Nook & Quill Romance Bookstore held its grand opening earlier this month in Pace, Fla., the Pensacola News Journal reported. Located at 4361 5th Ave., Nook & Quill carries a variety of romance sub-genres with an emphasis on romantasy. While most of the store's inventory is for adults, there is a small children's section, and some used titles are available. In addition to books, customers can find stickers, eye masks, teas, and a mini-fridge stocked with cool drinks. There is also a $5 build-your-own bookmark bar, and blind dates with a book are popular.
Prior to opening Nook & Quill, owner Shelby Carter spent roughly a year selling books as a mobile vendor throughout Santa Rosa County. A lifelong reader, Carter started delving into the romance genre around 2019 and became a more avid fan as the years went on. Eventually she decided she wanted to create a hub for romance readers.
"For me, I wanted to be able to be a part of the community, not just try to like sell to the community," Carter told the Pensacola News Journal. "A lot of times, in the romance genre especially, they do a lot of like mental health representation, and they do a lot of [scenarios] where you might think you're the only one going through something. Then you see yourself in a book, and then when that's someone else's favorite book as well, you can connect with that person. So I think it's just a way to connect and be seen."
Carter's event plans include book club meetings, midnight release parties, tea parties, and much more. In the months ahead she would like to add more seating, expand the store's hours, and even create a dirty soda bar. The store has been well received so far, Carter noted, with some 500 people visiting the store during its grand opening weekend.