EATONTON, Ga. — Award-winning author Vanessa Riley will be the May Georgia Writers Museum Meet the Author presenter on Tuesday, May 7at 7p.m. (doors open at 6:30p.m.) at the Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton.

She willpresenther new book, “Queen of Exiles.” Tickets are $40 and include amazing Haitian and Italian hors d’oeuvres and décor fit for a queen. She willsignbooks after her presentation.

“You may not know Queen Marie-Louise Christophe,” says No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult, “but once you have met her, you won’t forget her. Vanessa Riley’s historical novel feels timely and relevant, commemorating a time when Black women were queens.”

“Queen of Exiles” is based on the true story of Haiti’s only queen.

In 1810, in a ceremony befitting European royalty, Louise is crowned queen, reigning over the first free Black nation in the Western Hemisphere. She must temper King Henry’s lust for power and honor against court intrigues and the indifference exhibited by former allies like Britain and the new United States that leave Haiti vulnerable to demands of French reparations, war, and recolonization. Louise desperately tries to steer her ambitious husband from ruin as King Henry descends into a mire of mental illness.

In 1820, the kingdom is overthrown. Henry commits suicide; Louise and her daughters manage to flee to Europe with their smuggled jewels. The resilient Louise recovers Henry’s fortune and re-establishes herself as an equal with the kings of Europe. With newspapers and gossip tracking their every movement, she and her daughters tour Europe like other royals, complete with glittering balls and princes and marriage proposals. As they find their footing–and acceptance–they discover more about themselves, own their Blackness in elite spaces, and celebrate opportunities in a European and male-dominated world.

Riley is an award-winning author of “Island Queen,” a Good Morning America Buzz Pic, and the forthcoming “Queen of Exiles.” Riley’s historical novels showcase the hidden histories of women of color. In addition to being a novelist, Riley holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in industrial engineering and engineering management from Stanford University. She also earned both a BS and MS in mechanical engineering from Penn State University. Her works have been reviewed by the Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Publishers Weekly, and the New York Times. Riley was named the 2023 Georgia Author of the Year for her book, Sister Mother Warrior.

Call the Georgia Writers Museum to register for this special event and pre-order a copy of Riley’s book.

For more information, call 706-991-5119 or email info@georgiawritersmuseum.org.

The Georgia Writer’s Museum is located at 109 S. Jefferson Avenue in Eatonton.