Bestselling author launches novella at the Jesup

Bestselling author launches novella at the Jesup BAR HARBOR — Twenty-five years ago, a young ranger at Acadia National Park closed the Nature Center at Sieur de Monts Spring, grabbed her lunch and a book, and made her way to the steps of Saint Saviour's Episcopal Parish Hall. There, she ate her lunch while reading and gazing at the village green. Little did she know that decades later, she would return to the same spot to launch her latest novella, "Under Current Conditions." On Thursday, July 29, at 7 p.m., acclaimed author Liz Stanley will be at the Jesup Memorial Library's outdoor amphitheater to discuss and sign copies of her new novella. The event is free and open to the public. Stanley, who worked as a ranger in Acadia National Park during the summer of 1996, said that the park and Bar Harbor as a whole had a significant impact on her life and writing career. "In the summer of 1996, I had the pleasure of serving as a park ranger at Acadia National Park," Stanley said. "Those months remain some of the most vivid and formative of my life. I fell in love with Mount Desert Island and vowed to return someday." "Under Current Conditions" is a powerful story set in a small coastal town in Maine. The novella explores themes of loss, grief, and the healing power of nature. It follows the protagonist, Eliza, as she navigates the aftermath of her husband's sudden death and finds solace in the natural beauty of her surroundings. The book has received rave reviews from readers and critics alike. It has been praised for its beautiful prose, compelling characters, and evocative depiction of Maine's rugged coastline. "'Under Current Conditions' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the indomitable human spirit," said bestselling author Sarah Blake. "Liz Stanley's writing is lyrical and luminous, and her characters are so vividly drawn that they will stay with me long after I finish reading." The launch event at the Jesup Memorial Library will be a homecoming of sorts for Stanley, who has fond memories of her time in Bar Harbor. "I am thrilled to be back in Bar Harbor to launch 'Under Current Conditions'," Stanley said. "Returning to the place where I first fell in love with the beauty of Maine and sharing my work with the community means the world to me." The event will include a reading and Q&A session, followed by a book signing. Books will be available for purchase at the event, courtesy of Sherman's Books. "The Jesup Memorial Library is thrilled to host Liz Stanley for the launch of her new novella," said Melody Lewis-Kane, executive director of the library. "Liz's connection to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park adds an extra layer of significance to this event, and we are excited to introduce her work to our community." In addition to her work as a park ranger, Stanley has published several bestselling novels and memoirs. Her previous works include "The Art of Seeing," "Tracking the Good Life," and "Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit." "Under Current Conditions" is Stanley's first foray into the world of fiction, and it has already garnered critical acclaim. The novella is a testament to her talent as a writer and her deep connection to the natural world. The launch event at the Jesup Memorial Library will be an opportunity for readers to engage with Stanley and learn more about her inspiration for "Under Current Conditions." "I hope that readers will be inspired by the beauty of Mount Desert Island and the resilience of the human spirit," Stanley said. "I wanted to create a story that captures the power of nature to heal and restore, even in the face of profound loss." Whether you're a fan of Stanley's previous works or new to her writing, the launch event promises to be an evening of literary celebration and community connection. Join Liz Stanley at the Jesup Memorial Library on July 29 to immerse yourself in the world of "Under Current Conditions" and discover the magic of Maine's coastal landscapes.