Leslie Logemann and her husband, Mark Connelley, are the new owners of Highland Books in Brevard, N.C., taking the reins from Amanda and Chris Mosser, who have run the shop since 2015. Logemann and Connelley are the fourth owners of the bookshop, which opened in 1976.
"Books have always been a part of my life and they have often been the place where I've found joy and solace," Logemann told the Transylvania Times. "I've been fortunate to do a lot of different things. I managed a retail business in college. I worked as a graphic designer for advertising agencies and later had a freelance business that focused on advertising and marketing. I managed a fine art gallery. And I have managed, and will continue to be involved in, our local farmers' market. But one constant in my life has been literature. And along with that, the idea of owning a bookstore and the thought of--what if?"
Amanda Mosser said, "We did not want to sell the store, and it was not in the plan, but after the past year of health issues we had to make a difficult decision. We were thrilled to hear from Leslie, who is a longtime regular customer and who we know has a deep love of books and our community. We were so honored to purchase the store, and we couldn't imagine passing this legacy on to a better person."
Highland Books moved to its Main Street location in 2019, and the community rallied support during the Covid-19 closures of early 2020, the Times noted.
"This last year, being able to escape into a good book has, honestly, kept me sane," Logemann said. "And when I heard that Amanda and Chris were selling the bookstore, I contacted them immediately. My husband heard about my plans a few hours later."
Customers will begin seeing Logemann in the bookstore, as she works with Mosser and staff toward a transition of ownership.
She added that the Mossers "have created such an incredible space, and I know they had so many plans for the bookstore's future. I'm honored to take the reins. Of course, I have a lot of ideas for the business, but, mostly, I am looking forward to continuing their good work."