Epilogue Books - Rockford, MI

Epilogue Books, Rockford, MI

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For book lovers and bookstore enthusiasts (I'm not the only one!), I'm happy to say the trend continues.  The trend of new bookstores opening persists all over the country and I continue to find them.  One day I can be in a 30-year old veteran indie and the next day I can be in a 3-month old baby.  And today was a BEAUTIFUL 3-month old baby.  A small one-level, very attractive store in downtown Rockford and located on the scenic Rogue River.  A picturesque setting and a beautiful space that can check all the boxes for a successful bookstore launch.  

Co-owners Valerie and Pat B. came to this point like so many others with backgrounds in something other than books.  Valerie comes from a background in pharmaceuticals with not much more than her pipe dream to own a bookstore.  Husband Pat brings a background in business and education to balance the ownership "ticket."  Their combination has produced the chemical reaction that is Epilogue Books, in a community that was void of a full-service bookstore.  The attractive interior is due in part to some great help from the former owners at Books & Mortar in Grand Rapids, even including the bookshelves.  But make no mistake, Valerie and Pat have put their own Rockford stamp on the store offering a well-curated inventory of all new books.  There are a good variety of sidelines, most of them created locally including greeting cards, coffee mugs, and lots of outstanding and award-winning art work.  The locally produced soy candles with literary themed names are selling especially well.  They're already introducing events held off-site as well as in the store.  They're especially excited to host Rockford native and Good Morning America personality Ginger Zee in November promoting her new book.  They have a children's story time and have just recently started the store bookclub.  I see nothing but a bright future for this indie.  

I had a wonderful time meeting and talking to Valerie during my visit.  The store is so new that many local people are still discovering it.  This won't be a hidden gem for long, Rockford, and if you're reading this you are now required to visit this rising star right under your noses.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Seven Days Of Us, Francesca Hornak.  British family spends 7 days of the holiday season quarantined from the outside because of the daughter's exposure as an aid worker to the Haag virus in Liberia.  But things get complicated by hidden secrets of the four family members, slowly peeled back like an onion.  The wild twist is the unexpected arrival of an unknown guest.  Unknown to everyone except one member.  Some reviews call this hilarious and witty.  I didn't find it funny at all but did like it.  In the end, heart-breaking and heart-warming.  Recommended.     

CURRENTLY READING:  The Winter Soldier, Daniel Mason.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  English 101, soy candle.

Another view of the exterior.  

This is the wonderful view of the building that houses the bookstore from across the Rogue River.  I parked in a free lot and then walked across the bridge to the left to get to the bookstore.  I couldn't pass up this view.  

Lots of display window space in the front of the store, always a plus.  

Thirsty dogs can line up here.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Looking to the left from the front entrance.  This is where you'll find the children's section.  

Get 'Lit" soy candles.  Check out some of the names on the candles.  I love it!  They smell great too.  

The store just recently began selling quirky socks.  

Indeed.  

A partial view of the children's section.  The murals on the wall are outstanding.  

A timely and relevant table display.  

Most of the sidelines are created locally.  

The art displayed here is fantastic.  

An Indie hallmark.  

An award-winning work by a local artist.  Make sure you take time to check out the art displayed throughout the store.  

Table display of items of local and regional interest.  

Have a seat and sample a book.  

A great wall of bookshelves.  

Consider a beverage as you browse the books.  

You can also enter the store from the river side.  

View looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance.  

A few of the greeting cards available.  

Every Rockford citizen should get this book by Rockford native, Ginger Zee.  

With Valerie, the fine co-owner at Epilogue Books.  Thanks for a great visit.