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Indie Booksellers Nationwide Celebrate Inaugural Bookstore Romance Day
- By Emily Behnke
Saturday, August 17, marked the inaugural Bookstore Romance Day, an event that brought together independent bookstores, readers, and writers to celebrate the romance book genre nationwide with in-store parties, author events and readings, and exclusive merchandise.
Take a look below at how booksellers around the country celebrated the day:
Silver Unicorn Bookstore in Acton, Massachusetts, posted to Instagram: “Our first-ever Bookstore Romance Day was a huge success! Thanks to Kerry Winfrey, Lindsay D’Angelo, Suzanne Krohn and Stacie Williams for making it such a special day!!!”
One More Page Books in Arlington, Virginia, celebrated with cocktails, a romance-themed scavenger hunt, a roundtable with romance authors, and more. The store posted to Instagram: “I guess you could say we had a pretty fun time at #BookstoreRomanceDay...”
Maryelizabeth Yturralde of Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore in San Diego, California, recommended Alyssa Cole’s Once Ghosted, Twice Shy. The store posted to Instagram: “Bookseller Maryelizabeth’s #bookstoreromanceday recommendation: This novella of re-meeting cute offers a lovely New York adventure. The promise of the stunning purple cover delivers!”
Following Bookstore Romance Day, Politics and Prose Bookstore in Washington, D.C., posted to Instagram: “Inspired by #bookstoreromanceday ? Join P&P’s romance book group on the second Sunday of each month at 6pm in The Den! Here’s a photo of the group at their last meeting when author Olivia Dade called in to talk about her book Teach Me.”
Inklings Bookshop in Yakima, Washington, held a two-day celebration featuring authors Shirley Penick and Stella Williams, as well as games, giveaways, and more. The store posted to Instagram: “Thank you @shirleypenickauthor and @stellalove4life for coming over this weekend! We had a fabulous time with you here! #bookstoreromanceday We have signed copies of their books in store.”
Cupboard Maker Books in Enola, Pennsylvania, celebrated with a slumber party, local author signings, and refreshments. The store posted to Facebook: “Thank you authors, fans, and readers for participating in the inaugural Bookstore Romance Day. The event was a great success and we loved the comradeship and mutual love of romance books that occurred the whole day. ‘I am delighted that you all had a great time since I gave up my Annika time for you.’ --Annika”
The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, Arizona, hosted authors Eliza Emmett, Heather Redmond, and Liana De la Rosa for a signing; the store also posted a picture of its romance display to Instagram.
The Briar Patch in Bangor, Maine, created a pop-up romance section and held a raffle featuring a romantic prize package. The store posted to Facebook: “Love is in the air at The Briar Patch! Today is Bookstore Romance Day and we’re celebrating by giving away a special Downtown Romance package featuring gift certificates to Valentine Footwear and Novios Bistro. Drop-in TODAY, Aug. 17, browse our Romance section and enter to win the giveaway!”
Third Street Books in McMinnville, Oregon, hosted the inaugural meeting for its romance book club. The store posted to Instagram: “On Saturday, August 17th, we will have our first meeting for our brand new romance book club! The meeting will be at 4pm in the store and we will discussing @casey.mcquiston delightful debut: Red, White, and Royal Blue.”
The Dog Eared Book in Palmyra, New York, hosted a romance trope scavenger hunt and offered a tote bag giveaway.
Amy’s Bookcase in Farmington, New Mexico, celebrated with a sale on romance titles, a romance writers workshop and presentation, and flower-themed page folding.
Astoria Bookshop in Astoria, Queens, posted to Instagram: “The first @bkstoreromanceday is next Saturday 8/17! Join us for a day of love and happy endings, plus happy hour and cookies and romance-centric activities.”