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Madeline Martin w/ Jessica Nager // A TIME OF WITCHES
Past event
Featured Book
A Time of Witches
Two women, bound by blood and betrayal, must break silence across centuries--or be silenced forever, in the dazzling new novel by New York Times bestselling author Madeline Martin.
Lilith Legare's life is unraveling. Since her mother's death, strange things have been happening - plants turn toward her touch, animals linger in her path, and the birthmark on her arm has started tingling. Worse still is her recurring nightmare of being burned alive at the stake.
Her search for answers brings her from Savannah to England, to the decaying Brackenmere Manor where the past blurs with the present. There, Lilith discovers a legacy she never asked for and along with it, the threat of peril. History must be rewritten, or she too will die.
In 1645 Suffolk, Sybil Brantham stands accused as a witch. An educated, wealthy widow, she is branded a threat by men who fear her independence. As arrests begin and suspicion abounds, Sybil must protect her younger sister, even as betrayal takes root within her household.
Across centuries, Lilith and Sybil are bound by blood and by danger. To save themselves, and each other, they must confront the silence that has stolen women's power for generations--and dare to claim their voices before it's too late.
This book will be available for purchase at the event.
About This Event
Join us in welcoming New York Times and internationally best-selling author Madeline Martin to Doylestown, PA, as she discusses and signs her new book, *A Time of Witches*, at The Doylestown Bookshop on Monday, August 31st, 2026, at 6:30 pm. Madeline will be joined by local content creator Jessica Nager.
*If you would like to order additional signed books, which you can either pick up at the event OR choose to be shipped, please see our website here*
Anyone who purchases a ticket by September 1 can submit their receipt via ***this link*** and receive a custom keychain (a promotion via HarperCollins Canada).
*This is a ticketed event. Each ticket includes admission for one person and a paperback copy of A Time of Witches*.
**
DATE: Monday, August 31st, 2026 at 6:30 pm
LOCATION: The Doylestown Bookshop, 16 S. Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
[Click here for parking information>>
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THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT - HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
1. Doors open at 5:30 pm, and the event will start at 6:30 pm.
2. Each ticket admits one person and includes one paperback copy of A Time of Witches. No substitutions.
3. Books will be available for pick-up at the event.
4. The author will sign and personalize books with your first name only, with no messages. She will not be able to sign any posters, bookmarks, scraps of paper, etc...
5. You may bring TWO books from home to be signed by the author in addition to anything purchased in the store during the event.
6. An adult must accompany children under 16.
7. If you cannot attend the event, we will hold your books at the front counter of The Doylestown Bookshop for pick-up. We will do our best to have them signed, but that is not guaranteed. **We can hold books for up to two weeks. Any books that have not been picked up or arranged to be shipped by the two-week mark will be donated. Please give us 24 hours post-event to prepare your books for pick-up.
**8. Event tickets are non-refundable.
About the book:
Two women, bound by blood and betrayal, must break silence across centuries--or be silenced forever, in the dazzling new novel by New York Times bestselling author Madeline Martin.
Lilith Legare's life is unraveling. Since her mother's death, strange things have been happening - plants turn toward her touch, animals linger in her path, and the birthmark on her arm has started tingling. Worse still is her recurring nightmare of being burned alive at the stake.
Her search for answers brings her from Savannah to England, to the decaying Brackenmere Manor where the past blurs with the present. There, Lilith discovers a legacy she never asked for and along with it, the threat of peril. History must be rewritten, or she too will die.
In 1645 Suffolk, Sybil Brantham stands accused as a witch. An educated, wealthy widow, she is branded a threat by men who fear her independence. As arrests begin and suspicion abounds, Sybil must protect her younger sister, even as betrayal takes root within her household.
Across centuries, Lilith and Sybil are bound by blood and by danger. To save themselves, and each other, they must confront the silence that has stolen women's power for generations--and dare to claim their voices before it's too late.
About our Guests:
Madeline Martin is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books translated into over twenty-five languages. She lives in sunny Florida with her husband (known as Mr. Awesome), two amazing daughters, and two very spoiled cats.
Jessica Nager is a book content creator, full-time nonprofit worker, and part-time bartender. Jessica's love of books started as a young child, and she's been a regular at her local bookstore ever since. Her favorite books to read are typically queer literary fiction, horror, and “weird girl” literature. She loves books about feminine rage, family dramas, coming-of-age queer stories, and gothic hauntings. She uses her platforms, Instagram and TikTok @jessicaslitfics, to promote queer, trans, and BIPOC stories. When she's not reading, she loves to write, cook, travel, walk outside, or cuddle with her cat.
