By Jenny Callison
Enquirer contributor

Meet author of book on Heyer

The author of a comprehensive book about historical romance novelist Georgette Heyer will be on hand from noon to 3 p.m. May 17 at Books in Shandon.

Oxford writer and editor Mary Fahnestock Thomas will sign copies of her book, Georgette Heyer: A Critical Retrospective. The 500-page collection includes more than 50 years of articles, essays and book reviews of Heyer's work. It also contains three Heyer short stories never published in the United States.

Heyer wrote many period romance novels and detective stories, and was especially known for her lighthearted Regency novels.

"People who aren't familiar with Georgette Heyer's work, or who haven't picked it up for years, will gain new appreciation of her talents through Mary's compendium," said Carol Wilson, who owns Books in Shandon with her husband, Jim.

Books in Shandon is at 4795 Cincinnati-Brookville Road, 3 miles west of Ross on Ohio 126 West. A harpist will provide music from noon to 2 p.m.

Information: 738-2962 or 523-4005.

Book offers tips on mortgages

Blue Ash finance and insurance planner Douglas Hallett has co-written a book, Mortgage Freedom in America.

Hallett, president of Family First Financial Advisors, is an underwriter with 25 years of experience in the field.

"I firmly believe that mortgage planning is a core ingredient toward helping others obtain financial independence," Hallett said. "Individuals can use mortgages as wealth-building tools."

The book offers strategies on how homeowners can pay off their mortgages in 10 years or less.

Information: dhallett@familyfirstfinancial.net.

B&B Reservations has personal touch

A Springboro entrepreneur has started a bed-and-breakfast reservation business with a personal touch.

"This is not another online reservation service," said Diana Johnston, owner of Bed and Breakfast Reservations of Ohio. "It is a service with personal attention. BBRO becomes familiar with and inspects all participating properties."

Prospective travelers state their location and accommodation preferences, and Johnston matches them with a B&B that meets their needs. The reservation service is free to guests.

Her Web site includes photos of lodgings throughout the state. It is updated regularly.

Information: (866) 294-1717 or www.bbreserveohio.com.

Maternity Diaper Outlet moves

Maternity Diaper Outlet has moved to a new location two blocks south of Kenwood Towne Centre.

The store, now at 7714B Montgomery Road, stocks maternity apparel, nursing wear, disposable diapers and adult incontinence products.

Maternity Diaper Outlet also maintains three Diaper Depots: at 5353 Dixie Highway in Fairfield, at 3621 Glenmore Road in Cheviot and at 311 Second St. in Aurora.

Hours at the Montgomery Road store are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Information: 793-0333.

Boat brokerage firm launched

Two boat salesmen have launched their own boat brokerage firm.

Steve Walters and Bill Manis are the new owners of Dockside Marine Brokerage, with offices at Watertown Marina in Dayton, Ky., and Rivertowne Marina in Columbia Tusculum. The two formerly worked together at an area boat dealership.

"Between us, we have sold thousands of boats in the Tristate area," Walters said. "We are experts at buying and selling boats on behalf of customers and are offering free storage to anyone who lists a boat through our firm. This can save someone selling their boat quite a bit of money."

Information: (859) 261-8900 or boatbroker@aol.com.

E-mail jcallison@zoomtown.com or fax 564-6991 with openings, expansions and other news about neighborhood businesses.