Blue Apple Books to help library launch summer reading
MADISON – Blue Apple Books will soon welcome a local author who has reached status of “Wall Street Journal” Bestselling Author, a master of ‘bling’ and promotion of the library’s traditional summer reading.
“Blue Apple Books is thrilled to welcome back local author Robert Bailey as he introduces readers to his newest character, Max Ringo, through ‘The Mediator,’ the first book in his new series,” storeowner Robin Dauma said.
A gripping thriller, “The Mediator” follows 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, but a car accident left her addicted to painkillers. Her life dissolved into shambles.
Out of rehab and making a comeback as a mediator, Max gets her shot at redemption when appointed to handle a high-stakes divorce. Max begins negotiations between the two notorious power players, but 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.
Max must resolve a cutthroat legal battle during a covert mission to rescue Nathan. Even when a shadowy syndicate enters the fray and bodies start to drop, only one thing matters: Bring Nathan home, whatever the cost.
“The Mediator” is Bailey’s twelfth novel. He also wrote the Jason Rich series, Bocephus Haynes series and the award-winning McMurtrie and Drake legal thriller series. Bailey retired as an attorney and a registered mediator. He and his wife Dixie live in Huntsville.
Bailey’s visit on May 30 will run from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Guests don’t need tickets. “However, an RSVP on the store’s Facebook “Event” page and a book purchase are much appreciated,” Dauma said. For more information, visit robertbaileybooks.com.
Blue Apple Books and Madison Public Library’s staff will conduct a fabulous kickoff party for the 2026 Children’s Summer Reading Program. The launch on May 30 will start at 9:30 a.m. and end at noon. The 2026 theme is “Unearth a Story.”
Award-winning children’s author Bob Shea will attend and sign books, meet and greet readers and lead a fun drawing activity with attendees. Organizers recommend scanning the QR code to preorder books with Blue Apple Books and then go straight to the signing line. Readers can pick up preordered books at Blue Apple Books on May 27-29.
On June 2, guests can join bedazzling pro Sunny Parker at Blue Apple Books from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for a fun evening of crafting. Participants will use rhinestones to create a book cover or bookmark that truly shines.
No experience is required . . . just some patience and some eye-hand coordination. Sunny will help you learn to use the supplies to create your masterpiece. A minimum of 12 years old is recommended for this workshop.
Guests do need a ticket. Visit shopsouthandpine.com, and click “Events” to receive a ticket.
Blue Apple Books’ address is 14 Main St., Suite B in Madison. For more information, email owner@shopsouthandpine.com.
