I spoke with Mae Tingstrom, owner of Smitten Bookstore in Ventura, California. In this very chatty episode, we explore how Mae dreamed up a dedicated romance and women’s literature haven, complete with cozy book clubs, indie and traditional author signings, “blind dates with a book,” writing circles, tarot nights, and a calendar packed with community-forward events. We talk about the stigma surrounding the romance genre, why stories about caretaking matter, and how Mae “matchmakes” readers with the perfect book (and each other). If you’ve ever wished for a local romance bookstore, this is your invitation to step into a world with curated shelves of books that look suspiciously like your TBR. Stay to the end for Mae's tender love letter to her younger self about slowing down and savoring the chapter you’re in.
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