PAPERBACK RELEASE | 1-22-19

AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN: Fall 1918 – When Pauline Bright’s husband is made heir to his uncle’s very successful Philadelphia funeral home, they move to the city optimistic that they can now give their three daughters—Evelyn, Maggie, and Willa—a wonderful, carefree life. Just months later, however, the Spanish Flu descends, turning their lives and the world around them upside down. But even as they lose loved ones, they take in a baby orphaned by the disease who becomes their single source of hope. Amidst the tragedy and challenges, Pauline and her daughters learn what they cannot live without—and what they are willing to do about it.

“Strong, resilient, and determined to make their way in a changing world, Meissner’s characters step off the page and into history.”—Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

“With stunning prose and keen detail, Meissner has deftly created a heady mix of love, politics and survival…A must read!”—Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan’s Tale

“A potent story of courage and survival set against an unusual WWI backdrop pushes readers to reevaluate what they know about the era and the lives of people not directly involved in the war. As readers immerse themselves in this detailed story of one family, told through several points of view, they are lured into a time and place that gets its richness from Meissner’s lively characters’ voices and the lush, realistic historical details. For many, the information about the Spanish In?uenza epidemic will be new and thanks to Meissner’s storytelling talents, something they will remember. As Bright As Heaven is heart wrenching, well written and unforgettable.” – ROMANTIC TIMES 4 ½ stars, TOP PICK

Available at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books A Million, Indie Bound, and Powell’s.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mar 2-3, Tucson, AZ – I will be at the famous Tucson Festival of Books, speaking on a historical fiction panel and signing early copies of THE LAST YEAR OF THE WAR. University of Arizona campus, 1200 E. University Blvd. Tucson, AZ. Some Festival events are ticketed.

Mar 18, La Jolla, CA – Launch Party at Warwicks! I will be sharing, signing and celebrating the release of THE LAST YEAR OF THE WAR at Warwick’s Books at 7:30 PM | 7812 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037. The event is free, but advance reserved seating is available now if you preorder your copy.

Mar 19, Dallas, TX –  I will be speaking about and signing copies of THE LAST YEAR OF THE WAR at Half Price Books flagship store at 7 PM | 5803 E Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75231 (214) 379-8000. The event is free.

Mar 20, Houston, TX –  I will be speaking about and signing copies of THE LAST YEAR OF THE WAR at Blue Willow Bookshop  at 7 PM | 14532 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079 (281) 497-8675.  The event is free.

Mar 22, Pawley’s Island, SC –  I will be at Moveable Feast and Litchfield Books speaking about and signing copies of THE LAST YEAR OF THE WAR. Details to come! The Moveable Feast is ticketed; the bookstore appearance at 2 PM is free – 11421 Ocean Highway Unit D, Pawley’s Island, South Carolina 29585.

Mar 23, Woodstock, GA –  Hello Atlanta-area booklovers! I will be at Foxtale Book Shoppe at 2 PM speaking about and signing copies of THE LAST YEAR OF THE WAR. Details to come!

April 13, Corona, CA –  I will be moderating the panel conversation at the Third Annual Historical Fiction Brunch at the Corona Public Library | 650 South Main Street
Corona, CA 92882, and then signing copies of the new book! This is a ticketed event.

May 4, Avon, CT –  A joint afternoon event with fellow Berkley writers Chanel Cleeton and Renee Rosen at the Avon Free Library. More details to come.

May 6, Brooklyn, NY–  Chanel, Renee, and I will be at the marvelous Bookmark Shoppe in Bay Ridge for an evening of cocktails and appetizers and much book talk. Stay tuned for more details!