NEW FROM BERKLEY

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

Apr 9 MILWAUKEE, WI Hosted by Boswell Books and Milwaukee Reads at Lynden Sculpture Garden 7 PM (ticketed). Ticket includes a copy of AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN, admission into the sculpture garden and beverages.

Apr 10 NAPERVILLE, IL In conjunction with a bi-annual open house at Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540. 7 PM (free). Talk, Q and A, and conversation on AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN.

Apr 11 STRONGSVILLE, OH Part of the Cuyahoga County Public Library author series, 7 PM (free) 18700 Westwood Dr, Strongsville, OH 44136. Presenting on the forgotten Spanish Flu pandemic and AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN. Mac’s Backs – Books on Coventry will be on site to sell books.

Apr 15 CARLSBAD, CA  2 PM (free). Hosted by Adventures by the Book at the Carlsbad City Library 1775 Dove Lane., Carlsbad, CA 92011. Presenting on the forgotten Spanish Flu pandemic and AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN.

Apr 21 CORONA, CA. Spring Historical Fiction Brunch at the Corona Public Library 10 AM (ticketed) 605 S. Main St., Corona, CA 92882. With Michelle Gable and Laura Kamoie, hosted by the Friends of the Corona Public Library

Apr 27 SAN DIEGO, CA. Author Series at the San Carlos Public Library | 2 PM (free) 7265 Jackson Drive, San Diego , CA 92119. Presenting talk on the Spanish Flu pandemic and AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN.

May 18, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA. Authors Luncheon with Abbi Waxman at the Huntington Beach Library | 12 PM (ticketed) 7111 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Hosted by the Friends of the Library.

Jun 10, SAN DIEGO, CA. Book Club Bingo multi-author, all-day event at the San Diego Central Library | 9 AM to 4 PM (ticketed) 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA  92101. Hosted by Adventures By the Book.

June 12 VALENCIA, CA Author Series | 7 PM (free) Details to come. Presenting on the forgotten Spanish Flu pandemic and AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN. Hosted by the Friends of the Santa Clarita Public Library

July 17-18 Twin Cities, MN LITERATURE LOVERS’ NIGHT OUT  hosted by Excelsior Bay Books. Details to come! Featured speakers include me for AS  BRIGHT AS HEAVEN, and Cherise Wolas – THE FAMILY TABOR, Amber Brock – LADY BE GOOD, Karma Brown – THE LIFE LUCY KNEW: A NOVEL