Margarita Madness At The Purple People Bridge : May 17th

The Tome Owners Open New Bookstore and Boutique in Northern Kentucky

Scarlet Rose Books & Vintage Boutique is slated to open Sept. 9.

Aug 10, 2023 at 10:55 am

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Photo: facebook.com/TheTomeBookstore

Scarlet Rose Books & Vintage Boutique

The owners of the former Mt. Washington bookstore The Tome announced that they would be opening another bookstore — this time combined with a new name, concept and location across the river.

J.M. Clark and his wife, Autumn Spencer, shuttered their bookstore on Beechmont Avenue in July, but not before teasing they would bring back the store in a “newly imagined way.”

“Rest assured, our commitment to creating a vibrant literary experience remains stronger than ever,” they wrote on their Facebook page in May.

Clark and Spencer released the details of this new concept Wednesday — also National Book Lovers Day. Their new shop, Scarlet Rose Books & Vintage Boutique, named after their daughters, is slated to open in Ludlow, Kentucky, on Sept. 9.

“Dear cherished customers, We are thrilled to announce the exciting transformation of our beloved bookstore into something truly special - welcome to Scarlet Rose Books & Vintage Boutique! As we embark on this new chapter, we can't help but reflect on the wonderful journey we've shared with you, our loyal patrons,” the couple shared on social media.

They describe the new store as an enchanting blend of literature, fashion and timeless treasures, offering books, clothing, jewelry, accessories and vintage items like antique furniture. And like The Tome, Clark and Spencer say they will continue to foster literary connections through their book clubs, writing workshops and poetry nights.

“We can't wait to see your smiling faces once again, surrounded by the warmth of captivating stories, comfortable attire, and timeless pieces that carry a piece of history. Thank you for being a part of our journey and allowing us to be a part of this incredible community. We can't wait to embark on this new adventure together,” wrote the couple.

Scarlet Rose Books & Vintage Boutique will be located at 220 Elm St., Ludlow. For more information: facebook.com/TheTomeBookstore.

Slideshow

Summer Reading Guide: Fill Your Beach Tote With These Books by Greater Cincinnati Authors

Beach Read by Cincinnati author Emily Henry is on CityBeat's Summer Reading Guide.

The Speaking Stone: Stories Cemeteries Tell by Michael GriffithNo matter if the weather is rainy, overcast or sunny, there’s nothing quite like a stroll in a cemetery. It’s a feeling Michael Griffith knows well. A professor of English at UC, his 2021 nonfiction novel The Speaking Stone is described as a “literary love letter to the joys of wandering graveyards.” Cincinnati has some beautiful graveyards perfect for strolling, the crown jewel being the expansive Spring Grove and Arboretum. Established in 1845, and sprawling over 700 acres, Spring Grove is the third-largest cemetery in the U.S. Griffith took almost daily walks in the cemetery and followed up on whatever piqued his interest, which led to this collection of essays uncovering the histories behind any given headstone. Want to take more hot girl graveyard walks this summer? Let The Speaking Stone serve as inspiration.

Eligible by Curtis SittenfeldIt’s Pride and Prejudice but set in modern-day Cincinnati. What more could a hopeless romantic Cincinnatian ask for? Sittenfeld’s 2016 novel was part of the Austen Project, a series that paired six contemporary authors with a Jane Austen classic. Read Eligible and then use it as an excuse to rewatch Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen in the 2005 film adaptation –– as if you need a reason.

Lark Ascending by Silas HouseSilas House is Kentucky’s current poet laureate, an honor that came on the heels of a big 2022: House was the recipient of the Duggins Prize, the largest award for an LGBTQ writer in the country, and named Appalachian of the Year. A dystopian tale of found family, Lark Ascending marks his seventh novel. Set in the near future, it sees America in flames (literally) and in the grip of religious nationalism. The book –– winner of the 2023 Southern Book and Nautilus Book prizes –– follows Lark and his family as they attempt to escape America for Ireland, which may not be the safe haven he thought it’d be.

Bowlfuls of Blue by Alexandra McIntoshWhat better time of year to ponder nature’s wonder than summer? Bowlfuls of Blue marks Kentucky native Alexandra McIntosh’s first collection of poems. In it, McIntosh weaves together meditations and reflections not only on core moments from her personal life but on nature itself, from the Kentucky and Ohio River Valley to the cosmos above.

The Parting Present by Manuel IrisLo Que Se Irá, or The Parting Present, is a bilingual collection of poetry from Manuel Iris, a Mexican poet now residing in Cincinnati. The collection was the Readers’ Choice selection for the 2022 Ohioana Book Awards, the second oldest state literary prize in the nation. A recognition from Ohioana places Iris among some of the state’s most renowned writers, including the late, great Toni Morrison. Iris served as the poet laureate emeritus of Cincinnati from 2018-2020 and is the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County’s writer-in-residence.

The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga Also recognized in the Ohioana Awards was Jasmine Warga for her middle grades book The Shape of Thunder, which tackles tough topics with grace. The book follows Cora and Quinn, best friends and next-door neighbors who haven’t spoken in a year; they’re both navigating grief in the aftermath of a school shooting. But when the pair come together to try to turn back time, they might just re-find friendship.Though Warga now lives in Chicago, the author shouts out the Queen City in the bio on her website: “Like all other people from Cincinnati, I am inordinately proud of my little Midwestern city and think that Graeter’s black raspberry chip ice cream is the most delicious food in the whole world.” We agree, Jasmine!

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About The Author

Katherine Barrier

Katherine Barrier is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s journalism program and has nearly 10 years of experience reporting local and national news as a digital journalist. At CityBeat, she oversees the digital and social media strategies, edits web and print content and writes for the dining and arts...