Saturday, August 17, marked the inaugural Bookstore Romance Day [6], 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 [7] in Acton, Massachusetts, posted to Instagram [8]: “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 [9] in Arlington, Virginia, celebrated with cocktails, a romance-themed scavenger hunt, a roundtable with romance authors, and more. The store posted to Instagram [10]: “I guess you could say we had a pretty fun time at #BookstoreRomanceDay...”

Maryelizabeth Yturralde of Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore [11] in San Diego, California, recommended Alyssa Cole’s Once Ghosted, Twice Shy. The store posted to Instagram [12]: “Bookseller Maryelizabeth’s #bookstoreromanceday [13] 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 [14] in Washington, D.C., posted to Instagram: “Inspired by #bookstoreromanceday [13] ? 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 [15] 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 [16]: “Thank you @shirleypenickauthor [17] and @stellalove4life [18] for coming over this weekend! We had a fabulous time with you here! #bookstoreromanceday [13] We have signed copies of their books in store.”

Cupboard Maker Books [19] in Enola, Pennsylvania, celebrated with a slumber party, local author signings, and refreshments. The store posted to Facebook [20]: “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 [21] 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 [22] to Instagram.

The Briar Patch [23] in Bangor, Maine, created a pop-up romance section and held a raffle featuring a romantic prize package. The store posted to Facebook [24]: “Love is in the air at The Briar Patch [25]! Today is Bookstore Romance Day [26] and we’re celebrating by giving away a special Downtown Romance package featuring gift certificates to Valentine Footwear [27] and Novios Bistro [28]. Drop-in TODAY, Aug. 17, browse our Romance section and enter to win the giveaway!”

Third Street Books [29] in McMinnville, Oregon, hosted the inaugural meeting for its romance book club. The store posted to Instagram [30]: “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 [31] delightful debut: Red, White, and Royal Blue.”

The Dog Eared Book [32] in Palmyra, New York, hosted a romance trope scavenger hunt and offered a tote bag giveaway [33].

Amy’s Bookcase [34] in Farmington, New Mexico, celebrated with a sale on romance titles, a romance writers workshop and presentation, and flower-themed page folding [35].

Astoria Bookshop [36] in Astoria, Queens, posted to Instagram [37]: “The first @bkstoreromanceday [38] is next Saturday 8/17! Join us for a day of love and happy endings, plus happy hour and cookies and romance-centric activities.”