In May, two local authors will lead a free book circle that will explore how two recently released books can foster skills that can strengthen our relationships with our families, lovers and communities.

The book circle — hosted by Southern Oregon Pachamama Alliance and Peace House — will meet at Peace House, 543 S. Mountain Ave., Ashland, Oregon from 7 to 8:30 pm four Wednesday evenings: May 1, 8, 15, 22. The authors, Diane Tegtmeier and Lauren J. Oliver, will also read from their respective books at 7 p.m. Monday, May 20, at Bloomsbury Books, 290 E. Main Street, Ashland, OR 97520, 541-488-0009.

The authors, who are friends, discovered through their conversations, that while their recently finished books were very different in some respects, the principles behind the books are intriguingly complementary. Tegtmeier’s book, “The Sacred Cell: What Nature Teaches Us About Relationships,” presents the Cell Membrane principles of oneness, differentiation, selective permeability, containment, and the relationship field. Oliver’s book, “CircleCulture: Tools for Cooperative Work,” offers methods for building strong, healthy relationships by connecting our hearts and minds while communicating respectfully with others in Circle.