Author Visit - Laura Knoy of NHPR

Popular former NHPR host Laura Knoy will visit the library to discuss her novel The Shopkeeper of Alsace. Buy a copy of the book and get it signed by the author! Support our wonderful local bookstore! Representatives of Innisfree Bookshop will be at the library during the event so you can buy your own copy and have Laura sign it for you. You can also buy the book at Innisfree ahead of time and bring it with you that day. About the Novel One unstoppable woman. Two World Wars. Based on a True Story. When WWII comes for her family, Sarah thinks she's ready. She's had training, after all, coming of age in Poland during World War I. In 1920, Sarah leaves behind the ruins of Poland for France, full of youthful hope and ambition. Jewish immigrants are welcome, and soon, she's built the Perfect French Life. In the postcard-pretty Alsatian town of Colmar, she runs a thriving clothing store, gaining a reputation as a stylish and savvy businesswoman. She has three adorable children, a gorgeous husband, and a close extended family. Sarah's legendary sixth sense for trouble grows through the 1930s, as Germany gathers strength under a frightening, new nationalist party. Everyone around her insists that there won't be another war, and if there is, France will win. But Sarah calls upon her lessons learned from World War I, and begins to plan for the worst. Still, no instinct can fully prepare her for the next global conflict. From the Great War in Poland to the long-contested borders of Alsace to the remote refuge Sarah finds in the Cévennes mountains, The Shopkeeper of Alsace is an uplifting tale of family, love, resilience, and one unstoppable woman. Perfect for fans of We Were the Lucky Ones, The Nightingale, and The Alice Network, this dramatic debut brings to life a little-known corner of wartime history-and an inspiring real-life heroine you'll cheer for. About Laura Knoy: For 25 years, Laura hosted New Hampshire Public Radio’s live, daily news and public affairs call-in show The Exchange. Over the years, she interviewed thousands of inspiring, wonderful people. At both the state and national level, the show was repeatedly cited for its intelligence, depth, and civility; and was often called New Hampshire's most widely recognized and respected radio program. Ready for a new adventure, in mid-2021, she left the news business to work for herself. She now helps organizations with their public communications, from special interviews and events to podcasting to narrations. In addition, she finished he first novel, a work of historical fiction titled The Shopkeeper of Alsace. It was published in November 2025 by Bedazzled Ink, an independent, traditional publisher based in Northern California. Lastly, in line with her love of reading and her home state, she launched a podcast titled ReadLocalNH. It's all about celebrating New Hampshire's authors, independent bookstores, and their loyal readers.