Happy Father’s Day

We had an exceptional Father’s Day celebration yesterday at our house underneath the pergola covered with wisteria vine, which keeps the patio cool.

My parents Eliska and Vaclav Konecny, came over with my brother Vas all the way from Big Rapids and Paris. a hometown Up North.

At 90, my father professor Vaclav still loves to drive. Although he doesn’t take the freeway anymore, like me, he prefers to drive on the old 131.

I love the way the old 131 aka Northland Drive winds through charming Michigan hometowns like Cedar Springs and Howard City with its dam fed by the Muskegon River.

Even Maranda made it over and our neighbors Catherine and Katie on a scooter. The vibe was good and everyone behaved including myself, which is not always the case. Sometimes we end up fighting over little things that a minute later mean nothing.

I made our famous jello-shots with our signature @Moravian Sons Spirits https://moraviansonsdistillery.com apple brandy. We had two flavors: strawberry for adults and orange for kids without alcohol. I make the jell-o shots with sugar-free strawberry Jell-O using one cup of boiling water and one cup of apple brandy.

The spirit tastings around the holidays are tricky as we found out Friday. People had already stocked up on adult beverages during the week. We sold only four bottles of slivovitz but hopefully to returning customers, one of them a pediatric dentist.

We grilled our favorite bbq baby back ribs with potato salad.

I charged my solar gnome lamps in full sunshine. Hopefully, they will work tonight.

Author Brian Talarczyk pens I Am Not Bipolar: A Memoir

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-8t86n-18d840c

Happy Father’s Day from the For the Love of Books Podcast

In this candid memoir, author Brian Talarczyk delves into his harrowing journey with bipolar disorder—a legacy he unknowingly inherited until his father’s sudden death in 2001.

Sponsored by authors Brian Talarczyk, Jennifer Raines, Caroline Topperman and Lowell-based business Moravian Sons Distillery.

 

With vulnerability and humor, Talarczyk recounts the soaring highs and crushing lows of his experience, from manic episodes and terrifying psychosis that led to his stay at the Yale New Haven Psychiatric Facility, to the profound depression that nearly claimed his life. I Am Not Bipolar is a raw and compelling account of a man’s battle with mental illness, the lessons learned, and his resolve to break the silence surrounding mental health.

Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of I Am Not Bipolar: A Memoir

Copyright (c) 2025 Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Australian author Jennifer Raines pens A Just Man Choosing Family Book 4

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ytcc2-18d31f7

No matter where you run, the past will find you…

Kelly needs to enhance her resume. Why else would she accept a placement in Tullamore facing her phobia about country towns? Years ago, a rookie cop humiliated her during an illegal strip search.

Sponsored by authors Jennifer Raines, Caroline Topperman and Moravian  Sons Distillery.

Problem is, that former cop is now the deputy principal of her new high school and her boss. Sharing a house, a commute, and now an investigation to unravel a series of disasters that look like sabotage, Kelly takes the previously unthinkable step from enemies to allies to lovers.

Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of A Just Man Choosing  Family Book 4.

Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

2025 Finalist Author of the Year badge

Author Emma Palova’s book signing events

Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon, June 28 & 29

Participating authors

Emma Palova, Jean Davis, Vera West, Ingar Rudholm, Richard Nelson, Michael Carrier, Elizabeth Wehman, Laurie Salisbury, Sue Merrel. Janet Vormitag, Andrew Smith, Craig Matthew, Robert Muladore, Suse Wilcox, Joan Young, Lori Hudson, Rhonda Accardo, K M McIntyre, Debbie Tebbe, Stefanie Gilmore, Amy Piper, and Lisa Romence.

Czech and Slovak 46th Annual Festival, Sokol Cultural Center, July 19 & 20, Detroit

Saugatuck Village Square Art Fair, Saugatuck, July 26

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Butler Street

https://www.saugatuckdouglasartclub.org/villagesquare2020.html

50th Annual Art in the Park, Lake Odessa, Aug. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wild Blueberry Festival, Paradise, UP, Aug. 15 to Aug. 17

Rockford Art in the Park, Rockford, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saugatuck Art in the Park, Saugatuck, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Copyright (c)2025. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

We honor the veterans who served our country

Memorial Day at Oakwood Cemetery in Lowell

Ringing the bell for the veterans lost since last year to the eerie drumroll followed by TAPS.

