We’ve got a Special Event for today’s article: Tarpon Springs 2nd Book Festival!

After last year’s big success, I was so happy to see Tarpon Spring’s Book Festival return even bigger and better than last year.

I’ve heard some authors refer to this event as their Super Bowl, and with a crowd this packed it hard not to see why.

Hosted on Independent Booksellers Day, or better known as Indie Book Day, this festival is all about supporting local authors in your community.

I’d love to spend this post highlighting some of my favorite local authors!

First and foremost on my list is Andra Larkin, author of Veil of Eden! This book knocked me off my feet, as the prose is so vivid that you can’t help but be sucked into the book’s universe.

I’ve been obsessed with this book since I discovered it last Book Festival, and I’ve happily seen its fanbase grow since! I cannot wait for the next book.

She’s about to launch her hardcover book kickstarter, starting April 28th! There are going to be some awesome rewards for backing, so keep your eye out!

Andra currently has her paperback book in these gorgeously wrapped copies available for sale. I’ve got the green wrapping displayed on my shelf!

Make sure to check out Andra’s book and her social medias, as she goes live frequently to chat and talk about the book!

The next author is one I discovered at the festival today, A.R. Bledsoe and her gorgeous book Legend of Gerîanā.

I haven’t read the book yet, but I was drawn in by the temptation of an online quiz telling me which Herd and Form I’d be. I’d love to say my first result was a Feline; but it was actually a Mountain Spider, lol.

The author took the time to not only sign my copy (with a quill!) but also embossed the book, and foiled the edges in gold herself! I was going to get the display copy, but she offered to do it fresh herself, she was so sweet and talented.

It’s such a gorgeous, personalized copy that I’m so grateful to now own. I can’t wait to start on the book to discover more about the world she has created! (socials)

My final signed copy was by longtime author and journalist Sandra Gurvis! I’m so lucky I caught her right before her author talk, and she had copies available as people have been grabbing them all day!

Sandra Gurvis has written 18 books and hundreds of articles, ranging from many various topics. I’ve been wanting to grab this copy for a while, and I’m so glad she was able to sign it for me.

I also saw her copy of Confessions of a Crazy Cat Lady that I want to pick up later too. I can’t wait to read my haul!

There were also several vendors selling book related art and merchandise! I was a big fan of the art at Kostar Kustoms, especially the Scary Stories to Tell in the Swamp print. Once we get settled, I definitely want this for my office.

I loved seeing all the blind books along with matching tumblr cups, it’s too cute! A big variety of book themed merch is available, so you definitely want to take advantage if you’re a book lover like me.

This wonderful event wouldn’t be possible without the amazing work that The Gilded Page does to put it together! I recommend stopping by their store when you’re able, to check out the best reading material.

Can’t wait to see you next year, at Book Festival 3!