DaytonDailyNews.com

BEAVERCREEK — Risa and Mandi Mays of Moraine had a very simple explanation of why Mandi arrived at Books & Co. at The Greene almost nine hours early on Wednesday, Dec. 10, to ensure that she and her mother would be among the first in line for Rachael Ray's book-signing event.

"We love her," Risa Mays said. "We watch her every day. We love her show. We love her personality. She's so down to earth."

Ray's star power was on full display. The 40-year-old author, talk-show host and Food Network celeb elicited rock-star-worthy squeals of excitement when she arrived at the bookstore 10 minutes before the event's 6 p.m. scheduled start.

After stopping to hug one child and posing for a picture on her way in, Ray made her way to the second floor, strode to the autograph table and went to work signing copies of her newly released "Rachael Ray's Big Orange Book" ($24.95, Clarkson Potter) and posing for pictures for about 1,000 people.

All of the 250 line numbers had been distributed by 5 p.m., but those who arrived afterward jockeyed for position to snap photos with cameras and cell phones, at times ducking around security ropes.

The robust turnout "ranks right up there" with that of other authors who have come to Books & Co., said Sharon Kelly Roth, the bookstore's public relations director.

A few fans were disappointed Ray didn't make remarks to the crowd, but there was no denying the mutual affection Ray has with her followers who spent precious moments with her at the signing table.

She invited two children to step behind the table with her and "make a sandwich" by standing on either side of her for picture-taking. "Slide on over, handsome," Ray said when a mother approached with her 4½-month-old son for pictures. One fan brought her white toy poodle for a photo with Ray, who smiled through every camera flash while signing cookbook after cookbook.