At HarperCollins, Liate Stehlik has been promoted to CEO and publisher, U.S. trade, overseeing the adult and children's trade publishing divisions and sales in the U.S. She has been president and publisher of the Morrow Group and the children's division and will continue to oversee those operations.

Liate Stehlik

HarperCollins president and CEO Brian Murray said, "During her 20 years with the company, Liate has helped shape our U.S. publishing. She has guided the publication of hundreds of bestselling authors, helped grow our global publishing program, and led the publishing integration of HMH Books and Media. At this time of tremendous technological and cultural change, Liate's vision, integrity, and leadership make her the perfect fit for this role. I look forward to partnering with her on the strategy and execution for the future."

Stehlik said, "It is both a tremendous privilege and an exciting responsibility to step into this role. HarperCollins has a remarkable history of publishing books that shape culture and engage readers. I'm eager to work alongside our talented teams, authors, and partners to build on that legacy and to champion bold storytelling and innovative publishing for the future."

Stehlik joined HarperCollins in 2005 as publisher of Avon Books. In 2018, she was appointed president and publisher of the Morrow Group, and her purview expanded to HarperCollins Children's Books in 2023. Before joining HarperCollins, Stehlik was associate publisher at Pocket Books. She is a member of the board of Poets & Writers.

Romance-focused bookstore Cherry on Top Bookshop opens tomorrow in Fort Collins, Colo., the Coloradoan reported. Located at 119 E. Mountain Ave., the store will carry an array of romance sub-genres along with gifts and some kid-friendly titles. Cherry on Top will also have a photo booth, as well as an events space that customers will be able to rent.

Owners Devon Beuret and Meredith Glover met about five years ago. They were neighbors, and after bonding over their interest in reading, Glover invited Beuret to join a romance book club. The pair first discussed opening a romance bookstore of their own in May 2025. In September they formed an LLC and they signed the lease on January 1.

The grand opening festivities will span Friday and Saturday, with Saturday featuring a pop-up appearance from a jewelry maker.

The new Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza

The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza in Albany, N.Y., recently "moved down the sidewalk" to a new storefront in the Plaza. The bookstore closed on Monday, February 2, and reopened on Tuesday, February 10. Store manager Cheryl McKeon reported that volunteers launched the move with a symbolic "Book Brigade" and then helped unpack and shelve inventory in the new store. During the bookish ceremony, Susan Novotny, owner of the Book House as well as Market Block Books in Troy, reminisced about the store's 50-year history in the plaza, crediting loyal customers for their support.

The bookstore relocated from its space between Bountiful Bread and Apple Barrel Home + Pantré to a storefront between Sur La Table and Athleta, "the same space the bookstore previously occupied nearly 40 years ago," the Times Union reported, adding that at 4,000 square feet, both sites are about the same size.

On January 30, Stuyvesant Plaza had joined the bookseller in putting out a call for Book Brigade volunteers to support the effort: "Calling All Book Lovers & Community Helpers!... It's a short window, a big impact, and a truly community-driven moment you won't want to miss. How you can help: Volunteer for just 30 minutes and be part of this fun, meaningful effort to keep a beloved local bookstore moving forward (literally!).... Let's show up, lend a hand, and pass some books together. Thank you for supporting local and being such an amazing community!"

Book House's book brigade volunteers.

The request was soon answered in full. Afterward, Stuyvesant Plaza posted on Facebook: "Thank you to all the volunteers who braved the cold to support Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza as they kicked off their move to their new location within Stuyvesant Plaza!"

WTEN caught up with Novotny while the Book Brigade was in action. "It's a wonderful way to bring out the community," she said. "And all of our great customers love this bookstore. We've been here going on 51 years and moved around the plaza over the years. This is actually where we were in the 1980s. We're really happy with this location.... The space looks terrific and you're going to love it."

Last fall, when the move was first announced, Novotny had noted that with the relocation, the bookstore will be closer to The Lawn, an outdoor green space for community activities. "The Lawn at our doorstep will be a big plus for book-signings and will add another dimension to our events," Novotny added.

