Books, Cupcakes & a Little Coastal Drama: James Island Trilogy Book Launch
What to expect.
What happens when a real Mooresville bakery makes its way into a fictional North Carolina island town?
You celebrate with cupcakes, of course.
Lake Norman author Shawn Keller Cooper is celebrating the release of Chasing the Changing Tides, the third and final book in her James Island Trilogy, with a free book launch at SmallCakes Cupcakery and Creamery in Mooresville on Friday, October 23, from 7–9 PM.
And this isn't just any book launch. The bakery is actually part of the story.
When Fiction Meets Frosting
SmallCakes owner Rachel Solomon is a longtime friend and enthusiastic supporter of Cooper's books. So when Cooper was writing the trilogy's final installment, she gave her friend's bakery a little literary cameo.
Now, the real-life SmallCakes is hosting the celebration for the very book in which it appears.
Talk about a delicious full-circle moment.
Cooper's James Island Trilogy transports readers to a fictional North Carolina coastal community filled with complicated women, closely guarded secrets, second chances, and the kind of friendships that get tested when life gets messy.
The final installment, Chasing the Changing Tides, brings those stories to a close as its characters navigate secrets, betrayals, and choices that could change everything.
Come for the Books. Stay for the Cupcakes.
This Friday-night celebration is bringing a little James Island magic to Mooresville, complete with:
Whether you've followed the trilogy from the beginning or you're discovering Cooper's writing for the first time, it's a fun opportunity to meet a Lake Norman author and celebrate a local business with a starring role in her story.
And really, when books and cupcakes are involved, do we need much more convincing?
LKN Life Tip: Haven't read the first two books? No problem! All three novels will be available for purchase at the event. It's a great opportunity to pick up the complete trilogy, meet the author, and leave with a signed book (or three). Cupcakes are an excellent bonus.
A Lake Norman Author With a Carolina Story to Tell
A longtime Lake Norman resident, Cooper is a former journalist, photojournalist, and award-winning columnist whose novels explore identity, belonging, resilience, and the complicated bonds between women.
Her first two James Island novels were selected for the Indie Author Project Commercial Collections Program, and Drawing Down the Moon was named a BookTrib Summer Read.
Read our Locals Know feature on Shawn Keller Cooper and the story behind the trilogy →
So grab a fellow book lover, bring your favorite copy for signing, and head to SmallCakes for an evening where fiction, friendship, and frosting all come together.
Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.
For more about the author and her books, visit shawnkellercooper.com.
Common Questions
When is the James Island Trilogy book launch?
Friday, October 23, 2026, from 7–9 PM.
Where is the book launch?
SmallCakes Cupcakery and Creamery, 591 River Hwy., Mooresville, NC.
Is the event free?
Yes! Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.
Do I need tickets or a reservation?
The event is advertised as free and open to the public.
Will Shawn Keller Cooper be there?
Yes! Cooper will be attending to meet readers and sign books.
Can I buy the books at the event?
Yes. All three novels in the James Island Trilogy will be available for purchase.
Which books are in the James Island Trilogy?
The trilogy includes Drawing Down the Moon, Turn of the Silver Wheel, and the new concluding novel, Chasing the Changing Tides.
Will there be refreshments?
Yes! SmallCakes is creating cupcakes especially for the celebration. The event announcement also mentions refreshments and themed giveaways.
Why is the book launch being held at SmallCakes?
SmallCakes owner Rachel Solomon is a longtime friend of Cooper's, and Cooper included the bakery as a fictional setting in Chasing the Changing Tides. Hosting the launch at the real bakery brings that connection full circle.