The thing about things is they remind people of people. In this workshop, participants will be invited to reflect on their own lives and paint story into form onto pottery. What narratives have helped your life take shape? With the help of facilitators and guided discussion, settle into story and let creative expression lead the way. All materials and kiln time included. Optional ticket upgrade available at event. Created for adults but suitable for attentive children.

Purchase tickets through Spearfish Clayworks at: https://www.spearfishclayworks.com/service-page/storytelling-with-art-at-henry-s-books

April Book Club: Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
The Henry’s Books Book Club meets on the third Saturday of each month at 5:00 PM in the Community Room.
Tickets are $10 plus the cost of the book.

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Saturday, April 18 from noon to 2 pm as we welcome local author Nicole Fronek for the signing of her book Corporate Coach Approach - A Systematic Guide to Career Development.

About the author…

Nicole Fronek, known as “The Coach” and CEO of Two Horse Productions LLC, is based in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Roles supporting Fortune 100 firms inclusive of CBRE, Chevron, HP, Citigroup, and Marriott International. With two decades of experience in project delivery and client services, she has built her career on a foundation of helping others achieve their goals.

Nicole holds a BA in Communications from California State University, Fullerton, and an MSc in Project Management from The University of Liverpool.

About the book…

In the modern corporate environment, career advancement does not typically occur by chance, but rather through intentional action. Corporate Coach Approach - A Systematic Guide to Career Development was created to help individuals shape their career path while navigating the complexities of the workplace.

Recent graduates and seasoned professionals alike benefit from real-world experience accompanied by narratives to exemplify the subject at hand. Inclusion of relevant case studies provides readers with insight to the development of the tried-and-tested methods found throughout this book. Topics include areas such as establishing a personal brand, stakeholder engagement, and taking action to drive productivity.

Content presented in a consolidated format is aimed at identifying possibilities to heighten visibility, thereby showcasing capabilities. Each point covered integrates an evaluation of actual scenarios encountered and concludes with a summary reinforcing key concepts. This structure offers a quick yet informative view into the 'best of the best practices' and practical strategies for situations frequently found in the work environment.

Whether the aim is to increase confidence, maximize advancement opportunities, or retool an established career, Corporate Coach Approach - A Systematic Guide to Career Development, serves as an 'all-purpose' manual for a range of industries and skill levels. Although a cover-to- cover reading is encouraged, each chapter is designed to stand on its own, providing guidance when it matters most - the moment it's needed.

Blood on the Clocktower is a game of murder and mystery, lies and logic, deduction and deception for eight-to-thirteen courageous players and one devious storyteller.

A social game played in person, seated in a circle, each player receives either a ‘good’ or ‘evil’ token with their unique character on it. Good players share information to solve the mystery whilst evil players lie about who they are and what they know. The good team wins if they can piece together their knowledge, trust each other, and execute the demon. The evil team wins if the demon can sow distrust, evade detection, and wipe out the village.

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Sunday April 5th at 4:00 PM for an evening of Blood on the Clocktower, a social deduction game. Space is limited strictly to 12 attendees, so book soon! The cost is $15. Drinks and food available for purchase next door at Nonna’s.

To purchase tickets, please go to www.shophenrysbooks.com/blackhillsbloodontheclocktower

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Saturday, March 28 from noon to 2 pm for a book signing with author Emersyn Park and celebrate her newest title, Last Arrangement, releasing March 16, 2026!

About the author…

Emersyn was born, raised, and still lives in the Midwest with her two sons, husband, and their spoiled dog, Bandit. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Literature/Language Arts from Southwest Minnesota State University.

When she isn’t writing or reading, Emersyn fulfills her passion by working for a non-profit, Hushabye Nursery, that specializes in caring for babies born substance-exposed.

About the book…

Shadows stretch long in small towns, and Claire can’t shake the feeling she’s being watched.

Leaving behind bruises, secrets, and shattered dreams, Claire Collins flees Nashville and lands in the dusty outskirts of Miner City, South Dakota. In the town’s quiet isolation, she tries to rebuild her life, only to learn that starting over isn’t as simple as leaving.

Whispers from the past begin to surface—quiet, familiar, and impossible to dismiss—seeping into her days and slowly eroding the life she’s trying to build.

She escaped him. Or so she believed.

This haunting blend of family saga and psychological thriller explores the scars we carry, the families we find, and the terrifying lengths some will go to reclaim what they believe belongs to them.

