Last week the Book Works, Del Mar, Calif., hosted a literary trunk show at which Norton rep Joe Murphy (far r.) talked about the history of the house and discussed "the most exciting books of the season for holiday giving." A wine-and-cheese reception that followed featured wine donated by Frances Mate, author of Norton's A Vineyard in Tuscany. With Murphy: (l. to r.) Lisa Stefanacci, owner of the Book Works since 2006, and Milane Christiansen, who founded the store in 1976.

Stefanacci added that the event, a first, "came about months ago when we met with Joe about Norton's fall list. We were so enthusiastic about the entire list and their distributed lines, which include Thames and Hudson, that we wanted to find a way to showcase everything rather than make our usual request for one or two authors."