Anne Barnhill at Saturday Salon Jan. 28

North Carolina author Anne Clinard Barnhill will make a return appearance at the Saturday Salon at Literary Bookpost on Saturday, Jan. 28, 1-3 p.m., when she will sign copies of her new novel from St. Martin's Press, “At the Mercy of the Queen.”

Barnhill has previously appeared at the Bookpost to sign copies of her short stories “What You Long For” and to teach writing workshops.

A sweeping tale of sexual seduction and intrigue in the court of Henry VIII, “At the Mercy of the Queen” is a rich and dramatic debut historical novel about Madge Shelton, cousin and lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn.

Tracy Borman says, “This novel throws light upon a character whose story is little known but who was at the heart of one of the most dramatic episodes in Tudor history.”

Brenda Vantrease, author of “The Illuminator,” says that “just when you think the telling of this tragic but familiar tale has surely been exhausted, suddenly there is this fresh, new voice that makes it new again.” And, Diane Haeger, author of “The Secret Bride,” says: “A timeless tale that swiftly scoops up the reader and spirits us back through a finely woven tapestry of history and romance. An absolutely splendid read.”

Barnhill has been writing or dreaming of writing for most of her life. For the past 20 years, she has published articles, book and theater reviews, poetry and short stories. Her first book, also available at Literary Bookpost, was “At Home in the Land of Oz,” a memoir of what it was like growing up with an autistic sister. Her work has won numerous awards and grants.

She holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Besides writing, Barnhill enjoys teaching, conducting writing workshops and facilitating seminars to enhance creativity. She also enjoys spending time with her three grown sons and their families. For fun, she and her husband of 30 years, Frank, take long walks and play bridge.

Barnhill will sign books at Literary Bookpost beginning at 1 p.m. and will engage in an informal meet and greet session where she will discuss her work and her writing beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the author event area. She will be available for signing until 3 p.m. Both hardcover and paperback copies of “At the Mercy of the Queen” will be available at the signing, as well as copies of Barnhill's previous books.

Literary Bookpost is at 110 S. Main St., downtown Salisbury. For additional information about this event or to reserve books for signing, call 704-630-9788 or visit www.literarybookpost.com.