Echo + Page, a bookstore, vinyl store, and coffee shop, aims to open either later this month or early March at 406 S. Driver St. in Durham, N.C. Business Debut reported that owner Jermaine Bantum "will combine coffee service with a rotating selection of books and records, designed as a workspace and community hangout for creatives."

Bantum said the shop's goal is to be "a place where culture and community can meet up," with room for guests to work on projects, read, write, and do creative work.

He also owns Triangle Coffeehouse, but said Echo + Page will be a different concept, blending coffee offerings with vinyl and books: "It'll definitely be a carefully curated selection that I'll probably rotate out monthly." The inventory will have a local focus, with an emphasis on supporting North Carolina authors and music artists alongside a broader range of categories. Bantum added that Old East Durham is an area with a strong history of small businesses.

Barnes & Noble will open new stores in Alexandria, Va., and Wallkill, N.Y., later this year.

Per ALXNow, the Alexandria store will reside at 4515 Duke St. in the Shoppes of Foxchase shopping center. It will span roughly 13,000 square feet, and will be the second B&N in Alexandria. The company expects it to open toward the end of the year.

Mid-Hudson News reports that B&N will open a new store in Wallkill, N.Y., in the Galleria at Crystal Run shopping center. The store will span 19,000 square feet and include a B&N Cafe. It is slated to open near the end of 2026.

B&N plans to open more than 60 new stores this year.

The Penguin Children's Bookshop Grant 2026 has been launched by Penguin Random House UK as part of the company's support for the National Year of Reading. Noting that indies "play a vital role in introducing young people to books and helping to build lifelong reading habits," PRH described the grant program as "a major new initiative to support independent bookshops in their important work of inspiring young people to enjoy reading."

The Penguin Children's Bookshop Grant will make up to £150,000 (about $205,015) available "to help independent bookshops bring creative ideas to life that inspire children and young people to engage with books and discover the joy of reading." Indies in the U.K. can apply for funding between £1,500 and £5,000 (about $2,050 to $6,835) to support initiatives that:

• Encourage children and young people to read for pleasure  
• Help young readers to discover books that connect to their interests  
• Increase access to books and reading experiences
• Engage families, schools, and local communities in reading
• Promote social connection and cohesion through reading  

Francesca Dow, managing director of PRH Children's, said the publisher wants to "spark children's imaginations and help them find the book that's just right for them.... Whether it's picture-book corners, author events in partnership with local schools, enticing window displays or specialist reading clubs, independent bookshops have always created imaginative and successful ways to connect their local community with the joy and love of reading.

"We are delighted to launch this grant, which we hope will encourage new and exciting ways to reach young readers and to support the creativity and passion of independent booksellers. We are so looking forward to seeing the projects enabled by this grant develop from kernels of ideas to impactful program which will leave a lasting legacy on the lives of children, families and communities across the U.K."

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Christoph Pienkoss

The International Publishers Association has confirmed Christoph Pienkoss (Verband Bildungsmedien, Germany) as the new chair of IPA Educational Publishers Forum, succeeding Brian Gilsenan (C.J. Fallon, Ireland). José Manuel Anta (Spanish Publishers Federation, Spain) will be vice-chair. The forum is made up of K-12 educational publishers from IPA members as well direct member educational publishers in markets without a local IPA member. The IPA has 107 members in 85 countries.

The forum is the organization's dedicated space bringing together professional K-12 educational publishers from around the world, hosting a mix of face to face and virtual meetings throughout the year covering sector best practices, as well policy developments at national, regional and international level. 

"Educational publishers bring choice, and locally adapted resources into the classroom through collaboration with governments and teachers," Pienkoss said. "Whether those resources are digital or textbook based, or a mix of the two, we have a vital role to play. I am aware I take this role at a crucial time, more governments are restricting freedom to publish by nationalizing educational publishing or developing their own platforms."

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Alice Springs "has become one of Australia's most prolific literary towns," ABC News reported, noting that from Nevil Shute's A Town Like Alice to Bruce Chatwin's The Songlines, the town "has long captured the imagination of writers seeking solitude, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the Australian landscape."

Bronwyn Druce, manager of Red Kangaroo Books, said, "A Town Like Alice and Songlines are both classics and still selling strong, but there are now more books being published, particularly by First Nations authors, telling their own stories of growing up and living on Arrernte country." 

