June 4th, 2026 – Last night, we welcomed author Belle Burden for a moving conversation about her debut memoir, Strangers, an intimate and deeply personal account of heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery.
Joined by her literary agent, Brettne Bloom of The Book Group, Burden shared the story behind the memoir and reflected on the unexpected events that inspired it. What began as a seemingly secure family life during the early days of the pandemic was upended when her husband of two decades suddenly left, setting her on a journey to understand her past, reclaim her voice, and rebuild her future.
Throughout the evening, Burden spoke candidly about the writing process, the challenges of transforming personal pain into literature, and the themes of identity, betrayal, and empowerment that run through the book. Audience members were captivated by her honesty, humor, and insight as she discussed the emotional journey that ultimately led to Strangers.
The conversation also explored the relationship between author and agent, offering guests a behind-the-scenes look at how a memoir makes its way from manuscript to publication.
Following the event, attendees had the opportunity to purchase copies of Strangers and meet Burden during a book signing.
The evening was a thoughtful and inspiring celebration of storytelling and the transformative power of finding one’s voice.