If you unashamedly get stuck into steamy historicals, cutting-edge contemporaries and romantic paranormals that have you up until 3am (regretting your lack of sleep the next day), then we’ve found a new hang-out for you. The First Chapter Book Shop has officially opened its first bricks-and-mortar shop tucked away in Edinburgh, focussed on selling Australian indie romance novels.
It’s a place you can find all the Indie, romance, fantasy, reverse harem, Fae and dark romance books that are hard to find.
A dream-come-true for owner Jess Weber, The First Chapter Book Shop marks a significant milestone in her passion-fueled entrepreneurial journey.
Originally launched as an online store in 2021, the journey to establish a physical boutique was always on Jess’s horizon. From small beginnings, where stacks of romance reads filled the spare corners of her house, Jess has worked to create a destination where books line the walls, books line the shelves and people feel welcomed.
“I’ve set up the store to make you feel like you’re in your own living room. You can definitely read them in the shop, It’s a safe zone and you can put your feet up, have a drink and have a chat – or if you don’t want to chat you can just tell me, that’s fine too,” Jess laughs. “It’s more homey than a bookshop, in fact it’s a replica of my house set-up.”
Jess, an avid reader since her childhood days of Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, followed her heart’s calling and launched The First Chapter Book Shop. With a passion for romance literature, Jess recognised the diversity within the genre and wanted to celebrate it.
“The stigma around romance books has gone,” she shares, “and people are opening their hearts and minds to explore the vast realms of romance literature.”
She attributes the rising love of the genre to videos on social media like BookToks on TikTok and Bookstagrams on Instagram. Young TikTok users are sharing their passion for books with millions – bringing titles they love to life online.
@kateslibrary, is among the increasingly popular accounts posting on #BookTok, a corner of TikTok devoted to reading, which has clocked up 216.4bn views and counting.
“They’re basically saying, this is what I’m readying, and it’s ok. The bad stigma of reading fantasy and romance books has gone out the window,” Jess says.
Diverse and inclusive, The First Chapter Book Shop boasts an extensive collection that caters to all romance enthusiasts.
With over ten sub-genres, including sports romance, small-town romance, and dark fantasy romance, there’s a book for every reader. “There’s something for everyone,” Jess affirms, highlighting the richness and depth of the genre.
While the physical store’s location within an Edinburgh-style warehouse complex may appear discreet, it’s precisely this element of secrecy that adds to its charm.
“It’s hidden if you didn’t know where to look,” Jess points out, “but that’s what’s so great about it.”
The new shop is set inside a warehouse where her and her husband’s Caravan repair business relocated to in order for Jess to expand her business.
The store’s interior design mirrors the ambiance of a cozy living room, creating an inviting space where visitors can lose themselves in the world of romance.
As for the store’s intriguing name, Jess reveals that it was her husband’s brilliant idea. “The first chapter represents the online store, but perhaps the second chapter is our physical store,” she explains.
When it comes to the genre’s popularity, Jess sheds light on the rise of romantasy—romance with a touch of fantasy. She acknowledges the remarkable success of Australian indie romance authors, who are gaining recognition within the literary world. Popular titles such as “Haunting” and “Hunting Adelaine” have garnered significant attention, proving that indie romance is thriving.
Opening its doors just this month, Jess said over 500 people came to visit the new store for its grand opening, as well as 10 authors for book signings.
“I’ve been shocked at how successful The First Chapter Book Shop has been so far,” Jess says.
The First Chapter Book Shop
Where: Unit 2, 15 Sturton Road, Edinburgh, SA
Open: Thursday 12pm – 7pm, Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 3pm
More information: Click here
Instagram: @thefirstchapterbookshop
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