After the first of the year, my family and I took a trip to Murfreesboro, TN for my nephew’s wedding. My husband’s brother (the father of the groom) had visited Abilene when our son married last May, but we hadn’t seen the rest of the Tennessee Witemeyers since well before COVID. What a joy to spend time with family! We stayed up late each night playing card and board games, shared meals together, and had lovely conversation.
We took the opportunity to grab a photo of the 9 Texas Witemeyers who made the trip to Tennessee during the reception.
I managed to snatch one photo of the bride and groom when they first entered the reception hall. The bride was beautiful, and my nephew was about as proud as a man could be.
So, what does any of this have to do with a grumpy book peddler?
Well, the Texas Witemeyers rented a house to hold all nine of us, and as we were driving through downtown Murfreesboro to get there, I happened to spot an intriguing sign on a storefront along the way.
The Grumpy Bookpeddler
I knew at once that I needed to find time to visit that shop! As it turned out, it was less than a mile from the house where we were staying. So on Friday, while many of the group traveled into Nashville, I twisted my daughter’s arm, and the two of us drove down to check out the used bookstore.
To my surprise and delight, there was a “Jesus is Lord” sticker on the door. And the very first book shelves inside were filled with Christian fiction! Four shelves of Christian fiction, followed by several shelves of Christian non-fiction. Wonderful!
I even found 3 of my books on the shelves. 
I complimented the owner on his store and told him how wonderful it was to have Christian fiction on such prominent display instead of tucked away in a back corner. He said it made sense to put the good stuff at the front of the store. Don’t you love that?
This was a hidden gem worth finding!
As the store’s website proclaims:
Do you like to visit bookstores when you travel?
What was the last hidden gem of a place you discovered?
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Thankfully, it sounds as though the bookseller wasn’t grumpy! LOL It’s not really a “hidden gem” but I was most excited to visit Parnassus Books when I was in Nashville in November. I had missed out on visiting the last time I was there. While they didn’t have Christian Fiction, everyone was very friendly and welcoming. And spending time in a bookstore is always time well-spent.
Very fun, Joy. I’ve never visited Parnassus Books, but it looks like a fun place. Now if we can just get them to carry some Christian fiction . . . 🙂
I love that story! We love finding local “hidden gem” bookstores when we travel. That one might win for the best name! 🙂
Isn’t that a fun name? Great marketing, too. As soon as I spotted the sign, I knew I wanted to check out the store.
Okay, my Dad is in Heaven now, but he used to live in Murfreesboro. I have never seen that store during any of my many trips there. But the next time I am over there, you can bet I will be stopping by. Thanks for the info and I’m so glad you enjoyed time with family!!
Oh, good, Rebecca. I hope you have fun exploring the store the next time you are in town. 🙂
I live less than 30 minutes from Murfreesboro and have never heard of this store, so I’m glad you shared about your visit. There is a Christian Publisher’s Outlet right up the street from it’s location, so I’ll have to make plans to visit both soon.
There is??? How did I miss that? OK. Now I have to go back. Ha!
I don’t travel much but my best website that I founds allows you to locate free little libraries by zip code so you can browse and/or donate books in your area (or while traveling). There’s a mobile app too.
http://www.freelittlelibrary.org
What a great idea! I love those little libraries. We have several here in Abilene. And they are all so cute!
My friend Sandy took me to a little gem-of-a-bookstore in Pryor, Oklahoma, last year. (A little over an hour from me.) It was a nice little bookstore with an awesome used book room in the back. I found some great deals!
The Book Exchange & The Bible Bookstore — http://www.pryorbookexchange.com/.
They have a HUGE used book sale tomorrow & Saturday called BOOKLAHOMA… bring/buy a big Braum’s sack (big paper bag) & fill it for only $10!!! My daughter-in-law & I are planning to go tomorrow. 🙂 😀
That sounds fabulous, Lori. Hope you come home with a bag of fabulous new reads!
What a wonderful find, a Christian bookstore that’s got a love for the Lord. They seem to be closed on Sunday too (and Monday) — another way of honoring the Lord. Thanks so much for sharing this gem of a business! How wonderful to spend time wit! Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Somehow I deleted part of my comment. It should say “how wonderful to spend time with family that you haven’t seen for a while.” Sorry about that. – Hilda
We make a point now to look up little bookshops (new or used) on any fun day trips or vacations. My mom & I found Lowry’s Books in Three Rivers…it was at least 4 storefronts big, with a duct tape path to find your way through the store. So. Many. Books!!! 🥰📚