April Books and Banter: Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
2025-04-29 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
As always, our book clubs are free and open to all, and the book club pick is 10% off the regular price. You bring the conversation, we’ll provide the treats This month’s pick is Broken Country by Claire Leslie Hall – $28.99 Book club price: $26.09 Hardcover 320 pp

Broken Country offers up a riveting tale of love, betrayal, and buried secrets that come to light in a small, insular village.

Beth and her husband Frank have built a quiet life together, but everything changes when her brother-in-law shoots a stray dog—one that belonged to Gabriel Wolfe, Beth’s first love.

As Gabriel reenters her life, Beth is drawn to the ghosts of her past, including the tragic loss of her son. Tensions simmer in the village as old jealousies and secrets resurface, creating a powder keg of emotions and conflicts.

The novel shifts seamlessly between past and present, revealing the choices that shaped Beth’s life and the devastating consequences of those choices. With the sweeping romance of The Paper Palace and the atmospheric tension of Where the Crawdads Sing, Broken Country will captivate readers.

It’s a tale of passion, life changing choices, and the weight of long-buried truths. Book clubs will enjoy digging into the novel’s themes of grief and first love!

May Fab Fantasy Book Club: Lightfall by Ed Crocker
2025-05-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
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Come join the discussion – wine and apps are free and as always our clubs are free and open to all, PLUS the book club picks are offered at the 10% off book club discount.

This month we’re chatting about: Lightfall by Ed Crocker$30.00 Book club price: $27.00 Hardcover, 384 ppStep into the dark and enthralling debut fantasy, perfect for fans of Jay Kristoff’s Empire of the Vampire and Richard Swan’s The Justice of Kings. With its intoxicating mix of vampires, werewolves, sorcerers, and rebellion, this epic tale delivers a story brimming with intrigue, danger, and defiance.

In the last vampire stronghold of First Light, survival is dictated by blood and class. The privileged drink richly while the poor endure meager scraps, and no one escapes the city’s suffocating rules. But when palace maid Sam discovers a clue to the murder of the ruler’s son, she seizes the chance to upend the hierarchy. Her blackmail attempt thrusts her into the shadowy underworld of the Leeches—a band of rebel maids fighting to balance the scales of power.

As Sam allies with a shrewd sorcerer, a fierce werewolf assassin, and a cunning countess, she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the fragile survival of First Light. With the city’s elite pulling deadly strings and the Grays—monsters that nearly annihilated vampirekind—still looming in memory, Sam must navigate treachery on all sides.

Atmospheric and teeming with tension, Lightfall is a tale of grit, wit, and the pursuit of freedom against impossible odds. Ed Crocker’s complex characters and twisting plot will spark animated discussions about power, rebellion, and what it takes to fight for a better world. Join us as we delve into this unforgettable fantasy and debate whether Sam can uncover the truth—and survive long enough to change her fate.

An Afternoon of Heart, Humor, and Healing – Just in Time for Mother’s Day!
2025-05-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Meet the Authors, Sip the Wine, Share the Stories – May 4th at Main Street Reads!

Join us on Sunday, May 4th at 1:00 p.m. for a special three-author signing that’s the perfect pre-Mother’s Day outing—complete with free wine, sweet treats, and three incredible women authors who are redefining resilience, relationships, and reinvention.

Meet:

Kathryn Austin, author of My Mother’s Other Daughter, who bravely shares her deeply personal account of family estrangement, elder care challenges, and the painful consequences of financial exploitation. Her story is a heartfelt call to action for protecting both aging parents and the adult children who love them.

Misty Jae Ogert, bestselling author of A Long Love Ago and the Brides of Willows Cove series. Misty’s emotional fiction explores what happens when a marriage is tested, an old flame reignites old feelings, and a woman must decide what happiness is truly worth. Her relatable characters and romantic twists have found readers around the globe.

Jaclyn Michelle Smith, whose memoir I’m Sorry I Cremated You delivers gut-punch honesty and laugh-out-loud moments about grief, anxiety, and growing up with over-the-top love. With equal parts wit and wisdom, Jaclyn brings comfort and connection to the complicated business of saying goodbye—and finding yourself in the process.

Whether you’re shopping for a gift, seeking inspiration, or simply want a relaxing afternoon surrounded by good people and great stories, this event is for you.

Swing by, grab a signed book (or all three!), and treat yourself—and Mom—to something truly special. Let’s toast to stories that heal, humor that helps, and the power of connection. See you there!

May Thrill in the 'Ville Thriller Book Club: Count My Lies by Sophie Stava
2025-05-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Come join the Thrill in the ‘Ville thriller book club discussion – wine and apps are free, and as always our clubs are free and open to all, PLUS the book club picks are offered at the 10% off book club discount.

This month we’re chatting about: Count My Lies by Sophia Stava$28.99 Book club price: $26.09 Hardcover, 336 ppPrepare for a thrilling conversation as we unravel Count My Lies, a dazzling suspense that explores the dangerous web spun by deceit.

Sloane Caraway’s harmless lies, intended to make her mundane life more exciting, lead her into the luxurious world of Jay and Violet Lockhart—a seemingly perfect couple with secrets far darker than her own.

This read-in-one-night page-turner captures the thrill of deception and the consequences when lies stack up, creating a reality more twisted than truth itself.

Fans of Lisa Jewell and Lucy Foley will relish Stava’s sharp plotting and compulsive pacing as the story hurtles toward its shocking conclusion.What drives Sloane to lie? Can we trust anyone in the Lockhart household? And what happens when small lies snowball into life-threatening truths?

At this book club meetup, we’ll dissect the morally gray characters, unpredictable twists, and themes of privilege, manipulation, and survival. Join us to share your thoughts on Sloane’s choices, the Lockharts’ secrets, and the novel’s haunting message: be careful what you lie for—it might just trap you.

Book Signing and Salon: Hellions with Julia Elliott
2025-05-18 15:00 - 17:30 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
We’re thrilled to host a very special event with author Julia Elliott, celebrating her powerful story collection, Hellions. Readers will have the opportunity to remain for a salon-style private event to dig deeper into the themes of Julia’s work:

THE EVENTJoin us at Main Street Reads for a free, open-to-all book signing where you can meet Lisa and grab a signed copy of Hellions — an incredible, razor-sharp collection of heartfelt stories with southern gothic grit. We’ll ALSO have her other books available, The Wilds short story collection and her novel, The New and Improved Romie Futch.

Then, beginning at 4:00 p.m., we’ll transition into an exclusive salon-style discussion with Julia, complete with wine, charcuterie, and thoughtful conversation.

