CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Two authors and friends who grew up in Marshalltown, Deb Elliott (left) and K.S. (Kim) Wuertz (right), have recently published children’s books about the famous Riverside Cemetery lovebirds Frankie and Blossom. Elliott’s is titled “Geese on the Streets: Blossom and Frankie’s Love Story,” and Wuertz’s is called “Frankie and Blossom: A Honkin’ Great Love Story.”

Blossom and Frankie, the famed geese at Riverside Cemetery who got a second chance at love, star in two new books: “Geese on the Streets: Blossom and Frankie’s Love Story” by Deb Elliott and “Frankie and Blossom: A Honkin’ Great Love Story” by K.S. (Kim) Wuertz. They will launch their book tour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday at Riverside Cemetery.

Elliott, who lives in Woodbury, Minn., and Wuertz, who resides in Leslie, Mo., were classmates at Marshalltown High School. They were so touched by the story of the geese that they decided to put pen to paper and craft their own renditions.

“I first saw Steve Hartman’s (‘On the Road’) piece on Facebook,” Elliott said. “I’m also a former children’s librarian. I said, that’s got to be a kids’ storytime book. So I talked with Kim about it, thinking maybe we should write it together. Then I thought we should each write our own book.”

Former Riverside Cemetery General Manager Dorie Tammen took photographs used for both of the books.

“I’m still amazed that this story took off like it did. I never expected that, but I think people were hungry for some happy news, something fun amidst all the bad news we see every day,” Tammen said. “And I’m thrilled that Deb and Kim chose to take it further with books. I’m just waiting now for the Disney movie.”

Wuertz has authored more than 30 books.

“I write a series called ‘Souls and Paws’ where the money goes for animal welfare rights,” she said. “Those books deal with the animals in my life and each one has a theme. This book is about the love of the geese and the people that love them. When you spread love, it continues to go out and come back to you.”

Elliott, whose other works include paranormal romance and urban fantasy, said she had a clear vision in mind for her book.

“I was very sure our books would be different, because our perspectives are different,” Elliott said. “I’m a former educator, and Kim’s focus has been writing books, so I knew hers would be very story-focused. I feel so fortunate to be able to share this story with the world.”

Tammen noted that Hartman would revisit Blossom and Frankie’s story in the near future.

“I had a Zoom meeting with Steve and his kids, Emmett and Meryl, for one of his ‘Kindness 101’ programs geared for kids. There is not an air date yet,” she noted. “It’s part of the new season set to start sometime in September.”

Wuertz and Elliott will also appear at Stepping Stones Christian Bookstore and Create a Keepsake from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, to sell and sign copies of their books — going back and forth between the two businesses.

Saturday, they’ll be at the HyVee deli meeting room from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the Albion Public Library, starting at 1 p.m.

Elliott added that she spent her early childhood in Albion before relocating outside of Marshalltown. She also attended MCC. Wuertz moved to Marshalltown in seventh grade.

“Dorie graduated the year before us, so we have a lot of friends in common,” Wuertz said. “Deb’s sister Starla Elsberry also worked with Dorie at the cemetery as a volunteer. All of these little tendrils work together and connect us all through life.”

Proceeds of the book sales will go to Riverside Cemetery’s Lake Woodmere. The authors continue to collaborate, creating online classes within their Christian Writers Sanctuary community.

“We were together all those years ago and here we are. It’s a great opportunity to give back to the place where we met,” Wuertz said.

The books are also available on Amazon.