Join your fellow community members in a book club style discussion of “In The Distance,” led by a member of the Spearfish Mini Read Literary Team.

This program is part of the Spearfish Mini Read, a collaborative community literary project by The Henry’s Books Foundation in partnership with the Grace Balloch Memorial Library and The Matthews. All of the books and staffing have been provided for free to the community of Spearfish by The Henry’s Books Foundation through grassroots fundraising. All programming focuses on themes from the book “In the Distance” by Hernan Diaz.

While admission is free, donations to the foundation in the amount you would anticipate paying for a ticket are always welcome. Checks may be written to The Henry’s Books Foundation or online donations can be made through Black Hills Area Community Foundation.

We’d like to recognize our sponsors, with especially deep gratitude to The Friends of the Grace Balloch Memorial Library, without whom we would not have been able to provide this program. Our other generous sponsors include Cornerstone Auto Repair, Mitchell’s Barber Shop, Whole Child Wellness, Black Hills Psychology, Pioneer Bank and Trust, and Spearfish Economic Development Corporation.

Join your fellow community members in a book club style discussion of “In The Distance,” led by a member of the Spearfish Mini Read Literary Team.

This program is part of the Spearfish Mini Read, a collaborative community literary project by The Henry’s Books Foundation in partnership with the Grace Balloch Memorial Library and The Matthews. All of the books and staffing have been provided for free to the community of Spearfish by The Henry’s Books Foundation through grassroots fundraising. All programming focuses on themes from the book “In the Distance” by Hernan Diaz.

While admission is free, donations to the foundation in the amount you would anticipate paying for a ticket are always welcome. Checks may be written to The Henry’s Books Foundation or online donations can be made through Black Hills Area Community Foundation.

We’d like to recognize our sponsors, with especially deep gratitude to The Friends of the Grace Balloch Memorial Library, without whom we would not have been able to provide this program. Our other generous sponsors include Cornerstone Auto Repair, Mitchell’s Barber Shop, Whole Child Wellness, Black Hills Psychology, Pioneer Bank and Trust, and Spearfish Economic Development Corporation.

Expert Mycologist Ian Umphrey shares wisdom and safety tips on hunting edible mushrooms in the Black Hills. All experience levels are welcome!

This program is part of the Spearfish Mini Read, a collaborative community literary project by The Henry’s Books Foundation in partnership with the Grace Balloch Memorial Library and The Matthews. All of the books and staffing have been provided for free to the community of Spearfish by The Henry’s Books Foundation through grassroots fundraising. All programming focuses on themes from the book “In the Distance” by Hernan Diaz.

While admission is free, donations to the foundation in the amount you would anticipate paying for a ticket are always welcome. Checks may be written to The Henry’s Books Foundation or online donations can be made through Black Hills Area Community Foundation.

We’d like to recognize our sponsors, with especially deep gratitude to The Friends of the Grace Balloch Memorial Library, without whom we would not have been able to provide this program. Our other generous sponsors include Cornerstone Auto Repair, Mitchell’s Barber Shop, Whole Child Wellness, Black Hills Psychology, Pioneer Bank and Trust, and Spearfish Economic Development Corporation.

Local expert Madison Ferguson explains the immersive experience of Forest Bathing (mindfulness outdoors) and gives practical tips on making the most of your time spent in the Hills. No soap or bathtub required!

This program is part of the Spearfish Mini Read, a collaborative community literary project by The Henry’s Books Foundation in partnership with the Grace Balloch Memorial Library and The Matthews. All of the books and staffing have been provided for free to the community of Spearfish by The Henry’s Books Foundation through grassroots fundraising. All programming focuses on themes from the book “In the Distance” by Hernan Diaz.

While admission is free, donations to the foundation in the amount you would anticipate paying for a ticket are always welcome. Checks may be written to The Henry’s Books Foundation or online donations can be made through Black Hills Area Community Foundation.

We’d like to recognize our sponsors, with especially deep gratitude to The Friends of the Grace Balloch Memorial Library, without whom we would not have been able to provide this program. Our other generous sponsors include Cornerstone Auto Repair, Mitchell’s Barber Shop, Whole Child Wellness, Black Hills Psychology, Pioneer Bank and Trust, and Spearfish Economic Development Corporation.

