AHRL to Host Author Talk & Book Signing with Melanie Forde

COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – Melanie Forde, author of the captivating “Hillwilla” Trilogy, is visiting Alleghany Highlands Regional Library for an author
talk and book signing on Saturday, May 16th at 12:30pm. Ms. Forde will be promoting her newest novel, “Guardian of the Crossroads”, which was a finalist for the 2025 Shelley Paranormal Book Award.

The novel focuses on Virginia’s Northern Piedmont, where just about any crossroads features a historical marker or a Civil War ghost. Forde touts this as “the perfect venue for developing a character like Cate Devine, touched by magic and madness!”. It is an atmospheric tale that blends mythology, time slippage, and psychological depth in telling the story of this unlikely heroine.

Ms. Forde the author of 5 other novels. She is a current resident of the Alleghany Highlands, “where healing springs magically bubble up from the depths”. Her books will be available for purchase the day of the event. For more information about this author visit or other AHRL programs, call the library at (540) 962-3321. The Alleghany Highlands Regional Library is located at 406 W. Riverside Street in Covington.