The world’s largest book fair, Frankfurter Buchmesse, once again opened its doors from October 15–19, 2025, in Frankfurt, Germany—welcoming dreamers, storytellers, and innovators from around the globe. Known as the beating heart of the publishing world, this grand event gathers more than 7,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries, along with an expected 280,000 attendees and 10,000 media professionals. It’s not just a fair—it’s a global celebration of literature, culture, and creativity.
This year’s fair was extraordinary, with over 4,000 seminars and roundtable discussions spotlighting the future of books and storytelling. From bold new voices to legendary authors, the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 continues to serve as the ultimate hub for discovering fresh perspectives and timeless tales.
As the fair celebrates another successful year of bringing together the brightest minds in publishing, Citi of Books proudly joins the festivities at this year’s Frankfurter Buchmesse, showcasing inspiring titles from its talented authors.
In collaboration with Citi of Books, the author of “Teddy Bear Hugs,” Mary Kathy Gray, held a successful book signing event during the 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse.
Mary Kathy Gray was born in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1969, Mary Kathy and her family moved to Arkansas where they operated a commercial poultry and cattle farm. Today, her sons, Larry and Michael live near her home in Dardanelle, Arkansas. In 2017, she became Mary Gray-Sand, marrying Duane Sand who has a son, David.
She was trained as a classical pianist while attending colleges in Texas and Arkansas. Today, her business career has led to helping older citizens with their Medicare Insurance as an Independent Agent. In 1986, Mary Kathy felt led by God to write expressions of His love through poetry, scripture studies, prayers, short stories, novellas, novels, and inspirational articles. She is contributing to the author in six books.
Imagine, it’s the night before your dream wedding, and bam—your world shatters with a heartbreaking betrayal from your fiancé. That’s exactly where we find the touching tale, “Teddy Bear Hugs.”
Lynn’s reeling from anger, jealousy, and a gut-wrenching sense of loss, feeling too embarrassed to even face her loved ones. Lovesick and lost, Lynn’s spiraling into a fog of disbelief. But hold on—her wise mom swoops in with some real-talk wisdom: Sometimes we get so caught up in what we think is meant to be, chasing our own plans instead of pausing to hear from God. It’s that kind of raw, relatable heartache that pulls you right into the story, making you root for Lynn from page one. If you’ve ever felt crushed by love gone wrong, this book is your cozy escape.
Desperate for a reset, Lynn’s mom nudges her to head out on a surprise trip to visit her aunt and uncle, and oh boy, does adventure await! Enter Aunt Zena, who whisks Lynn away to meet the unforgettable Miss Eula Marchant—a spiritual counselor with a knack for turning grief into pure, feel-good magic. But get this: Miss Eula’s home is an absolute teddy bear wonderland, stuffed floor-to-ceiling with fluffy friends that scream comfort and quirky joy. As Lynn dives into sessions that unpack her pain, she uncovers layers of healing she never saw coming. It’s not just therapy; it’s a gentle nudge toward rediscovering love, peace, and that divine spark we all crave. Gray weaves in these moments with such warmth, you’ll feel like you’re right there, hugging a teddy and letting go of your own baggage.
By the end, Lynn doesn’t just survive—she blooms, exclaiming her newfound “pearl” of God’s love to the world in a way that’s fresh and inspiring. “Teddy Bear Hugs” by Mary Kathy Gray isn’t your typical romance; it’s a soul-stirring reminder that heartbreak can lead to the sweetest surprises. If you’re craving a story that’s equal parts emotional rollercoaster and uplifting hug, grab this gem by Mary Kathy Gray today. Trust me, it’ll leave you smiling, maybe even reaching for your own teddy bear!
If you missed the fair, keep an eye on Citi of Books for upcoming events! The 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse may have concluded, but the stories it sparked continue to inspire. What book fair moments have left a mark on you? Share in the comments!