Named Australian Bookseller of the Year in 2023, Red Kangaroo Books is the only bricks-and-mortar bookshop within a 900-mile radius and it plays a central role in supporting local writers, ABC News noted, adding that Central Australia "is home to its own Indigenous publishing house, alongside an active Northern Territory Writers Centre, which regularly hosts readings and storytelling events--often outdoors, under the stars."

"I can only separate nonfiction and fiction. In the kids' top 10, eight books are by First Nations authors and local," Druce said.

Jonah Zimiles (r.), owner of [words] Bookstore in Maplewood, N.J., and Ezekiel J. Emanuel, author of Eat Your Ice Cream (Norton), continued a conversation that began 50 years ago when they were college freshmen. A packed audience heard the author and physician offer six simple rules for a long and healthy life, and book purchasers received gift certificates to a local ice cream shop.

The two most popular books in January at Reading Group Choices were Mona's Eyes by Thomas Schlesser, translated by Hildegarde Serle (Europa Editions) and Identity by Nora Roberts (St. Martin's Griffin).

Carmen Chan is joining Hachette Book Group in the newly created role of executive director, client sales, effective February 17. For more than 10 years, she was director for client sales and strategy at Penguin Random House Publisher Services. Most recently she was at printer and book packaging company TOPPAN Merrill, working with publishers across global markets.

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Titi Oluwo has joined the future of agency as campaign manager (contract).

"After discovering some of our books moved around to new shelves and reviewing the footage, we also wanted to join in on a book themed photoshoot!" Inner Geek in Huntington, W.Va., posted on Facebook. "We don't just serve the Inner Geek, we are serving looks too. Shout out to the blonde friend, set the scene, had the angles, I bet these pics were🔥 (Video in comments!)"

Ben Jacoby will write a film adaptation of the book American Huckster: How Chuck Blazer Got Rich from--and Sold Out--the Most Powerful Cabal in World Sports: The Inside Story of FIFA Fraud and FBI Investigation by Mary Papenfuss and Teri Thompson, Deadline reported.

Scott Free is producing for 20th Century Studios. Mike Pruss and Avital Siegel are overseeing the project for Scott Free, with Sarah Shepard and Catherine Hughes overseeing for 20th.

Jacoby's credits include an adaptation of Thomas Ray's novella Silencer for Paramount Pictures and a screenplay written with Chase Palmer for Netflix and AGBO's The Whisper Man, the Alex North serial killer novel. In addition to The First Omen, Jacoby also wrote Flash Boys, an adaptation of the book by Michael Lewis for Netflix. 

Book TV airs on C-Span 2 this weekend from 8 a.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Monday and focuses on political and historical books as well as the book industry. The following are highlights for this coming weekend. For more information, go to Book TV's website.

Saturday, February 14
9:30 a.m. Mark K. Updegrove, author of Make Your Mark: Lessons in Character from Seven Presidents (Harper, $26, 9780063430167). (Re-airs Saturday at 9:30 p.m.)

Sunday, February 15
8 a.m. Shadi Hamid, author of The Case for American Power (Simon & Schuster, $28, 9781668031889). (Re-airs Sunday at 8:05 p.m.)

9:15 a.m. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, author of Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life (W.W. Norton, $28.99, 9781324117537). (Re-airs Sunday at 9:20 p.m.)

11:30 a.m. Roy Scranton, author of Impasse: Climate Change and the Limits of Progress (Stanford University Press, $30, 9781503640030).

12:35 p.m. Dr. Seth Berkley, author of Fair Doses: An Insider's Story of the Pandemic and the Global Fight for Vaccine Equity (‎University of California Press, $29.95, 9780520413160).

1:39 p.m. Judith Enck, author of The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late (The New Press, $27.99, 9781620979457), at Politics and Prose in Washington, D.C.

The Women's Prize Trust has released the longlist for the 2026 Women's Prize for Nonfiction, sponsored by Findmypast. The award, which is "open to all women writers from across the globe who are published in the U.K. and writing in English," is a sister prize to the Women's Prize for Fiction. See the complete 2026 longlist here.

