A story for you about an event called Rendezvous. Oh yes, there’s a giveaway, too. An invitation from JustRead Publicity Tours and so much to do before we celebrate in 66 days!
bookish legacy
I’m a firm believer in giving credit where credit is due which is why it’s no secret that Rendezvous is modeled after Christian Fiction Readers Retreat. There is no way I would have boldly volunteered to organize an event of this magnitude (in just a few months, no less) without the ability to glean from the minds and hearts of those on the frontlines of planning and praying those pioneering gatherings into existence.
In case you don’t know the story, Christian Fiction Readers Retreat was founded by avid reader Bonnie Roof and book bloggers “Annie JC” of Just Commonly and “MeezCarrie” of Reading Is My SuperPower (aka stewards of CFRR) and was first held in 2016. Personally, I was greatly blessed by attending that first retreat. My perspective on authors, readers, our relationship as fellow believers, and the books that bring us together was transformed. Warm acquaintanceships and dear friendships planted in the fertile soil of shared faith and fiction thrive to this day.
Fueled by a shared passion for Christian fiction and a desire for authors and readers to interact, the stewards facilitated a total of three successful events and inspired the creation of similar gatherings before passing the baton. My experiences at those events sparked a passion for facilitating genuinely meaningful connections between readers and authors. Rendezvous is one of many events inspired by the legacy of Christian Fiction Readers Retreat.
May your love of stories be sweetened by fellowship and encouragement at JustRead Rendezvous and always!
you are invited
JustRead Rendezvous
November 16-17, 2023
Holiday Inn St Louis SW – Route 66
Join fellow readers and authors at the inaugural JustRead Rendezvous to celebrate Christian fiction and sweet reads with food, games, giveaways, and books. This event aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement and is modeled after Christian Fiction Readers Retreat. Friday’s activities will include speaker sessions, author panels, small group discussions, and author signings.
On Thursday evening, JustRead is hosting a Meet and Greet and Watch Party for The Christy Award Winners Gala webcast. The Christy Award honors and promotes excellence in Christian fiction and is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Additional Rendezvous event sponsors include Baker Publishing Group fiction divisions (Bethany House Publishers and Revell), Kregel Publications, and Ambassador International.
Learn more about the 2023 JustRead Rendezvous
participating authors
Keynote speakers are Jocelyn Green and Pepper Basham, 2022 finalists of The Christy Award. Rounding out our first 30 participating authors are Amanda Cox, Ann Elizabeth Fryer, Ann H. Gabhart, Barbara M. Britton, Danielle Grandinetti, Elly Gilbert, Erica Vetsch, Heather Greer, Janine Rosche, Jenny Rae, Jerusha Agen, Kimberley Woodhouse, Kristi Ann Hunter, Lisa M. James, Lisa Phillips, Lorri Dudley, Megan Besing, Michelle Griep, Nancy Mehl, Peggy Trotter, Rebecca Hemlock, Regina Rudd Merrick, Sarah Hanks, Shaen Layle, Stephenia H. McGee, Suzie Waltner, Tabitha Bouldin, and Tamara Leigh. Additional interested authors will be invited to register as reader registration grows.
register
Friday’s activities (including a book tote, light breakfast, lunch, snacks, and more) are $110 for readers and Thursday evening is an additional $30. Reader registration ends on October 13 (or earlier if event capacity is met).
Subscribe to email updates and learn more about each author on the JustRead Rendezvous website. Connect with other attendees and hopefuls to arrange shared experiences or cost-sharing opportunities in the Rendezvous Roomies & Logistics ’23 private Facebook group.
JustRead giveaway
(1) winner will receive a Rendezvous book tote loaded with books and swag, a signed event booklet, a cozy Route 66 throw, and an “If I can’t take my BOOK, I’m not going” keychain!
The giveaway begins at midnight September 12, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 19, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Items may vary slightly. Throw and keychain ship immediately. Tote, books, swag, and booklet available at event or to ship in late November. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
JustRead Rendezvous Takeover Giveaway
Reader friends, tell me about your reader event experiences! Will you join these authors, fellow readers, and me at Rendezvous this year or in the future?!
Faithfully Bookish 
I’ve got all the feels from your post, my friend! Proud of you for following God’s leading and launching the Rendezvous! ~Carrie
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This sounds like a blast I wish I could go!! So many amazing authors!
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This is a great event! Thank you for what you all are doing.
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