Shelly Mutom of The Next Chapter bookstore highlights local book clubs and fresh reading recommendations in this week’s Between Two Covers.
By Gabriel Escalera
Between Two Covers, A New Season of Stories at Next Chapter Bookstore
March 4th, 2026
As winter gives way to early signs of spring, Next Chapter Bookstore is leaning into the season with a fresh slate of book club selections and a growing community of readers.
Owner Shelley Mutem says the store’s book clubs continue to expand, reflecting a shared desire for connection through literature. This month marks the addition of a second romance book club and a new Jane Austen focused group, broadening the store’s already diverse offerings.
The romance book club, the most popular at the store, embraces everything from lighthearted love stories to more intense and emotional journeys, always grounded in the promise of a satisfying ending. Recent reads have included Beautiful Things by Emily Rath and the widely discussed Heated Rivalry novels by Rachel Reid. Up next is Sunk in Love by Heather McBreen.
The new Jane Austen book club recently explored Persuasion by Jane Austen and will now turn to Anne of Avenue A, a contemporary romance inspired by Austen’s timeless themes and set in New York City.
Readers in the Book and Wine Club have just wrapped up The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage. In April, they will shift gears with Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, a bestselling fantasy adventure known for its humor, high stakes, and video game inspired chaos.
The LGBTQ Book Club continues to spotlight meaningful and inclusive stories. After finishing The Heartbreak Bakery by A.R. Capetta, the group will read Greta and Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly, a novel that explores queerness, multiracial identity, and the complexities of family life.
Fantasy and science fiction readers are immersed in a dark duology by Rachel Gillig. Having completed One Dark Window, the group now moves into Two Twisted Crowns, continuing a story praised for its intricate magic system and richly imagined world.
The Young Adult and New Adult Book Club will read Love Me Tomorrow by Miko Jean, returning to an author the group has previously enjoyed.
And for those looking for an open, public gathering, the Novel Chats Book Club meets at Site-1 Brewing. Their current selection is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, a reflective novel centered on generosity, creativity, and the unseen threads that connect people to one another. The next meetup is scheduled for Sunday, March 29 at 4 30 p.m.
For Shelley Mutem, the heart of the bookstore lies not just in the books themselves, but in the conversations they spark. As spring unfolds, Next Chapter Bookstore continues to offer readers a place to gather, reflect, and discover what might be waiting between two covers.