This year's shortlist will be unveiled March 25, with the winner named June 11 at the Women's Prize Trust's summer party in London. The winner receives £30,000 (about $40,920) and a limited-edition artwork known as the "Charlotte" sculpted by Ann Christopher, and both giiven by the Charlotte Aitken Trust.

Selected new titles appearing next Tuesday, February 17: 

American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent, and the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union: An Anthology by Jon Meacham (Random House, $38, 9780593597552) collects writing about U.S. history.

On Morrison by Namwali Serpell (Hogarth, $32, 9780593732915) is a thorough exploration of Toni Morrison's work.

A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides by Gisèle Pelicot, trans. by Natasha Lehrer and Ruth Diver (Penguin Press, $32, 9798217181322) is a memoir by the survivor of a horrific French sexual abuse case.

The Blood Countess: Murder, Betrayal, and the Making of a Monster by Shelley Puhak (‎Bloomsbury, $32.99, 9781639732159) explores the life of Elizabeth Bathory, a Hungarian noblewoman and prolific serial killer.

The Price of Mercy: Unfair Trials, a Violent System, and a Public Defender's Search for Justice in America by Emily Galvin Almanza (Crown, $32, 9780593799116) examines some of the many problems in the American justice system.

The Astral Library by Kate Quinn (Morrow, $30, 9780063479753) is romantasy about a woman in a magic library.

The Devil's Bible: A Cotton Malone Novel by Steve Berry (‎Grand Central, $30, 9781538770603) is the 20th Cotton Malone thriller.

Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett (Del Rey, $29, 9780593973257) is cozy fantasy about a cat rescue in 1920s Montreal.

The Hard Line by Mark Greaney (Berkley, $31, 9780593954812) is the 15th Gray Man thriller.

The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffin (Sourcebooks Fire, $19.99, 9781728256184) is a frostbitten YA romantasy in which a young woman must learn how to use her magic before it kills her.

The Dream by Gideon Sterer, illus. by Nik Henderson (Clarion, $19.99, 9780063357990) is a wordless picture book featuring a girl and a wolf seeking hope in a disheartening world. 

Paperbacks:
The Halifax Hellions by Alexandra Vasti (St. Martin's Griffin, $18.99, 9781250360151).

Half City by Kate Golden (‎Ace, $19, 9780593953433).

Book of Forbidden Words by Louise Fein (Morrow, $18.99, 9780063411432).

From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:

Hardcover
I Could Be Famous: Stories by Sydney Rende (Bloomsbury, $26.99, 9781639735860). "These stories are such a rush! Actors, assistants, influencers, reality stars, girlfriends--all who want more out of their lives. As I read this, I felt like I was getting a cup of coffee with friends I hadn't seen in years." --Vaughn Lachenauer, Main Point Books, Wayne, Pa.

Divine Ruin (Sister Holiday Mysteries #3) by Margot Douaihy (Gillian Flynn Books, $28, 9781638931980). "It's the last couple of weeks of the school term, and Sister Holiday is preoccupied with preparing for her final vows, when one of her students dies of a fentanyl overdose at school. Douaihy brings us right into sultry New Orleans and ramps up the tension." --Robin Glossner, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, Mass.

Paperback
plastic: A Poem by Matthew Rice (Soft Skull, $15.95, 9781593768034). "plastic is an engaging, epic workplace poem based on Rice's own experiences as a factory worker. As the night progresses Rice references coworkers, the music on the factory floor, and his tattered copy of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." --Caitlin Baker, Island Books, Mercer Island, Wash.

Ages 4-8
Crouton: One Cat's Adoption Tale by Kristine A. Lombardi (Random House Books for Young Readers, $18.99, 9798217029167). "You can't help but fall for this adorable cat, Crouton, as she waits expectantly in her crate to be adopted. Told from the cat's perspective, it's delightfully simple yet filled with hope, empathy, and perseverance." --Patti Exstein, Three Wishes Bookshop, Alexandria, Va.

