FOLEY, Ala. — Luke and Jennie DeMay, owners of The Book Exchange in Foley have announced a book signing at their store by author Bobbie Altschul, who has written and published her first novel, “Gypsy Escape.”

The book signing is scheduled at The Book Exchange, 101 E. Laurel Ave., on Feb. 27, from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

One time Michigan residents, in 1999 Bobbie and her husband, Hank, traveled to Florida navigating the river systems and the Intracoastal Waterway on their 1983, 38-foot motor yacht.

Once in Florida, they sold their boat, bought a business and life went on.

Like so many others in the Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda area, hurricanes Charlie, Francis and Jeanne put an end to their dream of a new start.

However, also like so many others, the disaster opened up a whole new venture and adventure for the couple.

Since they were unable to go back into business after the hurricanes, they purchased a used recreational vehicle and began to explore this wonderful country.

After visiting 44 states and touring 54 national monuments and landmarks, Bobbie threw herself into a longtime passion — writing.

Bobbie’s first novel, “Gypsy Escape,” is a fictional piece that incorporates her traveling in the RV as well as her experiences in the Michigan court system.

Her second novel, “Delusional,” is now in the process of publication, and she is working on the second of the Gypsy series, “Gypsy Child.”

The DeMays opened The Book Exchange on Nov. 24, 2008 and have an extensive inventory of over 15,000 books for their readers.

This the first book signing the couple has hosted, and they hope to have many more by local and visiting authors in the future.

“Gypsy Escape” can be purchased at the time of the booksigning, or prior to the signing by contacting Luke or Jennie at The Book Exchange.

For more information stop by the store, or call (251) 943-5044.