Hygge House Books

10/11/2024

We are thrilled to announce that our next Community Book Nook Project is underway!

We are building a relaxing literary getaway for the students at Vernon Hill Elementary School in Worcester.

We are looking for donations of GENTLY used books for grades K-6, bookshelves, cozy seating, and, most urgently, monetary donations. Because, thanks to the Changemakers of Central Mass Rotary Club, when we reach our goal of raising $2,700 for our book nook projects, the Rotary Club will MATCH our donation!

To help out, visit our website (link in bio) and click on Our Current Book Nook Project. We'll be posting more information as it comes, and we are so grateful to the and the Changemakers for partnering with us on this!

Let's get books into the hands of those who need them most!

10/09/2024

This month's Third Place Book Club pick is DEVIL IS FINE by . It follows a narrator who is is "haunted. Haunted by panic attacks, a failed relationship, alcoholism, an academic career that wants to define him by his Blackness, and the trauma of the recent death of his 17-year-old son, Malcolm. When a letter arrives informing him that his maternal grandfather has left Malcolm a plot of land, our narrator leaves his life behind and heads to the seaside of the Northeast, where his identity is shaken by the dark and haunting secret that lies beneath this inherited land."

To join our Third Place Book Club, simply show up on October 20 at 7 pm or search Hygge House Books on bookclubs.com to get updates and meeting info.

10/07/2024

This week!

Weds: Come learn all about tasting books! I'll walk you through my VERY SCIENTIFIC process of pairing books, we'll try some samples, and I'll give you the low down on how you can make a little extra money by becoming one of our book tasting guides (+ some other cool perks).

Thurs: Bring the littles for stories and crafts with Carrie Maksian

Fri: Join The Boroughs Collective vendor for a unique paint night where you'll take a masterpiece and use your imagination to expand it yourself!

SAVE THE DATE: Fall Open House at is happening October 19th!

10/04/2024

👀 ...annnnddd lookie here! Our final new initiative of the week. Who doesn't love a good quote to usher them into the weekend? We'll be posting inspiring quotes about books or by authors or just stuff we love +++ we'll switch it up every once in a while with some hygge-inspired tips to remind you to breathe and take in each moment.

🧡🍂🍁🎃🧡🍂🍁

I haven't read Rainbow Rowell's first novel, ATTACHMENTS, yet, but I can tell you that this ode to October has got me feeling downright cozy--AND I am definitely going to pick up a few copies for the shop since I LOVED Eleanor & Park and Slow Dance.

O autumn! O teakettle! O hygge!

10/02/2024

Another new thing! Starting NOW, we'll be sharing some of our recent faves here. All books are available in our shop at 21 East Main St in Westborough OR online at our bookshop.org page (link in bio 😘)

If you liked the premise of The Measure or The Midnight Library, then give Liane Moriarty's latest a try. She does a great job of tying all the storylines together, and her trademark wit is in full force. It's a feel-good story about connection and purpose (and dare I say, we all need a dose of that right about now!)

Have you read it yet? Share your thoughts in the comments!

09/30/2024

Happy (almost) October! 🍂🍁🧡

New plan for us: we're posting a few upcoming events on here each week.

⭐ For a full list, descriptions + registration info, visit events ➡ link in bio and on our website

⭐ Unless otherwise noted, location is at our shop ~ 21 East Main St., Westborough, in the Boroughs Collective!

Coming up:
10/2 Bevvies + Book Club @ Redemption Rock Brewing -- The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

10/3 Stories & Crafts with Carrie - please sign up at link in bio

10/9 Book Tasting Demo Class -- learn how you can become part of our team (registration required)

Comment below with any questions!

09/26/2024

If you know anything about Hygge House Books, you know that one of my favorite things to do is hold Book Tastings and Book Pairings with drinks or desserts. I truly enjoy the challenge and process of deciding which books to pair with what. It's like a little creative flex and I get prettttyy excited when I come up with the perfect pair.

But there are a lot of breweries around here. And wineries. And restaurants. And bakeries. And book lovers. And only one of me. You see the problem.

I've been saying for a while that I would love to bring other book lovers on board to bring book pairings and tastings to more venues and private groups because, well, a. I need help, and b. I honestly think you'd love it because it's freaking fun to do.

So I have decided it's high time to just go ahead and do it. I'm offering two demonstration classes in October where you can:
-see how the sausage gets made (there will be no sausage; this is a metaphor)
-learn about how you can help us spread book culture and run your own book tastings
-hear how you can earn free books and a little extra cash (this sounds gimmicky when I say it like that; I promise this is not an MLM. Just come and hear me out, for real.)

Curious? Register at the link in bio. At the very least, you will be able to discuss books and have some refreshments AND you get to take a book home with you.

Thank you. I am feeling nervous about putting this out there, but I also really think it can be awesome, so (gulp)...who's with me??

