News Summary
Mystic Box Bookshop has officially opened its first physical location in downtown Huntington Beach, hosting a successful grand opening with popular authors. The owners, having transitioned from an online subscription service, aim to create a community space for adult romance enthusiasts. The shop offers a unique experience for readers to disconnect from technology and engage with literature, promoting upcoming events for further community interaction.
Huntington Beach Welcomes Mystic Box Bookshop
Mystic Box Bookshop, a prominent name in the adult romance novel sector, officially opened its brick-and-mortar location in downtown Huntington Beach on June 14. The grand opening was marked by a ticketed book-signing event featuring popular authors Santana Knox and C.E. Ricci, attracting a large crowd eager to meet their favorite writers.
During the grand opening festivities, the line for book signings extended around the corner and even into the alleyway adjacent to the shop and the International Surfing Museum. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase signed copies of Knox’s book, Heartless Heathens, and Ricci’s novel, Iced Out.
Community Engagement and Popularity
The enthusiasm surrounding the event was palpable, particularly among fans traveling from places like Long Beach. Sisters Sydney and Genevieve Engeran expressed their excitement about Mystic Box and emphasized the significance of connecting with a literary community that is often exclusively found online. Sydney highlighted the value for fans who consider themselves homebodies, as in-person gatherings present a rare chance to meet others with similar interests.
Founding and Growth of Mystic Box
Mystic Box began as an online subscription service in 2018, delivering two hardcover books each month, typically featuring darker or forbidden themes. The concept quickly gained traction, resulting in a long waiting list for the subscription service. The demand prompted the owners, Kate Benito and her husband Phil, who reside in Seal Beach, to transition into a physical store after outgrowing their previous warehouse in Los Alamitos.
Kate Benito noted that the decision to open a brick-and-mortar location was driven by the desire to offer readers a way to disconnect from technology and engage with tangible books. This move not only enhances the reading experience but also allows the community to come together in a space designed for literary appreciation.
Event Successes and Upcoming Activities
Mystic Box Bookshop is not new to successful events; a previous gathering at the Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, which featured seven authors, sold out quickly. The shop continues to build on this momentum, with another book-signing event scheduled for August 2 featuring author Katelyn Taylor from the Pacific Northwest.
Store Details and Operations
The Mystic Box Bookshop is conveniently located at 221 Main St., Huntington Beach. The store’s operating hours are Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Notably, the shop is closed on Mondays, allowing time for inventory restocking and preparation for the week ahead.
Conclusion
With its official launch, Mystic Box Bookshop is poised to become a staple in the Huntington Beach literary scene. It provides a unique space for adult romance enthusiasts to discover new titles, engage with authors, and connect with fellow readers, further solidifying its role in the vibrant local community.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: New Bookstore in Downtown Huntington Beach Dives into Mystic Realm
- Wikipedia: Bookstore
- Los Angeles Times: Celebrating the Grand Opening of Mystic Box Bookshop
- Google Search: Mystic Box Bookshop
- Los Angeles Times: Upcoming Book Signing Event at Mystic Box
- Google Scholar: Adult Romance Novels
- Los Angeles Times: Event Successes at Mystic Box Bookshop
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Book Signings
- Los Angeles Times: Community Engagement at Mystic Box
- Google News: Huntington Beach Events