Learn about basic foraging in the Black Hills from experts Joe and Ashley from Sage and Cedar Herbal Teas. This workshop is suitable for novices and beginners of all ages.

This program is part of the Spearfish Mini Read, a collaborative community literary project by The Henry’s Books Foundation in partnership with the Grace Balloch Memorial Library and The Matthews. All of the books and staffing have been provided for free to the community of Spearfish by The Henry’s Books Foundation through grassroots fundraising. All programming focuses on themes from the book “In the Distance” by Hernan Diaz.

While admission is free, donations to the foundation in the amount you would anticipate paying for a ticket are always welcome. Checks may be written to The Henry’s Books Foundation or online donations can be made through Black Hills Area Community Foundation.

We’d like to recognize our sponsors, with especially deep gratitude to The Friends of the Grace Balloch Memorial Library, without whom we would not have been able to provide this program. Our other generous sponsors include Cornerstone Auto Repair, Mitchell’s Barber Shop, Whole Child Wellness, Black Hills Psychology, Pioneer Bank and Trust, and Spearfish Economic Development Corporation.

Bring your sack lunch for this lunch and learn as S. Carolyn Short and Shari Potter share their insights for navigating the winter blues and giving your mental health a much needed boost!

This program is part of the Spearfish Mini Read, a collaborative community literary project by The Henry’s Books Foundation in partnership with the Grace Balloch Memorial Library and The Matthews. All of the books and staffing have been provided for free to the community of Spearfish by The Henry’s Books Foundation through grassroots fundraising. All programming focuses on themes from the book “In the Distance” by Hernan Diaz.

While admission is free, donations to the foundation in the amount you would anticipate paying for a ticket are always welcome. Checks may be written to The Henry’s Books Foundation or online donations can be made through Black Hills Area Community Foundation.

We’d like to recognize our sponsors, with especially deep gratitude to The Friends of the Grace Balloch Memorial Library, without whom we would not have been able to provide this program. Our other generous sponsors include Cornerstone Auto Repair, Mitchell’s Barber Shop, Whole Child Wellness, Black Hills Psychology, Pioneer Bank and Trust, and Spearfish Economic Development Corporation.

Blood on the Clocktower is a game of murder and mystery, lies and logic, deduction and deception for eight-to-thirteen courageous players and one devious storyteller.

A social game played in person, seated in a circle, each player receives either a ‘good’ or ‘evil’ token with their unique character on it. Good players share information to solve the mystery whilst evil players lie about who they are and what they know. The good team wins if they can piece together their knowledge, trust each other, and execute the demon. The evil team wins if the demon can sow distrust, evade detection, and wipe out the village.

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Sunday March 1st at 4:00 PM for an evening of Blood on the Clocktower, a social deduction game. Space is limited strictly to 12 attendees, so book soon! The cost is $15. Drinks and food available for purchase next door at Nonna’s.

To purchase tickets, please go to www.shophenrysbooks.com/blackhillsbloodontheclocktower

Join us for Frog & Toad Story Time presented by the BHSU Theater Department. Free and open to kids of all ages! The first 10 families to attend will have a free copy of Frog & Toad Are Friends to take home courtesy of Henry’s Books Foundation.

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Saturday, February 28 from noon to 2 pm for a book signing with author Heidi Hutchinson and discover your new favorite romance series!

About the author…

When she’s not writing about wild hearted women and hunky heroes, she’s watching Doctor Who or trying to find the perfect gluten free pizza crust for her pizza shaped celiac heart. She lives in the Black Hills with her alarmingly handsome husband, their fearless child, and a rather large (and spoiled) dog.

About the books…

Heidi Hutchinson writes slow burn rock star romances for contemporary readers who like humor with their hotties. She has both open and closed door series filled with relatable characters and swooney yumminess. She is known for series like Common Threads, Double Blind Study, and Soaring Bird, featuring stories with themes like friends-to-lovers, second chances, and workplace romance.

THE DOUBLE BLIND STUDY SERIES is an exciting romance series about rock stars in recovery. The Double Blind Study band has already lived the rock and roll cliché. This is life after. Full of humor, heart, and slow burn romance. Each book can be read alone but it is best if read in order. Cliffhanger free. Closed Door)

THE SOARING BIRD SERIES follows a group of extreme sports enthusiasts as they navigate life and love living on the California coast. Slow burn romantic comedies that can be read individually, but best if read in order. Cliffhanger free. Varying levels of steam.

