"As we're getting down to the last hour of the day, I've been thinking about all the people who walked through our doors today.... We've created a place where people want to bring their friends. Where kids feel excited to walk through the door. Where husbands can come in and know they'll find something their wives will love. Where new people can walk in and feel welcome. It's easy to get caught up in the hard parts of owning a business. The stress, the criticism, the long days, all of it. But today was one of those days where I just looked around and thought... damn. We really built this. And I'm really, really grateful for it."

Vellum & Vine, a romance bookstore and coffee shop located at 2677 Louisiana Blvd. N.E. in Albuquerque, N.Mex., hosted its grand opening celebration August 15-16 to a line that stretched "about three hours long at the longest part," owner Shyann Reichard told Albuquerque Business First. 

"Letting people see it for the first time was scary, but everyone loved it and had such great reactions," she added. "It felt good to know that what I thought people would enjoy, they actually did enjoy."

In a social media post afterward, the bookstore noted: "Thank you, Albuquerque, for an incredible grand opening weekend! Our minds are blown by this community and we cannot wait to keep the party going. Half of our inventory was sold out on day ONE! We are working to restock as fast as possible, so please excuse our naked shelves for the next week! We still have the tastiest treats in town so come hang out with us."

Vellum & Vine is the realization of Reichard's lifetime passion for books "and a matter of circumstances after she was laid off from her film industry job nearly a year ago," Albuquerque Business First wrote. 

"I didn't want to be bored in a normal job... outside of film," she said. "I loved my job in the film industry, and they say if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.... I wanted to create a third space. I didn't want it to just feel like a retail store where you come in, get your merchandise and then leave. I wanted people to linger and hangout and create a community space where we can do events and people can hang out for a while and feel welcome.... We don't have food, but coffee is the next best thing and I think books and coffee go together really well." Author signings, craft nights, movie nights, and midnight release parties are also in the works. 

The bookstore's space measures 2,600 square feet, Albuquerque Business First noted, adding that Reichard and her father did a majority of the construction aside from the flooring, which was installed by a contractor.

"I've heard a lot from customers that have come in and visited us so far that they've been following the journey on social media from the beginning," she said. "I first announced that I was opening the store back in May, and I tried to focus on everything that I was posting being about the journey and not just about the business itself."

Scout's Tales, a 1,200-square-foot general bookstore, opened August 1 in Arlington Heights, Ill., the Daily Herald reported.

Opening day at Scout's Tales

Located at 22 S. Dunton Ave., Scout's Tales carries new titles for all ages, with historical fiction, cookbooks, and children's books proving especially popular so far. Alongside books, owner and former English teacher Dana Foley carries candles, puzzles, apparel, tote bags, and a variety of gifts. Event plans include author visits, book clubs, and more.

A lifelong reader, Foley retired from a 25-year career in education in June. As her retirement approached, she decided that she would begin her next chapter by opening an independent bookstore and fulfilling a long-held dream. She signed a letter of intent to open the bookstore in its current home back in December, and she named the store after her first dog, whom she named after the narrator in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Prior to the store's opening, Foley made several pop-up appearances at local businesses to build a local following and co-hosted a book club at a local bar. Before that, she was sharing book recommendations on social media and had two Little Free Libraries in her yard.

Noting that downtown Arlington Heights hasn't had a bookstore in years, Foley said the store has been very well received. Opening day brought long lines of customers to the bookstore, and business has been brisk. Foley has had trouble keeping some titles in stock, and customers have asked her to host things as varied as wedding showers, mahjong games, and crafts workshops.

"Every bookstore is different," Foley told the Daily Herald. "You can go in 10 bookstores in one day and have a totally different vibe, which is why people love bookstores."

Owner Timothy Finley shows off the store's mural.

Hardback Books, a science fiction- and fantasy-focused bookstore, will open soon in Kansas City, Mo., the Kansas City Star reported. Located in Midtown Kansas City at 325 E. 31st St., Suite 104, Hardback Books will carry SF and fantasy titles for all ages, with a strong young adult section. In addition to books, owner and YA author Timothy Finley (Kinth) will carry tote bags, T-shirts, stickers, bookmarks, and related gifts. Finley's event plans include book clubs, pop-up events, and more.

"I very much want to be part of the neighborhood, and like interacting with others within the community, having events here and stuff like that with other businesses," Finley told the Kansas City Star. "The thing I love about books is like the community aspect of it, bringing people together. I love just like sitting alone and reading a book, but my favorite thing is talking to other people about what'd you think and what did you love about this book."

