A bookish event that destroyed “the bar!”

Weird title right? But so very true.

Saturday, 12.13.25, I attended the premier A VERY MERRY BOOKMAS FAIRE in Manchester, NH. When I say premier, it was because this was the first time this event has been put on. Billed as a holiday book fair, it was meant to draw romance readers and encourage a little book holiday shopping. As a first time event, I had some hopes it would go well, but my expectations weren’t too high because it was, after all, a first time event.

I lovelovelove when I am wrong. And I was…SO WRONG!

Not only was this the most organized event I have been at in years ( YEARS!) it was also unbelievably well attended by the romance book reading community. I spoke with two women who drove 4 hours to attend that morning. Several had stayed over in hotels the night before, having traveled from up to six and seven hours away!!

MINDBOGGLING, I tell you. And so very heart-warming.

Lila Gray and her incredibly well-trained crew of volunteers, were what made this event the absolute success it was. I have never been to an event where the authors and readers were so well taken care of and seen to. This is what a reader event should be. I even told Lila at the end that I think she should do this full time – be an event organizer, because she is brilliant at it!! She is also a brilliant writer, so I don’t think she’s going to take me up on my suggestion, lol!

I met so many wonderful readers and influencers that I actually follow on Instagram and TIktok! And guess what? They follow me, too! Again…mindboggling.

I am a horrible picture taker when I am at these events because I am always so busy talking to people, selling my books, and generally having a great time that I forget to use my phone and snap away. These are the only ones I took before the event started of my table:

Whenever I go to one of these events I am hopeful I will sell a few books to new readers. This event? I sold out of 4 titles ( a first for me!) and did some serious sell-damage to the rest. Everyone was in the mood for holiday romance books, and these are the titles I brought with me.

I came home exhausted because the drive was 1.5 hours for me, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but my sciatica says it’s too much, lol, but so elated emotionally, spiritually, and career-wise that I had trouble sleeping Saturday night because my excitement level was still so high.

I saw old, treasured author friends and readers, and made some new reader friends as well.

In all, it was day I am not going to soon forget. I can’t do the event in 2026 ( and yes, it’s already booked solid with authors) but I am hopeful Lila Gray, the organizer, will let me know when the 2027 sign up form comes out because I am definitely going to move hell and high water to be at that one!
Thank you to all the organizers and volunteers. I seriously don’t know how you will surpass this event next year, but you know what? I have a feeling you will.

Happy holidays, everyone. And don’t forget: Books make great gifts!