Local author partners with artisan bakers and new wine shop to launch latest book
Nearly two hundred people were treated to a recreation of Torte last week as Vancouver author, Ellie Alexander, launched Caught Bread Handed, her fourth book in the very successful Bakeshop Mystery series. Dan Eierdam
With a little help from her friends, Vancouver author, Ellie Alexander (a.k.a. Kate Dyer-Seeley) recently launched Caught Bread Handed, her fourth book in the very successful Bakeshop Mystery series.
Nearly two hundred people were treated to a recreation of Torte, the fictitious small-town bakery that each book is centered around. Vintage Books was on hand so fans of the murder mystery series could purchase a copy of any of Alexander’s books and have them autographed by the warm and personable writer.
Tier Catering’s appropriately-decorated macarons came in crowd-pleasing flavors like mango black tea and strawberry sriracha. Viki Eierdam
Then, it was off to taste and purchase delectable bites from artisan shopkeepers. On site were a baker’s dozen including New Seasons Market—Fishers Landing, Di Tazza Café (her gluten free pumpkin bread was to die for), Truly Scrumptious (the candied orange peel gibassier certainly was) and House of the Rising Buns. Tier Catering’s appropriately-decorated macarons came in crowd-pleasing flavors like mango black tea and strawberry sriracha and Murphy’s Gourmet Mustard entertained a crowd throughout the night with his many uses for this tangy and versatile condiment-turned-dipping sauce.
Owner of Veraison Wine Events, Courtney Barker, emanated her own brand of genuine enthusiasm as she poured wines for the book launch. Viki Eierdam
Attendees were also able to enjoy a selection of wines provided by Veraison Wine Events. Owner, Courtney Barker, emanated her own brand of genuine enthusiasm as she shared the latest in her company’s growth—the opening of a full-fledged wine shop and tasting bar in downtown Vancouver on July 13. Best in show for the night had to be a pocket book-friendly 2014 Vidigal Vinho Verde. The crisp acidity of this well-chilled white took the edge off the fact that the a/c was a no-show for the entire event.
But the belle of the ball was most certainly Alexander. Assuming the role of gracious host with ease, she greeted each vendor, giggled with pure joy at the transformation of the event space into her fictitious reality—which is set in the Shakespearian town of Ashland, Oregon— and took her spot at the autograph table.
Local author, Ellie Alexander, took her spot at the autograph table to greet friends and fans who’d come out to help her celebrate her latest book release. Viki Eierdam
Watching her engage with each guest who came out to celebrate with her, I decided that Alexander possesses a capacity for memory recall that I was not gifted with. She literally knew at least one personal detail about everyone (I.e. where they went on their last vacation, when a child’s birthday was, how a sick relative was improving, what décor theme was chosen for a newly-purchased home) and I, as a writer, marveled at how this woman was able to write 2,000 words a day, maintain her own family and be so in tune with her friends and fans.
In addition to the Bakeshop Mystery series (of which, Alexander is under a 16-book contract for), she writes a Pacific Northwest Mystery series wherein her main character, Meg Reed, is a Portland, Oregon journalist who solves adventure intrigue. Clever titles include Scene of the Climb, Slayed on the Slopes and First Degree Mudder.
Alexander’s next Bakeshop release, Fudge & Jury, is already set for January 5, 2017. Chocolate tastings and demonstrations will draw attendees into the deadly plot—when a world-renowned chocolatier turns up dead preparing for the town’s chocolate festival. Be sure to follow Ellie Alexander on Facebook for the complimentary invite.
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Viki
I am a Clark County native. I am Level 2 WSET (wine and spirit education trust)-certified and enjoy pairing wine with my passion for travel and fondness of food. My most prized possessions are the memories of places I've been with my husband, the chance encounters we've been blessed to have along the way and my carry-on bag. I can often be seen around town and in tasting rooms with our two beautiful, double-Merle Australian shepherds, Challenge and Baby Girl.