SOUTHERN THYMES SHARED BIG HIT IN NORTH CAROLINA

“Perfect Mother’s Day Gift” says Bookstore Owner

Linda Parks (r) with Shelby tourism executive Jackie Sibley

SHELBY, NC. Linda Parks is a bookstore owner that you dream about meeting. Eloquent and cerebral, she oversees a successful retail operation in this picturesque city heralded for its beautiful town square. A visit inside affirms the importance of independent bookstores to American business. Brimming with bubbly enthusiasm, Ms. Parks hosts many author events in her very busy operation and took time to introduce her clients to the wonders of the hit cookbook, Southern Thymes Shared.

Before the two book signings with co-author Doc Lawrence, there was a special evening for Shelby. Carl White’s acclaimed TV show, “Life in the Carolinas” was in town for the premiere of a tribute to Shelby at the magnificent Art Deco performance hall, the Don Gibson Theatre. Doc Lawrence was a special guest on stage with Mr. White where they talked about Southern Thymes Shared before the sold-out auditorium. “There’s so much about North Carolina in your book,” White observed, “and the original recipes are even paired with some great Carolina wines.”

Linda Parks Welcomes Distinguished Guests for Signing

During the opening segment that preceded 90 minutes of spectacular Bluegrass, Gospel and Jazz performances, Carl White asked Doc if he would recommend a wine to pair with a local Shelby delicacy, Liver Mush, a pate-like food with origins in Germany. “Champagne,” Doc answered, “or a wonderful sparkling wine from Asheville’s Biltmore Estate.”

Carl White has praised Southern Thymes Shared, describing the book as “a true celebration of Southern charm and elegance that gives tribute to our tables and traditions of the past.”

Doc Lawrence was Carl White's Guest

The first book signing event with Doc Lawrence was at the VIP reception after the live stage show with the other during business hours at Fireside Books hosted by Ms. Parks. Many local dignitaries attended including Carl White along with  award-winning Native American recording artists Chief Joseph RiverWind and his wife, Laralyn. During the signing, Linda Parks lauded Southern Thymes Shared for the beautiful cover and original content. “This is a perfect gift for Mother’s Day,” she said, “ and every new bride deserves a copy for her kitchen.”

"Life in the Carolinas" appears Sunday mornings on FOX46 in Charlotte, North Carolina and is syndicated throughout North and South Carolina.