Join us at Page & Palette for storytime! On Wednesday, March 11th at 10AM, Patricia Riley will be here to read Raymond Signs. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a cookie as you listen to Patricia’s storytime. We hope to see you there!

Raymond Signs

In the heart of the Appalachian forest, a magazine filled with mountain critters sparks a grand adventure for young Frank and Virgie Ann. Their journey leads them to the doorstep of Raymond, a kind, deaf neighbor with a twinkle in his eye and a world of wisdom in his hands. Through the "story within a story" of Raymond Signs, Raymond becomes a modern day, mountain dwelling "Ms. Frizzle." As he guides the children through the pages of the magazine, he reveals the American Sign Language sign for every creature, from the smallest bunny to the legendary Bigfoot. This isn't just a book; it’s a bridge of communication. Invented by the imaginative minds of Jimmy Byrge and Patricia Riley, Raymond Signs invites families of all ages from 1 to 100 to embrace ASL as a second language and find the magic in every gesture.

Patricia Riley

Patricia Riley, President of Riley’s Productions LLC, has her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Arts and Children’s Theater from California Baptist University. Patricia Riley was Deaf as a child and did not receive her hearing until sixth grade. She has a passion for the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing children and the Deaf community because she was one of these children, one of the forgotten few. Patricia Riley Was Executive Producer and stared in “The Better Half Feature Film” as Sam the mime. She has appeared in a variety of TV shows including “CSI Las Vegas,” “Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” “America’s Court," and “Millionaire Matchmaker.” Patricia Riley has been performing and teaching Improv, Mime technique and movement in the San Diego and Los Angels area for many years; bringing informed regard to the public for the betterment of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and communication-challenged children and their families. Patricia Riley is the Founder of “Don’t Be A Sap... It’s A Booby Trap” a 501c3 Non-profit, continues to bring awareness to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities all over the nation.

Join us for an event with Alabama author Gin Phillips!

On THURSDAY, MARCH 8th at 6PM, the award-winning author of The Well and The Mine and Fierce Kingdom will sign and discuss her latest novel, RUBY FALLS.

Secure your copy of RUBY FALLS here.

RUBY FALLS

RUBY FALLS is a tense, claustrophobic mystery set almost entirely underground at the onset of the Great Depression about the discovery of a 150-foot waterfall in the middle of a mountain, the unthinkable crime that happens in its caves, and a woman who's never felt more alive.

ABOUT GIN PHILLIPS

Gin Phillips has written seven novels, and her work has been sold in 29 countries.

Her new novel, RUBY FALLS, will be published by Atlantic Crime in March 2026. Her novel FIERCE KINGDOM was named one of the Best Crime Novels of the year by the New York Times Book Review. It was also named one of the best books of the year by NPR, Publishers Weekly, Amazon, and Kirkus Reviews. The New York Times called the novel “expertly made…clever and irresistible,” noting that “Phillips…beautifully captures the quirks, tedium and magic of parenting a young child.” Her debut novel, THE WELL AND THE MINE, won the 2009 Barnes & Noble Discover Award.

Gin’s novels also have been named as selections for Indie Next, Book of the Month, and the Junior Library Guild.

Born in Montgomery, Al., Gin graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a degree in political journalism. After time spent in Ireland, New York, and Washington, D.C., she currently lives with her family in Birmingham, AL.

Meet Author Amy Laundrie on Saturday, March 14th, at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee or a glass of wine and get a copy of Laugh, Cry, Reflect signed. Come chat with the author and discover your next great read!

Laugh, Cry, Reflect: Stories From a Joyful Heart

Laugh, Cry, Reflect: Stories From a Joyful Heart is a collection of short yet powerful personal stories. Some will make you laugh—like when you find out why the author’s 12-year-old daughter requested a home pregnancy test. Other stories may tug at your heartstrings—like when you learn what item was placed on a beloved relative’s casket. Many of these poignant essays will prompt you to reflect on moments from your own life. All are offerings of hope, wonder, and joy.

Author Amy Laundrie

Amy Laundrie is a retired teacher, author of thirteen books, and a columnist. Her two memoirs feature personal pieces about pets, nature, teaching, and family.

Meet James McDevitt on Sunday, March 15th at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee or a glass of wine and get a copy of A Walk Among Heroes signed. Come chat with the author and discover your next great read!

A Walk Among Heroes

Step into the heart of history with A Walk Among Heroes, a sweeping tale of courage, sacrifice, and enduring love that transcends generations. This powerful World War II novel takes you on an unforgettable journey through the lives of ordinary men and women who became extraordinary in the face of unimaginable challenges. Through the eyes of T.J., a young soldier returning from war, and Smitty, a World War I ace haunted by the ghosts of his past, the story weaves a rich tapestry of interconnected lives shaped by war, hope, and resilience. Anchored by a love story that defies time, the novel masterfully bridges two world wars, exploring the bonds of family, the weight of duty, and the ultimate cost of heroism. A Walk Among Heroes isn’t just a novel—it’s a testament to the power of love, memory, and courage in the face of humanity’s darkest hours. This beautifully crafted tale will inspire and resonate with readers long after the final page is turned.