Ages 7-10
Resident in Charge (Ella Josephine Book #2) by Nina LaCour, illus. by Sònia Albert (Chronicle, $7.99, 9781797236247). "I love this new series about a young girl's adventures in her apartment house, perfect for ages 7-10. What a cast of characters! For fans of Eloise and Harriet the Spy." --Sarah Cottrell, Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, Ky.

Ages 13+
The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay by Ryan Douglass (HarperCollins, $19.99, 9780063312487). "In this Great Gatsby reimagining, Nick Carrington, a young aspiring writer, enrolls at West Egg and fatefully encounters the wealthy and charismatic Jay Gatsby Jr. From there, their relationship twists and turns as truths are revealed about Gatsby and what really happens behind the scenes at West Egg. Expect glitz and glamour mixed with sad realities and prejudices faced by young queer people of color. " --Thomas Curtin, Changing Hands, Tempe, Ariz.

[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]

Second-generation Korean Canadian Jane Park's gorgeous debut novel, Inheritance, achingly encapsulates an immigrant family coming to terms with their closest, yet least empathic, relationships: with each other. Anne Kim and her older brother, Charles, were born in Canada but their parents' homeland, Korea, remains their "true home... never mind that [they've] never been there." Told that they're "descended from a great king," Anne can't understand why her parents continue to endure joblessness and menial labor. "Let's just go back to Korea," she proposes as a young child in 1984--"I want to be a princess"--but her parents tell her that they moved to Canada for her and Charles's sake. Eventually the family settles in rural Crow Plains, Alberta, where they own and operate a grocery store.

Thirty years later, in 2014, the father has died of a sudden stroke. Anne, now a New York City lawyer with a degree from Yale, returns to Edmonton to help her mother deal with the funeral and aftermath. Charles needs to be picked up from rehab, having never quite established his adult independence. She resents him for always forcing her to be the responsible one; despite being younger and the daughter, she's the one who bought their parents a house, their car, and shares her "annual bonus so they could finally live a little"--which they used for securing their gravesites instead.

Self-admitted "fuckup" Charles also bares hard truths: "You were lucky to be the one to leave and be able to send money and help from a clean distance. I stayed and got my hands dirty." Despite their intimately shared background, Anne comes to realize how little she knows of their parents: she learns that their father was actually from North Korea, and for years wrote letters to a younger brother he never saw after part of his family escaped south; their mother lost an aunt who was rejected after surviving being a comfort woman for the Japanese military. Rebellious Charles attempted to break free of their parents' rigid expectations, only to bear the legacy of their buried traumas.

Park narrates between the "now" that is 2014 and the 1980s and 1990s of the siblings' growing up--and apart--with each time jump effortlessly revealing intricate details of outsider identities, racial tension, societal judgments, cultural divides, mental illness. She meticulously examines the complicated dynamics of a fractured family, of suffocating traditions and splintering rejections, while leading cautiously toward accepting honesty and the possibility of healing. --Terry Hong

Shelf Talker: Jane Park's lyrical debut novel, Inheritance, resonantly confronts multigenerational family tensions exacerbated by hidden traumas.

First, the stats: Bad Bunny gained more yards on the ground during his Super Bowl halftime show than the New England Patriots did for the whole game in their 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. 

No, wait. That's the wrong data. Here it is: According to WalletHub's survey, total Valentine's Day spending in the U.S. for 2026 is projected to be $29.1 billion ($199.78 per person celebrating). Men will spend almost twice as much as women, on average. Americans will drop $7 billion on jewelry and $6.3 billion on "a special evening out." Significantly, 40% of respondents said Valentine's Day activities are not affordable this year.

Have these people never heard about independent bookstores?

Bad Bunny's message ("The only thing more powerful than hate is love.") certainly was on target to start a week that ends with a day devoted to love and community. And who better than indie booksellers to creatively make the most of the vibe?

At Enchanted Book, Quincy, Ill.

Romance bookshops continue to thrive, and Valentine's Day is a perfect time to celebrate them. This week MassLive profiled Lovestruck Books & Cafe, Cambridge, Mass. Noting that the bookstore's inaugural year has "exceeded all of my expectations," owner Rachel Kanter said, "I think that just speaks to this idea of Lovestruck being a community resource.... I think especially in this moment, in this political climate, a lot of people are just looking for a place where they can unwind and let go and feel safe."