09/23/2024

Tickets are still available for our next local author visit! Come meet Virginia Pye as she discusses her historical fiction novel, THE LITERARY UNDOING OF VICTORIA SWANN at Broken Creek Vineyard this Thursday.

This is going to be great fun! And, not gonna lie, kind of the best deal around. For only $36, you get:
-a private evening on the gorgeous grounds of Broken Creek Vineyard
-four 5 oz. pours of wine of your choice
-a copy of THE LITERARY UNDOING OF VICTORIA SWANN, personally signed by the author
-an etched Broken Creek wine glass souvenir
-an intimate discussion with the author
-a book tasting featuring some of the author's recommendations

Grab a friend or join us on your own; reserve your spot now through the link in bio!

09/19/2024

One of the cool things about our new location at (21 East Main St. in Westborough) is that there's A LOT of room to move around!

Next Sunday, September 29, we invite you and your littles for a morning of movement, mindfulness and stories with local author .

Ava will read from her first book, RENEE FINDS HER CALM, and will lead us in yoga and mindfulness exercises. What a perfect way to gets kids into a HYGGE "in the moment" mindset. ❤️☮️

Books will be available for purchase + signing. FREE to attend.

09/13/2024

Why hold a bash? Like, why is that a thing? Because:

It's 2024 and last year there were the highest number of challenged book titles documented--ever. Does that mean that authors are just producing more controversial content? No.

It means that there is a concerted effort to quash the voices of LBGTQIA+ and BIPOC authors and stories. It mean that there are groups and individuals who are targeting school districts and libraries and book stores to censor the material that is being made AVAILABLE (not taught) to the public. It means that the same people who are saying government shouldn't be involved in our lives, are at the same time undermining our right to read what we want to read.

What does "challenged" mean?
It's not people simply expressing their point of view--it's an attempt to remove the material from a library or school, thereby blocking the information, views, ideas, expressions, and stories from the public. A formal challenge means the title is REMOVED from shelves while it is undergoing reconsideration of the material.

So, our Banned Book Bash is not a silly gimmick, it's not "grooming", it's not filled with hate. This is us highlighting the books that have been most challenged, so that you may INFORM YOURSELF, so that we can cut through the noise and CELEBRATE OUR FREEDOM of expression and choice and individuality.

Join us next Saturday if you are concerned about the rise in book banning, if you are curious about some of the books that are being challenged, if you believe that we all have the right to tell and share and celebrate our own stories.


kinnette

09/06/2024

Guess what today is? National Read a Book Day!

And tomorrow? BUY a Book Day!

The day after that? International Literacy Day!

Next week? Love Your Bookshop Day!

We could argue that every day should be these days, but we are happy to celebrate books with you this September any way we can!

We are open from 11-6, Wednesday through Sunday — come visit us at 21 East Main St inside

Swipe through to see some of our recent faves bychat681

08/29/2024

🍂🍁 Nothing says New England like a cozy autumn evening at a quaint locale, filled with fine wine, good company, and rich discussion of a wonderful historical novel set in the Gilded Age of Boston. 🍁🍂

Don't miss your chance to experience this quintessential fall evening with us as we welcome author @ to on Thursday, September 26!

Tickets available at the link in our bio or through our eventbrite page.

TICKETS INCLUDE:
-private tasting room and gorgeous winery grounds
-wine tasting, along with a Broken Creek etched glass to take home
-copy of the author's book, personally signed
-Hygge House "book tasting" featuring the author's inspirations and current favorites

08/27/2024

👀 Hey now, lookie here! Our website has gotten a bit of a makeover 💅, and we think it better reflects all that we are and do! Take a moment to click through and check it out!

Some notable features:
⭐ learn more about our CORPORATE, PRIVATE + EDUCATION events + services
⭐ ORDER directly through us for your org, club or school, with DISCOUNTS on bulk orders
⭐ read all about our non-profit COMMUNITY BOOK NOOK INITIATIVE and see how you can help
⭐ BOOK SUBSCRIPTIONS are back! Participate in our version of BOOK OF THE MONTH, get freshly curated titles and support our indie book shop

+++BOOKMARK our page so you can easily check out our EVENTS and ORDER BOOKS + AUDIOBOOKS

link in bio ➡️ hyggehousebooks.square.site

08/25/2024

Can’t wait to be back at Redemption Rock Brewing on Thursday night!

Relive the beloved book fairs of your youth - but this time, with beer! 📚🍻

This Thursday night, check out our Grown Up Book Fair with Hygge House Books! You can load up on your back-to-school gear, books, and beer - plus blast-from-the-past gizmos and gadgets, novelty stickers, and games you didn't know were missing from your life.

No fee to attend and all ages are welcome! Check it out from 6:30 - 9 pm!

08/25/2024

08/22/2024

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

08/19/2024

There is something about fall that feels like hope and new beginnings ~ the cooler weather, the changing leaves, and, of course, back to school excitement.

