Mark Alan Leslie author of the recently published “‘True North: Tice’s story,’ will be signing copies of his newsest book at Jillson’s Farm and Sugarhouse, between 10 a.m. and noon, on Saturday, May 23, as part of an event the farm is calling “Books and Blooms.” In “True North: Tice’s Story,” the slave Tice’s flight to freedom, his pursuer’s unnatural hatred of him, and courageous real-life heroes of the Underground Railroad in 1860 create a thrilling and compelling tale of the period that nearly ripped America apart. Half of the novel takes part in Maine and introduces readers to Mainers from Portland to Brewer who put their lives and fortunes at risk helping runaway slaves. Publishers Weekly has called the book “vivid … inspirational … well-researched … educational.” Leslie is also author of “Midnight Rider for the Morning Star,” a novel based on the life of the nation’s first circuit-riding preacher, won national acclaim. The winner of five national magazine writing awards, Leslie is a former editor at the Lewiston Sun and Golf Course News, a national golf-industry magazine.