HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Emily Ezell is living a book lovers fantasy with the opening of Blush & Bashful Romance Bookshop on May 4. Readers can expect to find a wide range of romance books along with book themed gifts. She has been keeping herself busy piecing together her dream store to share with the city of Hopkinsville.
“It feels like Christmas opening these boxes every day and seeing the inventory,” Ezell told Christian County Now just days before the grand opening. “I love romance books! It’s something that I wanted to specialize in. It’s hard when you go to a big box store, its usually one little, tiny section of romance.”
As Ezell works to stock shelves, she also takes the time to appreciate every unique cover and story. A deep seeded passion for reading is what eventually led Ezell down the path of opening a bookstore. As she fondly reminisced about her childhood home, she remembered being surrounded by of stacks of books, and reading with her dad every day.
“I can literally get out of reality for a moment, step back, and focus on nothing other than that book,” Ezell explained, also admitting that although romance has a special place in her heart, she will read just about anything and always has a good fantasy book nearby.
What to expect
“We want to be a place to have things, and do things that are bookish,” said Ezell when talking about her vision for the store. Shoppers can expect a cozy sitting area to give a book a test run before a purchase, book themed merchandise and apparel, and an eye-popping book wall to take photos with will be in the storefront. While romance books are the focus, she believes all readers will find something to enjoy in the store.
She is already grateful for the surge of support from the community and surrounding businesses, as well as support from her family. Blush & Bashful is located among several other rising, local businesses at the Pennyrile Marketplace on Fort Campbell Boulevard, and she was happy to discover the businesses continually push for each other to succeed.
“At first my husband was terrified when I had this idea,” Ezell joked. “It’s been more work than I thought it would be, but it’s been so exciting,” she continued.
Over everything, Ezell seems ecstatic at the potential impact the store will have on the city. She is looking forward to continue collaborating with local businesses. She is mulling around ideas for book clubs, workshops, a registry, and personalized gifts. Keep up with everything going on at the store on the Blush & Bashful website or visit them during their grand opening May 4 at 3012-B Fort Campbell Blvd. in Hopkinsville.
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