FAIRHOPE, Ala. — For more than a decade, nationally syndicated columnist Rheta Grimsley Johnson has been spending several months a year in southwest Louisiana, deep in the heart of Cajun Country.

She fell in love with the place, bought a second home and set in planting azaleas and deep roots.

Johnson’s new book, Poor Man’s Provence: Finding Myself in Cajun Louisiana, is her ode to that area.

Page & Palette, 32 S. Section St. in Fairhope, will host a signing event with Johnson Sept. 27, from 2-4 p.m.

These days, much is labeled Cajun that is not, and the popularity of the unique culture has been a mixed blessing.

The revival of French Louisiana’s traditional music and cuisine often has been cheapened by counterfeits. Poor Man’s Provence, a memoir/travelogue, tells about Johnson’s life in bayou country, the people she’s met and friendships formed, and her understanding of Cajun history, culture, landscape and food.

The book defines what’s what through lively characters and stories. In classic Johnson fashion, Poor Man’s Provence is alternately witty and warm with a touch of the politically incorrect.

Johnson has covered the South for over three decades as a newspaper reporter and columnist. Her reporting has won numerous awards, and in 1991 she was one of three finalists for the Pulitzer Prize for commentary.

Syndicated today by King Features, Johnson’s column appears in about 50 papers nationwide.

She is the author of several books in including America’s Faces and Good Grief: The Story of Charles M. Schulz.

A native of Georgia, Johnson grew up in Montgomery, Ala., and currently resides in Iuka, Miss.

For more information, contact Page & Palette at (251) 928-5295, or visit online at www.pageandpalette.com.

The author will exclusively sign all books purchased from Page & Palette.