My friend Roberta Boczkiewcz wrote and published her first book, Unintended by Irene Stewart (her pen name). She told me about it several months ago, but swore she would never reveal the title or let anyone read it. Since I love to entertain, I tried to talk her into having a book launch party. When she said no, I suggested she could be the “unknown writer” and wear a bag over her head!

Fast forward to May, when her husband Bruce called and said, “I think we need to do the launch party, will you help?” Since Roberta has a June birthday , we decided on a double purpose party.

The book launch set the theme, so I started with old books from Goodwill. I folded pages into pennant shapes and cut stripes from pink zebra tape to write Happy Birthday. Then I stapled each letter to a length of raffia and tied it between pendant lights over the bar.

Unintended is available only on-line, but you can’t have a book signing party without something to sign. Bruce had copies of the cover printed and glued to small notebooks. Roberta personalized each “book” with a fancy feather pen.

I immediately thought about a vintage typewriter for a prop, after all, the name Irene Stewart conjures up images of a 1930′s glamor girl!

So she can remember everyone who came to celebrate, I found an old kiddie, Buster Brown dictionary. I asked each guest to find a word to describe Roberta, circle it and sign their name. It will be a funny keepsake.

The delicious food was catered by Lee John’s in Waukesha. Yummy, yummy. We set up food stations on the pool table so everyone could mingle and snack. Little mini book stand let people know what they were sampling.

A friend made a special birthday cake in the shape of a hiking book

(one of Roberta’s other passions). It was adorable!

Another friend Joele, made adorable mini book stir sticks .

The party was a huge success. She was surprised and gracious and  her circle of friends learned something new about Roberta. If you you’re looking for light summer reading, check out Unintended by Irene Stewart.

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