THE IN BETWEEN DUET SERIES is a slow burn unconventional romance that explores the connections of science and poetry. Occasionally intense moments of personal clarity and heartfelt confessions. Filled with touches of humor and real world obstacles. Cliffhanger free. Closed Door.

IN COLD MUD SERIES is a small series revolving around the politics and relationships of horse racing. Not a romance series. Definitely family drama.

NOTE: All of Heidi Hutchinson’s books take place in the Double Blind Study world. Each series can be read on their own but there are often crossover characters you may recognize.

Black Hills Reads Bookstop Lesson with CAT Scratch Studios

Saturday, February 21 at 11 AM

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Saturday, February 21 at 11 am for storytime with Cary Thrall of CAT Scratch Studios featuring the book “Lon Po Po” and an oil pastel art lesson for kids. This free event is open to the public at Henry's Books, 111 E. Hudson St., Spearfish.

About the book…

This Caldecott Medal-winning, classic retelling of Little Red Riding Hood is one of the most celebrated picture books of our time.

With characteristic flair and energy, award-winning artist Ed Young illustrates the ancient Chinese version of the favorite fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. Young's vibrant, yet delicate, pastels and watercolors add drama to the deftly translated story.

Dr. Sarah Sue Burich shares her wisdom on using kitchen herbs and spices to create homemade remedies for health and wellness, suitable for beginners.

This program is part of the Spearfish Mini Read, a collaborative community literary project by The Henry’s Books Foundation in partnership with the Grace Balloch Memorial Library and The Matthews. All of the books and staffing have been provided for free to the community of Spearfish by The Henry’s Books Foundation through grassroots fundraising. All programming focuses on themes from the book “In the Distance” by Hernan Diaz.

While admission is free, donations to the foundation in the amount you would anticipate paying for a ticket are always welcome. Checks may be written to The Henry’s Books Foundation or online donations can be made through Black Hills Area Community Foundation.

We’d like to recognize our sponsors, with especially deep gratitude to The Friends of the Grace Balloch Memorial Library, without whom we would not have been able to provide this program. Our other generous sponsors include Cornerstone Auto Repair, Mitchell’s Barber Shop, Whole Child Wellness, Black Hills Psychology, Pioneer Bank and Trust, and Spearfish Economic Development Corporation.

Join us as Paul Higbee shares stories on Swedish immigrants and their experiences and adventures settling in the Black Hills of South Dakota in the late 1800’s.

This program is part of the Spearfish Mini Read, a collaborative community literary project by The Henry’s Books Foundation in partnership with the Grace Balloch Memorial Library and The Matthews. All of the books and staffing have been provided for free to the community of Spearfish by The Henry’s Books Foundation through grassroots fundraising. All programming focuses on themes from the book “In the Distance” by Hernan Diaz.

While admission is free, donations to the foundation in the amount you would anticipate paying for a ticket are always welcome. Checks may be written to The Henry’s Books Foundation or online donations can be made through Black Hills Area Community Foundation.

We’d like to recognize our sponsors, with especially deep gratitude to The Friends of the Grace Balloch Memorial Library, without whom we would not have been able to provide this program. Our other generous sponsors include Cornerstone Auto Repair, Mitchell’s Barber Shop, Whole Child Wellness, Black Hills Psychology, Pioneer Bank and Trust, and Spearfish Economic Development Corporation.

A CAPTIVATING GAME OF BLUFFING AND DEDUCTION

Blood on the Clocktower is a game of murder and mystery, lies and logic, deduction and deception for eight-to-thirteen courageous players and one devious storyteller.

A social game played in person, seated in a circle, each player receives either a ‘good’ or ‘evil’ token with their unique character on it. Good players share information to solve the mystery whilst evil players lie about who they are and what they know. The good team wins if they can piece together their knowledge, trust each other, and execute the demon. The evil team wins if the demon can sow distrust, evade detection, and wipe out the village.

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Sunday February 1st at 4:00 PM for an evening of Blood on the Clocktower, a social deduction game. Space is limited strictly to 12 attendees, so book soon! The cost is $15. Drinks and food available for purchase next door at Nonna’s.

