This is a debut novel with a unique premise that asks the question: Can a name change the course of one's life? In this story, a mother contemplates 3 names, each with different possibilities and shares the stories of each possibility.

By general agreement, at our last meeting, we chose Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters as our meeting place. If the weather is nice, we can sit outside, If not, there is indoor seating available. The restaurant should have gluten free options available.

I came across this DIY event and thought others might be interested. It could be a cute thing for a book club event or a themed party (scary books and spiderwebs for Halloween? Children's books for a baby shower or birthday? Bunny books at Easter? Comics or graphic novels? Calling all teachers...) I always struggle to come up with centerpiece ideas when I host. The cost is roughly $17 and all materials to create three centrepieces are provided.

I'm not exceptionally crafty, but I can probably do this. I CANNOT make a credible effort at sip and paint or pottery :( I only master the sipping part.

I love to support local folks teaching and doing what they love.

The tickets are available directly through eventbrite. I just googled "DIY Book Floral Centerpieces Traditions Brewing".

This month's book selection takes us through France, from Paris to verdant farmland in the South. Let's enjoy some time outdoors at a local lavender farm. There's a small admittance fee and an extra charge if you want to pick lavender.

Based on interest, I'll reserve tickets in advance.

Apologies for the late notice this month. This is a quick, easy read.

The protagonist operates a river barge bookshop on the Seine and embarks on a trip of healing and discovery through the south of France. He is a "book apothecary", gifted at finding just the write title for each person, but is unable to do so for himself.

We can meet at the new bakery on Jefferson Avenue.

How about a day trip to the Charlottesville area?

*** edited to add, if you're interested in the event but not the timing, let me know. We could do this on a non-holiday weekend***

The Market at Grelen is a working garden and orchard with a European vibe and six miles of walking trails through the property. The trails are adjacent to Montpelier so we could tour that as well. The cafe looks like a great place to have lunch or we could choose a scenic spot and bring a picnic.

Merrie Mill Vineyard has Sunday Blues and Jazz with Paulien from 1-4. (They also sponsor an art festival and book fair twice a year, so something to look forward to this Fall.)

Gordonsville and Barboursville are in between if we want to visit an another winery or two. Barboursville would be a great picnic spot.

If there is interest, we could see about a sunset French bateau boat tour (but $$). It includes scenery, narration, music and we can bring our own wine!

Plenty of time to talk about our current book selection, get some exercise and enjoy some beautiful scenery so we can return to the Monday scene happy and refreshed.

I've wanted to visit both places for awhile.

I enjoyed our inaugural meeting - always good news when a first meeting goes long!!

We chose to keep up a regular first Saturday of the month meeting with additional activities to be scheduled.

We chose our first book, Isola by Allegra Goodman. The novel is historical fiction based on real life. Marguerite is a wealthy heiress suddenly orphaned. Her guardian squanders her inheritance and punishes her for engaging in an inappropriate relationship. She is abandoned on an island off the coast of New France with two others. I usually read a lot of reviews, but I don't think I want to ruin the ending of this one.

In keeping with the novel, we'll combine discussion with a hike to the relatively isolated tip of Grandview, weather permitting. If the weather isn't favourable, we'll meet again at Busy Nothings.

We will have to walk a half mile on a gravel path to get to the beach. There is street parking outside of the preserve available. It's usually windier than other places so dress appropriately. There are lots of dining options available for lunch afterwards if anyone is interested.

Our current novel features a French protagonist and the setting is France and New France.

Let's channel a little French spirit and meet for burgers and Bordeaux at the Baker's Wife, followed by cinema. They sometimes also have live jazz on Thursdays.

It's a lovely restaurant and it feels like a French bistro. Every other Thursday they offer two burger meals (beef, vegan or lamb) , fries (truffle fries for me!) and a shared bottle of red or white Bordeaux for $40.00. The bartender also makes a great French 75 cocktail. Just down the street is the American Theatre which features classic movies. The movie this evening is Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest.

I know that mid week evenings can be difficult but it might be a nice way to meet and break up the week.

"Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings."

-Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

Who can resist a coffee shop based on a Jane Austen quote?

While there's nothing sublimely creative about meeting over coffee, this is a charming place with room to accommodate. As a reader, I love a good story and I find that the stories surrounding locally owned businesses are great.

I thought we could introduce ourselves and consider how we would like to proceed.

The coffee shop is close to Jefferson Avenue if you have errands to run. The general area also contains a great bakery, ice cream shop and creperie.

It looks like the shop also hosts silent reading events, which we could inquire about.

Hope to see you there - looking forward to meeting everyone. Bring your best Jane Austen attitude!