An Afternoon in Warrenton: Connection, Storytelling, and One Powerful Reunion
After a meaningful morning at the Warrenton Library, we headed just down the street to Molly’s Irish Pub. What started as a casual lunch turned into an unforgettable afternoon of reconnection, reflection, and story-sharing.
Family, Advocacy, and Unexpected Joy
I was reunited with my cousin Lisa Shannon, whom I first met in Denver in 2018. She now lives in Virginia, and seeing her again felt like no time had passed.
We were joined by Ann Mire, a friend and adoptee advocate I originally met at Untangling My Roots. Ann brings deep compassion and powerful truth to everything she does in this space.
Reunited with Lisa and joined by Ann—two incredible women who live and lead with heart.
We shared stories, talked about Connected: Finding My Truth, and reflected on family, healing, and what comes next.
Jesse’s Presence Meant Everything
My brother Jesse was there too. He opened up more than usual, and seeing him connect and enjoy himself truly meant the world to me.
Jesse and Lisa, quiet joy and genuine connection.
A Reader Connection That Stuck
Just before we left, a man named Steve Smith stopped my cousin Lisa and struck up a conversation. He then turned to me, asked about the book, and moments later insisted on buying a copy.
Steve Smith stopped Lisa, asked about the book, and left with a copy of Connected. These moments stay with you.
Steve Smith stopped Lisa, asked about the book, and left with a copy of Connected. These moments stay with you.
What a Morning in Historic Warrenton, VA
Driving through downtown felt like stepping back in time.
The brick-lined streets, the historic buildings—you can almost hear the echo of horse-drawn carriages and century-old conversations.
We parked and stepped into the local library, where we were welcomed with such warmth it felt like home.
Submission + Surprise
I met a kind young woman named Sierra, filled out a form, and submitted my book Connected: Finding My Truth for consideration under Nonfiction / General.
But then came the real surprise.
We wandered into the genealogy room. I only meant to peek in—but ended up spending forty-five minutes tracing my roots.
The Ashby Book—where it all began.
A Family Connection Emerges
While flipping through pages, I discovered a connection to the Ashby family—one that leads all the way back to Quenby, Leicestershire, England.
Tracing lineage through Virginia and beyond.
The Ashby family crest: “Be just and fear not.”
Just one aisle in a room full of history. Stacks of family histories at the Warrenton Library.
Warrenton’s library isn’t just a place for books—it’s a gateway to your past.
Learn more about my journey and my book Connected: Finding My Truth at www.dianakaylahochberg.com
#ConnectedFindingMyTruth #HistoricWarrenton #GenealogyDiscovery #AshbyFamily #AuthorJourney #LibraryLove
Local Author Spotlight: ‘Connected’ Finds a New Home at Flamingo Porch
I’m thrilled to share a special milestone in my author journey: my book, Connected: Finding My Truth, is now available at Flamingo Porch! This beautiful consignment and home décor shop recently added a Local Author section, and I’m honored to be included.
Walking into the store and spotting Connected on the shelf was a moment I won’t forget. It felt surreal and deeply gratifying to see my words out in the world, displayed among other talented local authors. As someone who poured heart and honesty into this book, it's a reminder of why I wrote it: to connect, to reflect, and to inspire others on their own journeys.
If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll stop by Flamingo Porch to check out the new collection of beach reads and locally written titles. It’s a fantastic way to support small businesses, local voices, and meaningful stories that might just speak to you in unexpected ways.
📍 Flamingo Porch
5080 Highway 17 Bypass South
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
📞 843-651-9570
🌐 www.FlamingoPorch.com
Thank you to everyone who has supported Connected: Finding My Truth so far. Moments like this wouldn’t be possible without you.
With gratitude,
Diana Kayla Hochberg
🔗 dianakaylahochberg.com
#LocalAuthor #MurrellsInlet #FlamingoPorch #SupportLocal #ConnectedFindingMyTruth #BookLaunch #WomenWriters #BeachReads #SouthCarolinaAuthors #IndieAuthor #ShopLocal #BookSpotlight #AuthorJourney
Book Talk & True Crime: Meeting Michael Vecchione at Moveable Feast
I had such a great time at today’s Moveable Feast at Pawleys Tap House & Grill.
I went hoping to meet author Michael Vecchione, and it was absolutely worth it. His true crime stories are intense, real, and totally gripping—and he’s just as impressive in person. A true gentleman.
We even had a chance to talk about my book, Connected: Finding My Truth, which meant a lot to me.
If you're into true crime—especially stories rooted in Brooklyn—you need to check out his books. With decades of experience as Chief of the Rackets Division in the Brooklyn DA’s Office, Michael brings unmatched real-world insight to every page.
His latest release, Fallen Angel: Book III – Anarchy, Chaos... Peace?, continues his powerful crime-fantasy series. It blends crime, suspense, and supernatural twists in a way that’s hard to put down.
🔎 Have you read anything by Michael Vecchione?
Or do you have a favorite true crime author?
I’d love to hear your recommendations—drop a comment or send me a note!
