Local Author Bob Allen is signing books at B*U*B Café in Blue Island

Beverly author Bob Allen’s busy life as a writer keeps getting busier, and that’s a good thing.

“The Backdoor to Heaven” author has lined up upcoming book signings Sunday and Tuesday in Blue Island complementing the display on the shelves of Bookies Bookstore of Beverly, in his home community, triggering “a very proud moment.”

On Sunday, February 23, Allen is signing books at B*U*B Café, Blue Island’s very own coffee shop on Olde Western Ave featuring house-made meals, pastries and gelatos, with a full coffee and tea bar. Allen will begin signing books at 11:30 a.m.

B*U*B (Butter Upon Bacon) has a laid-back atmosphere, stirring wall art, music, board games and art stations for youngsters, making the café dining experience uniquely BUB, located at 13311 South Olde Western Avenue.

“We pride ourselves on creating a menu and a space that will make nearly anyone feel happy and welcome,” said B*U*B Café owner Gerard Dougherty. “We make all of our pastries, sauces, syrups and sausages in-house.”

Chefs Sarah Howlett, Tex Roundtree and Sara Lamb celebrate the café’s newest successes with three-course dinners culled from lofty family recipes and techniques the three chefs have perfected over a combined 40 years of fine-dining experience.

Ashley Mixon was instrumental is setting the décor as well as creating the “stations for youngsters” that have become so popular for families.

On Tuesday, February 25, Allen will sell and sign books at Blue Island Beer Company beginning at 5 p.m. The award-winning craft brewer located at 13357 Olde Western Avenue in Blue Island will also be playing host to its Bocce Ball League. Beer drinkers, book buyers and those curious about one of the fastest-growing recreation sports in the nation will fill the house.

“We attended a sportswriter’s book signing during January and the Bocce Ball league players were from every walk of life, which added to the fun,” said Allen.

Blue Island Beer Company’s owners have stepped up as book signing sponsors with its aptly named “Massive Political Corruption” which cuts to the very heart of Allen’s most recent book, in which the protagonist in “The Backdoor to Heaven” is unsure of whom he can trust. While historically any reliance invested in an alderman comes with great trepidation, being incapable of believing the words of your own son is beyond heartbreak.

“People get a kick out of Massive Political Corruption tie-in, especially those who have grown up in this culture,” said Allen. “On top of that, it’s great beer.”

Allen’s second novel has become community property on the bar.

“We’ll get lone patrons coming into our tasting room to try our latest brew, so having the books sitting on the bar has been a good fit,” said Blue Island Beer Company co-owner Alan Cromwell, along with co-owner and brew master Bryan Shimkos.

“We’ve done our best to host local authors over the years and with that comes interesting new customers and some shrewd conversations between strangers who quickly become acquaintances.”

The featured attraction of the Bocce Ball competition draws patrons to the back of the building where players of all levels surround alleys. Information about upcoming leagues is available, including news regarding a “Ladies Only” spring league.

The Back Door to Heaven by Bob Allen

Bookies Bookstore created a 10% discount promo code at www.bookiesbookstores.com for “The Back Door to Heaven” allowing visitors to the site to enter the promo code ALLEN10 (it is not case sensitive) for a one-time 10% discount on Allen’s book. Patrons will also get 10% off all other books they add to their order. This promo code is valid until Fri 2/28/25.