Have you ever wondered where the town of Sedona got its name? In The Journal of Sedona Schnebly, you’ll read how Arabella Miller Schnebly followed her husband west, when their small Missouri town condemned his Presbyterian religion. Arriving in Arizona Territory in 1901, they planted orchards and hosted early tourists in what is now named Sedona. This vivid journal of her life introduces you to a pioneer family: from their genteel upbringings through adventures with rattlesnakes, trappers and colorful guests. With 30 photographs from family collections, this volume of Sedona Schnebly’s experiences and ruminations draws you into a fiercely private woman’s life that is by turns amusing and heartbreaking, and always fascinating.

Great-granddaughter of Sedona Schnebly, Lisa Schnebly Heidinger has written nine other books about various aspects of Arizona before this tour de force journal: a culmination of decades conducting interviews and exploring archives. Voted OneBookAZ author for her Arizona Centennial book, she shares Sedona and T.C. Schnebly’s deep love of Arizona and of travel. A former television and newspaper reporter, then editorial columnist, she loves drinking at historic hotels, doing anything outside, and coffee.

Friday, October 27, from 3:00 until 5:00 pm, NAU Bookstore will host a book-signing event for Lisa Schnebly Heidinger. If you’re in town for NAU’s homecoming be sure to stop by the bookstore to meet this accomplished alumna. Get your own copy of her latest, The Journal of Sedona Schnebly, and Lisa’s other books, Images of America: Sedona and Calling Arizona Home. If you purchase all three titles, be sure to ask for our coupon for $5 off of your purchase over $25 (in the Trade Books Department only). Just a short walk from downtown Flagstaff, NAU Bookstore is located at 1015 S San Francisco Street (Building #35 on campus maps). Parking is available in the garage immediately south of the bookstore. Route 10 of NAIPTA’s Mountain Line Bus Service also stops right in front of the Beaver Street entrance of the store.