James McDevitt

James McDevitt is a firefighter, an infantry officer, and author with a passion for crafting stories that capture the courage, sacrifice, and connections forged in the crucible of war. With two deployments to Iraq, and one deployment to Syria, James draws on his firsthand experiences to create gripping, heartfelt historical fiction. His debut novel, A Walk Among Heroes, blends authentic detail with timeless themes of love, loss, and resilience, inspired by true events and a deep respect for history. When he’s not writing, James enjoys woodworking, playing guitar, and jiu-jitsu. He currently resides in Alabama with his wife, Lindsey, as they prepare to welcome their first child. Connect with James on social media or through his website to follow his journey and upcoming projects. Contact:jamesmcdevittauthor@gmail.com

Join us on Wednesday, March 18th at 6PM to listen to Sonny Brewer talk about his book, In His Name, She Said. Enjoy a glass of wine or a specialty cocktail as you listen to Sonny’s talk. We hope to see you there!

In His Name, She Said

In His Name, She Said is a Gospel-based story addressing the mystery of what Jesus might have written in the sand at his feet as described in the Gospel of John, Chapter 8, verses 2 through 11.

Sonny Brewer

Sonny Brewer is a longtime resident of Fairhope and is the author of Poet of Tolstoy Park.

Join us at the Arts & Crafts Festival to meet Authors Lindsey Duga and Katie Bernet!

Stop by between 1-3PM on Saturday, March 21st, to get a Royal Liars and Beth is Dead signed. Come chat with the author and discover your next great read!

Royal Liars, by Lindsey Duga

American Royals meets Gossip Girl in this scandal-driven sequel where four teenage royals team up to defend their beloved school from an unknown threat, risking their futures and their hearts in the process.
Complete with enemies-to-lovers romance, political intrigue, and legendary betrayals, this is the thrilling conclusion to the saga begun in Royal Heirs Academy.

Lindsey Duga is the author of Royal Heirs Academy as well as several other YA novels and middle grade ghost stories. With a passion for history and mythology, she’s always been fascinated with royalty across cultures and fantastical worlds. She lives in Baton Rouge, LA, with her family and dog, Delphi. She invites you to visit her online at lindseyduga.com and to follow her @LinzDuga.

Beth is Dead, by Katie Bernet

Beth March’s sisters will stop at nothing to track down her killer—until they begin to suspect each other—in this “brilliantly snappy…electrifying” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) debut thriller that’s also a bold, contemporary reimagining of the beloved classic Little Women.

Katie Bernet is the New York Times, USA Today, and Indie bestselling author of “Beth Is Dead.” She’s an award-winning creative director and a long-standing member of the DFW Writer’s Workshop. As the oldest of three sisters, she’s a diehard fan of “Little Women.” 

Join us on Friday, March 27th at 1PM to listen to Jacqueline Trimble talk about her book, American Happiness. Enjoy a glass of wine or a specialty cocktail as you listen to Jacqueline’s talk. We hope to see you there!

American Happiness

Winner of the Balcones Poetry Prize

American Happiness is an eclectic collection of verse from a bold poet of everyday life, Jacqueline Allen Trimble. Ironically titled, the work addresses everything from the death of parents to racial tension to the encroachment of coyotes into urban spaces.

The title is taken from a poem in the book which considers the kinder, gentler exploits of Sheriff Andy and Deputy Barney during a time when Southern law enforcement was neither universally kind or gentle. Says Trimble, “Barney had one bullet/and no need for a rope./The only burning he did was for his Thelma Lou.”

On her poetic journey, which takes us from the personal to the political, Trimble probes our racial divide. She is by turns compassionate and fierce, cutting at our hypocrisy with the knife of her words and willing us toward our better common humanity.

Jacqueline Allen Trimble

JACQUELINE ALLEN TRIMBLE lives and writes in Montgomery, Alabama, where she is a professor of English and the chairperson of Languages and Literatures at Alabama State University. Serving as the Poet Laureate for the State of Alabama from 2026 to 2030, she is also a National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Fellow, a Cave Canem Fellow, and a two-time Alabama State Council on the Arts Fellow. American Happiness, her first poetry collection, won the Balcones Poetry Prize, and How to Survive the Apocalypse was named one of the ten best poetry books of 2022 by the New York Public Library. Her work has appeared in various publications, including The Griot, The Offing, and The Blue Lake Review.

Meet Arlon Jay Staggs on Saturday, March 28th at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee or a glass of wine and get a copy of Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits signed. Come chat with the author and discover your next great read!

Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits

It’s 1982 in Bailey Springs, Alabama, where Trudy has kept her head down since high school, when folks blamed her for ruining the life of star quarterback Jimmie Beaumont. Now engaged to a blue-blood politician, Haskel Moody, Trudy’s back in the spotlight—especially after taking a job teaching chemistry to save his campaign for mayor.