Featured Author
Madeline Martin
Madeline Martin is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books translated into over twenty-five languages. She lives in sunny Florida with her husband (known as Mr. Awesome), two amazing daughters, and two very spoiled cats.
In Conversation With
Jessica Nager
Jessica Nager is a book content creator, full-time nonprofit worker, and part-time bartender. Jessica's love of books started as a young child, and she's been a regular at her local bookstore ever since. Her favorite books to read are typically queer literary fiction, horror, and “weird girl” literature. She loves books about feminine rage, family dramas, coming-of-age queer stories, and gothic hauntings. She uses her platforms, Instagram and TikTok @jessicaslitfics, to promote queer, trans, and BIPOC stories. When she's not reading, she loves to write, cook, travel, walk outside, or cuddle with her cat.
About the Venue
The Doylestown Bookshop
"The Doylestown and Lahaska Bookshops are locally owned and operated bookstores dedicated to preserving the heritage and traditions of independent bookstore ideals. Since opening our doors in downtown Doylestown in 1998, we have offered our customers an alternative to the ordinary. We carry an extensive inventory of new books, from classic literature to current bestsellers, and a curated selection of gifts, cards, toys and much more. Our staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and looking forward to helping you choose the perfect book for you or your family. Both bookstores were sold again in September 2023 to long-time Bucks County residents and business owners Lauren & Damian Ford. We opened our second store, the Lahaska Bookshop, in September 2017. The Lahaska Bookshop is located in Peddler's Village and is dedicated to providing the same customer service and wide selection of books that the Doylestown Bookshop provides.
Visit store pageMore at The Doylestown Bookshop
Doylestown: Omar Tyree // TOUCHDOWN IN BRAZIL
Join us in welcoming award-winning author Omar Tyree as he discusses and signs his new book, Touchdown in Brazil, at The Doylestown Bookshop on Monday, November 2nd, 2026 at 6:00pm. This event is free to attend, and no ticket is required. About the Book: Amid the landmark NFL game in the electric city of São Paulo, Brazil, three very different family men cross paths and find that when it comes to what matters most, cultural differences melt away in this insightful, transporting, multi-cultural drama from New York Times bestselling, NAACP Image Award-winning author Omar Tyree.It’s a long way from South Philly, but there’s no way die-hard Eagles fan and amateur sports bettor Tony Costa is going to pass up seeing his team play the Green Bay Packers in South America’s first-ever NFL game. Forget concerns about wildfires and gang violence, Tony needs a break from his wife and three kids—and his struggling finances need a win.When it comes to cheeseheads, Packers devotee Arthur Braddock more than qualifies as the manager of a Wisconsin cheese factory warehouse. The game provides a wonderful chance to travel with his family—including his 11-year-old daughter, who’s become passionate about American flag football.In São Paulo, the game promises great business for Mario Gabriel Santos da Silva and his wife, who own a sports bar and restaurant. But he’s most excited to show his10-year-old son, already a lightning-fast flag football player, what NFL football actually looks like from the stands.As the main event approaches, the men bond over shared meals and anticipation. Game day is epic, a drama-filled battle to the very last second. But Tony is waging an internal battle as well. The only man who’s left his family behind, Tony can’t help envying the bond between the others. And as he reflects on their perspectives, he begins to understand what winning really means . . .Uplifting and fast-paced, Touchdown in Brazil re-creates the excitement of travel while reminding us of the unifying power of sports and the importance of family ties . . . About Our Guest: Omar Tyree is a New York Times bestselling author, NAACP Image Award-winner, recipient of the Phillis Wheatley Literary Award, journalist, speaker, entrepreneur, and filmmaker. A graduate of Howard University’s School of Communications, he has written more than twenty books with over two million copies in print. He is a popular national speaker who has been honored by the City Council of Philadelphia for his work in urban literacy. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Writers' Connection
