For me, it was the equivalent of an actor bowing on Broadway or an entertainer headlining Vegas – a reading at Barnes & Noble in Eastchester, N.Y.

On the evening of Sept. 7, I read the second chapter from my new novel “The Penalty for Holding” (Less Than Three Press), which describes the hero’s early years in Indonesia, before an audience of some 50 admirers.

There are moments in life when you hope you rise to the occasion. This was one in which I did as I gave one of my most impassioned readings. It helped, of course, that the weather cooperated. That people enjoyed the food and the patio setting of Barnes & Noble’s concept store, that my blush/white Ted Baker dress was a hit. But in the end, it was about the connection between a writer and her readers.

My thanks to Barnes & Noble for giving me the opportunity and to friends, family, colleagues and readers for gathering, listening and sharing.

Now I have my novel in some independent bookstores coast to coast and I’ve had my B and N moment. I look forward to setting new goals that I can check off my list.

But first I’d like to invite my readers to hear the short story version of this same chapter, published in the Westchester Review, when the Review presents an event at the same Barnes & Noble on Sept. 28. Details to follow.