As Trudy encounters old high-school ghosts, she also confronts Coach Shug Meechum, whose laid-back charm and infuriating grin incite more than just her frustrations. Meanwhile, Trudy’s mother, Leta Pearl, has been giving some chemistry lessons of her own—slipping her mysterious love-inducing biscuits to the men in town.

In Bailey Springs, football, tradition, and appearances often mean more than the truth. So, when secret recipes are uncovered, and new desires collide with a long-buried tragedy, Trudy must decide if she’ll play by the rules—or risk everything for the life she wants.

A laugh-out-loud romp with a smidge of Southern magic, “Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits” confirms that true love—like the best biscuits—takes a little heat to rise.

Arlon Jay Staggs

ARLON JAY STAGGS is a native of Florence, Alabama, and a Southern storyteller with deep roots, a sharp sense of humor, and a heart for connection. His essays and stories have appeared in The New York Times and December Magazine, and his novel Leta Pearl’s Love Biscuits is his debut work of fiction. He holds an MFA in fiction from the University of California, Riverside, a JD from the Mississippi College School of Law, and is an adjunct English professor at Northwest Florida State College. Arlon and his husband live in Inlet Beach, Florida.

Join Page & Palette’s newest book club, Pinot & Pages, where we discuss books featured in one of our recent author events!

For March, we will be discussing RUBY FALLS by Gin Phillips. Meet the author of this book on March 12th, then join us on March 31st to share your thoughts on the book with Bookseller Alfred. You can reserve a signed copy here.

We hope to see you there!🍷📚

Join us for First Friday to meet and greet Phillip E. Norris on April 3rd at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 5:30-7:30PM to grab a glass of wine and get a copy of New Roads to Old Places signed. Come chat with the author and discover your next great read!

New Roads to Old Places

A teenage prankster. A segregated state. A dangerous game of truth and rebellion.

In 1960s, Alabama, Pip Cooper's antics land him in a strict religious boarding school, a last-ditch effort by his parents to reform his wild spirit. But Pip doesn't change-he adapts. With his new partners-in-mischief, Pecker and Archie, he pushes pranks to theatrical heights, leaving a permanent mark on New Roads School and College. But when Pip sets his sights beyond the school gates-onto Alabama's white supremacist state government-his high jinks cross a perilous line.

With civil rights hanging in the balance, and a dangerous new governor taking office, Pip's stunts spark real-world consequences. His bold defiance pulls an unlikely atty into the fray: a

Jewish housewife from New York who becomes both his conscience and his collaborator. As the stakes rise, Pip's fight for justice transforms into a reckoning with race, responsibility, and the price of disruption.

Set against the backdrop of a segregated South on the brink of change, this razor-sharp coming-of-age story explores youthful rebellion, unexpected friendship, and the cost of conscience in a world stacked against truth.

Phillip E. Norris

Phillip graduated from the University of Alabama with an undergraduate degree in Communication and a Master's degree in Social Work. He then earned degrees in Education and Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and he was a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard University. He is the recipient of the Rush Silver Medal award from the American Psychiatric Association, a legislative citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and he wrote a syndicated series for the Los Angeles Times. He was the President of the South Alabama Institute and the Director of the University of South Alabama Baldwin County, a regional campus of the University of South Alabama, for 25 years.

Meet Cindy Wade Lemoine on Saturday, April 4th at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee or a glass of wine and get a copy of A Walk Out of the Woods signed. Come chat with the author and discover your next great read!

A Walk Out of the Woods: My Journey Out of Performance-Based Religion

This book is a journaling of my time spent in scripture as I made my way out of performance-based religion and into rest in relationship with my Savior.

Cindy Wade Lemoine

I am a wife, mother, and a Grammy to two beautiful grandchildren, Sawyer and Amelia. I have lived in Fairhope for thirty-six years and I have been married for that length of time. I have a background in physical fitness and a BS in Physical Education. I was a small business owner for ten years.

Join us on Tuesday, April 7th at 6PM to listen to Lauren Grodstein talk about her book, A Dog in Georgia. Enjoy a glass of wine or a specialty cocktail as you listen to Lauren’s talk. We hope to see you there!

A Dog in Georgia

In this beautiful story of connection and self-reflection, a missing dog in Georgia sets Amy Webb on an adventure away from her tumultuous marriage and lack-luster personal life and towards a journey of self-discovery and joy.

Amy Webb is a chef. Or rather, she was a chef.  Somewhere along the way she also became a wife and a stepmother and an emergency contact, and the part of her that was a chef disappeared entirely– along with her sense of self.  Which is why she is currently in the republic of Georgia, on a mission to find a lost dog named Angel, and, more importantly, the life’s purpose she once took for granted.
 
For months, Amy has escaped by watching Youtube videos of Angel walking the children of Tbilisi to school.  When Angel goes missing, Amy volunteers to go find him. The fact that her husband may be having (another) affair and her stepson is away at college probably has something to do with it.  Who is Amy, after all, if she’s not taking care of other people?
 
