Mystic novelist Susan Kietzman will discuss and sign copies of her brand-new novel Thursday in Mystic's Bank Square Books. Don't get confused, though, when you learn the event is on Thursday. Repeat to yourself: "The book's called 'Every Other Wednesday, the signing's on Thursday.'"

You'll figure it out. Kietzman, whose reputation as an engaging storyteller in the loosely defined genre of "women's fiction" has grown with each new title, consciously broadens her scope with "Every Other Wednesday." Three middle-aged female friends, reconnecting with the onset of mutual empty nest syndrome," share and counsel each other through a variety of developments. It's an ambitious novel, and Kietzman empathetically explores big topics like sexuality, school gun violence and the second amendment, addiction and more – all from the perspective that "coming of age" can happen at various times in a person's life.

The event kicks off with a drinks and hors d'oeuvres reception.

Susan Kietzman, 6 p.m. Thursday, Bank Square Books, 53 West Main St., Mystic; free; (860) 536-395.