“Meissner’s prose is exquisite, and she is a stunning storyteller.”

—Publishers Weekly, starred review

NOW IN PAPERBACK!

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.

Available now at your favorite retailer

NEW! THE LAST YEAR OF THE WAR

An American girl’s life is changed forever when her German immigrant parents are sent to a Texas WW2 internment camp…

Buy now: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BAM, Hudson, IndieBound, Powell’s, Target, Walmart

WHERE I’LL BE…

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. SOLD OUT!

April 15, San Diego, CA – I’ll be joining fellow historical fiction authors Camille Di Maio and Chanel Cleeton at 6:30pm | Women’s Museum of California at Liberty Station for an Adventures by the Book Sweet Slice of History Event | 2730 Historic Decatur Rd. San Diego, CA 92106. Ticketed event.

April 23, Richmond VA – I’ll be presenting at the daylong Book & Author Event, an annual fundraiser for the Junior League of Richmond |The Virginia Museum of History and Culture | Ticketed event.

May 3, Long Island, NY –  I will be joined at this event on Long Island by a former Crystal City internee. Please join us at the Turn of the Corkscrew Books & Wine | 110 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre, NY 11570 | 7 to 9 PM. Ticketed event.

May 4, Avon, CT –  A joint afternoon event with yummy patio mocktails and door prizes with fellow Berkley writers Chanel Cleeton and Renee Rosen at the Avon Free Public Library | 281 Country Club Rd., Avon, CT 06001 | 2 to 3:30 PM.

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. 8415 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209 | 7 PM.

June 20-22, National Harbor, MD –  I will be teaching at the annual Historical Novel Society conference in the D.C. area. This is a top notch conference with an vast line-up of your favorite historical fiction novelists!

 

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