At Sticks and Steel, we believe in celebrating creativity, courage, and community. That's why we're thrilled to spotlight two inspiring Midwest women whose written words are making waves and warming hearts.
Meet Amelia Chiarenza:
Amelia is a woman of many talents—her career path includes serving as a NCAA Division I rowing coach, over a dozen years in the aerospace industry, writer, podcaster, coach, and now founder of Cultivate Being. She is also Terri's neighbor. Terri and her husband, actually the whole neighborhood and can attest to the fact that cottage baker should also be included on Amelia's resume. Yum!
Her book, Recovered, Alive takes readers on a beautifully reflective journey through grief, healing, and the importance of coming home to yourself. It’s honest, heartfelt, and full of moments that stop you in your tracks—in the best way. Amelia’s storytelling will resonate with anyone who’s had to let go of something in order to grow into who they were meant to become.
Learn more about her work at cultivatebeing.com
Meet J. Marie (Jill Citrowske):
Writing under the pen name J. Marie, Jill Citrowske brings soul and depth to everything she writes. Her books explore what it means to walk through heartbreak, healing, and self-reclamation—all while helping readers feel seen, heard, and inspired. When Jill reached out to us about carrying her books, it didn't take long before we were all convinced that Jill's writing would resonate with our Sticks and Steel friends.
We’re proud to carry five of her incredible titles in-store and online, each one rooted in the journey of becoming more fully yourself. Her stories are layered, honest, empowering and set in the Midwest—perfect for cozy reading season or gifting to someone who loves a good reflective, thought-provoking read.
You can explore her work and learn more at jmariebooks.com
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To celebrate these women and their work, we’re hosting a book signing event in-store on Saturday, November 23 from 1 to 3 PM. Stop by to meet the authors, get your books signed, and enjoy a toast to following your dreams at 2 PM. Can’t make it? You can still support these talented women by shopping their books online.
Shop our book collection here!
Let’s celebrate the powerful voices rising from right here in the Midwest. These women prove that stories rooted in courage, compassion, and authenticity can resonate far and wide. We’re honored to carry these books and share their stories with our community.
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