at 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Ritz Charles. Individual ticket prices for each of the two events are $70.
The casual evening event will feature wine and craft beer. Shadinger said Sun King Brewery has donated the beer.
Hilderbrand, an author of 16 novels, will release “Winter Stroll” on Oct. 15.
Other writers set to appear at the event include young adult book author Shannon Lee Alexander of Indianapolis, who wrote “Love and and Other Unknown Variables.” David Stewart, an award-winning lawyer turned author, will discuss his most recent book, “The Wilson Deception.” The mystery author is Jeanne M. Dams, South Bend, with her book “The Gentle Art of Murder.”
Steve and Lorri Zeller, parents of basketball players Luke, Tyler and Cody, also will be guests after writing “Raising Boys The Zeller Way.” Tyler and Cody are NBA players and Luke has seen some NBA action.
Elizabeth Kraft Taylor’s book is “Three Jews Walked Into a Shopping Center.” The book is about Taylor’s time working for the Simon Property Group.
Shadinger said during the 10 years of the event, they have raised more than $500,000 for the Carmel Public Library.
For ticket information, visit carmel.lib.in.us/foundation/tickets.cfm.