Bonus: The salon will of course include charcuterie and wine, AND a signed copy of Hellions, as well as 10% off Julia’s other works.

We can’t wait to see you there and join in this unforgettable afternoon of conversation, and connection as we delve deeper into the wisdom and the wit.

About the Book:Hellions: Stories is a visceral collection of stories that run feral through the backwoods of the American South. Known for her genre-defying blend of speculative strangeness and Southern grit, Elliott’s writing is razor-sharp and yet somehow still magical.

The collection opens with a plague-stricken convent and closes in the swamps of South Carolina, stopping along the way to introduce us to alligator companions, mystic manuscripts, and sharp-tongued girls navigating a world that rarely makes room for their rage or radiance.

Hellions never loses its grounding in the truths of its characters. There’s real tenderness here, woven among the ruin and wonder. Elliott’s prose slices straight to the bone, but what she reveals is always human: vulnerability, desire, grief, and grit.

Ultimately, these stories give voice to those living in the margins—outsiders, women, children, the dispossessed. You’ll love being immersed in the author’s weird worlds, and will be left with much to ponder…

Photo Credit: Forrest Clonts

Julia Elliott is the author of the story collection The Wilds, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, and the novel The New and Improved Romie Futch (both from Tin House). Her work has appeared in The Georgia Review, Tin House, Conjunctions, and the New York Times. She has won a Rona Jaffe Writers’ Award, and her stories have been anthologized in Best American Short Stories and Pushcart Prize: Best of the Small Presses. She teaches English and Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of South Carolina and lives in Columbia with her husband, daughter, and five hens.

May Adventures in Reading Kids Club: The Lost Library
2025-05-19 17:30 - 18:30 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Our Adventures in Reading Kids Club is free and open to all AND the book is 10% off book club pricing. Come on out and join your fellow readers each month for a free pizza party and chat about the selected book!

This month we’re chatting about The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead$17.99 Book club price: $16.99 Hardcover, 224 ppWe’ll discover the magic of books with a charming mystery centered on a little free library guarded by a wise orange cat named Mortimer. When eleven-year-old Evan finds two weathered books, he and his best friend Rafe uncover clues linked to a long-buried town secret.

Narrated by a ghost librarian, Evan, and Mortimer, this heartwarming tale explores the power of truth, community, and the transformative magic of reading. What mystery lies behind the library’s sudden appearance? And how will Evan’s journey reshape his understanding of his family and town?

Join our club to discuss this enchanting story, the unforgettable characters, and the impact of uncovering hidden truths. Don’t forget to bring your own favorite book-related memories!

May Kiss & Tell Romance Club: The Never List by Jade Presley
2025-05-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Our book clubs are free and open to all – we supply the treats, you bring the scintillating conversation! As always, all book club selections are 10% off book club pricing. Come join our romance club, “Kiss & Tell!”

This month, we’re chatting about The Never List by Jade Presley$32.99 Book club price: $29.69 HardcoverFantasy and desire entwine in The Never List, a captivating romantasy that blends high-stakes adventure with sizzling romance. When her sister’s life hangs in the balance, the heroine is thrust into a world ruled by four princes of chaos, each more powerful and dangerous than the last.

With no choice but to confront these alluring yet treacherous men, she must navigate a realm of deceit, power struggles, and temptation. Dubbed a blend of Fifty Shades of Grey and Serpent and the Wings of Night, this why-choose romance delivers a thrilling mix of fantasy and steamy relationships.

As the heroine’s quest unfolds, she’s faced with impossible choices and the growing realization that surrendering her heart might be the key to saving her sister—and herself.

With its lush world-building, intense chemistry, and jaw-dropping twists, The Never List is a must-read for fans of romantasy. Its limited-edition deluxe print with stunning sprayed edges makes it even more irresistible to collectors and book lovers.

May Books & Banter Fiction Book Club: The Antidote by Karen Russell
2025-05-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
As always, our book clubs are free and open to all, and the book club pick is 10% off the regular price. You bring the conversation, we’ll provide the treats!

This month’s pick is The Antidote by Karen Russell$30.00 Book club price: $27.00 Hardcover, 432 pp

Karen Russell’s The Antidote is a stunning exploration of a town haunted by its past and battered by a catastrophic dust storm, a story Swampliania author laughingly calls, “Dry-Landia.”

Set in the fictional town of Uz, Nebraska, during the Great Depression, this Dust Bowl epic weaves together the lives of five unforgettable characters: a Prairie Witch who safeguards memories, a Polish farmer grappling with loss, his grieving niece, a sentient scarecrow, and a photographer with a mysterious, time-bending camera.

Through their interconnected stories, Russell examines the ways in which history, secrets, and the environment shape lives. Rich with symbolism and lyrical prose, the novel echoes the urgency of our current climate crisis while delving into universal themes of memory, identity, and resilience.

Perfect for fans of Swamplandia! and Grapes of Wrath, The Antidote offers a deeply atmospheric and thought-provoking read. Book clubs will revel in the layered storytelling, the blend of magical realism and historical fiction, and the pressing questions it raises about the choices we make for ourselves and our world.

Just in Time for Dad's Day: Book Signing - Boys AND Beneath the Draper Moon!
2025-06-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Looking for the perfect signed gift ahead of Father’s Day? Join us Sunday afternoon for a powerful double-header author event, featuring two exceptional storytellers bringing history, heart, and heritage to life.

Julius Parker – Beneath the Draper MoonAlready a rising literary star in Summerville, Julius Parker invites readers into a world where forbidden love and family secrets unravel against the backdrop of 20th century America.

Beneath the Draper Moon is a gorgeously layered historical thriller, exploring the intergenerational impact of choices, ancestry, and redemption.

Raised in Charleston and inspired by the rhythms and dialects of the South, Parker’s voice brings a haunting and heartfelt resonance to this unforgettable tale.

Dr. Roger Newman – Boys: A NovelCharleston-based physician and novelist Dr. Roger Newman delivers a deeply moving, character-driven journey of two boys—one Black, one White—growing up as brothers in the Jim Crow South.

Boys traces their bond through segregation, war, and the turbulence of Civil Rights-era America, asking what it truly means to be family. Praised by national bestsellers and PEN nominees alike, this novel will stir your soul and spark meaningful conversation.

Stop by to meet both authors, get your books signed, and celebrate stories that honor our past while speaking to our present. Whether you’re shopping for Dad or yourself, this is one summer signing you won’t want to miss!

