Courtesy of Just One More Chapter
By Christine Graf
There’s a new business in downtown Glens Falls, one that will appeal to lovers of romance novels.
Just One More Chapter, a book store focusing primarily on the romance genre, opened it’s doors in mid-October. Located at 14 Ridge Street, the 1,400-square-foot shop is owned by Ashley Brownell.
Before opening her own store, Brownell was a successful food blogger, her blog devoted to Instant Pot recipes. She started the blog as a way to earn income after becoming a stay-at-home mom. The blog garnered a devoted following, providing Brownell with a steady stream of income.
“I did that for over ten years,” she said. “I sold my website about two years ago and was looking for a new passion project. I decided to open a bookstore because reading helped me get through some times in my life that I really struggled with.”
When Brownell saw a for rent sign in the window of 14 Ridge Street, she knew it was the perfect place to open a bookstore.
“I’ve lived here for fifteen years, so I knew that the foot traffic here is fantastic,” she said. “If a bookstore is going to survive anywhere, it would be right here.”
Brownell’s husband, Mike Saville, transformed the space, building book shelves and installing new flooring as well as a reclaimed wood wall. Saville, the owner of Stone Saver Plus, a counter top company in South Glens Falls, also built a granite bench for the store.
According to Brownell, she made the decision for Just One More Chapter to focus on the romance genre because it is the most popular and most profitable of all genres. Sales of romance novels rake in an estimated $1 billion a year.
“Romance is one of the top-selling genres in the publishing world. It accounts for over forty percent of sales. So, I thought why not bring a romance bookstore to our little Hallmark town, which is what we are. I just wanted to add a little bit more love to our town because everybody could use a little bit more love.”
In addition to romance novels, Just One More Chapter features books written by local authors. The store also has a free library cart, one where people can donate their used books for others to enjoy.
“It’s a free little library,” Brownell explained, saying that she also has a small free library cart of children’s books.
When Just One More Chapter opened its doors in mid-October, Brownell was shocked by the support she received from the local community. On the day of their grand opening, people were lined up, the line stretching all the way down the street to the public library.
“I truly was not expecting that,” said Brownell. “The town has been so welcoming, and ever since opening day, we’ve been very busy. My shelves are actually kind of empty because we’ve sold out of a good quarter of our books. I have a $3,000 book order coming in today.”
Brownell handpicked each one of the 800 romance titles that fill her shelves, and she plans to include even more titles in the future.
“I’ve read many of the books, and a lot of them are on my list of books that I want to read,” she said.
Brownell will be hosting events at her store and will also be participating in the Boozy Book Fair at the Adirondack Winery in November.
“I am throwing an Onyx Storm midnight release party on January twentieth from ten p.m. to twelve-thirty a.m. I will also be doing author signings and throwing book club events, but right now I’m just taking things one step at a time so that I don’t get overwhelmed,” she said, noting that she is the store’s only employee.
Although Brownell is optimistic that Just One More Chapter will be a success, she said she will consider the experience a win regardless of outcome.
“Even if it doesn’t work out. I will get to go home with a whole bunch more books,” she said.
Just One More Chapter is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m to 2 pm.. For more information, visit www.justonemorechapter.com