There is a certain kind of excitement that can only be found at a book festival. Readers wander from one title to another, authors share the stories behind their work, and unexpected discoveries happen simply because someone decided to pick up a book. That sense of curiosity and connection is what makes the Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 such a special literary gathering. Taking place in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the festival brings together people who share a love for books while creating opportunities to discover new authors, explore different perspectives, and celebrate the many stories that bring communities together.
The Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 concluded last September 26–27, 2026, marking the festival’s 21st anniversary. The main celebration transforms downtown Winston-Salem into a lively destination for readers, featuring author panels, readings, book signings, exhibitors, vendors, food trucks, and activities for visitors of all ages. The festival also welcomes young readers with a dedicated children’s area where children can participate in activities and receive free books, making the celebration an experience that families can enjoy together.
Literary festivals such as Bookmarks offer something that cannot always be found through a simple visit to a bookstore or an online search. They create a space where readers can encounter books in a more personal way. A panel can provide insight into an author’s creative process, a book signing can turn a title into a memorable keepsake, and an unexpected conversation can lead a reader toward a story they might never have discovered otherwise. It is this combination of literature and human connection that continues to make book festivals valuable to the publishing community.
Among the titles proudly represented by Citi of Books at this year’s festival is “A Soul Returned” by Kimberly McCrear-Himmons . The book offers readers another distinctive voice to discover and reflects the variety of stories and perspectives found within our publishing community. We are excited to introduce this work to the festival audience and give visitors the opportunity to explore the author’s ideas, experiences, and creative vision through the pages of the book.
“A Soul Returned” by Kimberly McCrear-Himmons is a deeply emotional and faith-driven narrative that explores the painful realities of abuse and the long journey toward healing and self-worth. The book centers on the lives of women who have endured different forms of domestic violence—whether emotional, physical, financial, or psychological—and examines how such experiences can leave lasting scars on identity and self-esteem. Rather than presenting suffering as the end of the story, the book focuses on restoration, emphasizing that healing is possible through self-love, resilience, and faith.
The book follows the interconnected stories of four women, each affected by different forms of domestic abuse. Their journeys reveal how deeply harmful relationships can impact a person’s confidence, identity, and emotional well-being. The narrative explores the confusion that often surrounds abusive situations—especially when love and pain become intertwined—raising an important question about where the line between the two truly exists.
As the story progresses, each woman begins a gradual journey toward healing. This transformation is not immediate or easy; it involves confronting trauma, rediscovering self-worth, and learning to set boundaries. A central theme of the book is the role of faith, as the characters find strength through spirituality and a renewed relationship with God. Ultimately, their stories become testimonies of resilience—demonstrating that even after deep emotional wounds, it is possible to reclaim one’s life and emerge stronger.
Ultimately, this book stands out as a powerful and inspiring narrative for anyone interested in stories of resilience, recovery, and personal growth. It reminds readers that no matter how difficult the past may be, there is always the possibility of renewal and a return to wholeness.
Citi of Books at Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 — celebrating authors, discovering new perspectives, and giving more stories the opportunity to find their readers.