-Young Adult
Christian Fantasy Author
Sofia Simpson
These teen book events are ALL super FUN events and have different themes. But, they WILL be based on a "Clean" book as a theme.
"Clean" books do NOT have graphic sex, language or gory violence.
Every teen will leave with a "Clean" book of their choice.
These events will be safe spaces teens can have a great time and learn about other "Clean" books!
No Broken Hearts Teen Ball
This ball has been a dream of mine for a long time to do. I've always wanted to put on a ball where teens can learn the waltz and other organized dances.
We'll instruct you on how to do these fun dances then you can dance the night away on your own.
Not only that, but you can take home a book from any of the "Clean" authors, like Kayla Tirrell and Dwight MacPherson, pick up a book from the Pressed Bookstore table or even walk away with a surprise book in a Book with a Date by Pinched Pages.
And it will be right before Prom, so you can either wear your old Homecoming dress or you can wear your new prom dress to this FUN and stylish event.
See you there!
~Sofia Simpson
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Based on the best-selling book by Stephanie Garber,
Once Upon a Broken Heart
February 14, 2025
8-10 p.m.
1833 Historic Venue
1833 South Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33813
First Register Above Then, Buy your Ticket Below.*
*Ticket Purchase is Required to Attend this Event.
Attending and Signing Authors
Sofia Simpson
Young Adult Christian Fantasy
Sofia Simpson has a B.A. in Journalism that she uses to write Young Adult books. She drinks in books like she would strawberry milkshakes. When she’s not writing, she’s imagining, and when her brain gets tired of that, she’s reading. She feels stories are the gateway to our imagination and believes strongly in providing wonderful stories, with plenty of swoon, to teens while delivering a Jesus message. She lives in the middle of Florida with her handsome husband and is sad her two sons have gone off to college. But she has two fur babies to keep her company, a fluffy, not fat, cat and a 97-pound Doberman who lives on her lap.
Kayla Tirrell
Young Adult Contemporary Fiction
Kayla has loved to read as long as she can remember. While she started out reading spooky stories that had her hiding under her covers, she now prefers stories with a bit more kissing.
When she gets a chance to watch TV, she enjoys cheesy sci-fi and superhero shows.
Most days, you’ll catch her burning dinner in an attempt to cook while reading just one more chapter.
Kayla lives in the sunshine state with her husband and three boys.
Connect with Kayla online:
Dwight and Rebecca McPherson
Hocus Pocus Comics
Comic Books are books. Graphic novels are books. Both can be used as teaching tools in the classroom.
Dwight and Rebecca MacPherson are passionate about the value of comic books in the classroom and with Hocus Pocus Comics, they can equip educators to discover this rich and unique resource to add to their classroom curriculum and libraries. But, above all else, their goal is to create timeless tales that stir the imagination. Recipients of the 2019 Maker of Note Award from The Lakelander Magazine, their mission is to foster the next generation of writers and TV/Film visionaries. Winners of the 2021 Poe International Festival’s Saturday Visiter Award for Original Works, Hocus Pocus Comics feels the future of education is through informative content combining pictures and art. Graphic novels are the embodiment of this concept, and Hocus Pocus Comics is excited to be at the forefront of this new wave of education.
Find them at Hocus Pocus Comics
Kristen Grafton
Young Adult Contemporary Fiction
When she's not writing about high school students, she's teaching them AP and DE English. Kristen Grafton is a Florida native with an MFA in Popular Fiction & Publishing and an MA in English Rhetoric. She was a triple major in college. She has an unhealthy obsession with her cats and Taylor Swift. To learn more about Kristen Grafton, follow her on Twitter/X @KristenMGrafton, Instagram @kmgrafton1, and visit www.kristenmgrafton.com.
Arabah Joy
Non Fiction Christian Author
Arabah Joy knows what it’s like to secretly struggle with insecurity and self-doubt, and to feel like God must love everyone but you. With nearly 30 years of ministry experience, AJ is passionate about helping women and girls overcome these struggles by radically encountering the greatest love of all—Jesus. Through her unique approach, books, devotionals, and mentoring, Arabah invites you to experience the life-changing love of Christ. Grab her best-selling devotional, Trust Without Borders, on Amazon. Or connect with her at arabahjoy.com or sojohub.com.
Attending Booksellers
Pressed is an independent bookstore and coffee shop located in downtown Lakeland, FL. Come explore our curated selection of new and used books, ranging in all interests and genres. We also offer a full service coffee bar with locally sourced coffee and baked goods. We are a gathering space for people in our community to work, read, study, and engage in meaningful conversation.
Visit their store at 213 E Bay St, Lakeland, FL 33801-4905
Inklings Bartow is a Book Shoppe full of new and used books, located in Bartow, FL. Their selection is wide as they have everything from thrillers to old editions of Tennyson poetry. Come see what they have to offer, you won't leave unhappy.
Visit their store at 160 S Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL.
Pinched Pages can be found in bookstores like Inklings, Lakeland, but anyone can place an order at her Instagram page at Pinched Pages.
You give her the genre you love, and she'll surprise you with a Blind Date with a Book. Expect fun surprises and happy reading!
Visit her on Instagram at @pinched_pages
Business Partners
Johnson Plant Rental will be providing the beautiful greenery that will decorate the ballroom and spaces for the No Broken Hearts Ball. They offer everything from trees to medium and small plants. Rent the plants you need for your next event from them. They'll take great care of your plant needs.
Premier Parties Rental Company will be providing the linens and cocktail table for this event. They are highly versatile in everything you will need to host a premier event. Call them for you next rental needs.
Alpine Event company is providing the luscious chocolate fondue fountain for this amazing event. Trust them for any of your rental needs to make your next party great!
Non-Profit Partners
UthMpact is a coaliton for teens, by teens, educating teens to make healthy decision and actions against alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
UthMpact members are high school students representing schools throughout Polk County. Their members are dedicated and believe in their mission to educate peers about the importance of healthy decisions.
They are also very generously including our event with their Project Hoco program, which offers teen girls and guys free Prom dresses and suits.
Find out more at: www.inneractalliance.org/get-involved1
"We are uncommonly generous with our time and money because we want people to know Jesus loves them, values them, and gives their life meaning."
Youth Impact hosts creative camps and workshops for local youth. They travel for speaking engagements at schools, churches, and events. They partner with churches and organizations for outreaches.
Find out more at www.travisdoodles.com
Top Buttons is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable and educational organization building self worth in young women. Through our online platforms, educational events, clothing boutiques, and program for teens in need, Top Buttons empowers young women with the resources they need to present their best self to the world without compromise.
Top Buttons is partnering with Kisses Only Teen Event, the No Broken Hearts Ball by offering girls the chance to peruse their boutique for free Prom dresses for this event.