As the pages of history turn, we find ourselves reflecting on a remarkable milestone—the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest book festival in the United States, held on April 26-27, 2025. Set against the stunning backdrop of the University of Southern California campus, this annual celebration of literature brought together thousands of book lovers, authors, and industry professionals for a weekend brimming with literary magic.
Attracting around 150,000 attendees from Southern California and beyond, the festival was a testament to the enduring appeal of literature and the community it fosters. Each event, each conversation, and each shared moment contributed to a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrated the diverse voices and stories that shape our world.
This year, Citi of Books was thrilled to be part of this vibrant gathering, where the love for literature was palpable in the air. Whether you were a lifelong bibliophile or a curious newcomer exploring the world of books, the festival provided a unique opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share our passion for the written word.
As we look back on this unforgettable weekend, we invite you to join us in reliving the highlights of Citi of Books’ gallery during the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books—a true celebration of the literary arts! A book included in the gallery was “Not in My Own Strength: With God All Things Are Possible” by Charlotte Patterson.
Charlotte Patterson was raised in the close-knit community of Enid, Oklahoma. After graduating from high school, she married her husband, Billy Patterson Jr., just one year later. Early in her life, Charlotte felt a divine message from God revealing that she would marry someone destined to travel the world—a prophecy fulfilled when Billy joined the military.
Charlotte is a devoted wife, mother of five (four daughters and one son), and proud grandmother to four grandchildren. Her passion for serving others shines most brightly through her love of cooking. Fueled by both faith and ambition, she is in the process of bringing her long-held dream of owning a café to life.
Sharing her story has been a deeply personal mission. For Charlotte, this is only the beginning—there is much more to come, and she’s just getting started.
A restoration of a covenant marriage was imminent—but restoration would require more than reconciliation. The very foundation on which the marriage was built had to be repaired, and that could only happen through the healing of two individual souls.
In “Not In My Own Strength,” Charlotte Patterson shares her powerful personal testimony of transformation, faith, and surrender. As a military wife, Charlotte came to understand that many of her deepest struggles stemmed from her resistance to yielding fully to God’s will. It wasn’t until she made the wholehearted decision to give everything over to Him—truly and completely—that she began to see change. Within just twenty-four hours of her surrender, God began to move on her behalf.
This memoir chronicles not only the restoration of her marriage, but also the spiritual awakening that followed. Despite facing tremendous hardships from childhood and throughout her adult life, Charlotte reflects on the moments when God protected her from death and reminded her of His constant presence. Her story is living proof that God doesn’t just restore what is broken—He rebuilds it stronger, if we allow Him to.
Through honest reflection and unwavering faith, Charlotte invites readers to see their own stories in hers. She reminds us that God’s blessings far exceed our expectations, and that even when life turns us upside down, God is always guiding us toward the right side up. Not In My Own Strength is more than a memoir—it’s a message of hope, an encouragement to let go, and an invitation to let God be the true strength in your life.
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