June Thrill in the 'Ville Thriller Book Club: The Savage Noble Death of Babs Dionne by Ron Currie
2025-06-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Come join the Thrill in the ‘Ville thriller book club discussion – wine and apps are free, and as always our clubs are free and open to all, PLUS the book club picks are offered at the 10% off book club discount.

This month we’re chatting about: The Strange Noble Death of Babs Dionne by Ron Currie

Here’s your chance to explore the dark, mythic underpinnings of The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne. This will offer up a gripping literary thriller centered on Babs, a formidable crime matriarch in small-town Maine.

As Babs juggles a missing daughter, a malevolent enforcer, and a spiraling drug empire, the novel delves into themes of family loyalty, ancestral legacy, and the price of vengeance.

With a cast of unforgettable characters you’ll want to live with long past the book’s ending, including Babs’s tough-as-nails lieutenants and her Marine vet daughter Lori, Currie paints a vivid portrait of love, loss, and power dynamics.

The death of Sis sets off a cascade of events that will leave no one in Little Canada untouched, culminating in an explosive reckoning.We’ll discuss the novel’s sharp wit, emotional depth, and its exploration of how ancestral ties can nurture or imprison us. Is Babs a hero, a villain, or something in between? How does the story balance crime, mythology, and profound empathy?

Come ready to debate, theorize, and marvel at this unforgettable tale of a woman’s wrath and the family legacy she both protects and redefines.

June Adventures in Reading Kids Club: Underwild River of Spirits
2025-06-16 17:30 - 18:30
Our Adventures in Reading Kids Club is free and open to all AND the book is 10% off book club pricing. Come on out and join your fellow readers each month for a free pizza party and chat about the selected book!

This month we’re chatting about Underwild River of Spirits by Shana Targozs

This dazzling middle grade debut has already earned its spot as a New York Times bestseller—and it’s easy to see why. The Underwild: River of Spirits sweeps readers into a richly imagined underworld where rules are everything, secrets run deep, and courage means stepping into the unknown, even when the cost is high.

Senka lives between two worlds: not quite alive, not quite dead, learning the ancient ways of guiding souls across the river to the afterlife under the watchful eye of Charon, the legendary Ferryer. But everything changes when Poppy, a living girl filled with grief and determination, invades the Underworld in search of her brother’s ghost.When a desperate rescue pulls both girls downriver and into the haunting wilderness of the Underwild, they’re forced to confront vengeful spirits, terrifying creatures, and truths that could reshape everything Senka thought she knew.

Perfect for fans of Greenwild and Rick Riordan’s myth-inspired tales, this is a story brimming with friendship, heart, danger, and self-discovery. It’s also ideal for sparking discussion in book clubs—about grief, choice, identity, and what it means to do the right thing, even when the rules say otherwise.

And for collectors and early readers, the first edition is a true treasure, featuring sprayed edges and a limited special design while supplies last.

June Kiss & Tell Romance Club: Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
2025-06-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Our book clubs are free and open to all – we supply the treats, you bring the scintillating conversation! As always, all book club selections are 10% off book club pricing. Come join our romance club, “Kiss & Tell!”

This month, we’re chatting about Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez has done it again with Say You’ll Remember Me—an instant #1 New York Times bestseller that perfectly blends sharp humor, swoony romance, and the kind of emotional depth that will stick with you long after the final page. If you love stories that make you laugh, cry, and fall head-over-heels, this one’s a must.

Samantha isn’t looking for a relationship—her life is too complicated, her family too fragile, and her heart already stretched thin. Then she meets Xavier Rush, a veterinarian so handsome he looks sculpted from marble… and so foot-in-mouth that he almost ruins it on the spot. But sparks fly in spite of his blunders, and one magical, whirlwind date changes everything.

When Samantha pulls away, insisting that a relationship just isn’t possible, she begs Xavier to remember their night as a beautiful moment frozen in time. But Xavier can’t—and won’t—forget her. Because sometimes one perfect memory isn’t enough. Sometimes, it’s just the beginning.

This is the kind of romance that invites deep discussion about timing, vulnerability, boundaries, and second chances. And yes—plenty of swooning over kittens, hot vets, and heart-melting declarations. Abby Jimenez proves yet again why she’s the queen of contemporary romance, and Say You’ll Remember Me is a heartfelt reminder that the best love stories are the ones worth fighting for.

Third Thursday MEET the AUTHOR at Coastal Coffee AND Main Street Reads!
2025-06-19 16:30 - 20:00
📍 Two Events | One Night Only!

4:30–6:00 PM: Talk & Signing at Coastal Coffee Roasters 108 E. 3rd North St., Summerville, SC AND

6:30–8:00 PM: Signing at Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC

We’re thrilled to host William Webster, author of the explosive new thriller Rockets’ Red Glare, for a special evening of conversation and book signings!

Perfect for fans of Jack Reacher and Joe Pickett, this high-octane debut introduces Sage Mendiluze, a Tribal Police Deputy plunged into a multi-state manhunt after a series of brutal murders in America’s national parks. Joined by his loyal Australian shepherd, Peak, and partnered with Special Agent Maggie Comstock, Sage must stop the deadly rampage before the killers unleash chaos on the Fourth of July.

💥 With breakneck pacing, explosive action, and an unforgettable new hero, Rockets’ Red Glare is your next must-read thriller!

About the Author

William M. Webster IV has led a storied career in business, politics, and public service, including roles in both the Bush and Clinton administrations. A White House Fellow and Assistant to the President, he has also held leadership roles across industries from education to energy. A Fulbright Scholar and law graduate of the University of Virginia, Webster is also an accomplished ultramarathoner. Rockets’ Red Glare marks his thrilling fiction debut. He lives in Greenville, SC, with his wife Teresa.

📚 Books will be available for purchase and signing at both events.☕ Enjoy a coffeehouse chat at Coastal, then join us at Main Street Reads for a relaxed evening signing and conversation. Don’t miss it!

Launch Party! Author Dan Leach w/ Junah at the End of the World
2025-06-22 14:30 - 16:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
We’re super excited to welcome author Dan Leach to Main Street Reads for the launch of his new novel, Junah at the End of the World, releasing June 17th from Hub City Press. You’re invited to meet Dan, enjoy wine and appetizers, and grab a signed copy of this remarkable new release!!!

When twelve-year-old Junah Simmons walks into his middle school classroom in September 1999, the chalkboard reads THE END OF THE WORLD IS HERE.

In the months leading up to Y2K, Junah’s eccentric teacher tasks each of her students to make a time capsule in a shoe box to document their experiences in South Carolina at the end of the world.