The Doylestown Bookshop is excited to announce a new series: The Writers' Connection, a monthly "speed-dating for writers" event. These workshops will be led by local author Philip William Stover, a.k.a. Georgie Kain. Join us for our second event on Wednesday, November 4th, 2026 at 6:00pm. Looking for a writing partner who you click with? Join us for an evening of literary speed dating. We'll kick things off with a quick lesson on a simple, effective feedback technique so everyone's speaking the same language. Then rapid-fire rotating rounds of reading, giving, and getting feedback with fellow writers in the room. Fast connections, fresh perspectives, and maybe an introduction to a future critique partner. This is a ticketed event with limited capacity. Tickets include general admission only. The event leader's books will be available for sale. Writing is a solitary practice, but our words require an audience. To understand how our work truly lands, we need a clear, authentic mirror—not a critic. The Writer's Connection is intentionally structured to provide rapid, non-judgmental feedback and a space for genuine connection. It works like speed dating. I'll start with a brief explanation of the workshop technique we will agree to use. Then you'll read a short piece to a few different people and receive very structured feedback. You'll also participate as a responder. Everyone will be in both roles. Schedule 6:00–6:15 | Welcome & Method: Brief introduction to this month's feedback technique. 6:15–6:35 | Round 1: 20-minute paired reading and reflection. (includes a 1-minute transition) 6:35–6:55 | Round 2: 20-minute paired reflection (includes a 1-minute transition). 6:55–7:15 | Round 3: 20-minute paired reflection (includes a 1-minute transition). 7:15–7:30 | Wrap-Up: Group reflections and closing connection. Format During each 20-minute round, you will read your work aloud for up to 5 minutes. Your partner will provide you with structured feedback based on the technique we learned this month. Then, you swap roles. There are no critiques, judgments, or fixes offered—just clear, restorative reflection. What to Bring The Excerpt: Any genre, any stage of completion. The Limit: Strictly 600 to 650 words maximum (this ensures the reading remains under 5 minutes). The Copies: Bring five printed copies so your partners can follow along and physically map the energy on the page. About our Guest: Philip William Stover is the author of The Problem with Perfect, also from Hera, as well as The Hideaway Inn, The Beautiful Things Shoppe, and There Galapagos My Heart. He lives on the Upper Eastside in New York City and in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He has an MFA in writing and is a professor in Global Liberal Studies at New York University. He grew up tearing the covers off the romance novels he devoured so he wouldn't get teased at school. Now he enjoys traveling the world with his husband of over twenty years and would never consider defacing any of the books he loves.Georgie Kain collects vintage paint-by-numbers, well-read copies of Jane Austen and Jackie Collins novels, and brownie recipes. When he was fifteen, he won an award for a short story about a male stripper who crashes a neighborhood Tupperware party. Since then, he has written everything from epically long grocery lists to ad copy for antique rugs, but this book is a fresh start, and he hopes it finds its way to you.
Doylestown: Dani Cessna // GHOST ORCHID
Join us in welcoming debut author Dani Cessna as she discusses and signs her book, Ghost Orchid at The Doylestown Bookshop on Saturday, November 7th, 2026 at 1:00pm. She will be in conversation with author Nicole M. Wolverton. This event is free to attend, and no ticket is required. About the Book: Deep in the swamps of Florida, a grieving park ranger forms a friendship with a mysterious recluse--and uncovers long-rumored secrets about a plant that raises the dead.Once ambitious and spontaneous, all park ranger Miranda wants after losing her best friend is stillness. Her new job at Everglades National Park and the rekindled connection with an old flame offer some stability and comfort. But everything changes after a rash decision brings her face-to-face with the so-called swamp witch.In Estelle, Miranda finds an unexpected friendship. The old woman is feisty, independent, and extraordinarily green-thumbed. Plants, Estelle tells her, have a language of their own. Miranda learns to listen to the whispers of peace lilies and desert roses, and witnesses their uncanny power to heal or reveal hidden truths.But a hurricane brews off the coast, and tensions rise. Rumors spread about Estelle's abilities, including her knowledge of the rare ghost orchid said to resurrect the dead--bringing the most dangerous kind of grief to Estelle's doorstep.In the lush Everglades, the swamp can grow, transform--or destroy. Miranda discovers that true growth means releasing the grief that keeps us rootbound. And somewhere, in the tangled heart of the swamp, the ghost orchid waits. About Our Guests: Dani Cessna grew up roaming the woods and nature-journaling in tree stands. A park ranger and naturalist for eighteen years, she has lived in five states and worked at six different national parks. She wages a war against endometriosis every day but never lets it stand between her and the next book or next adventure. She currently resides in the Poconos of Pennsylvania with her best friend, two dogs, three cats, thirty or so koi, two American eels, and an indeterminate number of snapping turtles, depending on when the eggs in her sunroom hatch. Nicole Wolverton is the author of the psychological thriller The Trajectory of Dreams (March 2013, Bitingduck Press). Her short fiction has appeared in Black Heart Magazine, The Molotov Cocktail, and Penduline, among others. She writes adult and young adult fiction. She lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband, two cats, and a dog. She is a freelance writer and editor, and she enjoys running and outrigger canoeing.