GOD is Watching the Apples
Authors Chuck Miceli, Betsy Tooker, and John Salerno were honored to participate in the 56th Annual Southington Apple Harvest Festival, where they held their first official book signing for GOD Is Watching the Apples. The event took place at the Hopko Performance Hall Gallery in the Southington Cultural Arts Center, drawing a warm and enthusiastic crowd.
During the signing, the authors connected with both new readers and longtime supporters, reflecting on the rich history of Tops Marketplace and sharing how the store has evolved over the years. Their heartfelt conversations and community spirit captured the essence of who they are, and as told in the book, it is a story defined by faith, resilience, and the enduring power of local connection that makes their journey so personal.
GOD is Watching the Apples is available for purchase as an eBook ($4.99) as well as a paperback ($17.49) on Amazon, and on the Barnes & Noble website.
Tops Marketplace has books available for purchase at the Customer Service desk. We invite you to visit our store and browse the reviews we’ve shared, then purchase your copy.
EVENTS
GOD is Watching the Apples – Author Talk, Book Signing & Community Discussion
WHEN: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 5:00 – 6:30 PM
WHERE: Southington Public Library 255 Main Street, Southington, CT
Co-authors John Salerno, Betsy Tooker, and Chuck Miceli present this heartwarming and inspiring true story that explores how faith, resilience, and human connection transformed a small “box” store in rural Connecticut into a beloved community institution. A visual presentation highlighting key moments from the book and from Tops Marketplace’s incredible history will accompany the talk.
The library has several copies available for loan. Discounted books will be available for purchase and signing. Please register with the library link here to help accommodate everyone’s needs.
GOD is Watching the Apples at Southington Veterans’ Breakfast – John E. Demello Sr. Veterans Coffee Hour
WHEN: Friday, January 16, 2026 | 9:30 – 11:00 AM
WHERE: Calendar House 388 Pleasant Street, Southington, CT
Our thanks to the Southington Veterans’ Committee for inviting us to discuss our book during their January breakfast meeting, which is open to all Southington area veterans.
Co-authors John Salerno, Betsy Tooker, and Chuck Miceli will provide an engaging overview of their book, accompanied by a narrated visual presentation highlighting key moments from GOD is Watching the Apples and Tops Marketplace’s incredible history. Discounted copies will be available for purchase and signing.
For more information, contact: Rachel Wache, Chair, Southington Veterans Committee at 860-621-0890. Limited to veterans. No registration or tickets required.
GOD is Watching the Apples – Author Talk, Book Signing & Community Discussion at OLLI at UConn – Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
WHEN: Friday, May 1, 2026 | 12 – 1 PM
WHERE: UConn Waterbury, 99 East Main Street, Waterbury, Multi-purpose Room. Open to members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (Olli at UConn).
Co-authors John Salerno, Betsy Tooker, and Chuck Miceli provide an engaging overview of their book, accompanied by a narrated visual presentation highlighting key moments from GOD is Watching the Apples and Tops Marketplace’s incredible history. Discounted copies will be available for purchase and signing.
Registration is required to attend this event. Please sign up with Olli first by calling the Olli at the UConn office at 203-236-9924.