There have been so many firsts since the release of No More Secrets. This past week, a road trip to promote the book in some of our Northern communities added to that list.

The first stop in Terrace at the TV station and the taping of an episode of Open Connection with Tyler Noble was a quick-fire way to get rid of jitters and nervousness. It will be aired in June sometime. I am sure that dates will be available from their website, or that the ever-attentive Chris Armstrong will make sure the words gets out.

It was great to meet readers and foodies at Misty River Books, and thanks to Anna for baking the scones from the cookbook. There were very tasty and such a relief to taste them when made by another pair of hands.

Oh Smithereens! You are such an enthusiastic bunch and you turned out in such a friendly bunch to the reading at the Smithers Public Library. The questions were challenging and made me think. If anyone knows how to make gluten-free sourdough, please tell me and I will pass it on. Chris and I had a great dinner at Rob’s Grill and Pizza (where Java’s used to be). The Stork’s Nest Inn was comfortable and accessible. Breakfast too!

Thank you to the Houston Public Library for hosting me and for the lovely goodies with the good company.

It was a pleasure to meet old friends at the reading at Vanderhoof Public Library reading and to make some new ones too.

If you are in Prince George and in need of a good coffee, then Cafe Voltaire (inside Books and Company) is the place to be. It is one of the most energizing places I have ever been in and the book selection is INCREDIBLE. What a surprise to meet former students, work mates, and friends, and all in the same place. Thank you to the people who turned up at the Prince George Library too. There is an exhibition of quilts at the library and it is exquisite. Not to be missed.

The book sales continue to be strong and we have listed the vendors where it is available. Thank again, all, for your support.

~Adrienne Johnston

In two weeks, we’ll be starting our book tour for No More Secrets, visiting communities from Terrace to Prince George. Author Adrienne Johnston is looking forward to reading from her book and meeting people who enjoy food as much as she does.

Whether you’d like to get your copy signed, or listen to Johnston read her charming stories, or just chat about her experiences in the restaurant business, the book tour caters to all tastes. See you in a few weeks!

For a schedule of the book tour, click here.

Due to the great response we’ve received from our readers, we’ve decided to go on a book tour this spring. With a second printing of No More Secrets in tow, we’ll be visiting a few towns along Highway 16 once the snow clears away. Author Adrienne Johnston will be signing copies and reading from her book at the locations listed below. We’ve also got a pre-book tour reading at the Prince Rupert Library on Tuesday, March 27 at 7 p.m.

Hope to see you as we travel along the Yellowhead!

Wednesday, May 9

Noon: Misty River Books (Terrace)
7 p.m.: Smithers Public Library

Thursday, May 10

1:30 p.m.: Houston Public Library
7 p.m.: Vanderhoof Public Library

Friday, May 11

11 a.m.: Books & Company (Prince George)

Saturday, May 12

12 p.m.: Prince George Public Library

Due to stronger-than-expected sales in the early part of 2012, we’ve decided to print another run of No More Secrets. Thanks once again to all our customers and supporters for making the book a Prince Rupert bestseller.

We’ve also received some kind words from another media outlet. Toque & Canoe, an online publication based in Calgary, sings the praises of the cafe and the book in this article.

Finally, we’re also in the midst of organizing a book tour in a few months. Stay tuned to this website for further information – we could be coming to your town very soon!

One month ago today, No More Secrets was officially released. Since then, we have sold over 2,000 copies of the book. Below are some thoughts from the author, Adrienne Johnston, on passing this milestone.

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Thank you to all the loyal customers who re buying up No More Secrets. I thought that once you had the book in your hot little hands, you would be cooking up a storm at home. Not so. The cafe is as busy as ever and after just about a month we have sold two-thirds of our inventory. One thousand books left. WOW.

So far the feedback has been positive. Lots of people have stopped me in the grocery store (my third favourite hangout) and told me what they are cooking from the book. They have all been very happy with how the food has turned out.

If you’d like a book, there are still some available at the cafe, where I am still signing copies. The cafe will be closed from December 18-28, however if my car is parked in my spot, it means the cook is in the building and will certainly sell and sign your books.

Happy Christmas, and may 2012 bring you health, wealth and happiness.

~Adrienne Johnston

I did not know what to expect. With the weather as miserable as it was I was worried that people would just decide to stay at home. I should have known better. Rupertites are a hardy bunch. Gales do not faze us. There was lineup right from 8 a.m. onwards, with just two ten minute periods when I left my seat. Thank you loyal customers, for your kind support. And no, my hand was not tired from signing books for you. It was an honour to be able to do that. Thanks to Patrizia Stevens and the wonderful crew you gathered; there were very classy goodies being passed around the room. There were lovely little sweet and savoury bites, hot drinks and soup. Every thing which I tasted was delicious. It felt like it was the opening of a very fancy art show. Bill, thank you for putting up the new towel dispenser, putting up tarps, taking down tarps, and all in such miserable weather. I wish I could have been more attentive to who was doing what.

If I had permitted myself the luxury of emotion on the 12th I would have been nothing more than a puddle on the floor. Today I shed tears. They were tears of gratitude and joy. Gratitude, when I was stopped by people who had read what I had written, enjoyed it and understood where I am coming from. Joy, that they shared my feelings. Joy, when they told me they had tried some of the recipes and that they worked and they liked them.

The atmosphere in the room was just a lovely as every day at the café. I felt surrounded by friends who were happy to be there. To those of you, who brought flowers, THANK YOU. They are beautiful and added such a festive air to the shop. The colours are beautiful and I wanted to put them on the table where I was signing but I was terrified that I might knock them over and spill water on someone’s newly purchased book. That would have been a disaster.

Even though we sold lots of books there are still lots for sale and I will be available to sign them for you at the Café. Please be understanding if I am cooking your or someone else’s meal. I will sign your book when I am done that. Thank You friends again and again and again.

~Adrienne Johnston

No More Secrets: Recipes from Cow Bay Café was officially released on November 12, and we received an absolutely phenomenal response. Over 260 Rupertites braved the blustery weather on Saturday to pick up their copies of the book, in some cases lining up to the door to wait for a signature from the author.

Cow Bay Café and Muskeg Press would like to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the support you showed on Saturday. It was a great day, thanks to you.

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If you would like a copy of the book, but you live outside of Prince Rupert in Northern B.C., click here to see other vendors in your area.

If you live anywhere else, you can purchase your copy through PayPal by clicking here.

(Note: we recommend you do NOT use PayPal if you live in or near Prince Rupert, Terrace, and Prince George. Please visit one of these vendors to avoid shipping & handling costs.)