Romance Bookstore Hosts Autumn Literary Events

TINLEY PARK, IL —Love’s Sweet Arrow opened in June as the second romance-only bookstore in the country. Owners Roseann and Marissa Backlin are a mother and daughter team, hoping to bring the Tinley Park community together through love of literature.

“We found that independent bookstores that focused on that community space feel and provided events for the community at large were more successful and were embraced by the community," Marissa said this summer.

From book clubs to writing classes and author signings, the following events will be held throughout October at Love’s Sweet Arrow, located at 17024 Oak Park Ave. All tickets can be purchased at lovessweetarrow.com.

Book Clubs

The new Fresh Picks Book Club is holding its first meeting Oct. 12 at noon. Founded by Fresh Fiction Editorial Manager Danielle Dresser, this initial meeting will not focus on one specific book. Community members are invited to come discuss books they have been reading recently and provide recommendations to other club members. Future meetings “will be set up with trope challenges, genre challenges and discussions with authors and editors to get different perspectives of books and publishing,” Roseann said.

Writing Workshops

Author and writing instructor Jeanne De Vita will teach two writing workshops Oct. 19-20, both at 1 p.m. Participants in the first one-hour course “Read a Book, Learn to Write” will read "Too Sweet To Be Good" by K.M. Jackson and discuss a craft essential to the book. “You can meet and mingle with fellow romance lovers in a book club environment that will teach you to see the inner workings of the best and brightest in romance novels,” Roseann said. Tickets are $15.

De Vita will teach Romance 101 on Oct. 20. Current and aspiring romance authors are encouraged to attend the 150-minute course discussing the basics of publishing, current genre trends and the fundamentals of writing romance. Tickets are $25.

Author Events

"Charlotte Holmes" series author Sherry Thomas will visit Love’s Sweet Arrow Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. to debut her fourth novel in the series, "The Art of Theft." Dresser will lead a conversation with the author, who will sign copies of her book, now available for pre-order. Tickets are free but required for entry.

Jen DeLuca will sign copies of her debut novel "Well Met" on Oct. 30. The event will run from 6-9 p.m., including a discussion between DeLuca and Dresser and a costume contest for attendees. “Since it is the day before Halloween and Jen's book involves Renaissance Faire costuming, we thought it would be fun to have a costume contest in addition to the signing and discussion,” Roseann said. “Everyone is encouraged to dress in costume, but it is not required for the night.” Tickets for the discussion are free but required for entry. The event is open to the public starting after 7 p.m.