Love’s Sweet Arrow, a Tinley Park bookstore specializing in romance novels, took part in the inaugural Bookstore Holiday Trolley, bringing book lovers together across Chicagoland.
Co-owner Roseann Backlin, who runs the store with her daughter, said the Trolley was designed to help local bookstores gain exposure during the busy holiday season. “We worked together with each other to help promote it,” she said, crediting Amanda and Jordan from Three Avenues Bookstore as the planners behind the event.
The Trolley took place over two weekends with multiple starting and ending points. Originally, tickets sold out in just two days, prompting the addition of more stops.
Backlin said she appreciated the inclusivity of the event. “Everyone who wanted to participate, I believe, was included,” she said. “Meeting new customers and lovers of romance, which is what we specialize in, was the best part.”
Love’s Sweet Arrow opened in 2019 at 17200 Oak Park Ave., Suite 103, Tinley Park, and features a theme centered on romance and happily-ever-afters, reflecting Backlin’s lifelong love of the genre. In addition to books, the store hosts author events, book clubs and other social gatherings for readers.
“This was the first year for the Trolley, but hopefully we continue to hold them,” Backlin said. “Come in and check us out!”