To purchase tickets, please go to www.shophenrysbooks.com/blackhillsbloodontheclocktower

A CAPTIVATING GAME OF BLUFFING AND DEDUCTION

Blood on the Clocktower is a game of murder and mystery, lies and logic, deduction and deception for eight-to-thirteen courageous players and one devious storyteller.

A social game played in person, seated in a circle, each player receives either a ‘good’ or ‘evil’ token with their unique character on it. Good players share information to solve the mystery whilst evil players lie about who they are and what they know. The good team wins if they can piece together their knowledge, trust each other, and execute the demon. The evil team wins if the demon can sow distrust, evade detection, and wipe out the village.

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Sunday January 4th at 4:00 PM for an evening of Blood on the Clocktower, a social deduction game. Space is limited strictly to 12 attendees, so book soon! The cost is $15. Drinks and food available for purchase next door at Nonna’s.

To purchase tickets, please go to www.shophenrysbooks.com/blackhillsbloodontheclocktower

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish for a very special Christmas event with Author Sean Covel! Covel will share his Christmas book, “Marlon McDoogle’s Magical Night” on Saturday December 13 at 11 AM. This event is suitable for kids of all ages! Books will be available for signing and purchase.

About the Book: 

Marlon McDoogle's Magical Night is a world-class Christmas adventure about a young boy finding his identity, and stepping into his place in the world. On the night of his 12th Christmas Eve, Marlon McDoogle waits for his grandpa, Angus, to “give him a gift he’ll never forget.” Marlon soon finds himself part of a secret Christmas Eve team that helps Santa deliver presents on a train while Santa's reindeer fill up on the magical hay that lets them fly. When Marlon throws a handful of hay into the boiler of the train, he unleashes a magic never before seen and finds himself flying the train high above the mountains. With quick thinking and incredible bravery, Marlon is able to get the flying train under control. Marlon saves the night, saves Christmas, and forever becomes The Boy Who Flies Trains. Marlon learns lessons of appreciating family, being true to your heart and the real spirit of Christmas along the way. Inspired by the actual Black Hills Central Railroad in Hill City, SD. The 1880's Train (as it's known) is the oldest continuously operating tour railroad in the nation.

About the Author:

Sean Covel is a Los Angeles-based Film and Television Producer who grew up in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  Covel’s credits include; 

Beneath for Paramount Pictures, The 12 Dogs of Christmas directed by Academy Award Winner, Keith Merrill, and the iconic independent film, Napoleon Dynamite.  Together, Covel’s films have won multiple awards, generated over one-quarter-billion dollars in revenue internationally and gotten nerds prom dates across the globe.  He very much wishes that would’ve been the case when he was in high school.  

Covel travels the globe on various film shoots, but maintains close ties to his small-town midwestern roots.  In 2015 he founded The 12 Days of Pizza charitable program, which supplies food insecure families with elementary school children consistent meals across the Christmas break. In its first year, the program provided 144 meals to Black Hills area families. Within the first 3 years the program grew to provide over 12,000 meals. 

Additionally, Covel’s new children’s book; Porter the Hoarder and the Ransacked Room has been developed into an interactive reading initiative for elementary aged kids. 

With the help of the United Way, Black Hills Reads, and Black Hills Special Services, over 60,000 copies of the book will be given free of charge to 1st grade students, teachers and libraries across South Dakota. The books are accompanied by a reading program designed to create parent engagement at home, and boost grade level reading successes.  

Covel holds an undergraduate degree in Broadcast Management and Acting from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, where he guest lectures each spring.   Covel enjoys traveling, keynote speaking, and lecturing at universities and film festivals internationally, but he hangs his nunchucks in Deadwood, SD.

A CAPTIVATING GAME OF BLUFFING AND DEDUCTION

Blood on the Clocktower is a game of murder and mystery, lies and logic, deduction and deception for eight-to-thirteen courageous players and one devious storyteller.

A social game played in person, seated in a circle, each player receives either a ‘good’ or ‘evil’ token with their unique character on it. Good players share information to solve the mystery whilst evil players lie about who they are and what they know. The good team wins if they can piece together their knowledge, trust each other, and execute the demon. The evil team wins if the demon can sow distrust, evade detection, and wipe out the village.

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Sunday December 7th at 4:00 PM for an evening of Blood on the Clocktower, a social deduction game. Space is limited strictly to 12 attendees, so book soon! The cost is $15. Drinks and food available for purchase next door at Nonna’s.

