By the Book/Michelle Haring
Independent Bookstores and Independent Authors Go Hand in Hand
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n my twenty-four years as a bookseller and owner of Cupboard Maker Books in Enola, I’ve seen changes and opportunities in the world of books. In the twentieth century, self-published books did not receive their due respect because the large publishing houses and agents served as gatekeepers. That attitude is changing. Many wonderful authors have emerged as bestsellers through independent publishing. One bestselling independent author from Central Pennsylvania is local sensation, Lucy Score. She has found amazing success with nine stand alone romance novels and six different series with romantic elements. Her first traditionally published book, Maggie Moves On, released at the end of June. Her independently published books have made the Wall Street Journal Bestseller List and the USA Today Bestseller list. Lucy Score’s Riley Thorn series is set in Central Pennsylvania. The fantastic characters solve crimes and get into mischief at familiar landmarks from the Market Street Bridge to the Capitol Fountain. Riley is a reluctant psychic who becomes involved with a private investigator, Nick. According to the front cover, these books are romantic comedies, but they contain hallmarks of cozy mysteries including Riley as an amateur detective with a fascinating group of friends and family who help and hinder in the investigations. This series currently contains three books: Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door, Riley Thorn and the Corpse in the Closet, and Riley Thorn and the Blast from the Past. The settings of several of Lucy Score’s other books are small towns. Lancaster County is the home of the characters in Rock Bottom Girl, a lovely romance about starting
over and thriving in a place the heroine never expected. The Blue Moon series contains eight books about a quirky small town where a band of merry matchmakers facilitate “happily ever afters” for the single people in their sphere. Things We Never Got Over is a delightful story about a woman who arrives in a small Virginia town to assist her estranged identical twin. She discovers people and situations that change her life forever. Lucy Score released Things We Never Got Over in January 2022, and the book continues to rise on top ten lists. The April Lucy Score signing at Cupboard Maker Books was an amazing success. We continue to carry all of Lucy Score’s books including several books signed by Lucy. Independent authors and independent bookstores have a great deal to offer each other. One way Cupboard Maker Books fosters relationships with independent authors is by book signings, including quarterly local author days and themed book signings like Bookstore Romance Day. The bookstore also offers a space for several local independent authors to meet periodically and write. Jen Bonds, Carrie Jacobs and Briana Michaels all write subgenres of romance and never mind when fans interrupt their creative time. These independent authors illustrate that Central Pennsylvania has a plethora of talent. The symbiotic relationship between independent authors and independent bookstores creates an environment where everyone can prosper. 7 Michelle Haring is the owner of Cupboard Maker Books, a 6,500 square foot store with ample parking on Routes 11/15 in Enola. The store is across the river from Harrisburg and contains over 120,000 curated, unique, previously loved paperback and hardback titles including Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Children’s, History, Art, Religion, and many other genres. The bookstore cats and foster cats from Castaway Critters roam freely and love visitors. Cupboard Maker Books holds book signings, monthly book clubs, and carries thousands of new titles including fiction and nonfiction by local traditionally published and independent authors.
Nourishing Bites/Andrea Reed
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Five Foods to Fight Forgetfulness
ood nutrition is important for everyone, no matter what age. A healthy diet not only helps protect against chronic diseases but can help protect against memory decline as we become older adults. No amount of nutrient-rich foods is going to help us remember where we left our keys but eating the right combination of nutrients may help protect our memories. These five foods are just a few of the different foods that have been found to have associations with improved memory and concentration. 1. Fatty Fish: Salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows our brains use omega-3s to make brain and nerve cells. Maintaining these brain and nerve cells can help preserve cognitive function. Aim for two 4-ounce servings each week of a fatty fish. If you don’t enjoy seafood, opt for a small handful 10 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE JULY 2022
of walnuts which are also a good source of Omega-3s. 2. Berries: Berries are rich in flavonoid antioxidants including anthocyanin, the colorful pigment we associate with the various berries. Berries not only help reduce inflammation but protect against oxidative stress which can contribute to brain aging. A serving of berries is approximately 1 cup. Aim for 1 ½ to 2 cups of a variety of different fruits per day. 3. Broccoli: As a cruciferous vegetable, broccoli contains antioxidants and B vitamins. Antioxidants help neutralize