Since 1991, Appledore Books has joined the Annual Monadnock Music Holiday Fair, one of the finest artisan exhibitor shows in northern New England.

This year the post-Thanksgiving Day fair is open to the public on both Friday November 23 and Saturday November 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

More than 50 juried artisans will show their wares at the South Meadow School on Route 202 in Peterborough NH.

Booth displays range from exquisite hand-blown glass to choice hand-knitted sweaters, leather belts made-to-order, specialized farm-based jellies and many other holiday gifts.

As always, Appledore Books will display its new books and backlist titles. In addition, Julia Older, author of the 2007 award-winning historical novel This Desired Place; The Isles of Shoals, will give a mini-reading at 2:00 p.m. Friday Nov. 23.

Proceeds from the Fair support the more than 30 Monadnock Music concerts in southwestern New Hampshire towns and schools.

More information about Monadnock Music and its Holiday Fair is located online at www.monadnockmusic.org.

Michael Herrmann, owner and operator of the only independent bookstore in Concord, N.H., hosts Julia Older for a reading Thursday November 29 at 7:00 p.m. at 27 South Main Street. Older will discuss and sign both her second novel in the Isles of Shoals Trilogy This Desired Place and her tenth book of poetry Tahirih Unveiled about Tahirih of Persia.

This premier bookshop (603 224-0562) with adjacent bakery café is located online at www.gibsonsbookstore.com.

The Gibson’s events page says: "This is the second novel in Julia Older’s historical series on the Isles of Shoals, and like all great historical novels, it is epic in sweep, full of bawdy characters, complex action, dangers, battles, and love. Come hear all about it! Julia will also read from her recent collection of poetry, Tahirih Unveiled. She is a dramatic and impressive presence on stage, not to be missed."