Discover Novel Grounds: A Romance Bookstore In Chesapeake, Virginia

Discover the charm and whimsy of a romance-only bookstore in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Bookshops like ice cream come in all flavors. Some bookshops focus on a specific genre, like science fiction or mystery, while others focus on a particular subject like American history or the culinary arts and still others focus on a geographical region or culture, like Appalachia or black and African-American.

Romance-centric bookstores are a growing trend, and popping up with with increased frequency. I follow one such shop on social media, The Ripped Bodice in Los Angeles which is probably one of the more prominent shops in the industry. And I love the focus on the genre, and the romantic aesthetic that usually comes with the focus.

This interest might seem seem strange coming from me, since I don’t write romance. But I do enjoy reading romance. And to date, while I do write speculative mystery, there is always a romance sub-plot in my stories. The Enchanted Bay Mystery series has Alexandra and Jack (or is it Alexandra and Dylan?) And An Intrigue Of Witches has Sidney and Gabe… So, I think any reader of romance could enjoy my novels.

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All this to say, romance bookstores are on brand for me as an author, and a favorite as a reader. Last weekend, I traveled to Novel Grounds Romance Bookstore in Chesapeake, Virginia. And fell in love with the adorably shabby chic and romantic decor that welcomed me as I walked through the doors. Hanging silk wisteria, dusty rose accents and shelves upon shelves on romance novels.

I was greeted by a group of passionate book lovers excited to receive autographed copies of my latest novel, An Intrigue Of Witches. Once all the books were signed, I toured the shop noting the numerous sub-genres of romance (there are many), the robust section of romantasy, and of course, a shelf just for books with witchy vibes.

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There’s comfortable seating, bookish merch, book clubs, art, candles, author events and a welcoming staff. Novel Grounds is the center of a community of romance-loving readers . If I lived in the area, I’d be a frequent visitor. Bookish romance lovers in the Chesapeake, Virginia area are lucky in deed.

Novel Grounds Romance Bookstore is owned by Megan Gallt, a military spouse and lover of all things bookish. If you know anything about the military, you know there’s a lot of moving around, and some spouses need what is called a portable career – a profession or business that travels well. Something you can start, stop, pickup and restart.

When I was a military spouse, I worked at libraries in Okinawa and North Carolina, was a technical writer in North Carolina (the second time) and Virginia, a freelance writer in New York, and an export license analyst in Washington DC. I eventually established a remote-based business in publishing which I still run today.

So, I get why Megan initially created a business that she could maintain no matter where the military moved her too. And I love that she’s been able to bring her virtual vision to brick and mortar reality.

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After my book event was over, I sat down with Megan to ask her a few questions about her bookstore. You can read the interview below.

Novel Grounds Bookstore owner, Megan Gallt and author, Esme Addison.

1. Why did you decide to open a bookshop?

Megan: I have always wanted the end game of Novel Grounds to include a bookshop. The variations of that have grown over the years, as have I as a person, but the one thing that stayed the same was the romance bookstore part of the dream. I have such a love for this genre and I take even more enjoyment in the fact that now I can push my favorite reads into the hands of new readers.

2. How did the idea for the online store happen?

Megan: Novel Grounds started as an Etsy shop making swag items for my favorite books, and grew organically into the Novel Grounds you see online today. I wanted merchandise (merch) for my favorite books, and so did other readers. It was a hole in the market 10 years ago that we decided to fill.

3. What kinds of merch do you find romance readers like to buy?

Megan: Our biggest selling items are stickers and clothing. As you see in our store, our designs are very subtle depending on the series and that makes it fun to incorporate into your wardrobe.

4. When did you open the brick and mortar store? What was that process like?

Megan: We opened last November. The process for us was very impulsive, but also done after a decade of planning. It was a lot just taking things from my head and making them a reality in the storefront. It has had its challenges, but we are having a blast learning as we go.

5. What’s it like juggling your business, being a spouse and mother? Any tips for others in your position?

Megan: I am the worst to ask this to, I function in constant chaos. Novel Grounds is so much of who I am as a person that I think it all runs together. My kids and husband are at the store as much as I am though, and it is a family affair. I put my whole self into everything I do, and it’s all about finding a balance. Once I find it, I will let you know! Until then I just do my best every day to show up for all aspects of my life.

6. Do you write? Or only love to read?

Megan: I am a reader through and through. No one wants me to try to write!

7. What trends do you see in romance from your customers? What do you think will be hot in the future?

Megan: Right now it is all dark and fantasy!

8. What does the future for Novel Grounds look like?

Megan: We are going to continue to push the bar higher for ourselves. I don’t know what is coming next, but I promise it will be worth being around for, we like to keep things interesting at Novel.