Author Caroline Topperman pens memoir Your Roots Cast a Shadow

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-8yeuy-18b8996

Caroline Topperman’s own move to Poland is a central part of Your Roots Cast a Shadow as she grapples with her “Polish roots” while being a “Canadian by nature”.

Sponsored by author Caroline Topperman, Doc Chavent, and @moraviansons https://moraviansonsdistillery.com

She experiences cultural differences, language barriers, and a growing awareness of the political climate in modern-day Poland, particularly the rise of nationalism and racism.

Her journey to understand her family’s past is intertwined with her present-day observations of Polish society, including its attitudes towards history, religion, and social acceptance.

The book ultimately questions how personal history intersects with global events to shape identity and the challenges of balancing one’s origins with new surroundings.

Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of Your Roots Cast a Shadow.

Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Palova. All rights reserved.

Finalist for the Author of the Year 2025

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Hollywood Gala Author of the Year 2025

Dear Emma,

It is with deep respect and admiration that we congratulate you — you’ve officially been selected as a Finalist for the Author of the Year 2025 at the International Impact Book Awards, in the category of Non-Fiction – Cultural & Historical Memoir.

Your work was reviewed among hundreds of exceptional entries, and your message rose to the top. This recognition is more than a ranking — it’s a reflection of the impact your voice has had on readers, on the judging panel, and on the world of thought leadership.

You’ve done something most people only dream about: you’ve written a powerful book, you’ve put your truth on paper, and you’ve created something that moved others. That is no small thing. This moment is yours.

What Happens Next

The Author of the Year winner in your category will be announced live on stage at our Hollywood Gala on October 4th, 2025 — an unforgettable evening honoring thought leaders and changemakers from around the world.

We would be truly honored to celebrate this milestone with you in person. Finalists in attendance will receive:

A finalist certificate

An achievement medal

Recognition on stage during the ceremony among peers, media, and industry leaders.

More importantly, this is your moment, a chance to stand in a room of excellence and be acknowledged for the work you’ve already done.

We understand not everyone can attend, and we respect that deeply. However, in fairness to all finalists, if the winning author in any category is not present, the award will be presented to the next finalist in attendance.

A Night to Remember — and a Platform to Grow

The International Impact Book Awards Gala isn’t just a celebration — it’s a once-a-year opportunity to grow your brand, elevate your credibility, and be seen by the media, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.

Our team has poured every ounce of heart, labor, and intention into planning this event to honor you and every author selected. We would love for you to be part of it.

Explore the Gala details and reserve your ticket here:
👉 https://internationalimpactbookawards.com/hollywood-gala/

Whether you’re able to join us in person or cheering from afar, know this: you are already seen, already celebrated, and already a winner in our eyes.

With deep respect and warm congratulations,
 Nim Stant
Founder, International Impact Book Awards

I would like to thank everyone for voting for me in the memoir category.

Copyright (c)2025. Emma Palova. All rights reserved.

UP Author Sue Harrison pens Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-yts83-18a450e

Britta, an eleven-year-old girl, has lived in soul-deep sorrow since her mother left their family. When Britta’s father forgets her birthday, he decides to give her a dog as a late birthday gift. (Britta wants a cell phone.) They adopt Crash, an Australian shepherd from the local animal shelter in Sault Ste. Marie, a small city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and their adventures begin.

“A powerful tale of finding friendship in the most unexpected places. “

Nikki Mitchell, author of the Magic Shoebox Adventures

Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog is a story about broken hearts–not only Britta’s and her father’s hearts but also a dog’s broken heart–and it is a story about the bonds between daughters and fathers and good dogs and also not-always-so-good cats.

Sponsored by Moravian Sons Distillery and Doc Chavent

Listen in for a chance to win a signed copy of Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog.

Copyright (c) 2025. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

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