Local bookstores host Iowa authors

Two area bookstores are highlighting Iowa authors in February through book signing events.

Mount Ayr’s That’s What She Read bookstore will be hosting fantasy and paranormal romance author Kathy Haan at 10 a.m. Feb. 10. Kathy Haan is most well-known for her Bedlam Moon trilogy, which features vampires, fae and other forms of magic.

Haan lives in Bremer County with her husband, three kids and two Great Pyranees. Along with her romance books, Haan contributes writing for Forbes, Fortune and U.S. News.

While the signing event is free, attendees are encouraged to pre-order Haan’s book as quantities are limited.

Creston’s The Latest Edition Bookstore will be hosting rom-com author Denise WIlliams at 10 a.m. Feb. 3, where she will be signing copies of “Technically Yours.” A STEM-based second chance workplace romance, “Technically Yours” is the newest of Williams eight books. “The Fastest Way to Fall,” a 2021 release, provides an opportunity for readers to meet Pearl and Cord, the main characters in her latest book.

Williams lives in Des Moines with her family, which includes her husband, son and two shih-tzus. “How to Fail at Flirting” was her debut book, coming out in December 2020.

Tickets for the signing include a copy of “Technically Yours.”

This isn’t the only author The Latest Edition Bookstore will be hosting that day. For fans of beer and brewing, Creston’s own J. Wilson will be at the bookstore at noon on Feb. 3, signing copies of his book “Diary of a Part-Time Monk.” Wilson’s book takes readers through a 46-day fasting journey in which Wilson only drank water and beer, sometimes termed ‘liquid bread.’

Also the brewer at the Hot Air Brewery next door, some of Wilson’s creations will be available for purchase during the signing. Tickets for the signing include a copy of the book and a glass of Wilson’s doppelbock.

Those more interested in food can look forward to Creston’s own Karen Walters and the signing event for her cookbook “Nature’s Recipes.” Walters will be at The Latest Edition Bookstore at 11 a.m. Feb. 17.

“Nature’s Recipes” focuses on comfort food with a natural, healthy twist. Tickets for the signing include a copy of the book, samples of two recipes from the book and a drink.