Dunn book signing is July 28 in Perryville

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.

"Touch of Jules" by Connie Dunn features character Julia, who is strong and independent, and her younger love interest Austin embraces those qualities. Dunn said she wants women to feel empowered when they read her debut novel.

“I want women to feel empowered to control their lives,” Dunn said. “Julia was able to escape an unhappy marriage and a controlling mother, both of which some of us have. And while she is strong, she still had help. She relied on a dear friend, and we all need to rely on others sometimes.”

Dunn hopes to leave her readers with the lasting impression that love should be embraced.

“I want the reader to feel good about love and life, regardless of age,” she said. “I want the characters to resonate with the reader until they are friends and care about what happens next. Love happens, and when it does, we need to go with it and see where it takes us.”

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.