Day: October 7, 2020

Upcoming release: ‘Fine’ by Amylea Murphy

Amylea Murphy’s debut novel ‘Fine’ will be available starting November 17, 2020. Photo: amazon

Author AmyLea Murphy has always been passionate about helping young people mature into successful, confident, and contributing members of society. Enthusiastic about empowering others to be their most authentic and best selves in spite of the challenges life presents , her compassion and grit shines through her storytelling. Her debut novel “Fine,” is set for release on Tuesday  November 17, 2020. This YA novel is an intimate glimpse into the private world of two teenage girls struggling to be themselves in a demanding and unforgiving world. Inspired by the resiliency of the human spirit, AmyLea Murphy writes about life-changing moments in the hope of empowering her readers to embrace life in all of its messiness. (Black Château, 2020)

“Fine” is the story of Anna Williams, a straight-A student, cheerleader and all-around golden child who vanished six years ago. After all these years, no one knows what happened or why. Her younger sister, Katie, has drifted through life ever since, wracked with guilt, grief and anger over Anna’s unsolved disappearance. But when her future reaches a breaking point, Katie takes the investigation into her own hands. Searching for answers in her sister’s missing person’s file, she discovers that some questions aren’t so easy to answer. Through police memos, interrogations and excerpts from Anna’s diary, Katie peaks behind the carefully crafted façade Anna left behind and uncovers the dark truths of her life in the months before she disappeared. Unsettling and surprising, “Fine” is a mystery that will break your heart and put it back together again.

“Fine” blends the mystery of “Sadie” and “Vanishing Girls” with the poignancy of Sarah Dessen. Inspired by Gayle Forman and Jennifer Niven and written for all ages, “Fine” is a reminder of the resiliency of the human spirit and brings out the inner teenager in everyone. It is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.

Briscoe’s Sips and Sounds of the West series

Sips and Sounds of the West of the Briscoe this Friday October 16. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is offering guests the opportunity to kick back and kick up their heels on the banks of the River Walk with its new Sips and Sounds of the West series. Debuting Friday, October 16 in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, Sips and Sounds of the West features live music, drinks and food under the stars and the watchful eyes of the fantastic bronze sculptures that call the garden home. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2020)

The first of the planned quarterly music series features Clint Tomerlin, a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, aspiring author/poet and occasionally funny man who has performed with and opened for artists including Wade Bowen, Bruce Robison and Drew Kennedy. Tomerlin’s music will fill the air as everyone enjoys a socially distanced evening featuring a cash bar with specialty cocktails and tasty treats from food truck Mi Taquito Arandas Jalisco. Doors open at 6:30p.m. with music, drinks and food until 8:30p.m.

Sips and Sounds of the West will take place in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, a lush public outdoor space featuring a beautiful courtyard surrounded by bronze sculptures that depict iconic figures of the American West. The sculpture garden offers respite during any River Walk visit, with tables, chairs and benches to rest and enjoy the view. With the lights of downtown in the background, the garden becomes magical at night, making it the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends.

Advanced tickets for Sips and Sounds of the West are $12 per person and include three drink tickets, as well as an admission ticket to come back and enjoy the rest of the Briscoe during regular museum hours. The event is free for museum members. Space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis to guarantee a safe, socially distanced event and members must RSVP to attend. To safely ensure proper social distances are maintained, groups are asked purchase tickets in one transaction. A minimum of two tickets must be purchased to ensure guests are seated appropriately. Groups of three to five will be seated at a larger round table. Groups of two will be seated at intimate cocktail tables. Tickets will be available at the door but will be $20 per person.