Junah is an outsider at school, the kid in sunglasses with a speech impediment. Through the time capsule project, he sifts through the tough stuff: his parents divorce; Rusty, the school bully; Sadie, his punk crush who doesn’t know he exists; his mother’s pressure on him to turn to Jesus; his worry and loneliness. Rendered in vignettes and scraps, this kaleidoscopic novel follows Junah as he confronts the catastrophes of youth while wrestling with the notion that the world itself could end in December.

Funny, soulful, and timely, Dan Leach’s Junah at the End of the World reminds us that it’s only after accepting the world’s end that we can discover what it means to truly live. With the wit of George Singleton and the punk charm of Sam Pink, Dan Leach is a writer to watch.

Dan Leach has published work in The Massachusetts Review, The Southwest Review, and The Sun. He has two collections of short fiction: Floods and Fires (University of North Georgia, 2017) and Dead Mediums (Trident, 2022).

In 2023, Texas Review Press chose him for the Southern Poetry Breakthrough Award and released his collection Stray Latitudes (2024). He lives in the lowcountry of South Carolina and teaches writing at Charleston Southern University.

We can’t wait for you to meet this author and read this book!

June Books & Banter Fiction Book Club: Eleven Percent by Maren Uthhaug
2025-06-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Books & Banter is our general fiction book club, focusing on great new reads that matter! As always, our book clubs are free and open to all, and the book club pick is 10% off the regular price. You bring the conversation, we’ll provide the treats!

This month’s pick is Eleven Percent by Maren Uthhaug. This provocative novel flips the dystopian narrative on its head, imagining a matriarchal society where men have been reduced to only 11% of the population and are confined to pleasure and procreation centers.

Set in a “New Time” where gender roles and power dynamics have been radically reversed, the story follows four women whose lives intersect in unexpected ways: Medea, a snake whisperer; Wicca, a grieving priestess; Eva, a spa doctor; and Silence, a recluse in a decaying convent.

While the utopian façade of this world promises equality and safety, cracks begin to show as the characters question the cost of such a society. Uthaug skillfully explores themes of power, freedom, and humanity’s capacity for cruelty, regardless of gender.

Sharp, irreverent, and deeply thought-provoking, Eleven Percent is perfect for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale and speculative fiction that challenges societal norms. Book clubs will find endless fodder for discussion, from the moral dilemmas posed by the story to the nuanced exploration of gender and power.

July Thrill in the ‘Ville Thriller Book Club: Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang
2025-07-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Come join the Thrill in the ‘Ville thriller book club discussion – wine and apps are free, and as always our clubs are free and open to all, PLUS the book club picks are offered at the 10% off book club discount.

This month we’re chatting about: Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang$28.99 Book club price: $26.09 Hardcover, 320 pp

In this razor-sharp debut thriller, author Liann Zhang takes readers deep into the dark underbelly of influencer culture, where curated perfection hides deadly secrets. Readers willl devour this biting, satirical suspense that explores the fragile lines between envy and identity, truth and performance.

Julie Chan, a struggling supermarket cashier, has always lived in the shadow of her glamorous twin sister, Chloe—a social media star with millions of followers and a life Julie could only dream of.

But when Chloe turns up dead under suspicious circumstances, Julie slips into her sister’s world, assuming her identity and influencer lifestyle with eerie ease.

What starts as a chance at reinvention quickly becomes a psychological nightmare. At a luxury island retreat filled with curated friendships and perfectly filtered personas, Julie discovers that behind the hashtags and highlight reels, Chloe’s life was far more dangerous than she imagined.

Dark, addictive, and laced with wicked commentary on social media, Julie Chan Is Dead is the perfect thriller to spark book club discussions on identity, sisterhood, ambition, and the dark price of online fame. The question isn’t just who killed Chloe—but who Julie is willing to become to survive…

Sunday Salon: Donna Lynn Lito with *The Mixing Bowl*
2025-07-13 14:30 - 16:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
We’re super excited to welcome Donna Lynn Lito for a Sunday salon and signing for her newly released, The Mixing Bowl, a story that blends rich storytelling, unexpected twists, and complex characters—just like a perfect recipe.

Set against the stunning landscape of South Carolina, this novel delves into the lives of those united by food, fate, and the unbreakable ties of generations of resilient women.

After the signing, join us for a salon to discuss more about how food brings us together. And of course, we’ll have a bit of food to share as we chat!

A recipe for suspense and joy: This isn’t merely a story about food—it’s about the connections we forge with one another, the secrets we hold, and how our pasts influence our futures.

A story you can sink your teeth into: Packed with emotional depth and a dash of mystery, this novel will have you turning pages late into the night.

Authentic characters: From memorable chefs to inspiring women, each character possesses a distinct voice, allowing them to feel like long-time friends.

Donna Lynn Lito earned her master’s degree in creative writing in May 2024. She currently produces podcasts and blogs on her website, Donnalynnbooks.com.

She’s also the author of Letting Go, 4FCKS SAKE and Securely Insecure. Stay tuned for her upcoming book, The Mixing Bowl, which will be released later in 2025. When she’s not writing, Donna Lynn enjoys life in beautiful Summerville and exploring the Low Country. She loves spending time in South Carolina, creating her authentic life while “letting go” of the past and focusing on the future.

July Kiss & Tell Romance Club: Silver Elite by Dani Francis
2025-07-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Our book clubs are free and open to all – we supply the treats, you bring the scintillating conversation! As always, all book club selections are 10% off book club pricing. Come join our romance club, “Kiss & Tell!”

This month, we’re chatting about Silver Elite by Dani Francis$32.99 Book club price: $29.69 Hardcover, 528 pp

Dani Francis delivers a scorching mix of forbidden love, high-stakes rebellion, and heart-pounding suspense. This thrilling first installment of a new series blends psychic powers, deadly enemies, and irresistible tension—all set against the backdrop of a brutal regime where being gifted means being hunted.

Wren Darlington has spent her life hiding from the government that wants her dead. As one of the most powerful Mods—humans with psychic abilities—she’s kept her head down, helping the Uprising from the shadows. But a single slip lands her in enemy hands and deep inside their most elite military training program: Silver Block.

Now, surrounded by those trained to destroy her kind, Wren must hide who she is, and try not to fall for her cold, yet maddeningly attractive superior officer, Cross Redden. But the more she learns about the war tearing the Continent apart, the harder it becomes to know who to trust—or how much she’s willing to sacrifice.

Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance, strong heroines, and slow-burning danger, Silver Elite is also a feast for collectors: the first edition includes silver foil page edges, a foil-stamped dust jacket, and a stunning interior map.

Francis’s new work is perfect for book clubbers who love swoon-worthy tension, epic stakes, and plenty to discuss.

