Blue Apple to host authors, an aviator, mahjong…and pound cake!

MADISON – Blue Apple Books has scheduled a full lineup in early December with authors, an aviator, a trunk…even pound cake.

Blue Apple Books and Madison Public Library are partnering to present a Local Author Meet & Greet at The Beer Hog, 130 Plaza Blvd. on Dec. 3 at 6 to 8 p.m. Guests can meet fellow readers, interesting local authors and pick up some books for the holidays.

Authors will include Robert Bailey, who writes legal and political thrillers, like “The Boomerang”; Georgina Cross, author of suspense thrillers, including “My Perfect Husband”; Sarah Crouch, who writes mysteries like “Middletide” and “The Briars”; and Daco Auffenorde, who is a suspense author, including “The Medici Curse.” They will sign books from Blue Apple.

“Downtown Madison will pull out all the stops on Friday, Dec. 5 with the Polar Express Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m., followed by the Wassail Festival at various merchants on Main Street,” Dauma said. Local author Carole Albyn will visit Blue Apple Books / South & Pine with samples of her delicious and newly perfected Wassail Pound Cake and to sign copies of her book, “The Sweet Book of Perfect Pound Cakes.” “We’ll have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic wassail for tasting, plus lots of great gift ideas.”

Two author events on Dec. 6 are set before “Christmas Capers.” Dr. Steven Tom will sign “The Aviator” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tom is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer with a doctorate in mechanical engineering. “The Aviator: A Biography of James R. McConnell” follows the life of a Lafayette Escadrille Fighter Pilot.

From 2 to 2:30 p.m. at Blue Apple, Tom will give an author talk about James R. McConnell and World War I aviation in general.

On Dec. 6 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Blue Apple, Heather K. Morris will read and sign “Trunk Goes Thunk,” her children’s book. Morris writes books covering science, wonder and imagination for children of all ages. Other books include a ghost story, “Haunted States of America Anthology.” (heathercmorris. com) The Vine & Oak, downtown’s new venue on Martin Street, will host its “Books and Bottles” event on Dec. 6 from 2 to 6 p.m. Guests can meet authors while sipping a favorite vintage of wine.

Blue Apple Books / South & Pine will offer their popular Mahjong classes again with an intermediate class on Dec. 8 and an introductory class on Dec. 15. Both classes meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Blue Apple Books’ address is 14 Main St., Suites B and C in Madison. For more information, visit @blueapplebookstore, @shopsouthandpine or shopsouthandpine.com.