Finley, who grew up a few hours outside of Kansas City, described opening a bookstore as a lifelong dream. After living in Midtown Kansas City for several years and seeing all the new businesses opening and residents moving in, he felt it was now the perfect place to open his bookstore. A number of other bookstores, including Kansas City's first romance-focused store, have opened in the general area in the past few years.

While Finley has not set an official opening date, he plans to have the bookstore open for business by the end of August.

Edward "Ted" Smart, founder of the Book People, a direct-to-consumer bookseller, in 1988, died August 17. He was 83. His son Alex Smart told the Bookseller that the company "revolutionized how books were sold across the U.K." Private equity firm Endless bought out the firm in 2014, and it was formally dissolved in 2022.

Based in Godalming, England, the Book People was launched "from the kitchen table" by Smart and his wife, Nicky, with Seni Glaister, who became CEO, as a mail-order bookseller that also later built a consumer website, the Bookseller wrote. "At its height, its buying power would underwrite publishers' investments in coffee-table books, and many nonfiction writers of that period owe their success to the company," which offered customers deep discounts via direct or workplace marketing, as well as through schools, using branded "Book Buses."

"Ted leaves behind an indelible legacy as a visionary businessman," Alex Smart added. "Together, [Ted and Nicky] built a business model on bringing discounted, high-quality books directly to people in their workplaces.... Beyond his commercial genius, Ted was a man of distinct character, celebrated for his sharp wit, impeccable dress sense, innate ability to make anyone laugh, long lunches in Godalming and unforgettable evening entertaining at the book fairs, notably Frankfurt and Bologna."

Before entering the book trade, Ted Smart was a police inspector in Hong Kong and was injured during the Cultural Revolution riots. He nurtured a passion for photography, documenting the local landscape and eventually publishing his own pictorial books.

Paul Anness, of Anness Publishing, commented: "My company was a supplier to the Book People between 1998 and 2013. During the whole time Ted was an absolute delight to deal with. An immense character: funny, creative, shrewd, kind and decent from start to finish. In 15 years of working with Ted, I have only good memories, and very many of them... In my own experience, and from many others I know, Ted was always incredibly supportive of his suppliers, especially the smaller companies like ours, and he was concerned that they also should do well from the business he did with them. The first thing he would always ask us when we arrived for a meeting was 'how are you doing'--and he was genuinely interested."

Cath Bruzzone of B Small Publishing said she first met Smart when she went to Godalming to try to sell children's activity books: "It was the early days of his business (and mine) and he was out in the sunshine photographing a display of books for their catalogue. I made the huge mistake of turning down his offer for our titles. So, it was years later that we managed to get a meeting with the Book People, now extremely successful, after Seni gave a talk at an IPG conference.

"After that, their orders made a significant difference to our business.... In later years, Seni would concentrate on buying while Ted sat in on the meetings, cracking jokes... although he always had a relevant comment or two about the chosen titles. The Book People parties were legendary..... He was generous, friendly and unforgettable."

The 2026 National Book Festival took place on Saturday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Presented by the Library of Congress as part of its America 250: It's Your Story celebration, the event featured more than 80 authors, storytellers, poets, and illustrators. The many panels and discussions were livestreamed, and can be viewed here. As the official bookseller for the festival, Politics and Prose had 20 registers open, making sure attendees got their books and bookish swag. Pictured: booksellers Khadijah, Sean, Casey, and Bob.

"POV: your boss launches a clothing line and now you're contractually obligated to attend Fashion Week," Cedar Canoe Books in Huntsville, Ont., Canada, noted in a video posted on social media. "Shop the new Cedar Canoe merch before Chandler quits bookselling to pursue modelling full time."

On the Sourcebooks sales team:

Jess Elliott has been promoted to director of sales, mass merch & children's strategy.

Raquel Latko has been promoted to director of sales, mass merch adult.

Keldyn Miller has been promoted to assistant sales manager, mass merch.

Keri Haddrill has been promoted to sales manager, national accounts, mass merch.

The Five of Us by Sian Gilbert (Blackstone Publishing).

Today:
Today: Esther Perel, author of Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence--20th Anniversary Edition (Harper Perennial, $19.99, 9780063472341).

Late Night with Seth Meyers repeat: David Sedaris, author of The Land and Its People (Little, Brown, $30, 9780316264839).

Tomorrow:
CBS Mornings: Misty Copeland, author of Firebird Waltz: Book 1 of Star Fire Academy (Aladdin Books/S&S, $17.99, 9781534475410).

