Talk with award-winning Colorado author Denise Gard

Join award-winning children’s author and performer Denise Gard for a talk on her two adult books: Raven Woods: Smoke Signals (2023) and When The Rooster Crows (2025).

Gard’s debut focuses on a difficult relationship between a lonely mother, Iona, who feels forgotten by her daughter Audrey, who serially dates emotionally scarred men and buries herself in work to avoid the pain of rejection and feelings of abject failure.

The relationship dynamic between the two shifts when a wildfire threatens Iona’s home. But as the relationship between Audrey and Iona disintegrates like burning wood, they discover that living with each other in adulthood presents numerous challenges and adaptations. Certainly, they will need to get better at putting out fires.

In When The Rooster Crows, Dante replays his wife’s disappearance repeatedly in his mind until he is admitted to the state hospital. If only Dante had proposed over dinner. If only he had chosen a different hiking trail. "If only" thoughts wrack his body with guilt, but it's the "what if" thoughts that slowly drive him insane. What if Lyra survived? What if she's out there somewhere waiting for him to find her?

After the death of his wife, Dr. Montgomery desperately wants to feel that he's helping people again. Can Dr. Montgomery quiet the "if only" and "what if" thoughts in Dante's head? Will he discover what really happened to Lyra? 

Both entangled in a web of grief, they both hear the rooster crow. But they must discover what it means for themselves.

Q&A and book sale follows.

About Denise Gard

Gard, who knew she wanted to write from the time she was eight years old, has spent her life blending storytelling and performance. From acting in dinner theaters to serving as a children’s specialist in a public library, she eventually forged a unique career as a professional storyteller.

With the help of her trained Border Collies, Joey and Kira, she performs for schools, libraries, and senior communities, drawing inspiration from the people and stories she encounters. 

Raven Woods: Smoke Signals, was born from her experiences with seniors and the devastating wildfire that struck her Colorado community. When The Rooster Crows continues this deeply personal tradition.
Learn more about Denise Gard and her performances at storycreations.org.

Santa Fe Public Library programs are made possible by the support from Friends of the Santa Fe Public Library.

For accommodations such as translations, ASL interpreters, or disability needs, please email library@santafenm.gov or call the Library.