To purchase tickets, please go to www.shophenrysbooks.com/blackhillsbloodontheclocktower

Black Hills Reads Bookstop Lesson with CAT Scratch Studios

Saturday, December 6, 2-3 pm

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Saturday, December 6 at 2 pm for a Black Hills Reads Bookstop Lesson with CAT Scratch Studios!

Early learners, ages one year to 4+ and their caregivers are encouraged to attend this free event. Lead educator Cary Thrall will offer an interactive read-aloud of local South Dakota and Lakota author Donald Montileaux’s book “Muskrat and Skunk.” Following the reading, a rich learning activity will be shared with children. Adults are encouraged to assist. Children will receive their own copy of the book to keep.

About the book…

THUMP! BOOM! BAM!

Animals stop and listen. A new sound is in the forest. The beat vibrates through the trees and across the meadows. What is it? Where is it coming from?

Muskrat and Skunk thump on a hollow logBOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Birds begin to dance. Buffalo and Antelope join in. There is a rustle in the bushes; a large shape emerges. The animals scatter. Muskrat and Skunk drum on.

The story of the drum connects the instrument's sound to the heartbeat of Mother Eartha beat inside all of us. For the Lakota people, the drum is more than something to be played. Its rhythm is felt, and it is central to many ceremonies.

Donald F. Montileaux retells the origins of the drum, using traditional stories that Lakota people still tell today. His colorful images breathe life into Muskrat and Skunk, enhancing our understanding of the Lakota culture.

Book Signing with Lisa Fahey

Saturday, December 6, noon - 2 pm

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Saturday, December 6 from noon to 2 pm for a book signing with local author Lisa Fahey and discover her newest title, “You Are Loved,” a four-week bible study for teens.

About the author…

Lisa Fahey is an author, speaker, spiritual direction coach, and publisher with over thirty years of experience working with youth, adults, and women in the Church. Her passion for inspiring and empowering others has guided her to create impactful Bible studies, courses, and personal coaching that support individuals in their journey with God.

About the Book…

You Are Loved is a four-week Bible Study for teens designed to help teens not just hear about God’s love—but truly experience it, live it, and walk confidently in it. With honest reflections, powerful Scripture, real-life stories, and space to journal and connect, this book will meet you right where you are.

Each week dives into a different part of the journey:
• Week 1: Overlooked – You are seen, known, and never forgotten.
• Week 2: Everlasting Love – God’s love has no limits or expiration date.
• Week 3: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – Learning to love yourself as God does.
• Week 4: Live Out Love – Taking that love into your world.

Whether you’re doing this study on your own, with a friend, or in a small group, this book is for every teen who’s ever wondered: “Am I enough? Am I truly loved?” Yes. A million times, yes! And this study will show you just how much.

Join us at Henry’s Books in the Community Room for a story time with Joanna Mechaley on Saturday December 6 at 10 AM. 

This month we’re celebrating the holidays with Lemony Snicket’s The Lump of Coal. Story time is open to all ages, but specifically geared towards kids aged 4-8 years old. 

About the book…

This is a story about a lump of coal who can think, talk, and move itself around.A lump of coal that wants to be an artist, but would settle for making decorative marks on a piece of grilled meat, rolls out of a forgotten bag of charcoal one winter and takes a spin through town seeking a miracle.Is there a more charming holiday tale to behold? Probably, but Lemony Snicket has not written one.

A free copy of the book will be given to the first 10 families that attend! Books provided by the Henry’s Books Foundation.

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish for a very special Black Friday event!

On Friday November 28 at 11 AM we will host Eliza Blue for a very special reading from her newest book, “The Adventures of Pearl and Theo”--plus some special music and singing in the round. This event is suitable for kiddos of all ages! Don’t miss out on this very special treat from a local favorite!

About the Author:

Eliza Blue is a writer, folk musician, and rancher living on the short grass prairie of western South Dakota. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, the Guardian, and NPR's All Songs Considered. Her weekly column, Little Pasture on the Prairie, is carried by nineteen different print publications, and she has written and produced seasonal audio “postcards” from her ranch for South Dakota Public Broadcasting and Prairie Public Radio. Her first book, Accidental Rancher, was chosen as the Siouxland One Book 2023. Eliza currently hosts a show celebrating rural art and culture for PBS called Wish You Were Here with Eliza Blue, and she is the director of the Kithship Collective, an organization devoted to innovative, ecosystem-specific storytelling.

