Sometimes our expectations for people are way too high. Take Charles Martin. From his characters, you know he must be incredibly in tune with his emotions and smart enough to discuss heart transplant surgeries in some detail. His book acknowledgements make him seem to be a saint of humility and an adoring husband. And the photo on the book flap isn’t too shabby.

But no, he exceeded expectations. Here’s why. He read from his new book: Between Two Mountains (due out June 1). As he read, he took us on a plane ride with Grover, the pilot for whom you quickly develop an affinity, and two strangers, a male doctor and a female on her way to her own rehearsal dinner in Denver.  Suddenly, Grover dips the wing, suffers heart failure and dies, bringing the plane to rest in an isolated part of the Rockies.

Charles looks up from his reading. We’re all frozen to our seats, still taking in the turn of events. “Well, don’t stop there,” a voice from the back of the room said.

The whole room shared the sentiment, several people later offered large sums of money for an advanced copy. No one wanted to wait for June 1. You can see evolution in Charles’ books. I thought the last was the best. All of his books have compelling characters and a strong sense of place, but his plot lines have improved and I don’t doubt this next one will be the strongest.

A huge thanks to Charles and Christy, Richard and Rae Martin for making the trip to Thomasville. And a special thanks to Lisa and Paul Bryan for providing the carrot (a hunt, one of Charles’ passions) to get them here. Charles and his family were every bit as engaging and relatable as you would expect from reading his books.

Most outsiders find Thomasville as they drive up Highway 319 from Tallahassee, the Kate Ireland Memorial Highway. Her name is on benches and parks, golf tournaments and health care centers. She is one of the last of Thomasville’s original plantation families and her life story, Full Speed Ahead with a Twinkle in her Eye: The Life and Legacy of Kate Ireland by David Treadwell will be released this weekend.

The book chronicles Ireland’s privileged childhood in Ohio, her years at boarding school in Maryland, her formative time spent at Vassar and traveling abroad, and her development as a leader at Frontier Nursing Service in Kentucky. It touches on her battle with alcoholism, her playful rebellions, and her lifelong relationship with Anne Cundle.

David Treadwell of Brunswick, Maine has spent the last three years spending hundreds of hours interviewing Ms. Ireland for the book. He is the author of The History of Mere Point, Maine and is currently working on his third book, a nonfiction work entitled The Crossdresser’s Wife.

The book goes on sale Saturday, Nov. 21.

Book Signing: Ireland and Treadwell will be at The Bookshelf in Thomasville for a signing from 3-5 pm on Saturday.