This year, back-to-school hits a little different at my house, as we get ready to see Cady off to college in a couple of weeks. The pile of "dorm essentials" growing in our basement. The goodbyes to friends who are going further away. The anticipation and anxiety of the unknown.

When my parents dropped me off at college, I locked the doors to our minivan and cried so they wouldn't leave me (true story). But, also, days later, walking through the quad by myself, taking in the atmosphere, that familiar back-to-school feeling came right back to me. New opportunities, possibilities everywhere, adventures to be head.

I wish for my Cady to feel that feeling--to drink it all in, to feel that hope and excitement, to carpe this diem! There's so much ahead for her, and I'm so eager to see the path she forges for herself.

Meanwhile, back at the shop, we are gearing up for a fall that includes hosting more events and author visits in-store, a revamped website, more school book fairs, and two new community book nook projects.

And to kickoff the back-to-school season, we've got two family friendly grown-up book fairs coming up next week!

Looking for a fun weekend afternoon activity before the bustle of school hits? Join us Sunday, 8/25 at 2 pm at CraftWorks in Milford for beer + books, gifts + novelty fun.

Or, if you're like me, and are more of a cram-the-night-before-the-test kind of person, show up any time between 6:30-9 pm on Thursday, 8/29 at Redemption Rock Brewing in Worcester to grab your essentials like books, pens, stickers, novelty, and more and let's have a last hurrah before September rolls in.

Let's do some back-to-school shopping--with beer!

~Beth

08/10/2024

New release!

From the publisher:
It's a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She's immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn't here for the big event. Phoebe is...at rock bottom and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe's plan--which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can't stop confiding in each other.

From us: We got the chance to see .espach discuss The Wedding People last spring at and we all fought over who would get to read it first! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from us, and bonus ⭐️ because she's local!

In stock now: comment below or shoot us a message to save one for you!

08/08/2024

Pick your poison: 🍷🍺 Wine or beer? Or both? Or neither?

Whatever you choose, we are here for you. Our book pairings at local breweries, wineries, and restaurants feature a flight to go with the books, but imbibing is NOT required. Let's be real: the books taste delicious no matter what. 💫

Join us this month and see what we mean:
Saturday, 8/10: Wine & Book Pairing
*substitutions available: N/A cocktail, beer, or a warm beverage
*special pizza + salad buffet available for only $15

Sunday, 8/18: Beer & Book Pairing
*substitutions available: wine, seltzer, soft drinks

What do you get?
*a tasting of four beverages each paired with a book that captures the spirit of the drink
*a guided tour of each of the selections, with descriptions of both the beverage and the book
*also included: a book or discount voucher, book tasting menu, sticker, and bookmark + a larger selection of books available to choose from

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. If we don't know you're coming, then we don't know you're coming! *If we have fewer than 5 confirmed guests at least 48 hours prior to the event, it will, unfortunately, have to be canceled or postponed.*

Scroll through for deets and check out the links in our bio or event page to get your ticket now!

08/02/2024

08/01/2024

08/01/2024

Breakfast fans, pun-lovers, and pop-culture aficionados, listen up! It's a little over a month before local author Josh Funk's latest installment in the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast picture book series, ATTACK OF THE SCONES, hits the shelves.

But, since is a champion of indie bookstores like us, YOU can PREORDER NOW and receive cool collectors cards, a signed bookplate, and a chance to WIN an in-person visit from Josh.

If you and you kids have not yet discovered the hilarity of this series illustrated by , get ready to devour a stack of deliciously clever and adorable stories -- all available at joshfunkbooks.com/scones or through our site and the PREORDER LINK in our bio.

07/30/2024

If you're still not clear on the meaning of hygge, I offer you this example from my own life...

I took a little break from the bookshop (and social media!) this past week, to join over 100 family members from as far away as New Zealand, ages 2 weeks to 83 years old, in North Conway, NH, for a long overdue reunion. It was the kind of week you want to play over and over in your mind, and it was FILLED with HYGGE...
..as I floated down the S**o River, tethered to uncles and cousins whom I hadn’t seen in over 7 years, or some whom I had never even met. No cell phones, no technology, nothing to do but drift where the river led, and talk and laugh with the people around me.
..as I hiked up Black Cap, quietly reconnecting with a cousin from Northern California with whom I have always felt connected to, despite truly only having met a handful of times. Or on the way down, surrounded by the singing joy and laughter of some of the younger cousins.
..and countless more times, hygge was all around, reading on the deck alone, sipping coffee with my parents on a quiet morning, or even when we closed out the week with dancing, laughter, hugs, and permasmiles plastered on our faces at a banquet that rivaled the best celebrations you can ever imagine.

This week fed my soul, and I know I will hold it with me for a long time.

And now that I'm back and rejuvenated, I'm ready to share more hygge with you. We're closing out July with bunco night and our August includes many opportunities for connection, including our first ever Intergenerational Book Club.

Scroll through for a glimpse of what I mean, and check out our upcoming events at the end (link to register in bio).