THE BOOKMARK
AND OTHER STORIES
OF BETHLEHEM, PA
1777. After being wounded at the Battle of Brandywine, the Marquis de Lafayette is taken to the isolated religious community of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he is cared for by a Moravian Single Sister named Liesl Boeckel who has little patience with the arrogant Frenchman and his unwelcome curiosity about her life.
2005. When Abbey Prescott inherits her grandmother’s house in Bethlehem, she discovers an eighteenth-century bookmark, which may reveal a romance between Liesl and Lafayette, and she becomes determined to solve the mystery. However, her quest is complicated by the aftershocks of a failed love affair and a possible romantic entanglement of her own.
The Bookmark is a work of historic fiction and an immersive romantic mystery that illuminates a little-known piece of American history through the lives of two women, separated by the centuries but alike in their determination to confront the past and find a way forward.
“Lafayette” and me in Havre de Grace, MD
On July 29, 2025, I had the honor of participating in a Lafayette Bicentennial celebration in Havre de Grace, Maryland where “Lafayette” reenacted his arrival 200 years ago. As you can see, I wore a Moravian-style dress, and I was thrilled to meet historical interpreter Ben Goldman. I was charmed by his French-accented English, and we even got to share a laugh together.
For more information about the Bicentennial: Lafayette 200
Upcoming Event in
Historic Bethlehem, PA
Wine and Cheese with Lafayette October 11, 2025
Tickets are going fast!
Meet a famous Lafayette historical interpreter for a fun night in Historic Bethlehem. To learn more: Wine and Cheese with Lafayette
First Public The Bookmark Walking Tour
What a great time sharing Historic Bethlehem on the first public The Bookmark Walking Tour! The event was even more special because my first college roommate participated, and we got to see each other for the first time in over fifty years. This is just one more example of all the good things The Bookmark has brought into my life.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Bethlehem
I had a great time with this good-sized group. Thank you all for coming out!
Lower Macungie Library
What a fun time at this wonderful library. I fell in love with the statue out front.
The Bookmark has a Voice!
The Bookmark is now available as an audiobook on Amazon! This audio was created using virtual voice narration (AI), and I have to admit I was leery at first. But, it’s really not bad at all. For a limited time, the audio version is free with a free trial with Audible. Amazon offer
From the Blog
Anne in Havre de Grace
(with “Lafayette”)
We traveled to charming Havre de Grace, Maryland to participate in their Bicentennial Celebration of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. I even got to meet the great man himself (or as close as I’ll ever get. Click the link below to learn more about our visit:
What Readers are Saying
