• Ontario

NIAGARA REGION WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL BEST-SELLING IRISH AUTHOR TO CANADA

DUNNE launches for the first time in Canada PHOTO CREDIT: Noel Hillis

(Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON) -- On October 25th, about 100 Niagara residents made literary history as international best-selling Irish author Catherine Dunne launches into the Canadian market at Ravine Vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This premiere event features the latest of Dunne's 10 novels, THE YEARS THAT FOLLOWED, which is earning acclaim from readers worldwide, including Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly and Booklist. This premiere Canadian launch follows days after Dunne's United States' debut in New York, New York.

DUNNE introduces Canada to her latest of 10 novels

Upon arrival, guests pick up their purchased books and proceed immediately to meet the author. As a deviation from most book launches, instead of waiting until after the readings, Dunne avails herself straight away for signing books and taking photos, offering, "I enjoy developing rapport with my readers, right off".

Niagara born sisters welcome Dunne to Canada PHOTO CREDIT: Kristen Bastien

Dunne is introduced by Canadian author, Helen Hansen currently of Ottawa, born and schooled in the Niagara region and recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence at the national level. Hansen explains her collegial relationship with Dunne began 10 years ago when, after a stroke and aneurysm, Hansen turns to writing novels to regain her speaking and writing skills. During this time, a mutual friend introduces her to Dunne in Dublin and mutual respect and friendship grows, an ocean apart.

After reading three page-turning excerpts from THE YEARS THAT FOLLOWED, Dunne engages guests in a popular question-answer period. The query that brought the greatest laugh was, "Is there anyone here tonight who has given you inspiration for a new character in your next novel?". Dunne smiles then replies, "Even though I'm in Canada now, I was in New York last week for my United States' debut launch, and would like to plead the fifth". Peals of laughter, followed by Irish eyes ... and Canadian ... smiling.

Published in Canada by Pan Macmillan and distributed by Publishers Group Canada, THE YEARS THAT FOLLOWED is now available to book reviewers through the distributor, as well as novel lovers through all major book stores.

THE YEARS THAT FOLLOWED is set in the 1960s through the 1980s and Dunne offers, "It was inspired by the Greek myth of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon's turbulent relationship" - themes still relevant in today's times. Full of drama and page-turning suspense, the novel lives up to its tagline, "Revenge is sweeter than regret".

Readers are invited to post comments about THE YEARS THAT FOLLOWED and engage in social media exchanges directly with the Dublin author, Catherine Dunne herself, at Facebook.com/Author.CatherineDunne, at Twitter @dunnecatherine, or her website catherinedunneauthor.com

This event was organized by local Niagara Falls business woman and Workplace Communication Consultant, Marion Grobb Finkelstein (www.MarionSpeaks.com)