Lunch with an Author
The Lunch With An Author Literary Series was born from a simple idea: bring book lovers together for delicious food, meaningful conversation, and the joy of discovering and sharing new stories.
About the Lunch With An Author Literary Series
Event director Mandy Jackson-Beverly has nurtured the lunch with an author vision into a lively community where authors and readers connect on a personal level.
Mandy’s background working with artists and storytellers—from David Bowie and Madonna to Dani Shapiro and Gillian Flynn—shapes her signature conversation style: warm, thoughtful, and deeply engaging.
Now in its fourth year, the series has become a cherished gathering for literary friends, with many guests sharing that it’s the highlight of their month.
In 2026, the Literary Luncheons expanded to Magic Hour in Ojai, California, and partnered with the University Club in Santa Barbara while continuing at the California Club in Los Angeles, alongside the quarterly chef series.
All upcoming events
Gillian Flynn: Ojai
Join Mandy on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Magic Hour, Ojai, California, for a luncheon with author Gillian Flynn.
Mandy and Gillian will be in conversation about Gillian’s novel Dark Places, publishing, Gillian Flynn Books, and the projects she’s currently working on.
Gillian Flynn: Santa Barbara
Join Mandy on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the University Club of Santa Barbara, for a luncheon with author Gillian Flynn.
Mandy and Gillian will be in conversation about Gillian’s novel Dark Places, publishing, Gillian Flynn Books (an imprint of Zando), and the projects she’s currently workin on.
Lisa Genova: Ojai
Join Mandy on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Magic Hour in Ojai, California, for a luncheon with author Lisa Genova.
Mandy and Lisa will be in conversation about Lisa’s latest novel More or Less Maddy.
Kerri Maher: Ojai
Join Mandy on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Magic Hour, Ojai, California, for a luncheon with author Kerri Maher.
Mandy and Kerri will be in conversation about Kerri’s latest novel Summer of Love.
Kerri Maher: Santa Barbara
Join Mandy on Thursday, July 14, 2026, at the University Club of Santa Barbara, for a luncheon with author Kerri Maher.
Mandy and Kerri will be in conversation about Kerri’s latest novel Summer of Love.
Emily Franklin: Santa Barbara
Join Mandy on Thursday, April 23, at University Club of Santa Barbara, for a luncheon with author Emily Franklin.
Mandy and Emily will be in conversation about Emily's new novel, Love & Other Monsters.
Emily Franklin: Ojai
Join Mandy on Wednesday, April 22, at Magic Hour in Ojai for a luncheon with author Emily Franklin.
Mandy and Emily will be in conversation about Emily's new novel, Love & Other Monsters.
Mary Morris: Santa Barbara
Join Mandy on Thursday, March 12, at University Club of Santa Barbara, for a luncheon with author Mary Morris.
Mandy and Mary will be in conversation about Mary’s recent novel The Red House.
Mary Morris: Ojai
Join Mandy on Wednesday, March 11, at Hotel El Roblar in Ojai for a luncheon with author Mary Morris.
Mandy and Mary will be in conversation about Mary’s recent novel The Red House.
Janelle Brown: Santa Barbara
Join Mandy on Thursday, February 12, at University Club of Santa Barbara, for a luncheon with author Janelle Brown.
Mandy and Janelle will be in conversation about Janelle’s new novel, What Kind of Paradise.
Janelle Brown: Ojai
Join Mandy on Wednesday, February 11, at Hotel El Roblar in Ojai for a luncheon with author Janelle Brown.
Mandy and Janelle will be in conversation about Janelle’s new novel, What Kind of Paradise.
Santa Barbara Lunch With An Author: Ivy Pochoda
Join Mandy on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in Santa Barbara for a conversation with author Ivy Pochoda about her novel, These Women.
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