Brenda Barker's Next Chapter

Brenda Barker’s Next Chapter

By Wendy Tokunaga

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At sixty-four, Brenda Barker’s life is anything but over—though someone should tell that to her butcher, who insists on calling her “ma’am” when the other customers are “miss.” With her husband gone, her only child moving to Japan, and a literary “expert” telling her she has no business trying to be a writer, Brenda does what any sensible woman would do: ignores the advice, packs her bags, and heads to a high-stakes writers’ conference in the California wine country.

Armed with a manuscript, a bottle of pinot noir, and a fierce determination to prove the world wrong, Brenda embarks on the adventure of a lifetime—complete with wine-fueled confidence, surprise friendships, and a few romantic sparks she definitely didn’t plan for.

DETAILS & PURCHASING

Release Date: February 2, 2026

316 Pages, Paperback, Ebook

ISBN (paperback): 979-8218774769

ISBN (ebook): 979-8218774783

Heartfelt Read
Kayla A.

I am not an avid reader so a book really has to keep my attention in order for me to finish it and enjoy it. From the very beginning, it…

Connections
Nontobeko Mandisa Magwaza

I guess it’s the feeling of putting life into something that used to be nothing. Learning about people’s interesting life stories makes you feel realize just how much we are…

Very Informative
Victor Cutlass

The invention of everything has been a great read. Told from the writer’s point of view, it takes a deep dive into his experiences. It has an amazing array of…

Practical Knowledge
Melyne

I read this book and finished feeling like it contained all the talks I wish I would’ve had with my father or uncles: all the charming, folksy facts and stories…

Thoughtful Read
Amazon Reader

Very well written by one who had anything but a quiet heart before getting to a place to write such words. A thoughtful read.

Depth
Amazon Reader

The authors ability to share his story sans self pity or muck raking is a relief. With much clarity and insight into the human condition, albeit flawed.