But to her surprise, Angel proves elusive, and while she does make friends with a number of stray dogs, what she finds in Tblisi is entirely human. Is she happy in her marriage? What happened to her career? Why doesn’t she ever cook anymore, even just for herself? 
 
Helping her on this journey of self-discovery is a rebellious teenager, a mysterious and attractive Russian, and several post-Soviet grandmothers. And, of course, the rich food and culture and complicated politics of Georgia itself.
 
After a lifetime of looking away from her own needs and appetites, Amy is forced to confront what she really wants and how to finally find herself -
 
And a dog.

Lauren Grodstein

Lauren Grodstein is the author of the Read with Jenna pick We Must Not Think of Ourselves,The Washington Post Book of the Year The Explanation for Everything, and the New York Times-bestselling A Friend of the Family, among other works. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, children, and two large dogs, and is a professor of English at Rutgers University-Camden, where she directs the MFA program in creative writing.

Join us for an event with debut author Rebecca Lehmann! On Thursday, April 9th at 6pm, the

award-winning poet and essayist will sign and discuss her captivating historical novel, The Beheading Game.

We all know what happened to Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. But what if she woke up the day after her execution and took it upon herself to seek justice?

A fantastical journey through the wilds of England and Tudor history, filled with danger and magic and steeped in Arthurian legend, The Beheading Game is a prescient reminder that “mouthy” women have always been punished. Now, thanks to debut novelist Rebecca Lehmann, nearly five hundred years after Anne Boleyn’s death, one of history’s most maligned women finally has the chance to tell her story.

The Beheading Game releases March 24. Pre-order your copy HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Lehmann is an award-winning poet and essayist. She has an MFA in poetry from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where she was a Maytag Fellow. She is the author of three collections of poetry: Between the Crackups; Ringer, winner of the AWP Donald Hall Prize (selected by Ross Gay); and The Sweating Sickness. Her writing has appeared in American Poetry Review, The Kenyon Review, NPR’s The Slowdown, and the Academy of American Poets’ Poem-a-Day. She lives in Indiana with her family, where she is an associate professor of English and Gender and Women’s Studies at Saint Mary’s College.

Meet Micah House on Saturday, April 11th at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee or a glass of wine and get a copy of Sometimes It’s the Fork signed. Come chat with the author and discover your next great read!

Sometimes It’s the Fork

Laurel Holden has lived an isolated life of her own choosing. An accomplished food and travel writer, she never stayed long in one place, and she liked it that way. Her career has taken her to some of the finest bistros, cafes, and resorts in the world; but now she is about to immerse herself in a region and culture more foreign to her than any she’s known…the Deep South. With the proliferation of bloggers and A.I., Laurel’s career is a dying breed, forcing her to retreat to the small town of Scroggins, Alabama.

In the modest house she inherited from a grandmother she never knew, Laurel is about to undergo an awakening. What begins as a temporary respite while considering her options, Laurel will begrudgingly forge connections to a community who has more to teach her than she could have possibly imagined. The people living in Scroggins have never let anyone remain a stranger, and they have no intention of starting now. As rumors swell Laurel is writing a cookbook on Southern food, everyone in town seems to have a recipe…and a story behind it. Laurel discovers that the stories behind the dishes are the most fascinating of all. In the South, food isn’t just nourishment—it’s a bridge between people and their rich histories. And she just may find out a few secrets regarding her own family, which she has felt rejected by all her life.

In this charming, character-driven tale of rediscovery, the cosmopolitan traveler is in for a culture shock as she discovers the meaning of community and the sentiment of found family. Laurel Holden was only supposed to be there for the summer, pausing at her fork in the road only long enough to choose which path to take. But maybe the fork was her destination all along. Sometimes, the road to finding yourself takes you right back to where you started.

Micah House

Micah House presents a distinct style. He reshapes storytelling with an infusion of humor, drama, the warmth of Southern charm, and plenty of page-turning suspense. His narratives forge an emotional bond between readers and characters, making you a part of their journey, experiencing their tragedies and triumphs. He currently lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with his husband and son and their five dogs.

Meet Carla Seyler on Sunday, April 12th at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee or a glass of wine and get a copy of A Place Unmade signed. Come chat with the author and discover your next great read!

A Place Unmade

In A Place Unmade, relentless greed upends a fragile farm economy in an all-too-plausible thriller about a crisis in the world’s food supply. Science crime, and love meet in a meticulously researched story that starts in New Orleans and threatens the world.

When marketing director Valentina Sorelli’s cousin loses his Nebraska wheat farm to a mysterious virus, she discovers drone debris in his fields that launches her investigation into a deadly conspiracy threatening America’s food supply.

As a graduate student at New Orleans University, Valentina learns that the agricultural disaster isn’t natural—it’s the result of a calculated attack using weaponized mites to create a grain monopoly. When she uncovers the shocking truth about who's behind the crisis, Valentina must choose between her safety and exposing a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of corporate agriculture.

