The Friends of the Talbot County Free Library and the Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) are pleased to partner with award-winning local author Susan Reiss to launch a community-wide “Name the Character” contest in celebration of the upcoming release of Reiss’s newest book, Divided in Time. The novel is a dual-timeline historical fiction with a dash of romance that blends Revolutionary War challenges and intrigue with modern-day secrets that drive someone willing to do anything to keep the past buried.
The contest invites readers of all ages to help name two characters who will appear in the book: one from the Revolutionary War era and one from the present-day storyline. Winners will work with Reiss to craft names based on the character’s personality and history.
“We’re excited to invite the community into the creative process,” said Dana Newman, Director of TCFL. “This contest offers a unique opportunity for readers to leave their mark on a story that connects our region’s history with the present in surprising ways.”
Community members can enter the raffle by purchasing tickets, which will be on sale beginning Monday, May 4th at tcfl.org or in-person at the Easton and St. Michaels library branches using cash or check. No credit card payments will be accepted in person. Tickets are 1 entry for $3, 5 for $10, or 20 for $20. Sales close on Friday, June 5th and winners will be contacted on Tuesday, June 9th. All proceeds from the raffle will go toward supporting TCFL’s programs and services.
Two Grand Prize winners will be selected, each receiving the honor of having their chosen name appear in the novel. As a nod to the book’s maritime themes, two additional winners will also receive one of the contest’s toy parrot mascots. A third winner will receive a complimentary signed copy of Divided in Time upon its summer 2026 release.
“The Talbot County Free Library and its talented librarians have been a valuable source of information and constant support throughout my novel-writing career” Reiss said. “I am delighted to have this opportunity to ‘give back’ to them and the loyal readers of the Eastern Shore.”
For full contest rules and more information, visit tcfl.org or call (410) 822-1626.
Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) provides free access to information, technology, and educational resources to all residents of Talbot County, MD. The library strives to empower, inspire, and enrich the community by fostering lifelong learning and literacy. With branches in Easton and St. Michaels, TCFL offers a range of programs and services for all ages. Learn more at www.tcfl.org.
Friends of the Talbot County Free Library is an organization of volunteers supporting the Talbot County Free Library. It advocates for the Library and promotes the Library’s values and services as a vital resource for the enrichment of the community. Established in 1974, Friends of the Library is an independent §501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations and membership contributions are tax-deductible. To learn more about Friends of the Library or opportunities to serve on its governing body, the Council of Friends, email council@friendsoftcfl.org or visit https://www.tcfl.org/about/friends.html.
Susan Reiss trained as a concert pianist then worked as a television writer/producer for many years. Her work received a New York International Film Festival Silver Medal, the Cine Golden Eagle, three Tellys, and a national Emmy nomination. The IN TIME series won the Gold Medal for Best Fiction Series and the novels have ranked in Amazon Top 100 Historical Fiction Bestsellers. In 2016, she was named Scribe of the Eastern Shore. Divided in Time is her seventeenth novel.