Good Morning America: Alex Snodgrass, author of Everyday Eats: 100 Simple and Healthy Recipes for Real Life (Morrow Cookbooks, $36, 9780063425736).

Today: Evan LeRoy, co-author of New School Barbecue: Recipes for Next-Level Smoking and Grilling from Austin's LeRoy and Lewis (Abrams, $35, 9781419780103).

Also on Today: Lisa Steele, author of In Season: 125+ Sweet and Savory Recipes Celebrating Simple, Fresh Ingredients (Harper Celebrate, $34.99, 9781400253326).

Apple TV revealed first-look images and a premiere date for the second season of Bad Monkey, based on Carl Hiaasen's bestselling novel. Deadline reported that the 10-episode sophomore season, starring and executive produced by Vince Vaughn, "will revolve around an all-new original story and will make its global debut on Apple TV with one episode on December 2, followed by one new episode every Wednesday through February 3, 2027."

The cast also includes returning stars Charlotte Lawrence and John Ortiz, along with new additions John Malkovich, Yvonne Strahovski, and Zavior Phillips. 

The season 2 story line: "After Andrew Yancy (Vaughn) witnesses the murder of Florida's finest fixer, an ambitious state attorney pairs him up with a strait-laced forensic accountant to solve the crime. Eager to regain his detective's badge, Yancy finds himself embroiled in a turf war between rival criminal organizations as he navigates a variety of Florida oddballs, including an erudite mob boss, his unhinged son and a hard-edged young woman who needs Yancy's protection. Meanwhile, Yancy contends with his aging father; unresolved romantic tension with Dr. Rosa Campensino (Natalie Martinez), who launches her own investigation into a mysterious rash; and a bombastic animal relocation specialist whose business threatens the local environment."

A shortlist has been released for the 2026 Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award, "recognizing novels that combine compelling storytelling, unforgettable characters and a truly distinctive voice, regardless of genre." The winner, who receives both £2,000 (about $2,730) and an engraved glass bell, will be named on October 1. This year's shortlisted titles are:

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Names by Florence Knapp
The Rush by Beth Lewis
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan

Goldsboro Books managing director David Headley said: "As is the case every year, narrowing this year's long list down to just six books was no easy task. Every novel on the long list deserved its place, but these six continued to stand out each time we returned to them. They are wonderfully different in style, scope and subject, yet all share the qualities that the Glass Bell Award was created to celebrate: unforgettable characters, confident storytelling and voices that linger long after the book is finished. We're incredibly proud to champion such an outstanding shortlist and look forward to revealing this year's winner."

LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 September titles public library staff across the country love:

Top Pick
Tempest by Victoria Aveyard (Harper Voyager, $34, 9780063451360). "At twenty, Lady Rose is captured by marauding pirates and fights for her life. At thirty, bound for execution, her only chance at survival is her connection to the empire's most wanted man, Captain Kane. Fantasy readers will enjoy this new spin on pirate romance--especially because the two timelines don't meet in the middle, leaving readers anticipating what happens next." --Kady Bischmann, Lawrence Public Library, Kan.

Under Story by Chloe Benjamin (Putnam, $32, 9780593545218). "Laurel, a mushroom scientist, is working as a seasonal dishwasher at a research base in Antarctica, trying to escape her past after a tragedy. What ensues is a wild, brain-bending story. The science is written in a way that makes sense to the general reader. Readers will be thinking about this one long after it's over." --Sydney Wirtz, Woodridge Public Library, Ill.

Mazywood by Tananarive Due (S&S/Saga Press, $32, 9781668075142). "From Old Hollywood to present day, this sweeping tale follows generations of the Washington family working in the racist entertainment world and living with a deadly family secret. Told from multiple perspectives and with well-developed characters, this horror read is unputdownable and perfectly represents generational rage and its impact." --Kristin Skinner, Flat River Community Library, Mich.

Trad Wife: A Novel by Sarah Langan (Atria, $29, 9781668229651). "Reporter Jenny is sent to Black Swan Farm, where Mia rules the roost over her seven--soon to be eight--children. It doesn't take long for Jenny to realize something strange is going on, and as she ingratiates herself into their world, she is plagued by visions. This is a layered, creepy, and shocking read." --Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, Ohio

American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee (Cardinal, $36, 9781538752036). "This multi-generational book follows the Koh family throughout the decades. Lee writes effortlessly about multiple families navigating life in multiple locations. This is a powerful message about the struggles of not just immigrants, but of people finding their way in life. This book has captivating characters readers will care about, flaws and all." --Amy Tippett, North Beach, Md.

