Indie Booksellers Nationwide Celebrate Inaugural Bookstore Romance Day

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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:

Readers at Silver Unicorn Bookstore.

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!!!”

Booksellers at One More Page Books in Virginia.

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...”

Bookseller Maryelizabeth recommending Alyssa Cole's ONCE GHOSTED, TWICE SHY

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!”

Politics and Prose's Romance Book Club

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.”

An event at Inklings Bookshop

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.”

The bookstore cat at Cupboard Maker Books.

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 romance display at the Poisoned Pen.

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 Romance display at The Briar Patch.

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!”

The Romance Book Club pick at Third Street Books - RED, WHITE, AND ROYAL BLUE

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 bookstore dog at Dog Eared Book.

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

The Blind Date With a Book display at Amy's Bookcase.

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.

The romance display at Astoria Bookshop.

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.”