You've read the book, now meet the author

People will have a chance to hear tales of life in Alaska, learn how Lawrence began and enjoy a heartwarming children's story at Annie's Book Stop this month. It's all part of the store's meet the authors series, which owner Judy Normandin said lets people "see what's behind the writing of a book."

Authors Jay Atkinson, Debbie Miller and Anne Broyles, who all have ties to the Merrimack Valley, will sign books and meet readers.

Annie's, in the CVS plaza in downtown North Andover, will host Atkinson on Thursday, Feb. 28, and Miller and Broyles in March.

A small, independent bookstore, Annie's sells used books and has an approachable staff, several of whom are retired North Andover public school teachers. It's that relaxed, intimate atmosphere that makes book signings at Annie's unique, Normandin said.

"The authors get up and browse in between signing books. We talk books, and they tell you what books they like," she said.

Folks can chat candidly with the authors as they have their volume signed, she said. Miller and Broyles, both of whom write children's books and have signed and read their books at Annie's before, are "phenomenal with children," Normandin said, and great at answering questions from youngsters.

Refreshments will be served, and people can bring their own books to be signed. Of course, Annie's will have plenty for sale as well.

"We're a small store so we can't compete with the big guys. This adds something to what we provide to our customers. If you've seen "You've Got Mail," ... The Shop Around the Corner — that's us," said Judy Birtles, referencing the 1998 movie where a corporate chain bookstore threatens a small independent store, The Shop Around the Corner.

Annie's has put together special displays of books by the three authors, said Birtles, a retired North Andover teacher who has worked at Annie's for four years.

Atkinson is a Methuen resident. His latest book, "City in Amber" chronicles the story of Lawrence, from its 19th-century beginnings to the present day. His book was so popular that it was out of stock at Annie's for a time, said Birtles.

Miller, who has lived in Alaska since the mid-1970s, has written 10 children's books and four adult books, all about the landscape, wildlife, culture and history of the state. Her daughter, Casey Miller, is a student at Merrimack College and she visits as often as she can to see her play basketball for the Warriors. During her March visit to North Andover, Miller will also speak at several local elementary schools.

Broyles is a North Andover resident who just published her second children's book, "Priscilla and the Hollyhocks." She visited Annie's for a book signing last year for her other children's book, "Shy Mama's Halloween."

All events are free and will be held at Annie's, 109 Main St., North Andover, in the CVS plaza.

For further information, call the shop at 978-685-1177 or e-mail ANNIES.BOOK.STOP.NA@comcast.net.

Atkinson is a resident of Methuen and teaches at Salem State College. His latest book, "City in Amber," explores the history of Lawrence from its construction in the 1840s to present day. Connecting the past to the present, he shows how people and events have shaped the city.

A resident of Alaska for 30 years, her love of the wildlife and wilderness have inspired the many books Miller has written for children and adults. Miller has a daughter who attends Merrimack College.

Broyles is a resident of North Andover, and pays a return visit to Annie's with her new book, "Priscilla and the Hollyhocks." It is the story of a slave girl whose mother has been sold to another slave owner. The only connection Priscilla has to her mother is the memory of her love of hollyhocks.

Photos

Author Debbie Miller visits Thomson School last year. She is holding up an original painting by Jon Van Zyle, the illustrator for most of her books. Miller, a resident of Alaska, has a daughter who attends Merrimack College. File photo