#TrueCrime #BrooklynCrime #MichaelVecchione #MoveableFeast #ConnectedFindingMyTruth #FallenAngelSeries #BookLovers #SupportLocalAuthors #IndieAuthors #MySistersBookstore #WritersSupportingWriters #PawleysIslandEvents
📌 Featured Story: A WWII Father’s Legacy – My Dad, My Hero
"Not long ago, I discovered a small box tucked away in a forgotten corner—inside were my father’s World War II medals, handwritten notes, and a weathered Army Bible. That simple box opened a world of memories, secrets, and strength I never fully knew he carried."
Father’s Day Tribute: A WWII Dad’s Story
The small box that opened a world of memories.
❤️ This Father's Day, I’d love to share a story about my dad and his time during World War II. My father was a man of many hidden secrets, yet he was always present, raising Jesse and me with quiet strength and unwavering love. If he were here today, I know he would understand our journey and support our quest. Our stories may differ, but they share uncanny similarities that continue to connect us.
Not long ago, I discovered a small box filled with his WWII memorabilia. According to his Military History, his civilian occupation was listed as “Manager, Production.” He was inducted on June 28, 1943, and began active service on July 12 of that year. On December 6, 1943, he graduated from Lawson General Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, with the designation of Medical Technician (MOS 409).
Among the medals he received were the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Americanism-Patriotism Medal. He was honorably discharged on September 8, 1945, at Fort Lewis, Washington.
We grew up in a home without guns. My father firmly believed that weapons belonged on the battlefield, not in civilian life. Yet he was deeply interested in military history and culture. He loved watching military films like The Great Escape, The Alamo, Bridge on the River Kwai, and anything starring John Wayne. He also enjoyed visiting West Point and various Army bases across the country.
Among my father's keepsakes was a small Bible—the Jewish Holy Scripture—titled The Army of the United States. Inside the front cover, he had written a message that gave me chills:
"Presented to PFC Manuel Hochberg, June 20, 1944. I am aboard the SS Argentina en route to the European Theatre of Operations. New York to Liverpool, England."
He served with the 104th Field Artillery. My father never spoke much about his experiences in Europe, except to mention his role in medical care. What he never fully shared was that, instead of assisting, he was performing amputations to save lives—work that must have left lasting emotional scars.
Also in the box was a German Mark with the words "Captured Nazi 1945" written on it. I later learned that the war officially ended on May 8, 1945, and my father returned home aboard the RMS Queen Mary, arriving on June 20, 1945. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant Manuel Hochberg.
A Quiet Hero's Legacy
On this Father's Day, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the fathers and grandfathers who serve or have served in our military. Today is a time to honor their dedication to protecting our country, raising strong families, and inspiring the next generation to serve. God bless America.
Photo taken Prospect Park, Brooklyn, N.Y. 
💔 This Father’s Day, Discover a Story That Redefines Family, Loyalty, and the Truth We Think We Know.
Some dads give us life. Others give us everything.
In Connected: Finding My Truth, author Diana Kayla Hochberg takes us on an unforgettable journey that begins with a single, offhand comment in Las Vegas. What follows is a stunning real-life mystery involving black-market adoption, buried family secrets, and a truth more tangled than fiction.
🕵️♀️ Part memoir. Part mystery. Part true crime. This story grips you from page one. It’s a deep dive into resilience, betrayal, love, and the question that haunts so many: Who am I, really?
But one thing is clear:
The man who raised her is, and always will be, her father.
📚 This Father’s Day, give a book that honors real fatherhood—not the picture-perfect kind, but the gritty, unconditional, courageous kind.
And yes, by the end, you’ll even brush up against the underworld.
Mafia ties? Let’s just say the truth comes at a cost.
#ConnectedFindingMyTruth #FathersDay2025 #MemoirMystery #TrueCrimeReads #FamilyIsMoreThanBlood #RealDadsRealStories
AI-generated visual inspired by select themes from the book.🛒 Order now
👉 www.dianakaylahochberg.com
📍 My Sister’s Books – 843-235-9618 – mysistersbooks.com
📍 Litchfield Books – 843-237-8138 – litchfieldbooks.com
This Mother’s Day, Give a Gift That Stays With You.
In Connected: Finding My Truth, Diana Kayla Hochberg shares a Mother’s Day memory she never forgot.
A young girl in a yellow chiffon dress and white go-go boots.
A trip to the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan.
Waiting for a special guest from Canada.
A day full of excitement, hope — and unanswered questions.
Some moments shape us, even when they don’t unfold the way we expect.
This Mother’s Day, honor the real stories. The complicated ones. The ones we carry with us forever.
Order Connected: Finding My Truth at dianakaylahochberg.com.
Give a gift that connects across generations.
The Art of Connection: Finding My Truth in Unexpected Places
Life is an intricate web of stories, connections, and moments waiting to be uncovered. For me, connection isn’t just a word—it’s the lens through which I’ve explored genealogy, creativity, and now, the deeply personal journey that inspired my debut book, Connected: Finding My Truth.