With the help of classmate Sam Stillman—whose own father may be involved—and a Scottish entomologist whose research was stolen to create the biological weapon, Valentina races to stop the perpetrators before they can eliminate the last hope for America’s farmers. But when her plan to gather evidence goes catastrophically wrong, she finds herself trapped in a deadly confrontation that will determine the fate of the nation’s food security.

Carla Seyler

Carla Seyler is a native of New Orleans, a place that has been unmade by disasters both natural and engineered, but one that offers a master class in patience, resilience and joy.

Carla grew up in a large family steeped in the rich and sometimes warring cultures of Italian American and Acadian French immigrants—always loving, usually loud. As a child, she read constantly. Carla’s first career of many years was in the field of vocational rehabilitation counseling.

A Place Unmade has won Chanticleer International, Literary Titan, PenCraft and Readers Favorites awards. Carla was recognized as a 2024 debut author by International Thriller Writers. Carla, her husband and their two rescue kittens divide their time between New Orleans and Buena Vista, Colorado, where she is co-editor of the Central Colorado Writers Monthly Edition. She is completing her second novel which is also based in south Louisiana.

Meet Bianca Peoples on Saturday, April 18th at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee or a glass of wine and get a copy of The Forbidden Flames of the Shattered Secrets signed. Come chat with the author and discover your next great read!

The Forbidden Flames of the Shattered Secrets

They knew it was wrong… but they couldn’t resist the fire between them. Harmony has built a life of stability with Dru — a husband who provides, protects, and loves her in the only way he knows how. Yet beneath the quiet comfort of routine, a part of her heart still whispers the name of her first love. Ryheem — charming, magnetic, unforgettable — the one who once made her feel truly alive. When a single message from the past reopens old wounds and ignites buried desire, Harmony finds herself torn between loyalty and longing, safety and passion, truth and temptation. One secret leads to another, and soon the life she once knew begins to shatter. In a world where love, deception, and desire collide, Harmony must decide: Will she fight for the life she built… or risk everything for the love that never truly left? The Forbidden Flames of the Shattered Secrets is a gripping tale of passion, betrayal, and the price of following your heart when the truth burns too deep to hide.

Biance Peoples

Bianca Peoples is an independent romance and drama author based in Alabama. Her debut novel, The Forbidden Flames of the Shattered Secrets, explores love, passion, betrayal, and the emotional choices that shape our lives. Bianca is passionate about storytelling that captures real emotions and complex relationships. When she’s not writing, she enjoys connecting with readers, promoting independent literature, and building creative brands. This is her first published novel, with more stories on the way.

Meet Elizabeth Sharp on Sunday, April 19th at Page & Palette! Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee and get a copy of The Happy Bug signed.

The Happy Bug

Written by a widowed mother, The Happy Bug is a gentle children’s story about love, loss, and remembrance. Inspired by a hand-painted vintage Volkswagen Bug created by her late husband, this comforting book uses bright illustrations, coastal charm, and simple language to help children understand big feelings — and to show that even after loss, love and joy never disappear. Perfect for families navigating grief, illness, or big life changes, The Happy Bug opens the door for meaningful conversations during hard seasons.

Elizabeth Sharp

Elizabeth Sharp is a widowed mother raising her daughter by the beach on the Alabama Gulf Coast. She wrote The Happy Bug to help children understand big feelings and to remind families that love never leaves it simply shows up in new ways.

Meet Brian A. White on Saturday, April 25th at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee or a glass of wine and get a copy of Double-Decker Romance signed. Come chat with the author and discover your next great read!

Double-Decker Romance: A Real Story of Timeless Lessons on Life and Love

What happens when a Mississippi boy and a girl from Strawberry Hill share a chance meeting on a double-decker bus in post-war London? Readers are invited to follow the White family as they build a life as a military family, travel the country, and ultimately settle in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Their story is one of timeless love—told through the eyes of their youngest child, Brian White.

Brian A. White

About the Author Brian A. White Inspired by his parents to pursue work that is both rewarding and impactful, Brian White has nearly three decades of experience in nonprofit senior and mid-level development across higher education, youth services, social service, and faith-based organizations throughout North Texas and beyond. A first-time author, Brian turned a longtime dream into reality by memorializing his parents’ storybook romance. Double-Decker Romance is a tribute to them. His Mom, June, a World War II survivor, embodied grace and charm in every circumstance. His Dad, Louis, who grew up on a Mississippi farm in the Tucker Community during the Depression, always seemed to do the right thing. Brian remains inspired by their example and believes deeply in using his God-given talents to make the world a better place. As a child, Brian thought his parents’ marriage was simply “normal.” With time, he came to understand just how extraordinary their love truly was - and how much it had to teach. They met on a double-decker bus in London and married just a few months later. The events leading up to that fateful encounter have fascinated him ever since. “My parents were a shining example of what a loving and supportive marriage should be,” Brian says. “Their commitment to each other and their ability to navigate life's challenges together have taught me the true meaning of partnership.” Brian grew up in south Mississippi and is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. He began his career in broadcast journalism as an anchor and reporter in Jackson and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, before moving into nonprofit development. He is the proud Dad of three grown children: Drew (30), Rebecca (26), and Grace (23). In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, dining out, golf, cooking and grilling, movies, cycling, hiking, live music, and watching sports.

