Photo: Stephanie Henigin
Sisters Emily Arcand and Stephanie Phenow are lifelong readers—and lovers of rollicking and romantic happily-ever-afters. The duo launched Swoonworthy Booksellers (swoonworthybooksellers.com) in early 2024. The heartfelt bookselling business is concentrated on romance novels and creating an uplifting space for readers of romance.
Arcand and Phenow have already felt the love at festivals and pop-up events around the Metro, as well as at their permanent “mini-bookstore” at The Women Collective. Excited customers have swarmed the sisters’ pretty pink bookstands, finding not only their next great love stories but a welcoming and enthusiastic community of similarly interested readers. “People love having a place to discuss the romance books they’re reading and discover new books,” Arcand says. “The squeals of delight and cackles that commonly come from our store speak for themselves.”
Looking for a book recommendation? Arcand and Phenow have their customers covered, whether you’re new to heart-throbs and love triangles or are already a seasoned slow-burn savorer. For readers in the throes of wedding planning, Arcand recommends the Bridesmaid for Hire series by Meghan Quinn.
