Next Chapter Tour-Chapter 1, Alabama: Celebrating Boutique Bookstores Across the Country

Some stories begin on a page. Others begin the moment someone opens a shop door, hears the bell, and finds the book they did not know they needed. I am committed to helping preserve boutique bookstores from being overshadowed by digital technology.

I have put a lot of effort into my paperback book, "Held Hostage," and I aim to ensure it reaches the appropriate audience. The book is designed to support abuse victims on their healing journey, and I hope to see copies at women's abuse centers nationwide through our book chain. However, I need to make some sales first to fund this mission.

Even though my books deal with mature subjects, I want everyone to feel comfortable reading them. I don't use foul language, vulgarities, or inappropriate content that might alienate or offend my readers.

That is also the spirit behind my next chapter tour. My tour will be a cross-country celebration of boutique bookstores and the people who make them feel personal, warm, and alive. I will also reveal exciting and unforgettable travel destinations as we travel the country, such as this one...

...Exciting Adventures in Cullman, Alabama!

Yesterday, I kicked off my book tour in style with a visit to the charming city of Cullman, Alabama—one of my absolute favorites! I used to think of Cullman as just a tiny, rural dot on the map, but boy, was I mistaken.

My mom and I embarked on a delightful journey, hopping from one cozy bookstore to another, and I was blown away by how much Cullman has blossomed over the years. It's like discovering a hidden gem right in my own backyard!

My tour began at the Arboreadum Bookstore, which is one minute from the Cullman library. This store has a unique artsy vibe that says, "Come on in." The shop is adorable, featuring artwork by local artists, and the owner is as sweet as Alabamians prefer their Red Diamond tea.

My book tour is not just about finding out who might stock my book; it's about connecting with people like her. Genuine women and men who keep the dream of holding a physical book alive.

It's about celebrating the small, independent places where readers come together, writers are embraced, and books are handed to someone with care. It's about nostalgia, the feeling of holding a book. Nostalgia is abundant at the Arboretum Bookstore, which is situated in a historic home. If you haven't been there yet, I highly recommend a visit.

We also visited the Yates-Chance Christian Bookstore right off Highway 31, which has a totally different traditional vibe. The owner there was such a gentleman, explaining to me how book consignment works. They appear to have every Christian book you might need, so I suggest visiting if you're seeking Christian-focused material.

After a few more stops we decided to cut it short and head out to Stonebridge Farms.

Mom and I made a pit stop at Stonebridge Farm Table, a delightful buffet restaurant that’s a bit off the beaten path but totally worth the detour. The atmosphere is relaxed yet upscale, and let me tell you—the food was absolutely delicious! I will have more recommendations such as this during our travels across the U.S.

My goal is to help keep the classic appeal of physical books and local venues alive even as technology keeps changing. Independent bookstores and privately owned restaurants possess a rare kind of enchantment.

Why boutique bookstores deserve the spotlight

A boutique bookstore is never just a retail space. It is a neighborhood landmark and gathering place. It is a place to meet new people and participate in community events. This space fosters connections and encourages collaboration among individuals with shared interests.

Overall, it serves as a vibrant hub for learning, sharing, and building lasting relationships.

The goal is simple: to celebrate the people who keep these places open and to invite more readers to step inside.

The heart of my Next Chapter Book Tour is connection.

A bookstore can change the way a person reads. A trusted bookseller can turn someone toward a writer they might have missed. A quiet corner can become the place where a lifelong favorite is found. Time spent in a bookstore is time invested.

Those small moments are worth celebrating.

The smallest details often say the most about a store’s personality.

Why now feels like the right time

Readers are craving places that feel human. In a world where so many choices arrive through screens and algorithms, boutique bookstores offer something slower and more personal.

My book tour gives me a chance to recognize the work behind the charm. I now know from experience now that independent bookselling takes patience, taste, and care. I'm willing to pay an extra buck or go the extra mile to keep that alive. Behind every beautiful window display are long hours, careful ordering, community relationships, event planning, and a deep belief that books still matter.

This tour is a thank-you. It is a way to say that these stores are seen, valued, and worth visiting in person.

Independent shops often reveal their taste through quiet, careful displays.

What readers can take from the journey

Visit an independent bookstore near you. Ask what the staff is excited about. Buy one book you did not plan to buy. Bring a friend. Attend a reading. Order through the shop when you can. Stop to eat on the way home. Support local!

Small acts add up. For boutique bookstores, regular visits matter. Word of mouth matters. Choosing a local shop for a gift matters. That is why I am so excited for this next chapter of my life. My NEXT CHAPTER TOUR is off to a great start!