International intrigue at Books on the Beach Author Luncheon

The Rhode Island Chapter of Hadassah will celebrate its sixth annual Books on the Beach Author Luncheon on Tuesday, Aug. 9, in the elegant ballroom of OceanCliff, in Newport.

This year’s authors, B.A. Shapiro and Talia Carner, will mingle with guests, introduce their new novels, and sign purchased books. Proceeds will support Hadassah.

Talia Carner

“Hotel Moscow”

This is a thought-provoking novel that tells the compelling story of Brooke Fielding, a daughter of Holocaust survivors, who travels to post-glasnost Russia to teach entrepreneurial skills to Russian businesswomen. There, she finds herself embroiled in a perilous mob conspiracy that could destroy her. In a city where capitalism is still a dirty word, neighbors spy on neighbors, and the new economy is in the hands of a few dangerous men. Nothing Brooke does goes unnoticed – and a mistake in her past may now compromise her future.

A moving and rich novel, “Hotel Moscow” is an eye-opening portrait of post-Communist Russia and a profound exploration of faith, friendship and heritage.

B.A. Shapiro

“The Muralist”

“The Muralist” is a poignant exploration of morality, resourcefulness, and imagination.

– Sarah Rachel Egelman, book reviewer

Spellbinding! With a starry cast (Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, Lee Krasner, even Eleanor Roosevelt), fans of Shapiro’s earlier art-mystery hit, “The Art Forger,” will not be disappointed.”

– William Landay, author

A political artist focusing on the budding Abstract Expressionist movement, Alizée Benoit disappears; 70 years later, her great-niece, Danielle Abrams, decides to find out why.

B.A. Shapiro appeals to readers who are interested in a culture that is foreign and intriguing. “The Muralist” is the story of a passionate and brilliant young artist caught in the political maelstrom of the early 1940s in the U.S. and Europe. Decades later, this artist learns that she is connected to Danielle Abrams, who tries to solve a very personal mystery.

The novel flows nicely between the protagonists, highlighting the differences and the similarities between them and the worlds they inhabit.

The Books on the Beach Author Luncheon will be held at OceanCliff, 65 Ridge Road, Newport, on Aug. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $60 and includes a grilled salmon or vegetarian napoleon lunch. Parking is free. Reservations must be made by July 25.

Options for reserving and payment:

• Fill out the Reservation form and pay online as directed at www.hadassah.org/rhodeisland.

• Fill out the registration form on the invitation you received in the mail and send it back with your check.

• If you did not get a printed invitation, you can still reserve by mail.  Mail your check, payable to R.I. Hadassah, along with your name, the names of your guests, any table seating preferences, and menu choices for you and your guests to:

Author Luncheon RI

Hadassah

50 Cindyann Drive

East Greenwich, RI 02818.

If you have questions or would like to receive an invitation in the mail, call 401-463-3636 or email rhodeislandchapter@hadassah.org. Identify yourself and leave your phone number and mailing address; an invitation will be mailed to you.