Author Spotlight Series

2026 - 2027

Author Spotlight Events for 2026 – 2027:  The Friends of the Library Author Spotlight Events will be held in downtown Naples at The Norris Center located at 755 8th Avenue S.,  Naples, FL 34102.  Come to The Norris Center for popular authors who will stimulate and delight you with their stories and ideas….make it a day and have lunch first at one of the many wonderful restaurants in Naples.

– For Members Only –

You can purchase a Series ticket to all three authors for a special rate of $165!

Purchase Series Tickets

Marie Bostwick

Thursday, November 12, 2026

Marie Bostwick is a New York Times and USA Today Bestseller of heartwarming fiction for women. Published in 2005 by Kensington Books, Fields of Gold, her first novel, was a finalist for the prestigious Oklahoma Book Award and for RT BOOKclub magazine’s Best Historical Saga Award. River’s Edge won the Golden Quill Award, was a finalist for a National Readers’ Choice Award and was an alternate selection of the Literary Guild.

Marie’s novels have been translated into fourteen different languages. Her most recent book, The Book Club for Troublesome Women, was published by Harper Muse in April of 2025 and sold more than 250,000 copies by the end of 2025.

In addition to books, Marie writes a popular lifestyle blog, Fiercely Marie, that encourages women to “live every minute and love every moment”.

Marie lives in Washington state with her Brad, and their moderately spoiled Cavalier King Charles spaniel. When not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, every fiber craft imaginable, and spending time with family and friends. Marie travels extensively, speaking at libraries, conferences, bookstores, and quilt guilds.

Click here to purchase Marie Bostwick tickets

Madeline Martin

Thursday, January 28, 2027

Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, and International Bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. One of her favorite parts about writing is researching all the things that go into her books. She has written books based in many countries and across many time periods, from medieval to the seventeenth century to the Regency and now World War II with her historical fiction.

Her most recent novel, The Secret Book Society (August 2025), is a captivating story set in Victorian London about a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and the women who dare to break free. Her upcoming novel, A Time of Witches (September 2026), is about two women, bound by blood and betrayal, who must break silence across centuries—or be silenced forever.

She lives in sunny Florida with Mr. Awesome (a man who truly deserves such a great name) and two wonderfully magical girls, known collectively as “the minions.”

Photo Credit: Tori Stauffer Photography

Click here to purchase Madeline Martin tickets

Martinn E. Winters

Thursday, April 8, 2027 

Martinn E. Winters will be discussing his newly published historical novel HARRY’S GOLD. The book covers American history from the Klondike gold rush in 1897 through World War II as seen through the life of Harry.  The main character runs away from home as a teenager to find adventure in the great Northwest where he encounters iconic figures like Wyatt Earp and Jack London.

Based on a true story, this riveting historical fiction explores people’s lives during the birth of the American empire from the Gilded Age to the Jazz Age.  The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the defiant wilderness of the last frontier, the Roaring 20’s and Prohibition.  In the background of Harry’s life is the relentless grind of American and world history, including building the Panama Canal, World War I and World War II.

An avid traveler, the author lives in Naples, Florida with his wife Kristin and 1,200 bottles of wine.

Click here to purchase Martinn E. Winters tickets

 

Venue Details

The Norris Center
755 8th Avenue South
Naples, FL  34102
Directions

Event Schedule

All Events start at 2 pm

Lecture and Book Signing

General Seating

For members only, you can purchase the series for a special price of $165

Each single event costs:

$60 for members

$70 for non-members

Lectures:
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Thursday, January 28, 2027
Thursday, April 8, 2027
Book signing to follow.

Contact Information

Author Spotlight Events Gallery

Author Sarah Penner
Friends Staff Cynde Decker and Janet DelPrete
Author Shelley Read with attendees after her lecture.
Shelley Read - Book Signing
Shana Abé

Special Thanks to the 2025-2026 Author Spotlight Sponsor

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AND POLICIES

  • WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ATTENDEES AT OUR EVENTS TO FOLLOW THE PROTOCOLS ESTABLISHED BY OUR VENUE HOSTS.
  • PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND ANY EVENT IF YOU ARE FEELING ILL OR IF YOU HAVE HAD CONTACT WITH ANYONE WITHIN THE LAST TEN DAYS THAT HAS TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19.