It comes as no surprise that Judith Fertig’s debut novel, The Cake Therapist, revolves around food. The Kansas City resident has made her name through a flurry of cookbooks with titles like Bake Happy: 100 Playful Desserts with Rainbow Layers, Hidden Fillings, Billowy Frostings, and More, and her cooking credentials include schooling in London and Paris. Fertig’s first fictional effort centers on Claire “Neely” O’Neil, who moves from New York City to the curiously named Millcreek Valley, Ohio, to open her dream bakery. Neely’s uncanny ability to connect feelings to flavors leads to success — and concern when a sour flavor won’t go away. Fertig discusses and signs The Cake Therapist.
7 p.m. Wednesday. Free. Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood, 513-396-8960, josephbeth.com.
