A bestselling author set her book in Sacramento. Here’s when she’ll visit for signings
Book-lovers are used to reading about sweeping declarations of love backdropped by Central Park, or the Griffith Observatory — but what if instead, the scene was set in midtown Sacramento?
It might sound crazy, but playwright, actress, author and Sacramento native Julie Soto explored the idea in her debut novel “Forget Me Not,” which was released July 11 and takes place in California’s capital city. And to celebrate, she’s heading to Davis on Aug. 29 to close out her August book tour.
The two main characters of “Forget Me Not” — a wedding planner and a florist — get a second chance at love when they are thrown together to plan a high-profile wedding. Throughout the novel, some of the local haunts the characters stop by include Cafe Bernardo in midtown, the McKinley Rose Garden in East Sacramento and the downtown Sutter Club.
The book signing event is free and open to all, and will take place at the Avid Reader bookstore in downtown Davis from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will also be an after-party event at the nearby music store Armadillo Music from 8:10 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., which will require paid admission.
The $30 after-party social package includes a paperback copy of “Forget Me Not,” one beverage ticket for the night of the event and chances to win prizes during a “Forget Me Not”-themed pub quiz.
Soto had her writing start in fanfiction, and is well known for her stories centering on “Dramione” (Draco and Hermione, from the “Harry Potter” series) and “Reylo” (Rey and Kylo Ren, from the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy).
She also won the 2017 New York Musical Festival’s Best Musical award for writing the script of “Generation Me,” and “Forget Me Not” has spent three weeks on the USA Today Best-selling book list.
If you go
When: Tuesday, Aug. 29 — book signing from 7-8 p.m. and after-party from 8:10-9:30 p.m.
Where: Book signing at Avid Reader, 617 2nd St., Davis. After-party at Armadillo Music, 207 F St.
Cost: Free book signing, $30 for after-party bundle. After-party tickets are available for purchase on the Avid Reader website, at avidreaderbooks.com/events.
This story was originally published August 8, 2023 at 5:00 AM.