A Sweeping Southern Family Saga Comes Alive at the 2025 American Library Association Conference in Philadelphia

Maple Leaf Publishing Canada proudly announces the upcoming showcase of Mint Julep: The Reunion by celebrated author Nita Clarke at the 2025 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference and Exhibition at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This vibrant literary celebration of Creole culture and Southern storytelling will be on display for librarians, publishers, distributors, acquisition professionals, and passionate readers seeking authentic narratives rooted in American history, culture, and familial legacy.

Though author Nita Clarke will not be in attendance, her work will be powerfully represented by Maple Leaf Publishing Canada, ensuring that this unforgettable family saga captures the attention it rightfully deserves.

A Journey Through the Heart of Creole Louisiana

Mint Julep: The Reunion continues the captivating saga of the LaPierre-Menard family, a tale born in the lush bayous of Louisiana and reaching into the soulful streets of New Orleans. Narrated with heartfelt flair by the ever-charismatic Alexandra LaPierre-Menard and transcribed through the voice of Gracie Buckhalter, the novel whisks readers into a vivid, intergenerational reunion where secrets unravel, identities converge, and old family spirits are never far away.

Rich with Southern charm, colorful traditions, and rhythms of Zydeco music, this book is more than a reunion — it is a homecoming. From moonlit swamps to velvet-draped parlors, Mint Julep: The Reunion breathes life into the LaPierre-Menard lineage with warmth, mischief, and a touch of magic.

Readers are introduced—or reintroduced—to unforgettable characters like the fierce and loving matriarch Mama Mozelle, the mesmerizing voodoo priestess MamaDel, and the enigmatic red-headed Canadian named Menard, whose arrival shakes the family tree to its roots.

About the Author: A Voice of Heritage, Courage, and Creativity

Nita Clarke was born in Opelousas, Louisiana, and resides in Lexington, Kentucky. She is a proud Navy veteran who served as a journalist and public affairs specialist during the Vietnam era. Her career spans radio broadcasting, ministry, and community service, making her a storyteller with deep roots in service and communication.

Clarke attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana where she studied journalism and English, and graduated from Lexington Theological Seminary in 2015.

Since retiring in 2006, she has devoted herself to writing, church service, and her cherished family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Her literary works include several beloved titles such as Mint Julep (Day One), Timothy and the Blanket Fairy, and The Residents of Alabaster Court, with Mint Julep: The Reunion continuing her commitment to stories that honor heritage, humor, and the power of familial connection.

Why This Book Belongs in Libraries and Bookstores Everywhere

Mint Julep: The Reunion is an essential addition for libraries and distributors seeking stories that reflect the rich cultural tapestries of America. Blending Southern folklore, Creole traditions, and heartfelt family drama, it captures themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of reunions — themes that resonate deeply with a wide readership, especially in times where cultural storytelling is more vital than ever.

The novel’s unique narrative structure—told “to” Gracie Buckhalter by the larger-than-life Alexandra LaPierre-Menard—adds a layer of oral storytelling tradition that is both engaging and emotionally immersive. Its blend of humor, heritage, and heart makes it a standout choice for book clubs, community libraries, university collections on regional literature, and cultural studies.

A Must-See at ALA 2025

The presence of Mint Julep: The Reunion at ALA 2025 is a valuable opportunity for publishing decision-makers to discover a rich, character-driven novel that connects deeply with themes of culture, identity, and generational legacy. This is an ideal acquisition for:

• Publishers interested in regional and multicultural fiction with a strong female voice,
• Distributors focused on African American, Creole, or Southern literature,
• Librarians building collections centered around intergenerational storytelling and cultural history,
• And consigners or book buyers looking for heartwarming, multi-layered narratives with a timeless feel.
  

Clarke’s novel invites readers not just to observe history, but to feel its heartbeat, sway to its rhythm, and revel in its joy.

For more information about the book, opportunities for consignment or acquisitions, or to schedule media interviews, please contact Nita Clarke through her website at www.nitaclarkeauthor.com, or through Maple Leaf Publishing at info@mapleleafpublishinginc.com.

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