Christmas in July and three authors to appear at Blue Apple Books

MADISON – Blue Apple Books will host Christmas in July with a couple of ‘North Pole residents,’ along with three diverse authors to round out July’s last days.

Joe and Mary Moore, aka ‘Santa Joe’ and ‘Mrs. Claus,’ are Madison residents who live in the spirit of Christmas year-round. “We’re thrilled to welcome these versatile creators to Blue Apple Books for a ‘Christmas in July’ event with storytelling, games, book signings and more!” storeowner Robin Dauma said.

Santa Joe and Mrs. Claus will attend from 10:30 a.m. to noon on July 25. This duo is multi-talented, having combined their writing, art, dramatic and technical skills to bring joy to families for decades, Dauma said.

“I’m a master of many worlds — fantasy, folklore, suspense thrillers, Christian storytelling and heartwarming children’s tales,” Santa Joe said. “With more than 15 books in print and new adventures released each year, I invite readers of all ages into stories that spark wonder, stir emotion and keep pages turning late into the night.”

For 20-plus years, Santa Joe has lived a magical double-life as a real Santa Claus. “My firsthand experience ‘behind the beard’ gives me a rare, authentic perspective on the North Pole’s mysteries, the heart of Christmas and the power of belief,” he said. “My Santa books blend whimsy with wisdom, often ending with a personal message from Santa himself.”

Several of the Moores’ books will be available, including the award-willing “The Christmas Eve Journey,” a retelling of “The Night Before Christmas” from Santa’s point of view.

Next on July 25 from 2 to 4 p.m., Mark A. Johnson, a professor at the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga, will share his newest food-related book, “American Bacon: The History of a Food Phenomenon.” This four-century history documents the gastronomic phenomenon in the United States.

Johnson explores the ways that bacon overcome centuries of religious prohibition, cultural contempt and dietary advice to serve as a 21st-century culinary and cultural powerhouse.

From Milwaukee, Wis., Johnson earned a doctorate’s degree in history from the University of Alabama, master’s degree at the University of Maryland and bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. He authored “An Irresistible History of Alabama Barbecue: From Wood Pit to White Sauce” and “Rough Tactics: Black Performance in Political Spectacle.”

From 4 to 6 p.m. on July 25, local author Tori Gracen will celebrate her latest adult romantic-suspense novel, “Since You Checked Out.” “The plot follows Ellie Santaclaire and Matthias Sager,” Dauma said. “Best friends. Coworkers. Each other’s emergency contact. The only person they want when everything falls apart.”

However, Ellie’s crippling anxiety and Matthias’ toxic habits spoil their chances.

Gracen lives in Huntsville and has published 12 works on Amazon and plans to extend her work in local bookstores. As a 15-year-old, Gracen debuted her first novel, “Wings of Ash.”

For the preceding events, Blue Apple Books will not require a ticket but asks for an RSVP on Facebook and a book purchase at the event.

The month’s last event on July 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. promises to deliver fun and fabulous food.

The Howlin’ Owl Cookbook Club will offer a ticketed, cookbook workshop focused on the community, curiosity and kitchen adventures. Mellissa Meeks, owner of Southern Dash Catering by MellMee, will conduct the grilling-focused session featuring summer-perfect choices.

The menu will include smashburgers, street-corn salad, grilled potato salad, cast-iron biscuits with diablo gravy, queso dip, peach cobbler and a sample flight of beer from Old Black Bear Brewing, downtown partner for Blue Apple Books.

A ticket includes tasty treats and prizes: • Demonstration and samples of all menu items, plus a sample of paired beverages — beer samples from Old Black Bear Brewing and assorted soft drinks.

• A fun food- and drink-centered learning experience, led by a catering professional.

• The cookbook, “The Best Grilling Cookbook Ever Written by Two Idiots.”

• Choice of either a wooden, salad server or ceramic dip bowl. Two designs are available.

• An entry in a prize drawing — a picnic basket for two worth $150. For details, visit shopsouthandpine.com, click “EVENTS” and scroll to the workshop description.

Registrants will receive further details about the workshop by email, along with kitchen tips and tricks for the month.