Miss Willa's Bookshop, which focuses on romance fiction, hosted its grand opening weekend recently at 201 N. George St. in Charles Town, W.Va. The Journal reported that "book lovers buzzed with excitement on Saturday as they lined up around the block" to welcome the new store. The shop is owned by bestselling author Jennifer Armentrout and "inspired by one of her beloved characters," Miss Willa Colyns, who features in Armentrout's Blood and Ash book series.
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| Miss Willa's staff and volunteers, with author/owner Jennifer Armentrout (front, in black) | |
Armentrout said she had always dreamed of owning a bookstore, and as a Jefferson County local, she wanted to play a part in helping the town thrive. When she found the location, she knew it would be the perfect fit. "Despite being an old building, construction and renovation of the space went smoothly. Armentrout worked with her team to decorate the space, even gluing flowers on the wall herself," the Journal wrote.
"I wanted it to be in a place that was walkable," Armentrout said. "I wanted to have that hole-in-the-wall feel to it, but I also wanted it to feed back into the community here."
She added: "Bookstores are places that for many people it feel like going home. There is a community there. I want people to come here and feel comfortable and welcome. I believe books do something important for people. They provide escape. Before I started writing, I went to school for psychology and sociology, so I realize how important it is for people to escape before asking for help."
On Monday, Miss Willa's Bookshop posted on Facebook: "We did it!! The store is closed for the night and our grand opening weekend has ended. Thank you to all our visitors. We know the days were hot and long, we do appreciate you being willing to not only travel to see us, but to endure Mother Nature taking things to the extreme! I'm thinking we need some # I Survived MWB's Grand Opening Weekend shirts. But seriously, thank you."