Islander Blaine Beveridge will launch the publication of his new book, “A Bit of Candy in Hard Times,” at a meet-the-author event from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, at The Hardware Store Restaurant.

The book is set in the late 1920s, at the height of prohibition. A recent press release described “A Bit of Candy in Hard Times” as “the story of Emmett Dougal, fisherman and rum runner who, after having his boat shot out from under him by the Coast Guard off the coast of Maine, decides to return to his Puget Sound roots. Emmett’s journey to rediscover a sense of home puts him on a dangerous path when he is forced back into the rum-running business. Along the way he finds an unexpected love interest and rekindles his love for the sea. Emmett’s story provides a unique Pacific Northwest regional perspective of this infamous chapter in America’s history.”

Beveridge, who has been an island resident for the past 20 years, has set some of the story on Vashon. His wife, Bretta, said Blaine is “super excited” to have the book published and that it’s been a creative pursuit and fulfillment of a life-long dream.

Island businesses Thriftway, Ace Hardware and Pandora’s Box have signed on to sponsor the event and “celebrate Blaine’s achievement,” Bretta added.