The LaSalle Parish Library hosted a book signing for author and cook Jean Sharp-Latham on Saturday, October 21, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Jena Branch. Jean is the author of a cookbook titled “Mama’s Flat Tire Gravy… A Second Helping,” which is the sequel to her first cookbook, “How Mama Made Gravy from an Old Flat Tire.”

In this new cookbook, you will find good, Southern recipes along with a little humor, interesting stories, inspirational tidbits and maybe some well-timed advice.

Jean, who was born in 1969 to the union of Ernest & Virginia “Nancy” Sharp, grew up in Rhinehart, LA along with her two sisters, Debra and Patsy and her brother, Ernest “Buddy” Sharp.

She graduated from Jena High School in 1987, then went on to receive a diploma from Louisiana Business College in Banking and Finance. She later attended LSU-Alexandria, where she earned an associate degree in nursing.

“I have worked in several areas as a nurse, including travel nursing across the United States,” Jean said, “which made me appreciate the south’s hospitality and great food.” She has also written articles for a woman’s hunting magazine, as well as poetry and other stories.

Jean now resides in Winnfield, LA with her husband Tommy on a beautiful farm with a paint horse and all of their four-legged fur babies.

Jean has a passion for friends and family, and a love for cooking, entertaining and making people laugh. She loves to cook different types of food but prefers the “soul food” she grew up on.

Jean was accompanied at the library by her 84-year-old mother, Ms. Nancy, who is the inspiration for Jean’s cookbooks. Jean still has cookbooks available, so if you missed this event or would like a copy, please contact the LaSalle Parish Library, or stop by for more information.