Greetings, fellow readers and dreamers,
Today, I embarked on my second journey into the enchanting world of bookstores, visiting the local IndigoSpirit store in Oakville. As the nearest bookstore to my residence, it felt like a natural progression in my exploration of literary havens. IndigoSpirit, part of the expansive Indigo Books & Music Inc., which encompasses Chapters, Coles, SmithBooks, and The Book Company, represents a modern approach to book retailing.
Indigo has been a pioneer in crafting a strategy to offer a sanctuary from the digital onslaught, positioning their stores as cozy retreats for book lovers. Within the walls of IndigoSpirit, one discovers a world divided into smaller realms, each with its own unique ambiance, such as Indigo Paper and Indigo Kids.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to converse with the store manager. While I learned that in-store events are on pause until the fall, there's a glimmer of hope for hosting a "Harriet's Way" event towards the year's end. The manager also guided me on how to have my books listed in the Indigo catalogue, a task I plan to undertake promptly to ensure all editions of my works are available beyond just the Large Print editions currently listed.
Before its current incarnation as a bookstore, this location served as a chandlery, part of West Marine. The memory of West Marine holds a special place in my heart, as it was here that I bought all the things I needed to maintain my sailboat, Ragamuffin. Those memories inspired the Chandlery in Moreton from "Harriet's Way," where Dylan prepares for his summer job. Such is the life of a novelist, weaving fragments of our past into the fabric of our stories, shaping them until they seamlessly integrate into our narratives. Once my sanctuary for all things sailing, this place continues to be my haven, now as a realm of books.
Wishing you all the best for a summer filled with delightful reads,
Kevin
BTW, Don’t miss the chance to see me next Saturday at Bookapalooza in Minden, Ontario!
IN THE STACKS WITH KEVIN
Sometimes love doesn't change the world. Sometimes it changes all of them.
Rhuun, the half-human and wholly-reluctant prince of the demons, has finally reunited with his fiery Lelet. It’s too bad they must hide behind a facade of icy indifference to fool those who are determined to keep demons and humans apart...by any means necessary.
There is more at stake than bringing the miracle of rain back to Eriis. It's not just sand and lost royals poised to come through the newly-opened Door. Something ancient is hungry, and fat, complacent Mistra won't stand a chance. Even worse, whispers and shadows speak of blood magic that could destroy not just The Door, but all Doors—forever—barring the way home for lovers and enemies alike.
Will the love Rhuun and Lelet have moved worlds to share be the very thing they must sacrifice to save their worlds?
Full of her signature blend of exquisite world-building, sly humor, and poignant prose, The River King is the gripping conclusion to Kim Alexander's critically-acclaimed Demon Door saga.
Virtual reality isn't reality. So even though Lena didn't expect to have fun, she went along with the VR game anyway. But its artificial intelligence knows everything about her—who she is, how much money her parents have, her greatest fears.
When the line blurs between the nightmare and what's real, Lena must fight for her life to escape.
With her future decided, 18 year old Jessica and her sisters sneak off for one last night of fun. Breaking into their mother's lab the three of them are thrust into the glitchy online world of Puatera.
A secluded tribe.
An ancient evil.
An event that will change the world…