How I Met This Best-Selling Author

How I met this best-selling author is the topic for today’s post.

Who?

Louise Penny.

What? How?

It All Started With A Shared Love For The Fictitious Village of Three Pines

As I’ve written previously, my late mom, Francine, introduced me to the Louise Penny murder mysteries. A voracious reader, she loaned me first book in the series, Still Life.

I tore through it.

Penny’s Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, is a gem; intelligent, insightful and uncommonly kind, he epitomises the definition of humble. His advice to colleagues? Always be prepared to admit: “I don’t know. I’m sorry. I was wrong, I need help.” Oof. What a guy.

Many of the murders take place in Quebec’s Eastern Townships in or near the fictitious village of Three Pines. What a place; if only it were real. I longed to visit. As did fellow soccer mom, Jane. We passed many a Sunday morning shivering on the sidelines of some random soccer pitch, nattering on about how we’d love to see it on a snowy day and nosey about Three Pines’ eclectic New and Used Bookshop or, better yet, down a hot toddy while sitting fireside at the Bistro.

We weren’t alone.

Brome Lake Books and Café Three Pines

Yes! They Now Exist.

When Jane and I learned Brome Lake Books  and Café Three Pines were opening in Penny’s hometown of Knowlton, Quebec, an hour south of Montreal, of course we booked flights.

Just back from that wonderful trip, I’m thrilled to report both enterprises are all you’d expect and more.

The bookstore does Myrna proud. I suspect we weren’t the only ones expecting to see the cranky poet, Ruth, guzzling a scotch in a quiet corner …

We hoped this was one of Penny’s pups. Nope. But darling Poppy is a permanent bookstore fixture.

On to the café in the lower floor.

Okay, yes, we both teared up as we stepped into Café Three Pines. They’ve managed to capture the ambience of Olivier’s Bistro. From the artful seating arrangements, to the heavenly menu to the imposing pair of stone fireplaces at either end.

As With Olivier’s Bistro, You Won’t Leave Hungry or Without A New Friend

As it was early afternoon, we decided on tea and a treat. The menu is extensive – from the usual to the “Canadiano” coffees and the popular Reine-Marie tissanes. Foodwise, there’s plenty on offer. From the impressive Croissant Gamache – a worthy smoked ham, brie and apple number – to the thick, gooey brownies, chunky date squares and saucer-sized lemon tarts.

As we waited in line, I spied the groaning bookshelves lining two walls.

“Is it okay to donate a book?” I asked the friendly barista.

“Oh yes, we encourage customers to leave a copy! We just ask that you swap it out for another.”

Donate a book and get a book?

Omg. What a concept. I loved the idea of Never, Never, Hardly Ever – A Mother/Daughter Story of Antiques and Antics heading home with an anonymous Three Pines fan.

I’d packed two copies. One went to the lovely owners at our Montreal bed and breakfast. I couldn’t imagine a better spot for the second. After tucking it sideways atop some thick novels, and selecting Rachel Johnson’s quirky-sounding, Notting Hell, I joined Jane, fireside.

Our love for all things Louise Penny wasn’t unique. Folks seated nearby were happy to chat. A French-speaking grandmother, who could have easily passed as Reine-Marie, Armand’s wife, grinned at us as she entertained her grandchild while waiting for her husband.

She even offered to take our photo once our order arrived.

“Does Louise Penny pop by very often?” We ventured to ask.

“Yes, when she’s in town. However, she’s about to head out on her Canadian book tour to promote The Black Wolf, so it’s unlikely we’ll see her today.”

And Then, This Happened

I froze. “Let’s get a photo!” Jane suggested. Sensing my inexplicable shyness, one of our new friends volunteered as our photographer.

And Louise Penny’s response?

“Oh, but you must all be in the photo. Let me get someone else to take it.”

My heart is full. Not only has this author inspired the creation of these vibrant businesses, but she puts paid to the saying, “Never meet your heroes.” She’s the female equivalent of the gracious and insightful Armand Gamache, a man she modeled after her late husband, Michael.

Two seconds of a meet-and-greet and I “know” her?

Well, just go and check out the locations she’s chosen for her book tour … you’ll likely feel the same.

If you’re pining for a holiday tonic, I highly recommend a visit to Canada’s Eastern Townships and the town of Knowlton, Quebec. It’s a lovely part of the world. And …  you might just get to hang out with one of our world famous, best-selling authors.