Issue 8 · Week of October 26, 2026
Lake Forest Book Store’s event team connects readers with the writers they love
Erin Henkel and Morley Vahey aren’t afraid of rejection. The duo joined forces with a goal to bring in more authors to Lake Forest Book Store, and they shot for the stars - using persistence, publishing contacts and the occasional direct message. Vahey and Henkel, both Lake Bluff residents, work together on the store’s author events, from securing a visit and signing to managing the crowd that comes to meet the writer. “We’re passionate about reading, very persistent and certainly our charm doesn’t hurt,” says Henkel. “We’re also not afraid to get turned down.” Their approach has produced some memorable days for the book store.
Henkel recalls hosting Liane Moriarty, who chose and trusted the pair to moderate her event, followed that evening by a happy hour with William Kent Krueger. More recently, an Elin Hilderbrand signing drew more than 250 people in two hours. “It went very smoothly,” says Vahey. “It brings us joy when the atmosphere is fun!” Behind those visits are relationships cultivated well before an author’s arrival. “We maintain relationships with local authors and publishers to ensure we are on their radar when they are putting together an author’s tour,” says Vahey. Henkel says their work has also begun to bring invitations from publishing houses. The store’s reputation helps; so does the partnership behind the events. “We’re good friends and both huge book nerds,” says Henkel. “We’re doing this because we both truly love what we do.”
“We’re good friends and huge book nerds.”
For Vahey, the pleasure extends through the less visible parts. “We both enjoy the whole process of securing an author, promoting the event and executing the day of - small or large!” And the authors, she believes, notice the welcome. “By nature authors tend to be natural story collectors, they are very aware of their surroundings,” says Vahey. “I believe that the environment at the store (friendly, thoughtful, well-read) speaks loudly and authors remember their time with us.” The review they like hearing? “I’d love to come back for my next book!”
Upcoming Lake Forest Book Store Author Events
- Katherine Reay — November 5th
- Jennifer Smith — February 26th
- Lisa Barr — March 8th