Staff Reports 

LAKE LURE — “Books & Bites” Luncheon will feature a book talk and a book-signing by author Mary Alice Monroe at 11:30 a.m. June 8 at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn at 2771 Memorial Highway here.

She will be discussing her new book, “Search for Treasure,” which is the sequel to Monroe’s “The Islands.” The book is billed as “a beautiful story of friendship, loss and the healing power of nature.” The event is being hosted by Friends of Mountain Branch Library.

 Cost is $25 for a three-course lunch at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn and a donation to the Mountains Branch Library.

Also, Monroe will lead a Summer Reading Kickoff at 2 p.m. June 9 at the Henderson County Public Library in Hendersonville.

What’s more, the author will hold a book talk and signing event at 1 p.m. June 15 at the Newberry Opera House in Newberry. Admission is free and no tickets are required to attend, but space is limited.

Monroe is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 27 books. More than 7.5 million copies of her books have been published worldwide. Monroe has earned numerous accolades and awards, including induction into the South Carolina Academy of Authors’ Hall of Fame. She lives on the South Carolina coast, which is a source of inspiration for many of her books.