St. Louis Writers Bring Romance to Walgreens This Weekend

A South County author has established a literary partnership with a nearby Walgreen's, and the store manager said their effort could set a regional trend. 

Sandie Grassino, who recently published a book on Sunset Hills history, was introduced to Fenton Walgreens manager Lou Wachowe through a distributor at Arcadia Publishing. The store hosted a book signing for Grassino in August, which Wachowe said was a great success for both parties--so much so that he decided to organize a multi-author event. 

These are the first events of this type at a St. Louis Walgreens, Wachowe said.

Four local romance writers will be at the store on Saturday morning, representing one of the store's more frequently sold genres. Wachowe said it's an opportunity for Walgreens to step in where big box book retailers (like the closed Barnes & Noble in Crestwood) no longer can.

Meet Sunset Hills residents Eileen Dryer and Jeannie Lin, as well as Angie Fox and Shawntelle Madison at 701 Gravois Bluffs, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

“All of the authors involved are thrilled that this new venue has opened up for us in the area,” Grassino said via email. “I also think that Lou… is very forward-thinking and progressive in his vision to make the best shopping experiences possible for his customers.”

Wachowe said he's also been in contact with other Walgreens store owners around St. Louis who are interested in hosting their own events. At least one has already set up another book signing with Grassino for this holiday season.