Former reluctant reader to launch new bookshop in Shrewsbury town centre
Kiss and Tell Books will open in Shrewsbury town centre later this month and specialise in romance and fantasy fiction
A new independent bookshop aimed at celebrating female empowerment, friendship and the power of books to change lives will open in Shrewsbury town centre later this month.
Called Kiss and Tell Books, it is the brainchild of former reluctant reader Lizzie Champion who also works in the heritage sector.
It will open in Butcher Row on November 28 and stock a specialist collection of romance, romantasy and fantasy fiction books and also gifts.
She said: "I want somewhere people can walk into alone and immediately feel welcome.
"A place of inclusion, celebration and absolutely no judgement. Somewhere filled with unique characters, both on the page and in the shop.
"People want more than somewhere to buy things. They want experiences, conversation, recommendations and connection.
"I believe a thriving community can build a thriving business together and where better than Shrewsbury; with so many locally supported and loved independent shops."
Lizzie said she previously believed reading was an elitist world which she felt she did not fit into but now wants to create a destination where romance readers can find inspiration, friendship and a sense of belonging.
She said: "For years, reading felt inaccessible as though it belonged to a world I wasn't part of. In my 30s, I discovered romance and romantasy and my world opened up. I was hooked.
"They make women the main characters in a world that so often relegates them to the sidelines. They're courageous, passionate, flawed and powerful. They find their strength, their identity and their voice.
"These stories celebrate love, devotion, freedom and the belief that every woman deserves to be accepted for who she truly is."
Lizzie says that message is deeply personal as she has two daughters and a stepdaughter.
"I want my three girls to grow up knowing their worth, celebrating their femininity and understanding that they deserve the very best of love, passion and happiness," she added.
"I want them never to feel they must settle for less. I genuinely believe we can change the world for women one book at a time and I'd love this little bookshop in Shrewsbury to play its part."
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