Meet Amelia Franz on Sunday, April 26th at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee or a glass of wine and get a copy of The Longest Man-Made Beach in the World signed. Come chat with the author and discover your next great read!

The Longest Man-Made Beach in the World

Set against the bright sand, murky waters, and barrier islands of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, this new short story collection honors the lives of working-class characters with their backs against the wall. Wracked by loss, regret, and desperation, they find slivers of grace where they least expect them.

Amelia Franz

Amelia Franz was born and raised in Mississippi and educated at the University of South Alabama and Texas A&M University. Her writing has been published widely in literary magazines. She lives with her husband and children in the Baltimore area, but her fiction remains rooted in the culture, people, and language of her native state.

Join us on Thursday, April 30th at 4PM to listen to local resident Tamara Wintzell briefly talk about her book, The Grand Dame of Fairhope. Enjoy a glass of wine or a specialty cocktail and socialize as we celebrate her memoir. We hope to see you there!

The Grand Dame of Fairhope

The Grand Dame of Fairhope: A Memoir of Sorts details the wonderfully inspiring and heartwarming story of how Tamara Wintzell, the owner of Tamara's Downtown, an eatery in the city of Fairhope Alabama, came to be. Beloved by her local restaurant-goers and new faces alike, Tamara continues to touch the lives of so many individuals with her warmth, kindness, and generosity.

Meet Julie Dearinger-Smith on Saturday, May 2nd at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee or a glass of wine and get a copy of Leadership by Design signed. Come chat with the author and discover your next great read!

Leadership by Design: A Framework for Team Member Development

Leadership by Design is a practical guide for leaders who want to do more than manage tasks—they want to shape people, culture, and the future of their organizations. Drawing on 25 years in healthcare, IT, and clinical informatics, Julie Dearinger-Smith shows how any leader, in any field, can move beyond day-to-day problem solving and intentionally develop team members for long-term success.

Julie Dearinger-Smith

Julie Dearinger-Smith is the Founder and CEO of Contingency Health Solutions, a company dedicated to improving operational resiliency and patient care through innovative, nurse-designed technology. With over 25 years in the healthcare industry, Julie has developed a deep understanding of how to grow strong, high-performing teams. Her passion for team member development led her to create this framework to help leaders in healthcare and beyond, guide their teams from Novice to Expert. She’s a lifelong learner, a champion of mentorship, and an advocate for preparedness in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Meet Marcia W. Grayson on Sunday, May 3rd at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee or a glass of wine and get a copy of MC Dies Slow signed.

MC Dies Slow: An eight year journey down the dark hole of the disease of addiction

In 2007 our youngest child's life suddenly turned upside down with the beginning of the crippling Disease of Addiction. There progression of the disease divided our family. This memoir tells both the mother and daughters story of struggling with this insidious disease. MC tells her story through her journals over an 8 year period. Marcia tells what it is like to love someone with this disease but not be able to help them.

Marcia Weinacker Grayson

This book is a personal journal written by Mary Catherine Grayson (MC) threw out 8 years of her journey through the Disease of Addiction. Her mother Marcia chronicles her journey as the parent of her daughter who was suffering from this disease.

Join us on Thursday, May 7th at 6PM to listen to Lisa Patton talk about her book, Kissing the Sky. Enjoy a glass of wine or a specialty cocktail as you listen to Lisa’s talk. We hope to see you there!

Kissing the Sky

From the bestselling author of Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’easter comes a soulful, nostalgic novel about a young woman coming of age in the ‘60s to the blare of the music that shaped a generation.

It’s the summer of ’69. While her peers revel in free love and rock and roll, Suzannah is home from college, sequestered inside her conservative Southern home. Her domineering father has condemned rock music and driven away her best friend. She’s counting the days until fall.

But everything changes when her free-spirited best friend, Livy, resurfaces, urging Suzannah, a talented singer, to join her for three days of peace and music in upstate New York. Fed up with her father’s rules and fearful for her brother’s fate in Vietnam, Suzannah agrees to the road trip, sneaking off without her parents’ knowledge.

Miles outside her comfort zone, the electrifying bedlam of Woodstock jolts her into a journey of self-transformation. But it’s not all incense and peppermints. Suzannah’s falling hard for Leon, a boy she meets at the festival, and the seductive bud of first love conceals a thorn of heartache. Lies uncover betrayal, and Livy’s wild behavior leads to a startling revelation.

