It was standing room only on Saturday at the Kingsville Public Library as a large group of residents and guests gathered to hear the stories of local long-time resident Joan Harder. Joan was reading from her recently-published book from Prairie Roots to Lake Erie Shores – My Story In My Words.

As a keen observer of the people, places and events that make up her life, Joan’s trove of heartwarming stories has been waiting for the right moment and the right alchemy to take shape in her long-awaited book.

While friends and family have known all along that Joan is a master storyteller, the publishing process was finally kick-started with the persistent encouragement of her local writers’ group and, most recently, her brother and sister-in-law John and Janet Thomas.

Her book has generated buzz both at FriesenPress where staff have nominated it as a favourite and among friends and family who share an immense sense of pride and happiness for Joan.

At Saturday’s event, Joan immediately connected with the audience through her personal tales of love, growth and loss which were touching, insightful and, at times, humorous.

Born and raised in the west during the depression, Joan moved to Kingsville more than four decades ago. Along the way she created a full life with friends and family, studying writing styles in local book clubs and honing her craft with local writers’ clubs.

What makes Joan’s story all the more fascinating is that she published her book just after her 90th birthday! A true inspiration, Joan has shown us all that it is never too late to start writing!

Click here to buy on FriesenPress

Click here to buy on Amazon

Photos provided by Hillary Harder