Dothan author, Jude Southerland Kessler, has just returned from a guest author appearance at the 37th Annual Fest for Beatle Fans in New York City.

Kessler, who recently published the first researched historical novel on the life of John Lennon, entitled “Shoulda Been There,” was invited to the Fest (March 28-30) to speak to the 18,000 fans in attendance and to autograph her books.She appeared on panel discussions alongside Beatle experts such as Patti Boyd (author of “Wonderful Tonight” and former wife of both George Harrison and Eric Clapton), Denny Laine (former member of Wings and The Moody Blues) and Mark Hudson (Ringo Starr’s producer.) She also “enacted” chapters of her historical novel for Lennon fans.

Kessler’s book, now selling in Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as the United States, has almost sold out in its first edition form. Some of the last books will be on sale this Saturday at Red House books. “Shoulda Been There” will immediately be printed in a second edition when the others are gone, but for local fans who prefer an autographed first edition book, the party on Saturday will be the best opportunity.

Kessler has also been invited to the Melrose Arts Festival in Louisiana in June, to the Fest for Beatle Fans in Las Vegas in July, and to Liverpool England’s Beatle Week in August.

If you go

What: British Tea and Book Signing with Jude Southerland Kessler, author of “Shoulda Been There.”

When: Saturday, April 5, 2-4 p.m.

Where: Red House Books, 2013 South Oates St., Dothan

Info: Admission free. Refreshments provided. For more information, call 792-1475. Between conventions and festivals, Kessler speaks to clubs and professional groups … book clubs,garden clubs,study clubs,civic clubs. To book her for your organization, call 702-9663. Her books are on sale at Northcutt’s on Main, Mint Julep, Dothan Daily Mail, Pressed for Success, and The Wiregrass Museum of Art.