A nostalgic trip through the turbulent ’60s, this is the story of a lovable heroine who lets go of the girl she was to embrace the woman she’s becoming while she learns to lift her voice—for herself and perhaps for the world.

Lisa Patton

Lisa Patton, the bestselling author of five novels, is a Memphis, Tennessee, native who spent time as a Vermont innkeeper until three subzero winters sent her speeding back down South. She has over twenty-five years of experience working in theater, radio, TV, and music, including a decade with Doobie Brother Michael McDonald, who, along with his wife Amy, helped Lisa cowrite and produce “If Not for You,” an original song for Kissing the Sky. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Lisa is the proud mother of two sons, eight bonus children, and twelve grandchildren. She and her husband live in the rolling hills of Nashville with their four-legged furry son named Handsome. Connect with Lisa on Instagram, @lisapattonbooks, and on Facebook, Lisa Patton.author.

Join us on Wednesday, May 13 at 6PM as we welcome back Robert Bailey to discuss his newest book, The Mediator.

The book is available for pre-order and can be picked up starting May 12. This is a ticketed event—each book purchase serves as a ticket and guarantees both a copy of the book and a seat in the Book Cellar.

The Mediator

From the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Rich Justice and The Boomerang comes a gripping thriller about a disgraced lawyer facing the legal battle of her life as she tries to redeem herself—and save her son.

Max Ringo was once a courtroom star at an elite law firm. Then a car accident left her addicted to painkillers, and her life dissolved into shambles. Now fresh out of rehab and making a comeback as a mediator, she gets her shot at redemption when she is appointed to handle a high-stakes divorce.

But as Max begins negotiations between the two notorious power players, the trap is already sprung. The husband kidnaps her teenage son, Nathan, and gives her a chilling ultimatum: settle the case on his terms…or the boy dies.

Over three relentless days, Max must resolve a cutthroat legal battle while pursuing a covert mission to rescue Nathan. She’ll risk everything—her career, her freedom, her life—to beat a ruthless adversary at his own game. Even when a shadowy syndicate enters the fray and bodies start to drop, only one thing matters. She must bring her son home, whatever the cost.

Robert Bailey

Robert Bailey is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Boomerang as well as the Jason Rich series (Rich Justice, Rich Waters, and Rich Blood), the Bocephus Haynes series (The Wrong Side and Legacy of Lies), and the award-winning McMurtrie and Drake legal thriller series (The Final Reckoning, The Last Trial, Between Black and White, and The Professor). He also wrote the inspirational novel The Golfer’s Carol. The Mediator is his twelfth novel.

A retired attorney and registered mediator, Bailey lives in Huntsville, Alabama, with his wife, Dixie. They are the proud parents of three children, two dogs, and two cats.

We are delighted to welcome New York Times bestselling author Kathryn Stockett back to Page & Palette!

On SATURDAY, MAY 16th at 4PM, the multi million-copy-selling author of The Help will sign and discuss her highly-anticipated new novel, The Calamity Club. Set in 1930s Oxford, MS, Stockett’s latest is a bold, big-hearted story about a group of unbreakable women, fighting for what’s rightfully theirs—and the power of friendship to change everything.

Seats in the Book Cellar are sold out, but general admission for ticket holders are still available here. Ticket holders will watch and listen via televisions posted throughout the bookstore and Latte Da. After Ms. Stockett speaks, the signing line will form based in ticket number order. All customers in line will have an opportunity to have their book signed and a picture taken with Ms. Stockett. Books must be purchased at Page & Palette.

The Calamity Club

'Smart, funny, and driven by unforgettable characters ... a must-read' Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry

Oxford, Mississippi, 1933.

Abandoned by her mother one Christmas Eve, eleven-year-old Meg Lefleur has learned the hard way to rely on no one. Now one of the unadoptable "big girls" at the Lafayette County Orphan Asylum, she fights each day to keep her spirit unbowed.

Birdie Calhoun, unmarried and outspoken, has come to Oxford to ask her socialite sister to help the struggling family she's left behind. But as the Depression tightens its grip, Birdie discovers her sister's seemingly charmed life is a tapestry of lies.

Then, Birdie encounters Charlie, a woman running low on luck with little left to lose. When their fates—and Meg's—converge, Charlie comes up with an audacious plan to claim what's rightfully theirs. But in a place and time where hypocrisy is rife and women's freedom is fragile, even the smallest act of defiance can have dangerous consequences.

The Calamity Club will make you laugh, cry, and cheer—an epic testament to underestimated women who know that calamity can be the spark of new beginnings. This is Kathryn Stockett at her most confident, heartfelt, and hilarious—the triumphant return of one of the most beloved storytellers of our time.

Kathryn Stockett

Kathryn Stockett was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. Her first novel, The Help, has sold over 15 million copies worldwide and was translated into 35 languages. The Calamity Club is her second novel. She lives in New York City and Mississippi.

