Martha Hall Kelly to discuss new novel at Winvian Farm event on Oct. 3

The serene grounds of Winvian Farm in Morris will set the scene as bestselling author Martha Hall Kelly discusses her newest novel, The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club. On Friday, October 3, from 12:30–3 p.m., attendees will enjoy a quintessential New England autumn day during an afternoon talk and Q&A with Kelly over delicious light refreshments and tea service. A specialty tour of the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, a Connecticut Landmarks museum, will also be available for attendees to explore the property that inspired Kelly to write her bestselling book, Lilac Girls.

Minutes away from Bethlehem’s Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Winvian Farm’s rich history dates to 1775. Its second owners, Winthrop and Vivian Smith, raised their family on the idyllic farm before later generations began operating it as a luxury spa and resort. Its interesting history and proximity to the Bethlehem property make it an ideal venue for a special conversation with Martha Hall Kelly. Learn more about Winvian Farm at winvian.com.

The upcoming event will provide an intimate setting to hear Kelly speak about the inspiration, research process, and writing timeline related to her new work of historical fiction. Inspired by true events, The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club explores the story of two sisters living on Martha’s Vineyard during World War II who find hope in the power of storytelling when they start a wartime book club for women. Find more information about the stories behind Kelly’s novels at marthahallkelly.com.

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“After a successful event last year, we are excited to return to the beautiful Winvian Farm with Martha Hall Kelly this October. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Martha over the last several years to create special experiences for guests to explore the history behind her books. At last year’s event, we even had someone attend from Illinois. It is amazing to see people from across the country connect with each other, Martha, and the history of our museum,” said Peg Shimer, site administrator at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden.

Event attendees will have the opportunity to purchase Kelly’s newest book. Her novels, Lilac Girls, Lost Roses, Sunflower Sisters, and Golden Doves, will also be available for purchase and signing. Those who purchase the Author Circle ticket package will have the exclusive chance to sit with Kelly at her table to share a conversation over tea. Raffle prizes and a select assortment of gift shop items from the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden will be available for purchase.

Attendees can extend their day by visiting the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden at 3:30 p.m. to tour the home and garden of Caroline Woolsey Ferriday, a champion for human rights and social justice causes who was intricately involved with several French freedom movements during World War II.

Ferriday’s work with the survivors of Ravensbrück, Hitler’s only all-women concentration camp during World War II, inspired Martha Hall Kelly to write Lilac Girls based on the true story of 75 women who were imprisoned and experimented on at Ravensbrück and how Ferriday brought them to the U.S. for rehabilitation and the trip of a lifetime.

Tickets for A New Page with Martha Hall Kelly as well as the house and garden tour are on sale, with discounts for Connecticut Landmarks Members. For more information, including ticket pricing, visit ctlandmarks.org/tea.

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