About the Book:

An Unlikely Friendship on the Ranch…Pearl and Theo are two orphaned lambs struggling to find their place in a big, wide world. When they arrive at the ranch, they’re uncertain of what’s ahead. But with the gentle care of their surrogate mother, Liza, and the help of some unexpected friends—especially Franny, the spunky goat—the lambs embark on an adventure that will change their lives forever.

Told from the perspective of Pearl and Theo, this heartwarming middle-grade novel is a beautiful blend of humor and the expansive charm of life on the plains. Set against the rolling backdrop of the prairie, the land and the seasons emerge as central characters, while also introducing modern themes of bullying, belonging, and the discovery that family isn’t always defined by blood—sometimes it’s shaped by love, trust, and the friends that rally around you when you need them most.

Drawing inspiration from author Eliza Blue’s experiences adopting the real-life Pearl & Theo, as well as her experiences living and working at her ranch on the western plains, the land and the seasons emerge as central characters, rich with emotion and significance. In this book, as in Blue’s other work, the prairie is more than just a setting—it is a partner in the storytelling.

Illustrated by Karen Kinder, a fellow Dakotan whose sketches bring the characters to life with playful and whimsical artistry, The Adventures of Pearl & Theo is a book designed to be read aloud. Its tender moments and humorous antics will engage readers of all ages, making it a perfect addition to the family bookshelf. This beautiful and thought-provoking tale will resonate with children and parents alike, sparking a conversation about the value of the natural world and the role it plays in our emotional growth.

The Adventures of Pearl & Theo is ideal for young readers who crave heartfelt stories filled with adventure, animal companions, and a deep connection to the land.

Join Pearl and Theo as they discover the true meaning of friendship and family—one hoofstep at a time!

Book Signing with Noelle Davenport

Saturday, November 15, noon - 2 pm

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Saturday, November 15 from noon to 2 pm for a book signing with local author Noelle Davenport and discover her newest romance, “MistleFoe.”

About the author…

Noelle Davenport is a closed-door romance author that can't get enough of happily ever afters, characters that make her swoon, and book hangovers that keep her thinking about them for days afterward! One of her favorite things in the world is a good book that lingers in the back of her mind all day long and she wants to bring her readers that same joy.

About the Book…

Black Friday is looking bleak this year…

Violet Hatch needs to snag the hottest toy of the season—it’s the key to making rent this month. Unfortunately, Dax Peters is just as desperate.

When they’re caught fighting over the last GigaBite and a store window gets broken, they’re both arrested for vandalism. Ordered by a Christmas-loving judge to do twenty community service hours by Christmas Eve or go to jail, they opt to serve. But there’s one caveat: they must work together.

Violet is all about collaboration—with a side of payback—and Dax never backs down from a challenge.

As their prank war escalates, so do their feelings for each other. But he’s a terrible distraction, and she’s in the way of a big office with a view.

With a hefty fine looming, and jail time she can’t serve, Violet must focus on what really matters. It’s not Dax. It can’t be Dax.

Because if they go from MistleFoe to Mistletoe, who wins?

Book Signing with Kathy Bjornestad and Heidi Stefanich

Saturday, November 8, noon - 2 pm

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Saturday, November 8 from noon to 2 pm when we will host local author Kathy Bjornestad and photographer Heidi Stefanich for the signing of their new poetry/photography book “Let There Be Birds!”

About the authors:

Kathy Bjornestad is a retired librarian and language arts teacher. She is a Wyoming Fellowship for Creative Fiction recipient, has placed in multiple writing contests, and has published widely. She is part of South Dakota’s 2024 Speakers’ Bureau and has four books out. You can find her at redheadswrite.net.

Heidi Stefanich: Ever since her father got Heidi her first Polaroid camera when she was a young girl, she has been fascinated with photography. She even built a pinhole camera for a grade school science project! Now, after a few decades, raising two kids and living lots of life, she has returned to the craft, finding that it fills a space inside her that craves creativity and beauty. 

Recently, Heidi’s work has appeared in Wyoming Wildlife magazine (Photo Issue 2021, 2017, 2016), The Wyoming Wildlife Calendar (2017), WREN Magazine (August 2019, September 2019), The 2021 Sundance Wyoming Visitors Guide, The Dahl Art Center’s Proof of Life Online Exhibit, and The Dahl Mountain Photo Competition + Exhibit as part of the Dahl Mountain Culture Festival (2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017) in Rapid City, South Dakota. Her work has also been on exhibit at the Matthews Art Gallery in Spearfish, South Dakota in 2020 and 2021.

