Essex novelist Susan Strecker celebrates the publication of her latest, "Drive," with a Delicious Discussions event at noon Thursday in the Michael Jordan Steakhouse at Mohegan Sun. Strecker will talk about her career and sign copies of "Drive" over a buffet lunch.

In "Drive," Piper Pierson in on her way to a stardom as a NASCAR racer when her father is critically injured. She shifts focus to a career writing for NASCAR Weekly and falls in love with racing upstart Colt Porter, whose devil-may-care attitude is infectious until a second tragedy strikes and again tests Piper's resolve and beliefs.

Strecker's previous two novels were "Night Blindness," an IndieNext Pick, and "Nowhere Girl," which won the Beverly Hills Books Award for Excellence in Fiction. Cost for the Delicious Discussions session is $40 and includes lunch and a signed copy of "Drive." Pre-registration is required; contact Bank Square Books at (860) 536-3795.