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By MYRNA PETLICKI For Pioneer Press/Highland Park News
Lisa Barr's latest novel, "Woman on Fire," was released on March 1, and it has already drawn extensive critical acclaim.
Even more exciting for the Deerfield author is the news that actress Sharon Stone is going to produce and star in the film version.
"Woman on Fire," published by Harper Paperbacks, revolves around a young journalist named Jules Roth who is given the challenging and dangerous assignment of locating a painting stolen by the Nazis more than 75 years earlier. Jules soon becomes embroiled in a major international art scandal.
Barr spoke about what inspired this work.
"I've been a journalist for almost 28 years," Barr said. "I was a reporter in the Middle East and all kinds of places. Usually when I'm working on fiction or I'm writing something creatively, it's been inspired by a news event. I was in the middle of working on another book, 'The Unbreakables,' when I saw a news story called 'The Munich Art Hoard.'"
It told of the discovery in 2013, in an elderly man's rundown apartment in Munich, of 1,500 masterpieces. It included paintings by such artists as Picasso, Chagall, and Matisse.
"It turns out that this old man was the son of Hitler's art thief, Hildebrand Gurlitt," Barr said. "I thought to myself, 'Wouldn't this be a great place to launch a novel?'"
That's where "Woman on Fire" begins.
"Without giving away any spoilers, a ruthless art dealer steals from the robber," Barr revealed.
She wrote the book during the COVID-19 shutdown period.
"I wanted to go back to the place of a young journalist, who I was back in my old days before I had kids," Barr said. "I was free and I was taking on any assignment. I was a bit fearless but a little bit too idealistic."
The painting that the young journalist is after, a work called "Woman on Fire," may or may not be in "The Munich Art Hoard."
"It was really important to me on the historical end of it that I showcased the upwards of 600,000 artworks that were confiscated, stolen, looted, destroyed by the Nazis," Barr said. "I use this one painting to kind of represent what happened during the war and how it affected one family and all these layers of people around it to showcase the bigger picture."
The book presents a struggle between two strong woman the young journalist and an unscrupulous art dealer, "each going after the painting for her own reasons," Barr said.
Barr's first book, "Fugitive Colors," also deals with stolen art but from the perspective of the artist. That book won the IPPY (Independent Publisher Book Awards) gold medal for Best Literary Fiction 2014 as well as first prize at the Hollywood Film Festival.
Sharon Stone became interested in "Woman on Fire" after Barr sent the actor an advance copy to read.
"I had just read her memoir, 'The Beauty of Living Twice,' and I was so blown away by it," Barr said. "I thought, 'This woman is like the original 'Woman on Fire.' She's an activist, and she loves the arts, and she's involved with the Holocaust Museum. I thought it was going to be a great connection."
It turns out that it was.
Three weeks after sending Stone "Woman on Fire," Barr received a text message from the actress telling her that she loved the book.
"From there it all came together," Barr said.
Barr has impressive journalistic credentials having served as an editor for The Jerusalem Post, managing editor of Today's Chicago Woman, managing editor of Moment magazine, and an editor/reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times.
Currently she is writing full-time and collecting accolades for "Women on Fire." She reported it has been named a USA Today Bestseller, "Good Morning America" Pick for March, and Barnes and Noble Book of the Month Fiction Pick for March.
"I've had other books. They've done well but there was something about this book," Barr declared. "I feel like I gave it all I had inside me. I'm so honored that people are reading this story and connecting to it and passing it on."
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aunt Millie's Bakeries Melissa Koeneman, director of marketing (260) 417-2581 mkoeneman@auntmillies.com
John F. Popp, President of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
FORT WAYNE, Indiana — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its President John F. Popp, who died on Friday, July 31, at the age of 94. A third-generation member of the family business, John’s leadership, optimism, faith, and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades. John Franke Popp was born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Sr. Popp. He grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1954, and entered the U.S. Army that same year. He served as a second lieutenant before returning home following his military service. John was offered an opportunity to begin a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and the family bakery. At his mother’s urging, he returned home to join the business — a decision that would shape not only his own life, but the future of generations of the Popp family and Aunt Millie’s employees. Long before his career in baking, John developed a love for Lake Wawasee and water skiing, eventually becoming the Indiana state slalom water ski champion. It was at the lake that he met Esther Rolene, the love of his life. They married on June 19, 1960, and spent the next decades building a life together, raising two sons and creating countless memories with family and friends. Even with the demands of running a growing company, John made time for what mattered most, including cheering his sons on from the sidelines at their baseball and football games.
John F. Popp and his wife, Esther Rolene Popp
In 1967, John stepped away from the family bakery to pursue a career in real estate, where he developed the subdivisions of Devil’s Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. In 1980, he returned to Perfection Bakeries, where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. The company that would become known as Aunt Millie’s grew under his leadership into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the United States. John viewed the people around him as an important part of that success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement, and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was about building an organization where people could grow, contribute, and feel that they were part of something bigger than themselves. A third-generation leader of the family-owned bakery founded in 1901, John was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, John B. Franke. His influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry. In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, John was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Bakers and Engineers in 2021. He also served the state of Indiana after being appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith and family were at the center of his life. He cherished Bible Study Fellowship and worshiped at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. John enjoyed spring breaks in Florida, trips to Maine, his ’61 Corvette, and working on projects at the lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured solely by the company he helped build, but by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched, and the values he carried with him throughout his life. “John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, Chief Customer Officer. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities, and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.” John’s passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family, and the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values, and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan. The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date. About Aunt Millie’s Bakeries Founded in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the Midwest, serving customers across six states with fresh bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and other baked goods. For more than a century, the company has remained committed to quality, innovation, and serving the communities it calls home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026 Media Contact Information: Michael Korman, highway commissioner North Township Road District (847) 728-7055 mike.korman@northfieldtownship.com
Northfield Township Road District’s Phase II project placed in Group 1, the top tier, of MWRD’s 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program; construction could begin as early as 2027
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