July Adventures in Reading Kids Club: Vanya and the Wild Hunt by Sangu Mandanna
2025-07-21 17:30 - 18:30 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Our Adventures in Reading Kids Club is free and open to all AND the book is 10% off book club pricing. Come on out and join your fellow readers each month for a free pizza party and chat about the selected book.

This month we’re chatting about Vanya and the Wild Hunt by Sangu Mandanna ($17.99 Book club price: $16.99 Hardcover, 288 pp)

Get ready for an unforgettable journey in this fast-paced, enchanting middle grade fantasy. From the bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, this story casts a powerful spell with its mix of magical creatures, mysterious secrets, and one incredibly relatable heroine.

Vanya Vallen has always felt like an outsider—she’s British-Indian in a mostly white town, her parents are tight-lipped about their pasts, and her ADHD sometimes makes things extra challenging. And then there’s the small detail that she can talk to books—and they talk back.

But when a terrifying monster crashes into her world, everything changes. Vanya learns her family has been hiding more than she ever imagined, and she’s swept off to Auramere, a magical school and library where archivists and archwitches protect the balance between worlds. At last, Vanya begins to feel like she belongs… until the legendary Wild Hunt threatens everything.

This story is equal parts thrilling, funny, and heartfelt, with a wonderfully inclusive cast and a heroine who proves that being different is often your greatest strength.

For book clubs, Vanya and the Wild Hunt offers a perfect mix of action, emotional depth, and imagination-sparking themes—from identity and family secrets to bravery and belonging. Plus, who wouldn’t want to talk about magical talking books? A must-read for adventurers of all ages!

July Books & Banter Fiction Book Club: The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly
2025-07-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Books & Banter is our general fiction book club, focusing on great new reads that matter! As always, our book clubs are free and open to all, and the book club pick is 10% off the regular price. You bring the conversation, we’ll provide the treats!

This month’s pick is The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly / $30.00 Book club price: $27.00 Hardcover, 336 pp

Here’s a beautifully layered novel that blends history, heartache, and healing across generations. The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club is a moving tribute to the strength found in community—especially when forged through books.

In 1942, on the windswept shores of Martha’s Vineyard, sisters Cadence and Briar Smith are doing everything they can to keep their family farm afloat while their world is rapidly changing. With U.S. soldiers arriving, German U-boats sighted offshore, and a mysterious stranger washing ashore, their quiet island life is thrown into chaos.

As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, Cadence forms a book club with her best friend Bess—what begins as a small act of comfort for the women of the island grows into a refuge for connection, courage, and resilience. But even this sacred space is threatened when rumors of espionage reach their door.

Decades later in 2016, Mari Starwood arrives on the island from California, grieving the loss of her mother. With nothing more than a name—Elizabeth Devereaux, a reclusive artist living on the Vineyard—Mari finds herself drawn into the story of the Smith sisters, and begins to uncover a surprising family legacy of strength, sacrifice, and the healing magic of stories shared.

Rich with atmosphere, emotional depth, and historical intrigue, The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club is a perfect book club read—one that celebrates female friendship, found family, and the timeless ability of stories to bring us together, even in the darkest of times. This one will spark conversations about war, love, memory, and how books can change lives—then and now.

New Release Party! An Evening with Karen White & Mary Alice Monroe
2025-07-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Two beloved Southern literary powerhouses. One unforgettable evening...

Join Karen White, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of That Last Carolina Summer, for a special pre-release celebration of her newest Southern drama—right here in Summerville!

Even better? She’ll be in conversation with Mary Alice Monroe, award-winning author of Where the Rivers Merge, a sweeping new generational tale set in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

This one-of-a-kind literary night will include a live conversation between the two authors at the Flowertown Players theatre, an audience Q&A, and then a post-event reception with bubbly, charcuterie, and personalized book signings just steps away at Main Street Reads.

🎉 Don’t miss this literary dream team! Join us for a heartfelt conversation between bestselling Southern fiction authors Karen White and Mary Alice Monroe, as they discuss sisterhood, history, and the stories behind their newest books:

That Last Carolina Summer (Karen White)

Where the Rivers Merge (Mary Alice Monroe)

Ticket Includes:

Signed copy of That Last Carolina Summer

Live author conversation + Q&A

Post-event reception with champagne and charcuterie

VIPs receive both signed That Last Carolina Summer and Where the Rivers Merge books, AND priority seating

🕰️ Schedule:

5:00 PM — Doors Open/Pre-Signed Book Pickup

6:00 PM – Author talk + conversation

7:00 PM – Reception and signing at Main Street Reads

🎟️ PRICING

General Admission: $34.95 includes book, talk and reception!

VIP Package: $59.95 includes BOTH books, talk, reception, seating priority

This event is expected to sell out quickly—reserve your seat and celebrate the magic of Southern storytelling with two of the region’s literary legends!

🎫 TICKET OPTIONS:

🎉 General Admission — $34.95✔️ Signed copy of That Last Carolina Summer✔️ Admission to both the talk & reception

🌟 VIP Ticket — $59.95Includes:✔️ Signed copies of That Last Carolina Summer AND Where the Rivers Merge✔️ Priority seating (first 10 rows)✔️ Admission to both the talk & reception✔️ Both books and the extras for less than the cover price of the books.

ORDER YOUR TICKETS HERE OR GRAB THEM AT MAIN STREET READS!

That Last Carolina Summer: As a child, Phoebe Manigault developed the gift of premonition after she was struck by lightning in the creek near her Charleston home. Plagued throughout her life by mysterious dreams, and always living in the shadow of her beautiful sister, Addie, Phoebe eventually moves to the West Coast, as far from her family as possible. Now, years later, she is summoned back to South Carolina, to help Addie care for their ailing mother.

As Phoebe’s return lures her back into deep-rooted tensions and conflicts, she is drawn to Celeste, whose granddaughter went missing years ago. Their connection brings comfort to Phoebe, while Celeste’s adult grandson Liam resurrects complicated emotions tied to Phoebe’s past.

But the longer Phoebe spends in her childhood home, the more her recurring nightmares intensify–bringing her closer to the shocking truth that will irrevocably change everything. Unfolding against the lush backdrop of the South Carolina Lowcountry, That Last Carolina Summer is an unforgettable story about the unbreakable bonds of family and the gift of second chances.

