LINCOLNVILLE — Before a book finds a home in Nanette H. Gionfriddo’s beachfront bookshop Beyond The Sea in Lincolnville, she attempts to research each and every one, by discussing them with the author, or publisher, and accessing readers’ reviews. When she can, she takes the time to read them herself.

She often stays up until the wee hours with each one.She particularly loves Maine authors and Maine subjects and is a champion for the middle list authors (not necessarily the “big names”) but those who have written quality fiction or nonfiction nonetheless.

When Beyond The Sea was formerly in its Belfast location several years ago, Gionfriddo learned that two more book shops were planning on opening in downtown Belfast. Rather than seeing this in a competitive light, she decided to model a book festival after Charing Cross Road, a street in London that hosts numerous book stores, which attracts book lovers world-wide. She was the impetus behind producing the Belfast Bound Book Festival in 2011 and 2012. Getting the town’s support, the Festival made a splash the first year and doubled its participants the next year.

After that, Gionfriddo’s lease was up in Belfast and she decided to move Beyond The Sea to Lincolnville Beach last year. Too busy from the move to throw a Festival for 2013, she heard back from many authors and readers who expressed their interest in seeing it revived for the next year.

Having a perfect venue, Gionfriddo decided to host the Beyond the Sea Book Festival at Lincolnville Beach. 

“I just love our space here. We have two floors to host this amazingly cool talent. People can come for certain authors and stay for others or discover new books they might have interest in.”

For the most part, similar genres' authors will be presented on each day of the Festival.  On Friday, people who love Maine icons (such as lobstering, Acadia, Moss Tents, L.L. Bean) and the great outdoors will find a host of authors that meet their interests. Saturday focuses on Maine history and mysteries, fiction and characters so real you can’t forget them. Sunday starts off with Maine gardening books followed by a plethora of young adult and children’s books. ”Young adult books have exploded and that’s one of our new, expanded offerings this year,” she said.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com