Love in all its variations is definitely in the air. Last week we reported that Brazos Bookstore, Houston, Tex., was hosting a Vegas-style Wedding Chapel on Saturday in the store. Since then, owners Barbara Radnofsky and Ed Supkis have announced that they will be renewing their own marriage vows at the bookstore on Valentine's Day, 44 years after getting married.

"It was just a spur-of-the-moment thought," Radnofsky told Axios. "I think everybody wants to get into the spirit of fun and love."

Here's how other indies are getting into the Valentine's Day spirit this year:

Books of Wonder, New York, N.Y.: "This Valentine's Day, skip the card and give a book instead! Valentine's Day titles for all ages available now at Books of Wonder!"

The Archive, Mount Pleasant, S.C.: "From Hopeless Romantics to Quiet Yearners, proud Anti-Valentines or somewhere in between--The Archive has the perfect Valentine's Day gift for every reader, no matter where they fall on the romance spectrum. And remember to come Shred Your Ex with us this Friday! We can't wait to see you there!"

Petals & Pages, Custer, S.Dak.: "We're feeling the love--and flowers!--and even have extended hours this week! Stop in, call, or place your Valentine's order online."

Needful Books & Things, Saint Augustine, Fla.: "Come join us on Saturday, February 14th for our INCREDIBLE Galentine's Day event! 10% OFF all romance/romantasy books. Automatic raffle entry for Romance Reader Basket with any purchase ($15 or more)."

Alibi Bookshop, Vallejo, Calif. (featuring a card that reads: "Big Brother's not the only one with his eye on you... Happy Valentine's Day"): "Customer @jenleafit sent me this (via @tarawinequeenwrites) and I laughed out loud, which I was definitely not doing while reading 1984 for our special extra book club discussion tomorrow night.... Hope to see you! (But not in a Big Brother way. I promise.)"

Wonderland Bookshop, Shorewood, Wis.: "Don't forget to pick up your Valentine's books & gifts this week! We are so excited to start off our Valentine's festivities!"

Book Beat, Oak Park, Mich.: "Love and Happiness for your Book or Booklover is here! Check out these new handmade quilted book cozies, 8"x10" with closure, and side pocket for your phone or writing device. Show some love to your book.... Your Valentine gift search is over!"

Russo's Books, Bakersfield, Calif.: "Are you Valentine's Day or Anti-Valentine's Day?"

Firefly Books & Comics, Rexburg, Idaho: "New Blind Dates With a Book are up just in time for Valentine's Day! And I know I say this every time, but there are some GOOD ones!"

Ink & Ivy Book Boutique, Madison, Wis.: "Looking for Valentine gifts?... We have lots of sweet & spicy romance books & a great selection of adorable gifts!"

Plenty Bookshop, Cookeville, Tenn.: "There's something really special about a night built around books, laughter, and the kind of connection that happens when everyone feels welcome. This Pal-en-tine's Day, we're opening the doors for everyone, whether you're coming solo, with your favorite people, or hoping to meet a few new friends along the way."

Mysterious Galaxy Books, San Diego, Calif.: "Send this to someone you want to take to PALENTINE'S DAY at Mysterious Galaxy! Platonically mix and mingle with fellow readers during friend bingo, meet new folks over friendship bracelets, form new teams during bestie trivia, and take pictures with you, your besties, or your favorite books!"

TYPE Books, Toronto, Ont., Canada: "Beyond cold outside but extremely hot new window. We wish it could heat the whole city... but for now we're appreciating it for what it is: a Valentines window c/o @scottygraham.ca and Heated Rivalry everything. Pink and red books, too."

Enchanted Books, Quincy, Ill.: "We still have your Valentine's covered! Stop in this week for that special someone!"

The Story Emporium & Bookshop, Hutto, Tex.: "Valentine's Day picks we're loving right now. From custom surprise boxes filled with jewelry, writing goodies, candy & more to custom clickers, handmade jewelry from artists across Texas, adorable stickers, coloring books, and so many sweet little extras. Perfect for your valentine, your bestie, or yourself."