Q: ibooks won't connect

Got it.  Sorry it took so long, here's an easy solution:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5472373?start=15&tstart=0

I'll add the context:

A. Open Keychain Access

B. Search for "VeriSign Class 3 Public Primary Certification Authority - G5"

C. Double click on the certificate.

Then, from rudlab:

1. Make a change to any one of the 10 setting that can be manipulated under the "Get info" window for the "VeriSign Class 3 Public Primary Certification Authority - G5" certificate but leave the "When using this certificate: Always Trust"-setting unchanged.

2. Close the "Get info" window (password required).

3. Again open the "Get info" window for ""VeriSign Class 3 Public Primary Certification Authority - G5" certificate.

4. Now change the setting of  "When using this certificate: ..." to "Use System Defaults" (the 10 other setting should all show "no value specified").

5. Close the "Get info" window (password required).

Bingo! - Now it should be possible to log into iBookstore right away!

I have no connection to iTunes nor iBooks.  You said go to the iBooks menu and click on preferences.  Guess I'm dumb but I can't find it!  Where is it?

iBooks is on your dock probably right next to iTunes ... if you have a reasonably current OS X version.