Beth Lapin

Lapin signs book for fellow NLHS classmate Gilda Lancaster Butler with Bobby Montanari, Joanne Pederson, Deb Dembo, and Wendy Golart Wachter (J. Tanzer, photo)

Dozens of family, friends, and customers crowded into the back room of Muddy Waters on Saturday to celebrate the publication of a New London native’s first novel.  Beth Lapin’s book. To Say Goodbye, has just been released by Wings ePress.

“We’re here to welcome a home town New Londoner made good,” said Carol Goldblatt Jones, a friend of Beth’s since elementary years at Harbor School. Carol launched the celebration by adding, “We are so proud of you and your new career.”

Lapin credits her New London roots for some of the book’s development. “I have strong ties to the Connecticut coast, which is where this book takes place. And I got a solid foundation from my New London education.” She told the group about the start of her writing career in 2009, when she lost her formal job, and shared some of her experiences while writing the book. “Ben’s mother just showed up,” she said laughing. “I tried to delete her, but my fingers kept typing her arrival.” She shrugged. “I had no choice but to let her stay.” Beth also described her second book, a historical novel about gypsies in Connecticut in the 1800s. “I’m looking for a publisher for that one,” she added.

“Your mother is up there clapping,” whispered her aunt Connie Horlink, who had traveled from Milton, MA, to attend the book signing. A friend, Sharon Rogolsky, took the train down from Boston; another, Elliott Krinsky, came from New Hampshire.  Alan White, a special high school friend, brought a red rose. Beth’s daughter, Kay Hammerson, sold books.

Beth will be holding another book signing on Saturday, March 31, at 1pm at the Cypress Restaurant in Middletown, where she currently resides. For more information, see www.BethLapin.com or email: Beth@BethLapin.com.