Karen will be in conversation with Mary Alice Monroe, whose own newest book releases May 13, Where the Rivers Merge:

Karen White With almost two million books in print in fifteen different languages, Karen White is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 36 novels. Although most of her growing up years were spent in London, England, Karen’s roots run deep in the South where many of her novels are set. Her intricate plot lines and compelling characters charm and captivate readers with just the right mix of family drama, mystery, intrigue and romance. Her books—referred to as “grit lit” (Southern Women’s Fiction)—have been nominated for numerous national awards, including the SIBA (Southeastern Booksellers Alliance) Fiction Book of the Year. When not writing, Karen is reading, bird watching, and avoiding cooking. She and her husband have two grown children and a spoiled Havanese dog, Sophie. She divides her time between Atlanta, Georgia and the northwest Florida coast.

From New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe comes her highly anticipated Where the Rivers Merge, the first of two epic and triumphant novels celebrating one intrepid woman’s life across multiple generations in the American South.

1908: The Lowcountry of South Carolina is at the cusp of change. Mayfield, the grand estate held for generations by the Rivers family, is the treasured home of young Eliza. A free spirit, she refuses to be confined by societal norms and spends her days exploring the vast property, observing wildlife, and riding horses. But the Great War, coastal storms, and family turmoil bring unexpected challenges to Eliza, putting her on a collision course with the patriarchal traditions of a bygone era.

1988: At 88, Eliza is the scion of the Rivers/DeLancey family. She’s fought a lifetime to save her beloved Mayfield and is too independent and committed to quietly retire and leave the fate of the estate to her greedy son. She must make decisions that will assure the future of the land and her family—or watch them both be split apart.

Set against the evocative landscape of the twentieth-century Lowcountry, Where the Rivers Merge is a dramatic and sweeping multigenerational family story of unyielding love, lessons learned, profound sacrifices, and the indomitable spirit of a woman determined to persevere in the face of change in order to protect her family legacy and the land she loves.

Mary Alice Monroe is the New York Times bestselling author of 30 books for adults and children. She has earned numerous accolades and awards including induction into the South Carolina Academy of Authors’ Hall of Fame, the Southwest Florida Author of Distinction Award, South Carolina Award for Literary Excellence, RT Lifetime Achievement Award, the International Book Award for Green Fiction, and the Southern Book Prize for Fiction. Monroe is a co-founder of Friends and Fiction and serves on the South Carolina Aquarium Board Emeritus, The Leatherback Trust, The Pat Conroy Literary Center Honorary Board, and Casting Carolinas Advisory Board. She resides in South Carolina and North Carolina with her family.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

Just had to share these graphics of books by both authors… THAT’S A WHOLE LOTTA’ SOUTHERN FICTION Y’ALL!

August Fab Fantasy Book Club: A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J. Penner
2025-08-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Come join the discussion – wine and apps are free, and –as always– our clubs are free and open to all, PLUS the book club picks are offered at the 10% off book club discount!

This month, we’ll be chatting about A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J. Penner ($17.99 – Book club price: $16.19 Paperback, 288 pp)

She doesn’t need magic to be magical—and neither does this heartwarming, feel-good fantasy that blends cozy vibes with culinary creativity. Set in the spell-kissed land of Adenashire, the book follows Arleta, a human baker determined to rise to the occasion, even in a world where magic often defines worth.

Working tirelessly to perfect her blend of baking and herbal apothecary, Arleta’s life takes a dramatic turn when her orc neighbor and biggest fan secretly enters her pastries into the prestigious Langheim Baking Battle. Competing among magical elites, Arleta faces skepticism for being magicless—but with a dash of determination and the help of a charming woodland elf, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, unlikely friendships, and sweetly simmering romance.

This delightful tale is a celebration of finding your voice, trusting your gifts, and embracing who you are, even when the world expects something else. As Arleta learns, winning the competition may not be the ultimate goal—sometimes, the real prize is believing in yourself.Book clubs will savor every page, and for readers who love a beautiful edition as much as a beautiful story, the deluxe version is a true treasure. It includes stunning full-color interior art, gorgeous sprayed edges, and bonus scenes that add even more flavor to Arleta’s journey.

Warm, whimsical, and filled with heart, this one is the perfect pick for book lovers ready to indulge in a story as satisfying as the perfect pastry.

Book Signing: She Tames the Kings by EM Etheridge!
2025-08-10 14:30 - 16:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
EM Etheridge is BACK with another stellar fantasy novel! You’ve all loved She Tames the Sea... now you can grab a signed copy of She Tames the Kings and meet the author in person!

We’ll have wine and treats as always and plenty of great conversation and bookish fun – drop by Sunday afternoon and join the FUN!

About the Book!

Chained in the deepest bowels of Captain Keres’ ship, Estella Bohem has lost everything-her freedom, her father’s safety, and the trust she placed in Dane. With her heart shattered by his betrayal, she has only one chance to reclaim her destiny.

To break the Pirate Lords’ Bonds and free the witches of Salvus Island, Estella must steal back her family’s grimoire and shatter its seal before the ruthless Pirate King Moritie and his cunning witch, Ines Laurent, bind her-and the sea beast she commands to their will.

But survival on the high seas demands treacherous alliances. As war brews and the Land Kings set their sights on Moritie’s stronghold, Estella must outmaneuver the most cutthroat players in a deadly game of power, deception, and magic.

With time running out, one question remains: Can she tame the Kings-before they tame her?

Meet EM Etheridge

E.M. Etheridge was one of the original members of Main Street Writes, our weekly writers group. She has been writing since she was a teenager and dreaming since she was a child.

That love for the written word inspired her to get a masters in English and creative writing, and write all of the books she wanted to read. Emily aims to tie lore, magic, and her knowledge of classic literature into all of her stories to create engaging and inspiring books for her readers so they can find their own wonder in this world.

Her first novel, She Tames the Sea, has been a consistent high seller at Main Street Reads.

August Thrill in the 'Ville Thriller Book Club: The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark
2025-08-12 02:00 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Come join the Thrill in the ‘Ville thriller book club discussion – wine and apps are free, and as always, our clubs are free and open to all, PLUS the book club picks are offered at the 10% off book club discount.

This month we’re chatting about: The Ghostwriter by Ron Currie($29.00 – Book club price: $26.10 – Hardcover, 368 pp)From Julie Clark, New York Times bestselling author of The Lies I Tell and The Last Flight, comes this dazzling new thriller that blends family secrets, literary intrigue, and the haunting weight of long-buried truth.

It begins in June 1975, when the Taylor family is torn apart by unthinkable tragedy: two teenage siblings are found dead, and the only survivor, Vincent Taylor, becomes the prime suspect. Decades later, he’s a famed horror author with a shadowy past—and a daughter determined to outrun it.

