Ex-BHS teacher’s 2nd book signing in Town April 11
Her latest book is “Whiskey Secrets,” a sequel to “Whiskey Love.”
“I’m really excited,” said Smith, now employed at Tennessee Department of Transportation. “It’s a chance for patrons and followers to meet in person and renew acquaintances.”
“I’m especially looking forward to meeting the book club readers who featured my book,” Smith added.
At the “Whiskey Love” signing in the same location — then known as Linda’s Hallmark in November 2022 — “I met several people from a book club,” she recalled. “I was asked to do a Zoom meeting … I loved that.”
Smith became involved with book signings at the Hallmark store through the previous owner, and it continued with the current ownership.
“I think they are known for supporting community events,” she said.
It told the story of a young woman who inherited a whiskey distillery in the 1890s in the fictional town of Ocolo in Middle Tennessee.
“It was based on Jack Daniels’ distillery,” Smith said.
“Whiskey Secrets,” also a historical fiction released in December by Wild Rose Press, shares the story of the original family — son, daughter and other descendants — of the heir in “Whiskey Love.”
“Whiskey Secrets,” however, is set in the 1924, amid the Prohibition, gangsters and bootlegging of that era.
“Anytime you write a historical novel, it means traveling to distilleries,” Smith said.
Smith garnered information about that distillery for her novel, such as having to have armed guards to protect the character’s liquor. She said the novel also is a suspense piece, as the reader tries to figure out who stole whiskey.
“It’s like Great Gatsby meets Yellowstone,” Smith said, noting the intrigue and action.
Having previously lived in West Knoxvill,e with her daughters graduating from Farragut High School, Smith still has ties with family members in Farragut.
To find out more about Smith’s books, visit www.joyallyson.com
