According to faith-based author Kristen West, there’s few better combinations in life than a good book and a full cup of coffee. That’s why she figured downtown Dalton’s Garmony House Coffee & Cocktails would be the perfect location for her next book signing.
West, who resides in Chatsworth and is also the director of administration for Rock Bridge Community Church at its Dalton location, will be selling and autographing both of her published works at the coffee shop at 109 W. Cuyler St. on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Her first book “He’s an Everyday God” was released in October 2020, while her second, titled “Inspirational Nuggets from Grace and Glory: Bitesize Devotions from My Blogging Journey,” was published in the winter of 2022, with a revised edition releasing in March of this year.
Both seek to “inspire and encourage others in their walk with Christ,” as the back of each book reads. “(West’s) writing highlights what God has done in her life so that others may find that same hope in theirs.”
Born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan before moving to North Georgia in 2003, West said the books contain a compilation of quick, two-minute devotionals she has posted on her Grace and Glory blog on her website, www.kristen-west.com, since 2019.
While the target audience is predominantly females ranging from “the mid-20s to the mid-70s,” West said the books are relevant to individuals of “all walks of life.”
“There’s short devotionals that anybody — men or women — could pick up and go ‘Oh, that’s relevant to me,'” West said. “I love getting to encourage, inspire and just help people in their path with the Lord or in their journey of faith.”
West previously held book signings at the Cohutta General Store and Cheyenne’s Boutique in Calhoun.
Jillian Lidderdale, the owner of Garmony House, said the shop will be giving a 10% discount to their menu during the duration of the signing, including for drinks and pastries.
“Just to give the people coming in to see her something to look forward to on top of getting to speak with her and have their books signed,” Lidderdale said.
Lidderdale said this is Garmony House’s first book signing.
“I had been looking for some kind of book signing or something of that nature, just to switch it up in here and have a different crowd come in, so I was more than happy to have her set something up,” she said.
Having developed a friendship with West through the author’s regular visits to the coffee shop, Lidderdale said the book signing was a no-brainer.
“It was super easy to say ‘Yes’ to having her here and help her achieve some success with her books. I think her work is a reflection of who she is, so it’s pretty special to be able to help her share that with my customers as well as her following.”
To coincide with the book signing, patrons will be eligible to enter a gift card drawing.
“For every book purchased that day, the person’s name will go in a drawing so that they have a chance to win a $20 Garmony House gift card,” said West.
During the signing, “He’s an Everyday God” will retail for $12 and “Inspirational Nuggets from Grace and Glory” will retail for $10. Both cash and Venmo will be accepted.
“If folks bundle them and buy both (books), it’ll be $20,” she said. “I’ll have several (copies) at the book signing and I’ll sign them for you and have a cup of coffee.”
Both books are also available for purchase on Amazon or through West’s website. Select copies are available at the Cohutta General Store at 317 Wolfe St.