Local readers packed into The Page Turner on Saturday, August 1, to mark a major milestone for Lindale native Hailey Huntington and her very first solo book signing. The event drew a steady stream of visitors celebrating her debut novel, Magic Like Fire.
Owners Becky and Randy Osborne welcomed attendees, shared reading recommendations and highlighted Huntington’s work. While Huntington previously participated in a group signing with her publisher, Nightshade Publishing, holding her first solo signing in her hometown was a different experience.
“I always wanted to write,” Huntington said, reflecting on a journey that began with short stories, including many early “drawer drafts” that never left her desk. After publishing 30 short stories, she gained the confidence to tackle a full-length novel.
Her new release, Magic Like Fire, is a young adult fantasy centered on truth, loyalty, and a family’s magical legacy. The story follows a brother’s quest to save his sister from the same crown that killed their father, even if it means wielding dangerous magic against hidden threats. Huntington said she came into the signing with no expectations beyond having fun and was pleased by the local support, including some readers who said they don’t usually read fantasy.
Huntington said she plans to continue writing. She shared that she is staying active writing and has a separate project currently under review with a publisher and another novel in the works.
Becky said fantasy isn’t typically her preferred genre. But after reading Magic Like Fire, she said but said the book changed her mind.
Saturday’s event was the third author signing hosted by The Page Turner, and Becky and Randy said they plan to continue hosting similar events. Becky said she reviews inquiries from authors on social media and reads their work before scheduling events.
“It has been so nice to see the amount of authors in our community,” Becky said, emphasizing the joy of giving local writers a dedicated space to share their work and connect with neighbors.
The selection at the store goes well beyond traditional novels. Randy said puzzle books, which combine word searches with short narratives, have become increasingly popular with customers. He said many readers keep them in what he calls an “analog bag” to use in waiting rooms or during quiet moments instead of scrolling on a phone.
Becky said the store continues to expand its selection, including more young adult and fantasy titles, while growing its monthly book club. The club meets at 1835 Coffee Company on the first Saturday of each month and “disappear into the huwords on the pages,” as Becky describes it. More information about the book club is available through The Page Turner’s social media pages or at the store.
Among those attending Saturday’s event were local educator Brenda McAninch and her granddaughter. McAninch, a friend of Becky’s and an active member of the book club, saw the signing as an opportunity to share her love of reading with her granddaughter. She and her granddaughter left with signed copies of Magic Like Fire and plans to start a little “grandmother‑granddaughter book club” just for the two of them. McAninch also said she plans to donate a copy to her classroom library after they finish reading it together.