Inside the ‘Secret Chicago’ Book Launch Party

Secret Chicago book launch party at the Drifter
A few weeks ago, I celebrated the launch of my book Secret Chicago with a book launch party! It’s my first book and I worked on it for over a year, so I was thrilled to share this milestone with family, friends, and readers.Jessica Mlinaric author of Secret ChicagoI hosted the Secret Chicago book launch party at a secret spot right out of the book. The Drifter is a speakeasy hidden behind a secret door beneath the Green Door Tavern. The space actually operated as a speakeasy during Prohibition!The Secret Chicago book launch party was held at the DrifterAuthor Jessica Mlinaric signs books at the DrifterI was overwhelmed by the amount of love and support at the party. I couldn’t believe how many people showed up. Thank you!
Readers at the 'Secret Chicago' book launch party
Readers at the 'Secret Chicago' book launch party
Readers attend the Secret Chicago book launch party
Readers attend the Secret Chicago book launch party
Readers at the 'Secret Chicago' book launch partyIt was such a treat to connect with readers and hear their feedback on Secret Chicago. I signed books for three hours straight and sold out of all the books I brought!
Author Jessica Mlinaric signs copies of 'Secret Chicago'
Readers at the 'Secret Chicago' book launch party Readers at the 'Secret Chicago' book launch party
Author Jessica Mlinaric signs copies of 'Secret Chicago'The Drifter is known for its unique entertainment, from sword swallowers to burlesque dancers. Thanks to hula hoop artist Samantha Siren who lit up the room with her performance!
Hula hoop artist Samantha Siren performs at the 'Secret Chicago' book launch party
We sipped on cocktails from the Drifter’s renowned bar program. I’m sure it was a huge improvement over whatever was served in the space during Prohibition! Thanks to Stolen Spirits for their support.
The 'Secret Chicago' book launch party was held at the Drifter
Stolen Spirits sponsored the 'Secret Chicago' book luanch party
The adorable Secret Chicago cookies by BAKE were a hit. The bakery is a neighborhood favorite, and their patio is a Wicker Park secret worth checking out.
'Secret Chicago' sugar cookies by Bake 'Secret Chicago' sugar cookies by Bake
I closed out the party with a quick reading from Secret Chicago and a raffle of prizes from the book. Attendees went away with some incredible prizes like free tours, Schuba’s concert tickets, and a stay at the InterContinental hotel!
Author Jessica Mlinaric reads from 'Secret Chicago'
Thank you so, so much to my family and friends who drove in from Ohio and to everyone who attended the party. It meant so much to celebrate with you! If you haven’t checked out the book please do, and if you have I’d SO appreciate a quick review on Amazon or Goodreads.
Finally, thanks to Jim Vondruska for these fantastic photos and to my cousin Mark Beltavski for capturing the party with this video!