Olivia Dumont has built her career as a ghostwriter while hiding her true identity: she’s Vincent’s only child. Estranged from her father and facing financial ruin, Olivia reluctantly agrees to ghostwrite his final book. But this time, it’s not fiction. Vincent is ready to break fifty years of silence—and Olivia will be the one to write the truth about what really happened that night.

Perfect for readers that love their thrillers layered with psychological tension, moral ambiguity, and shocking revelations, The Ghostwriter asks: can the truth set you free, or only deepen the scars?

Early readers will also love the limited sprayed edge first edition—a collector’s gem as gripping on the outside as it is on the page. This is a haunting, propulsive read that lingers long after the final chapter… and begs to be talked about!

August Kiss & Tell Romance Book Club: Caught Up by Navessa Allen
2025-08-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Our book clubs are free and open to all – we supply the treats, you bring the scintillating conversation! As always, all book club selections are 10% off book club pricing. Come join our romance club, “Kiss & Tell!”

This month, we’re chatting about Caught Up by Navessa Allen($19.00 / Book club price: $17.10 Paperback, 352 pp)Ready to turn up the heat? Here’s the bold, pulse-pounding pick you’ve been waiting for. This dark romance takes obsession, desire, and taboo temptation to the next level—perfect for fans of morally gray heroes and steamy, high-stakes seduction.

Nico “Junior” Trocci knows he should stay away from Lauren Marchetti. She’s light to his dark, warmth to his violence. But when he stumbles across her sultry social media presence—and a link to a local play club—his curiosity turns to fixation. The sweet girl he once knew is now a confident, sensual woman exploring her power, and Junior is done watching from afar.

Lauren doesn’t know who this mysterious, brooding man is at first—but she can’t ignore the magnetic pull between them.Their flirtation flares into a slow-burning connection that’s equal parts dangerous and delicious.

The chemistry? Off the charts. The emotional tension? Addictive. And the kink? Let’s just say your club will definitely have something to talk about. With its themes of obsession, voyeurism, kink, and emotional vulnerability,

Caught Up isn’t your typical romance. It’s an edge-of-your-seat exploration of desire, control, and what happens when you fall for the very person you should run from. Get ready for a provocative discussion and plenty of dog-eared pages.

Launch Party with Stacy Willingham + Early Access to Forget Me Not!
2025-08-25 18:00 - 20:30 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Main Street Reads is thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author Stacy Willingham back to Summerville—and y’all, we get her FIRST!

📖 The Book: Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham📅 The Event: Monday, August 25, 2025 – the night BEFORE the book’s official release!📍 Where: Flowertown Players Theatre + Post-Talk Reception at Main Street Reads🎟️ Tickets: $34.95 and includes the reception, talk, AND a signed copy of Forget Me Not!

ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Your ticket includes:

A signed copy of Forget Me Not (YES – you’ll get it the day before release day!)

Live author talk + Q&A with Stacy at our lovely local Flowertown Players Theatre

Entry to the reception at Main Street Reads with drinks, charcuterie, and community vibes

10% off all other Stacy Willingham titles on the night of the event

🕕 Schedule:6:00 PM – Theatre doors open | Pick up your signed copy and grab your seat6:30 PM – Stacy takes the stage for a thrilling discussion7:30 PM – Reception at Main Street Reads + book personalization

⚠️ NOTE: Because this is a pre-release event, Forget Me Not copies will be distributed at the theatre that evening—no early pickups. Hint: This will also be October’s “Thrill in the ‘Ville” Book Club pick!

A portion of proceeds from tickets benefit both the Flowertown Players and the Timrod Library – fulfilling our mission to celebrate arts in our community!

ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW!

About Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not

Twenty-two years ago, Claire Campbell’s older sister, Natalie, disappeared shortly after her eighteenth birthday. Days later, her blood was found in a car, a man was arrested, and the case was swiftly closed. In the decades since, Claire has attempted to forget her traumatic past by moving to the city and climbing the ranks as an investigative journalist… until an unexpected call from her father forces her to come back home and face it all anew.With the entire summer now looming ahead—a summer spent with nothing to do in her childhood home, with her estranged mother—Claire decides on a whim to accept a seasonal job at Galloway Farm, a muscadine vineyard in coastal South Carolina less than an hour away from where she grew up. At first glance, Galloway is an idyllic escape for Claire. A scenic retreat full of slow-paced nostalgia, as well as a place where her sister seemed truly happy in that last summer before she vanished, it feels like the perfect plan to pass the time.

However, as soon as Claire starts to settle in, she stumbles across an old diary written by one of the vineyard’s owners, and what at first seems like a story of young rebellion and love turns into something much more sinister as it begins to describe details of various unsolved crimes. As the days stretch on, Claire finds herself becoming more and more secluded as she starts to obsess over the diary’s contents… as well as the lingering feeling that her own sister’s disappearance may be somehow tied to it all.Galloway was supposed to be a place to help her move forward, but instead, Claire quickly finds herself immersed in her own dark and dangerous past.

Meet Stacy

STACY WILLINGHAM is the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of A Flicker in the Dark, All the Dangerous Things, and Only If You’re Lucky. Her debut, A Flicker in the Dark, was a 2022 finalist for the Book of the Month’s Book of the Year Award, Goodreads Choice Best Debut award, Goodreads Choice Best Mystery & Thriller Award, and ITW’s Best First Novel Award. She currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and daughter and their Labradoodle, Mako.

August Books & Banter: The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison
2025-08-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Books & Banter is our general fiction book club, focusing on great new reads that matter! As always, our book clubs are free and open to all, and the book club pick is 10% off the regular price. You bring the conversation, we’ll provide the treats!

This month’s pick is The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison$29.00 Book club price: $26.10 Hardcover, 320 pp

What if you could rewind your life and choose a different path—one that leads you back to the people you lost? This is a laugh-out-loud, lump-in-your-throat kind of novel that asks just that, blending depth with a spark of magical realism.Meg Bryan appears to be living the dream: star of a hit TV show, dating Hollywood’s hottest heartthrob, and basking in the glow of fame.

But underneath her stage name, Lana Lord, Meg’s reality is fraying. After a birthday breakdown she can’t quite laugh off, she impulsively heads to the one place she and her late best friend, Aimee, always dreamed of living: a quiet village in Ireland.

This isn’t just an escape—it’s a portal. In this alternate version of her life, Meg did move to Ireland as a teen, never became famous…and Aimee is very much alive. As Meg navigates the strangeness of a world she doesn’t remember, she’s faced with an extraordinary chance: to fix what she once broke, reclaim lost love, and rediscover the self she left behind.

