Norman Draper signs copies of his new novel "Front Yard"

Stop by for a visit with author Norman Draper, and go home with a signed copy of his great new comic novel.

In the sequel to Backyard, merlot-tippling gardeners extraordinaire George and Nan Fremont are back, ready and willing to exercise their green thumbs on their long-neglected front yard. Now that the weather's warming up, it's time for them to give their neglected front yard a much-needed makeover. Luckily, their daughter Mary and their gardening intern Shirelle are around to help. But a bevy of meddlers stonewall their latest project before they can even dig in.

Shirelle's college advisor, Dr. Brockheimer, is a little too enamored with the Fremonts' gardening prowess. Livia's resident historian, Miss Price, seems to be hiding something about the history of their property. And their nosy neighbor, Jim Graybill, is forever scanning their lawn for buried treasures with his beloved metal detector--but could he actually be onto something for once?

Trouble is in full bloom in Livia, but with a trowel in one hand and a glass of merlot in the other, George and Nan count on everything coming up roses.                                

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Norman Draper spent 35 years as a newspaper reporter before leaving journalism in 2011. An avid gardener in thought, if not in deed, he is always up to the task of uncorking a bottle of Sagelands 2007 merlot and checking in on his beloved Minnesota Twins. Draper lives in Bloomington, Minnesota, with his wife, Jennifer, and has two grown sons, Sam and Ed. Visit him on the web at normandraper.com.