About the book:

A book to uplift. To comfort. To warm the soul.

The idea for Let There Be Birds sprang from a grandmother’s wish. Its pages delve into history, death and rebirth, and our connection to nature. This blend of poetry and photography celebrates our relationship with birds. The poems take many forms and are meant to be read aloud and shared with all ages, while the color photography captures moments of wonder in the avian world.

“Kathy Bjornestad’s poems are as delightful to the ear as the sweet song of a western meadowlark. Paired with Heidi Stefanich’s photographs, “Let There Be Birds” is a visual and literary feast.”

John Andrews, Editor of South Dakota Magazine

“Poems warble across these pages. Let There Be Birds somehow captures the flesh-and-blood weight of birds while celebrating the lifting wings that carry them. Study the photographs. Slowly read and allow the dropping of boundaries to pull you into the life of birds: ‘Five yellow finches bob and sway— / May expels a gusty spray, / cocks her arm / and flings . . .’ Nature the way it should be presented.”

Steve Boint, Founder of Scurfpea Publishing LLC, author of Winddance

Book Signing with Nellie Peters

Saturday, November 1, noon - 2 pm

Henry’s Books in Spearfish is excited to host local author Nellie Peters for a book signing on Saturday, November 1 from noon to 2 pm. Join us as Nellie shares her latest release, A House of Torment.

About the author…

Nellie Peters lives with her own Prince Charming and their four littles on the wild, windswept plains of Wyoming (it sounds way more romantic than it is). When she's not writing, she's chasing toddlers, cleaning up sticky messes, helping endlessly renovate the house, and dreaming up exciting adventures that may or may not wind up on paper.

About the Book…

A House of Torment is Part One of a dark fantasy/paranormal romance duology set in the same world as the Paranormal Literary Society series. Featuring an enemies-to-allies-to-lovers no-spice romance and no explicit language, this book is suitable for readers 16+ due to pervasive themes of abuse.

What if the only escape from hell was in the embrace of the demon holding you captive?

Our girls' trip to Savannah was supposed to be my first real vacation. My proof that I was healing. That the shadows of my past no longer owned me.

But instead of a journey toward recovery, a hotel mix-up lands my childhood friend and me in a hidden prison—one that feeds on tourists instead of catering to them. Now we're trapped in a house ruled by vampires, marked as nothing more than walking blood bags.

I’ve been here before. Not this place, but this feeling. Powerless. Afraid. Broken. I swore I'd never let it happen again. But old wounds have a way of resurfacing when we're least prepared.

And then there’s Varin. Ancient and untouchable, he terrifies me more than any other creature here. So why does he watch me like I’m something that matters? Is he waiting for me to slip up...or are his intentions far darker than I imagine?

Can I ever escape this nightmare—or will trusting a monster be my undoing?

A CAPTIVATING GAME OF BLUFFING AND DEDUCTION

Blood on the Clocktower is a game of murder and mystery, lies and logic, deduction and deception for eight-to-thirteen courageous players and one devious storyteller.

A social game played in person, seated in a circle, each player receives either a ‘good’ or ‘evil’ token with their unique character on it. Good players share information to solve the mystery whilst evil players lie about who they are and what they know. The good team wins if they can piece together their knowledge, trust each other, and execute the demon. The evil team wins if the demon can sow distrust, evade detection, and wipe out the village.

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish on Friday October 31 at 5:00 PM for an evening of Blood on the Clocktower, a social deduction game. Space is limited strictly to 12 attendees, so book soon! The cost is $15, costumes welcome but not required. Drinks and food available for purchase next door at Nonna’s.

To purchase tickets, please go to www.shophenrysbooks.com/blackhillsbloodontheclocktower

Join us at Henry’s Books in Spearfish for another Book Folding Crafternoon with Sam on Saturday October 25th from 2 PM to 4 PM. The cost is $30, all materials are provided, and your ticket includes a drink from Nonna’s Kitchen. Space is limited to 8 attendees, so please sign up soon! Tickets may be purchased at Henry’s Books or by calling the bookstore at 605-569-0991.