Join us on Thursday, May 21st at 5PM for an evening with Robert Gwaltney as he discusses his novel Sing Down the Moon. He will be joined by Suzanne Hudson, winner of the Truman Capote Award for short fiction in 2025. Music will be performed by Grayson Capps prior to the event. Enjoy a glass of wine or a specialty cocktail while you listen to Robert’s talk. We hope to see you there!

Sing Down the Moon

A Southern Gothic tale of generational trauma, desire, and identity, Sing Down the Moon follows a cursed teen heir to a mystical drug trade that binds the living to the dead. Blending myth and memory, the novel explores the cost of inheritance and the peril of self-erasure in a haunted world.

Sing Down the Moon will appeal to readers of Jesmyn Ward's Sing, Unburied, SIng, Toni Morrison's Beloved, and Karen Russell's Swamplandia.

Sixteen-year-old Leontyne Skye longs to escape Good Hope, a barrier island off the coast of Georgia—and the cursed birthright that binds her to it. For generations, the women of the Skye line have tended Damascus, an ancient fig tree whose siren song lures the dead across the river. The figs it bears are harvested to create Redemption, a drug that tethers the island to the dead, slowly consuming the Skye women from the inside out.

Leontyne’s mother, Eulalee, is already disappearing—memory, hair, teeth—into the salt-stung air. And Leontyne is unraveling too, since the accident known as Tribulation Day, when she lost her hand and all sense of who she was before. As her memories resurface in fractured pieces, and her childhood friends, Rebecca and Avery, twist truth to their own ends, Leontyne faces a cruel inheritance aiming to destroy her.

When Journey Wintergarden arrives, mysterious and magnetic, precarious relationships unravel, threatening to upend everything, derailing Leontyne’s plans to escape Good Hope. As desire, betrayal, and memory collide, the haints grow restless. Leontyne’s refusal to tend the tree means shattering the fragile balance between the living and the dead. Accepting her fate means becoming the Great Redeemer—and losing herself completely.

Robert Gwaltney

Robert Gwaltney, a recipient of the 2022 Pat Conroy Writers Residency, was named 2023 Georgia Author of the Year for his debut novel, The Cicada Tree. He resides in Atlanta Georgia where he is an active member of the Atlanta literary community serving as a board member for Broadleaf Writers Association. Robert’s work has appeared in such publications as Southbound Magazine, Southern Literary Review, The Blue Mountain Review, and The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature. His forthcoming novel, Sing Down The Moon, which has been awarded the Somerset Award for Literary and Contemporary Fiction, will be published by Mercer University Press on March 3, 2026.

Meet Joe Cuhaj on Saturday, May 23rd at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee or a glass of wine and get a copy of Notable Women of Alabama signed. Come chat with the author and discover your next great read!

Notable Women of Alabama

Notable Women of Alabama showcases the unique journeys and challenges of 50 women who made cultural and societal changes not only in Alabama, but the nation and the world as well.

Joe Cuhaj

Local author Joe Cuhaj is the author of 20 books including 13 guides to hiking, paddling, and camping in Alabama and the Gulf Coast, and seven nonfiction history titles including Mobile and Baldwin County-centric titles: Baseball in Mobile, A History Lover’s Guide to Mobile, and Hidden History of Mobile. Joe is currently working on the first book in a cozy mystery series set in a Gulf Coast port city in 1943.

Meet Tracie Richardson on Saturday, June 13th at Page & Palette! 

Stop by between 1-3PM to grab a coffee and get a copy of The Imperfect Cookie signed.

The Imperfect Cookie

On the eve of her first day at a new school, Claire the cookie worries about fitting in, but she soon discovers that every cookie is different and that those differences are meant to be celebrated. Featuring characters with varied abilities, shapes, and sizes, The Imperfect Cookie offers young readers an affirming message: Being different is not only okay—it’s what makes the world beautifully imperfect.

Tracie Richardson

Written by registered nurse, mother, and Richly Made Fairhope cookie company owner Tracie Richardson, the story is inspired by her lived experience and her passion for creating a more inclusive world for children. The book is well-suited for families, classrooms, and libraries looking to spark meaningful conversations about empathy, kindness, and belonging.

Join us at Page & Palette for an author storytime! On Wednesday, June 17th at 10AM, Tracie Richardson will be back to read her book, The Imperfect Cookie. Enjoy a cookie as you listen to Tracie’s storytime. We hope to see you there!

The Imperfect Cookie

On the eve of her first day at a new school, Claire the cookie worries about fitting in, but she soon discovers that every cookie is different and that those differences are meant to be celebrated. Featuring characters with varied abilities, shapes, and sizes, The Imperfect Cookie offers young readers an affirming message: Being different is not only okay—it’s what makes the world beautifully imperfect.

Tracie Richardson

Written by registered nurse, mother, and Richly Made Fairhope cookie company owner Tracie Richardson, the story is inspired by her lived experience and her passion for creating a more inclusive world for children. The book is well-suited for families, classrooms, and libraries looking to spark meaningful conversations about empathy, kindness, and belonging.