As several of my posts have been lately, this blog update is long overdue, but I am happy to finally share this. In June, I wrote about my experience at the 2nd Annual Beach Book Crawl along the Jersey Shore, which you can read here.

As a reminder, it was a day dedicated to supporting indie bookstores, indie authors, and small businesses along the Jersey Shore. I had a fantastic time, purchasing something at each location and being entered to win a basket of prizes donated by all the shops at the end. This day was filled with new shops and experiences for me. I met some great people and have frequented these bookstores throughout the summer after finally going to each for the first time during the book crawl.

And guess what?! I won the basket! Out of over 200 entries and participants, I won! I hardly ever win anything, and I was so shocked, surprised, and honored when I found out I had won. I am still celebrating this. I’m holding the gift cards I’ve won like prized possessions waiting to be spent on the perfect book or cup of coffee because I am so blessed to have won and still can’t believe it even happened.

Within the prize basket was gift cards, a tote bag, pet bandana, a candle, a journal, a mug, coffee sleeve, and hat, stickers, bookmarks, and a book from Lucie Dickenson!

This blog post is meant to share that I won and reiterate the importance of shopping small, supporting indie authors and stores, and sharing about these amazing stores and companies that put together such a wonderful day. I cannot wait for the next book crawl, and fingers crossed for a possible holiday-themed one that comes a little sooner than the next beach crawl, but either way, I can’t wait to do this for years to come. I’m sure it will continue to pick up in numbers as the years go on, and I’m excited to watch it grow.

Thank you again to StarLight Books, Thunder Road Books, Little Point Bookshop, Asbury Book Cooperative, BookTowne, and Shore Pour Coffee for putting together such a memorable event and shining a light on what it means to be small, shop small, and support your peers. You’re all icons and inspirations, and I can’t wait for my next trip to your stores.

As always, thanks for reading! 💜