Past: Connie Dunn book signing july 28 at The Barrens Winery

Local teacher-turned-author Connie Dunn has woven Missouri locations, and the spirit of independent Missouri women, into her debut novel, “Touch of Jules.”

A book signing event is being held for Dunn at The Barrens Winery in Perryville from 5-7 pm Thursday, July 28. Readers who have already purchased their copy are invited to bring it for Dunn to sign, and copies will be available for purchase that evening.

Dunn is retired from teaching English and writing at Fredericktown High School. Since her retirement, she has taught some writing classes at the Perryville campus of Mineral Area College. She and husband Kevin lived in Perryville for many years, where Kevin was the superintendent of Perry County School District 32 until his retirement in 2013.

“Touch of Jules” is a contemporary romance, but one that lacks damsels in distress. The female lead, Julia, is strong and independent, and her younger love interest Austin embraces those qualities. And while the relationship between Julia and Austin is the focus of the novel, the relationships between its female characters comprise the book’s backbone.

Dunn said she’s looking forward to the July 28 book signing at The Barrens Winery. “I can’t wait to meet new people and see old friends,” she said. “I am a people person. I seldom meet a stranger, and if so, we don't remain strangers for long. And I never want to lose touch with the friends I made during our years of living there. I will always consider Perryville home, even if I have other homes in other locations. I think people will enjoy the book, and I always enjoy chatting with readers. Those who have already read the book give me feedback, and I welcome that. I may have taught writing for almost 30 years, but as a new writer of novels, I embrace readers’ ideas.”

Dunn’s novel “Touch of Jules” is available in Perryville at Villainous Grounds and Leona’s Porch, and can be ordered at Amazon.com.