
This event has passed
Bookstore Romance Day Cozy Fantasy Party
Past event
Featured Book

The Reimagining of Thornwood House
A witch and her young ward discover a magical, walking house and learn the true meaning of home in this cozy, enchanting novel from New York Times bestselling author Jaleigh Johnson.
Evelyn Sharpe is accustomed to dealing with natural disasters as a land witch, but she longs for a life with a little less danger for her and her adopted daughter, Ruby. So when the opportunity to take over as Caretaker of Thornwood House—a sentient home that acts as the magical heart of the village of Iskendra—arises, it seems almost fated.
When they arrive in sunny Iskendra, Evie and Ruby find the house is nothing like what they expected: First of all, it has walked away from the address. Thornwood House is also grumpy, guarded, and extremely hesitant to allow the two witches through its doors.
Armed with gentle hearts and wild magic, Evie and Ruby begin to form tentative bonds with the house and the citizens of the small town. But there’s something deeply damaged about the building seeping into the forests surrounding Iskendra, and Evie will have to use all her power to protect the roots she’s started to grow.
About This Event
Don't let the state of world get you down: come get cozy and fantastical at Booked! We're celebrating Bookstore Romance Day with Jaleigh Johnson, author of the magical new book The Reimagining of Thornwood House.
We'll have whimsical snacks, whimsical non-alcoholic drinks, whimsical craft projects (all supplies provided), plus you'll get to meet Jaleigh and spend time with other cozy fantasy readers!
THERE WILL BE SO MUCH WHIMSY THAT YOUR HEART WILL EXPLODE IN JOY!
Featured Author
Jaleigh Johnson
Jaleigh Johnson lives and writes in the wilds of the Midwest. Her middle grade debut novel The Mark of the Dragonfly is a New York Times bestseller. Her other books from Delacorte Press include The Secrets of Solace, The Quest to the Uncharted Lands, and The Door to the Lost. Her cozy fantasy debut is The Reimagining of Thornwood House. She has also written fiction for Dungeons and Dragons, Marvel, and Assassin's Creed. Johnson is an avid gamer and lifelong geek. Visit her online at www.jaleighjohnson.com.
About the Venue

Booked
Booked is an independent bookstore located at 506 Main St. in Evanston, Illinois, that carries a diverse selection of books for children and adults. In fact, it is our favorite independent bookstore, but we are biased, because we own it. We host author events, story times, book clubs, crafting events, birthday parties, just-because parties, and more.
Visit store pageMore at Booked

Booked Club for Grown-Ups
Booked Club reads contemporary, literary fiction and nonfiction from a diverse range of authors. Booked owners Abby and Betsy host Booked Club on the third Wednesday of the month (most months!) at 7:00pm at Booked. Bringing snacks and beverages to share is always encouraged but never required. Questions? Email abby@bookedevanston.com.

Dumpster Fire Book Club
THE HORRORS PERSIST, but so do we! Dumpster Fire Book Club welcomes adults and teens (12+) every other month to read dystopian fiction, led by Betsy! We love imagining a better world through imagining just how bleak it can get first! Email betsy@bookedevanston.com if you have any questions!

Sunday Smut Book Club
Special! Join us for the last Sunday Smut book club of the year! We'll of course trade thoughts on the book, but we will additionally share treats potluck style, and talk about our favorite reads of 2026! Bookseller Alicia hosts our Sunday Smut Book Club on the last Sunday of the month (most months!) at 3:30pm. Sunday Smut reads are the latest in romance novels with a range of subgenres, sexual and gender identities, and spice levels. Questions? Email alicia@bookedevanston.com.