An Immaculate Deception: A Novel by Isabela Livino (Dutton, $30, 9798217048373). "Madalena is young, in love, and pregnant--but in 1870s Brazil, in her family's religious household, that is just not acceptable. Convinced her lover will do the right thing, she stays at his deteriorating family estate, where darkness permeates every room and even her beloved Leandro seems strange and disconnected. The gothic vibes are spot on in this debut novel, and the twisty plot just doesn't quit!" --Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, N.Y.

Sophie, Standing There: A Novel by Meg Mason (Harper, $30, 9780063493131). "Sophie is going through a tough time after her husband leaves. To deal with her loneliness, she forms an imaginary relationship with her favorite author. The author's voice in her head offers friendship and advice, giving Sophie a way to work through her depression. A quiet and lonely story that will resonate with those of us who find solace in books and sometimes powerful connections to authors." --Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, Tex.

The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman: A Novel by Deesha Philyaw (Mariner, $32, 9780063383074). "Scharisse Freeman's moment has finally come: on stage in the First Lady USA pageant, the ultimate validation for the wives of pastors of Black mega-churches. She's an incredibly likable main character whose life verges on soap opera, but the author handles her story with the loving care it deserves. This blends the fun of soap and satire with genuine social critique and pathos." --Samuel Buelow, Santa Fe Public Library, N.Mex.

I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell by Mackenzie Reed (Berkley, $20, 9780593957097). "Brie thought her biggest problem was surviving her boring office job, until she catches her boss performing an exorcism after hours. When her friend goes missing the next day, Brie gets pulled into a mission with her boss that leads straight to Hell. This is a chaotically fun mix of workplace humor and paranormal adventure." --Julia F., Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, Pa.

The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies: A Novel by Kate Westbury (Minotaur, $29, 9781250424105). "Set in post-World War II Oxford, students Ginevra and Sidney are recruited by MI5 to ferret out a Soviet spy. They come from very different backgrounds and have different goals but end up being thrown together. With interesting characters and a compelling plot this is an enjoyable read." --Deirdre Routt, Omaha Public Library, Neb.

Kit de Waal's Sweet Pea is a novel about pain, kindness, and forgiveness, experienced through the life of an everywoman West Indian immigrant to England. Its unforgettable protagonist, Paulette, translates loss and insult into caring time and time again.

"Paulette was lucky. She slept in the same bed as her grandmother until she was six years old." She has no mother, but "barely feels the loss because she... can't imagine being loved any better than Granny loved her." When Paulette is 11, she and Granny immigrate to working-class urban England, where, at the novel's opening, Paulette works as an auxiliary nurse. She is 29 years old and yearning for a family, but her boyfriend, Denton, drags his feet. It is only upon his death in a car crash that she learns he already had a wife and three children of his own.

Awash with grief and betrayal, as even the friends who comfort her simultaneously scorn her naïveté, Paulette struggles through, finally achieving her longed-for pregnancy by way of Denton's best friend. Garfield is an attentive partner and father, but their relationship is not based on love and does not last. Paulette again soldiers on, this time with the prize and star of her life: her son, Bird. As he grows into a young man, she loves him powerfully, with enough to spill over for friends, lovers, patients, neighbors, and another young boy whose life intertwines with Bird's, and with Paulette's, for good.

In prose rich with feeling and detail, de Waal (My Name Is Leon) imbues these events with significance even when they seem mundane. Paulette's excellent West Indian cooking, the mutual support she shares with a chain-smoking Irish neighbor, the simple comfort she finds in cleaning and the odd cocktail buoy her. She aches for family, connection, belonging, and for her native St. Kitts. "All the English summers in the entire world would never make up for just one day from the childhood she took for granted. Light so white you had to hide under a tree, skies so blue, trees so green, the whole world bright like pirate's treasure, amber, rubies, sapphires."

Endlessly tending to others, at work and at home, Paulette builds an unusual family for herself despite all odds. Those she cares for hurt her, but this is perhaps the human condition, and she is rewarded by caring anyway: fumbling, wise, and willing to try again. Sweet Pea is a refreshing novel of compassion and redemption. --Julia Kastner, blogger at pagesofjulia

Shelf Talker: A protagonist rich in vulnerability, empathy, and resilience faces sorrows with boundless love in this unforgettable novel of good cooking and built family.