Leonard Apa is a New Jersey-based teacher and author of Introducing the Scarlet Scrapper. He is a member of International Thriller Writers (ITW). His short fiction has appeared in CAPED: An Anthology of Superhero Tales, Deadman’s Tome Campfire Tales Book One, the debut issue of Creepy Campfire Quarterly, and The Good Fight 5: The Good Fight. His work was also featured in the “Reject a Hit” segment of Writer’s Digest. This is Leonard’s first time appearing at the New Providence Book Festival.
Learn more about Leonard at https://leonardapa-author.weebly.com.
J.R. Bale is the author of the political thriller, Phoenix in the Middle of the Road, an Amazon five-star bestseller, as well as his science fiction novels, Cognition Chronicles: The Redstone Legacy and Cognition Chronicles: Destiny’s Orphans. When not writing fiction, J.R. is a professor at several New Jersey colleges, a marketing consultant, and a resident of New Providence. Earlier this year, J.R. contributed two stories to Road Signs, A Short Story Anthology. You can visit J.R.’s website at www.jrbale.com.
Linda Barth is a local history enthusiast and author. Her books include The History of Inventing in New Jersey, Hidden New Jersey, Bridgetender’s Boy and other New Jersey-related books.
You can visit Linda’s website at www.lindajbarth.com.
Robert DeSando was a reporter and bureau chief for the Asbury Park Press; communications director for, and deputy executive director of, the New Jersey General Assembly; a special assistant to the state education
commissioner; an assistant state transportation commissioner, and director of governmental relations for the NJ School Boards Association. His first
book, The Lights Go Out in ‘The Electric City, was published by the Ocean County Historical Society in 2021. He and his wife live in Jackson, NJ. This is Bob’s first time appearing at the New Providence Book Festival.
Susen Edwards recently published her 1960s coming-of-age novel, What a Trip. and Lookin’ for Love. She previously published her children’s book, Dr. Whisper and Nurse Willow.
Learn more by visiting www.susenedwardsauthor.com.
Christopher Falco is a New Jersey author, illustrator, and high school art teacher, and the creator of his original character, Wally. Inspired by the charm and expressiveness
of classic hand-drawn animation, Christopher writes and illustrates children’s picture books that blend humor, heart, and creativity. His books include Wally’s Holiday Rescue and Wally’s Creative Brush Up.
Learn more by visiting www.goldenagevault.com.
Sarajane Giere is an an artist and retired teacher living in West Caldwell, NJ. She has published personal essays in the New York Times and the Christian Science Monitor. She has written two memoirs, the latest being, My Pilot: A Story of War, Love and ALS, which debuted in November of 2020. She is a member of the Washington Association of Morristown. Learn more by visiting Sarajane’s website at www.sarajanegiere.com.
Mary Hintze Is a former global IT leader turned Professional Certified Coach who now channels her creativity Into writing playful, educational stories for children. Inspired by her five grandchildren, she wrote Where Do The Birds Sleep? as a legacy of love, curiosity, and connection to nature. She now lives In Pennsylvania where she Is retired and enjoys playing pickleball and creativing stories that spark wonder. This is Mary’s first time appearing at the New Providence Book Festival.
Tom Kranz is a Philadelphia native whose 40-year career in journalism includes radio, television, print and online platforms. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Temple University. Tom has written eight books including Liveshot, his first-person account of his experience covering the disastrous 1985 MOVE conflict in West Philadelphia. He’s also written seven novels. He resides in New Jersey where he writes, hosts a podcast on creativity and does freelance communications work.
Learn more at www.tomkranzkbooks.com.
 Theresa Lombardi Magistro is a Bronx baby born to Italian immigrants. She was educated in the NYC Public Schools and graduated from The City College of the City of NY in 1971.Theresa taught for over 30 years and was elected president of the Stamford Education Association implementing changes on a broad scale. Active in her community, she served as a Commissioner on the Urban Redevelopment Commission for 12 years, where she was a strong advocate for pedestrian enhancements in the downtown area. Theresa lives in New Providence, NJ with her husband, Charles. Antonetta, An Immigrant’s Story, a memoir is her first book. This is Theresa’s first time appearing at the New Providence Book Festival. |
Elissa Matthews is the author of Where the River Bends, a historical fiction taking place in 1931, a time of social, financial and racial chaos. She has also written a collection of short stories entitled, Bittersweet and Magic.
Visit Elissa’s website at www.epmatthews.com.
Michael Penncavage’s story, The Cost of Doing Business, originally appeared in Thuglit, won the Derringer Award for best mystery. One of his stories, The Converts was filmed as a short movie, while another, The Landlord was adapted into a play. His debut novel, Person Unknown, adapted from the screenplay, was also recently released from All Due Respect Press.
Fiction of his can be found in over 100 magazines and anthologies from 7 different countries such as Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine (USA), Here and Now (England), Tenebres (France) Crime Factory (Australia), Reaktor (Estonia), Speculative Mystery (South Africa), and Visionarium (Austria). He has been published by IDW and Ahoy Comics.
Suzanne Trauth is the author of the suspense novel The First to Die, the Dodie O’Dell mystery series—Show Time, Time Out, Running out of Time, Just in Time, No More Time, and Killing Time—and What Remains of Love, an historical romance (Firebird, American Book Fest, Chanticleer book awards), as well as plays and non-fiction books. In her previous career, she spent many years as a university professor of theatre and when she is not writing, she coaches actors. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, the Dramatists Guild, the League of Professional Theatre Women, and Liberty States Fiction Writers. She lives in Woodland Park, New Jersey.
Learn more about Suzanne at www.suzannetrauth.com.
Carol Van Den Hende is an award-winning author who pens stories of resilience and hope. Her Goodbye, Orchid series draws from her Chinese American heritage, and has won 40 literary and design awards, including the American Fiction Award, IAN Outstanding Fiction First Novel Award, and Royal Dragonfly Awards for Cultural Diversity and Disability Awareness. One secret to her good fortune? Her humorous husband and twins, who prove that love really does conquer all. This is Carol’s first time appearing at the New Providence Book Festival.
Learn more at www.carolvandenhende.com.
New Providence Book Festival 