A Celebration of Books,
Writers & LIterary Excellence

Save the Date


Gaithersburg
Book Festival

May 16, 2026

10am – 6pm

Bohrer Park


Charlene Thomas

Featured Title: It's You Every Time
It's You Every Time

A story about self-discovery, grief, and destiny that begs the question: How do you keep going when your world has stopped spinning?

When Sydney Michaels stops for breakfast in order to put off scholastic ruin a little longer, she never expected to―quite literally―bump into cute-boy stranger, Marcus Burke.

When Marcus invites her to have breakfast with him instead of going to class, she can’t ignore the urge to get to know him better―or the fact that this charming new acquaintance seems just as interested in her.

After a magical day together in their hometown of New York City, Sydney is finally willing to believe that maybe―just maybe―after years of loss and heartache, she’s finally reached the good part.

But when it comes time to say goodbye, as they linger in a crosswalk, something happens. An accident? Sydney isn’t sure―all she knows is that, after screeching tires, blinding headlights, and a moment of searing pain, she opens her eyes and is back in her bed. On September 24–the morning of her big exam―again.

About Charlene Thomas

Charlene Thomas – a Gaithersburg native and graduate of Gaithersburg High School – is a big dreamer who loves creating characters who are steadfastly determined to change their own little parts of the world. Her debut novel, “Seton Girls,” received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, and her sophomore novel, “Streetlight People,” received another Publishers Weekly star. Her most recent novel, “It’s You Every Time,” has been praised by Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and more. She attended college at NC State University, earned her MBA from Emory University, and has her Certificate in Teaching Creative Writing from The University of Cambridge.

BlueSky

Instagram: @charlenethomasbooks

X: @charlene_thomas