Summer is a time for relaxing with a good book, but the River Bend Booksellers might tell you it is one of the busiest times of our year. That's because we are here, there, and everywhere, with the Book Truck, fall book fair planning, holiday buying, and gearing up for some incredible upcoming (shh, big name) author events – that includes our own mini-book festival: Author Stage!

More on our book celebration on the Hubbard Green soon. In the meantime, we're prepping the shops for Bookstore Romance Day! Join us in sharing the love this year with our Paperback 6-Pack, Blind Dates with a Book, and perhaps even a festive drink to enjoy as you shop!

More below: We cool off on Book Truck events in August, but pick right back up again in September and October — Catch up on our River Bend Staff Picks, your Best Sellers and then pop into a shop to rekindle your love of reading! Bring a friend, bring a bunch!

Hope to see you soon!

— Meghan, Owner

River Bend Bookshops

AUTHOR STAGE RETURNS:

Saturday and Sunday, September 9 & 10

COME BY AND ENJOY:

• Local Author panels,
• Author Alley signings,
• the Book Truck
• poetry, fiction, mysteries, books for kids & adults

… and lots more for art & literature lovers!

We'll once again host our own local book festival — featuring dozens of celebrated and new talent from your own backyard. Author Stage will include readings, panels, and a new "Author Alley" signing station with even more local authors. Stay tuned for a full lineup announcement soon!

Save the Dates: Sept 9 & 10 - 11am-4pm

Kids Best Sellers

Meghan: Leg: The Story of a Limb and the Boy Who Grew from It by Greg Marshall

"For fans of David Sedaris' wit and style, this coming-of-age memoir of a queer, disabled man is hysterically funny and absolutely touching.

Meet this amazingly dysfunctional family that truly, truly loves each other and is absolutely bonkers. You will cringe and cry tears of joy."

Audrey: Better Living Through Birding by Christian Cooper

"If you're asking, 'Is this that guy who went viral after some White lady accosted him while birding?' the answer's yes. Yes, it is. And he's so SO much more than a viral video. I absolutely love this memoir and recommend it to anyone, birder or no. I've met my new bff on the page, we have the same spark bird! A restores-your-faith-in-humanity kind of book."

Jillian: Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo

"Everything Acevedo writes is gold, how does she do it? Her words have a heartbeat.

Her latest follows the women of the Marte family as they prepare for sister Flor's living wake.

Acevedo combines a multigenerational saga with lush and lyrical elements of magical realism. A must-read for fans of Julia Alvarez and Angie Cruz."

Elsa: Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon

"As summer is slowly coming to an end, I realized I needed to read a fun romance. This gave me everything I needed and more!

Chandler is a ghostwriter who happens to take a job ghost writing her one night stand's book. And boy is it a riot!

This read was fun, hilarious, and spicy. The perfect way to wrap up your summer reading."

Sophia: Thicker Than Water by Megan Collins

"Sister's in Law Julia and Sienna are close. You might even say they're closer than they are with the man who brought them together, Jason. When Jason is accused of the murder of his boss and goes into a coma after an accident, a long line of secrets come out.

This is a wonderful mystery focused on family dynamics, sisterhood, trust, and forgiveness.”

Mary: The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

"'Have you ever stolen something? Maybe a candy bar, a toy, or (my personal fave) a road cone? What about $2 billion worth of art?

This is the true story of Stephane Breitweiser and Anne-Catherine Kleinklaus, the Bonnie & Clyde of Europe's museum scene, who amassed a collection that turned their flat into one of the world's most valuable private displays. An ideal guide for the art-coveters among us. "

Nora: Here For It by R. Eric Thomas

"Thomas describes chatting with a friend like this: 'The conversation slides effortlessly from deep and meaningful to slight and ridiculous,' which is a fitting description of this essay collection.

Writing this great is obviously not effortless, but it feels so as a reader—like one long conversation with a thoughtful, funny person who takes us to surprising places in pop culture, history, and his life along the way. I read it at the beach, on a rainy day at home, and in a doctor's office; he was great company everywhere.

I'll be reading his new book, Congratulations, The Best Is Over now that it's just out!"

Ernio: The Skull by Jon Klassen

"Classic Klassen. You may recall his work from the fun picture book I Want My Hat Back. This longer-form kids book follows suit.

An oddly delightful and delightfully odd story that is wonderfully drawn and concisely told. 

Follow our runaway heroine as she happens upon a kindred spirit embodied (or rather disembodied) in a skull. But what secrets lurk in the night?

Witty with a dash of dark humor, The Skull is a story to behold."

Olivia: The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

"Lucy Foley (who also wrote The Guest List) delivers again with her sharp and succinct prose which effectively snatches you into the claws of this face paced and emotional thriller.

Perfect for a quick summer read, this book is dripping with drama, suspense, and intrigue. The implications of each plot twist as Jess falls deeper and deeper into the madness surrounding her brother Ben's sudden disappearance in his exclusive Paris apartment had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story. "

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-4pm (12-4pm in WH), Closed Mondays