Book clubbers will love diving into questions of destiny, identity, and whether it’s ever too late to make things right..

September Fab Fantasy Book Club: The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
2025-09-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Come join the discussion – wine and apps are free, and –as always– our clubs are free and open to all, PLUS the book club picks are offered at the 10% off book club discount!

This month, we’ll be chatting about The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

From the bestselling author of Mexican Gothic, this is a chilling, atmospheric tale that weaves witchcraft, obsession, and inherited fear across generations. It follows three women—one in early 1900s Mexico, another during the Great Depression, and the third in 1990s Massachusetts—as they each confront an uncanny darkness that refuses to stay buried.

Meet Minerva, a graduate student researching horror literature, whose work on an elusive author leads her down an academic rabbit hole laced with secrets. The author’s most unsettling novel, The Vanishing, appears to have roots in her own past—particularly the mysterious disappearance of her college roommate.

As she uncovers more, disturbing echoes begin to emerge. The danger feels familiar, conjuring memories of the tales her great-grandmother once told her about the chilling events of her youth in Mexico. Minerva must decide how far she’s willing to go to uncover the truth—and whether she can survive the forces she’s awakened.

Dark, lyrical, and richly layered, The Bewitching is perfect for book clubs craving a literary gothic horror with feminist themes and supernatural suspense. This story lingers, its mysteries unraveling slowly—and once you open its pages, you won’t be able to look away.

September Thrill in the ‘Ville Thriller Book Club: Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson
2025-09-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Come join the Thrill in the ‘Ville thriller book club discussion – wine and apps are free, and as always, our clubs are free and open to all, PLUS the book club picks are offered at the 10% off book club discount.

This month we’re chatting about: Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson ($28.00 Book club price: $25.20 Hardcover, 400 pp)

From Holly Jackson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, comes her first adult thriller—and it’s a compulsively twisty, high-stakes ride that turns the whodunnit on its hea

Jet Mason has always believed she had time. Time to travel, time to grow up, time to start living her life. But after a violent attack on Halloween night, everything changes. Jet is left with a traumatic brain injury and the terrifying news that she has only seven days to live before a deadly aneurysm takes her life.

Now, with her memory fading and her trust in everyone around her slipping, Jet is determined to use what little time she has left to figure out who wanted her dead—and why.

Her family, her ex, even her former best friend are all potential suspects. The only person she can rely on is Billy, her loyal childhood friend. But can he really help her outsmart a killer before time runs out?Taut, clever, and emotionally gripping, Not Quite Dead Yet is perfect for book clubs who love racing against the clock, complex family dynamics, and unexpected twists.

And for collectors: the hardcover edition features a custom-stamped case, beautiful endpapers, and a premium dust jacket that’s as stunning as the story inside. Here’s one countdown you won’t be able to look away from. (HINT: We have a few signed copies available, too!)

Collateral Stardust! An Afternoon with Nikki Nash in Conversation with Mitch Laurance
2025-09-13 15:30 - 17:30 | Main Street Reads, 115 S. Main St., Summerville, SC, 29483, United States
Join us at Flowertown Players Theatre & Main Street Reads!

Main Street Reads is thrilled to present an unforgettable afternoon celebrating Hollywood memoirist Nikki Nash and her dazzling new book, Collateral Stardust. This special event includes an on-stage conversation with her longtime friend and acclaimed actor Mitch Laurance, followed by a reception just steps away at Main Street Reads.

🎟️ Early Bird Tickets: $24.95 — until September 5th ($29.95 after Sep. 5) and each includes a signed copy of Collateral Stardust, the author talk, and entry to the post-talk reception at Main Street Reads, with plenty of food, drink and fun! A portion of proceeds benefits both the Flowertown Players Theatre and the Public Works Arts Center, hosting their fundraiser earlier that same day. We’re proud to be supporting literary, theatre and visual arts in Summerville! PLUS: All attendees will enjoy 10% off ANY in-store purchase at the post-event reception in thanks for you helping to support the arts.

Schedule:

3:00 pm – Doors open at Flowertown Players Theatre

3:30 pm – Nikki Nash in conversation with Mitch Laurance

4:30 pm – Reception and signing at Main Street Reads

About the Book: Collateral Stardust

“Warren Beatty walks through the door…”

In this offbeat and rollicking memoir, a fearless Nikki Nash chronicles her Hollywood coming-of-age, beginning with a teenage obsession with Warren Beatty that sparks an incredible, star-studded journey.

From restaurant hostess to TV associate director, comedian, writer, and actress, Nash shares raw and witty stories about fame, addiction, resilience, and transformation. The writing is genuine, sometimes hilarious and always poignant.

🌟 Praise for Collateral Stardust

Kirkus Reviews (starred review): “A dazzling kiss-and-tell that brings vintage Hollywood to life.”

Publishers Weekly: “Written with humor, vulnerability, and verve, this satisfies.”

Foreword Reviews: “A cool and entertaining coming-of-age memoir… good times and hard ones with insight and style.”

Booklist: “Readers expecting a Beatty exposé may be surprised; Nash’s honest reflections steal the spotlight.”

ORDER NOW!

About Nikki Nash

Nikki Nash

Hollywood-born, Nikki Nash’s career spanned behind-the-scenes and on-screen roles with Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Soul Train, Love Connection, The Academy Awards, Ellen, Jeopardy!, and a twelve-year run with Conan O’Brien.

Along the way, she tried everything from stand-up comedy to playwriting to painting to skydiving, all while crafting an artist’s life steeped in storytelling, humor, and resilience. Learn more about Nikki HERE.

About Mitch Laurance

Mitch Laurance

From his early days producing Saturday Night Live to decades as an actor on LA Law, Dawson’s Creek, Not Necessarily the News, and films like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Mitch Laurance has spent a lifetime telling stories on stage, screen, and in sports broadcasting, including twenty years as the commentator of pro billiards on ESPN.

But it was in the 1980s, as a member of the cast of HBO’s groundbreaking “Not Necessarily the News” that he first met, and was enthralled by, Nikki Nash, one of the show’s award-winning production team, recognizing even then her unique combination of intelligence, wit, kindness and grace.

Now, more than 40 years later, the chance to host a wide-ranging conversation with the acclaimed author of the stunning memoir Collateral Stardust is a full-circle moment for Mitch, a chance to share with our awesome audience the qualities that he recognized in Nikki from their first meetups.

👉 Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind chance to enjoy an afternoon of laughter, nostalgia, and your own “backstage pass” into the world of Hollywood storytelling. RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY and join us for a rollicking fun Saturday in Summerville!

ORDER NOW!
