Happy Friday!! And happy October!!

This week I got to visit Innisfree Bookshop in Meredith, NH. As my deadline to write this review crept closer, I realized I was running out of time and running out of energy to drive too far…and luckily, I ended up at a home inspection just minutes down the road from this lovely shop on a Friday night!

I had been to Innisfree once, many years ago, and had memories of not finding exactly what I needed that particular time. When I had first visited, I felt like the books they had on hand weren’t exactly what I liked to read, but luckily didn’t face that this time! I left with far more than I was looking to bring home… *facepalm*.

I’ve been really into houseplants lately, now that my boyfriend and I are finally in our own apartment. They’re decorative and lovely, but also make the place feel fresher. We’re in a stuffy converted garage of sorts, and I’ve had to be creative to make sure they get the light they need…but I digress. The point here was that I was looking for a copy of How to Houseplant, which I’ve been looking everywhere for. The library used to have a copy, but it got lost. Libby for ebooks didn’t have it, either. So I was thrilled to see Innisfree’s website said they had a copy!

But alas, I think I’m simply not meant to have How to Houseplant. Innisfree has the most wonderful, curated selection of gardening books, including a healthy amount on houseplants. I ended up unable to find How to Houseplant, but I did pick up Houseplants for All. But again, I’m digressing, because the point of my side note story here was that, when I got up to the counter, I asked about How to Houseplant, and the staff spent no less than ten minutes trying to track it down for me. The point was not that they didn’t have it. The point was that their staff was amazing and helpful and tried really, really hard to find me that book. And because their selection was so awesome, I left with the information I needed regardless.

Innisfree is in the cutest little building at Mill Falls Marketplace, with brick walkways and water views. They’ve made a lovely use of their space, with all the books a vacationer might need with plenty for us full-timers, too. The store had been rearranged since the last time I was there, and I felt like they had even more selection. Their displays were thoughtful, with staff picks, Hispanic Heritage Month reads, and more. This was the rejuvenating experience of going to a bookstore that I needed.

I ended up leaving with four books: Houseplants for All by Danae Horst, The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (seeing as I loved Mexican Gothic!), and The Very Nice Box by Laura Blackett and Eve Gleichman. I had seen The Very Nice Box at the Bookery, but wasn’t intrigued enough just yet…but I’ve seen it at every bookstore I’ve gone too since, so consider my interest piqued. We shall see.

All in all, I’m highly recommending Innisfree Bookshop! I’m glad I gave it another shot, because now I’m totally going every time I head through Meredith. Stop in and check it out!