One of my favorite pastimes is strolling through a bookstore with the freedom to explore and peruse without agenda. With three kids, those days are limited! But, the love of a great book and a place to indulge those afternoons are something I crave. That’s why I was so excited to meet Roxanne and to take a guided tour through her and her husband’s bookstore Harvey’s Tales, which is located at 216 James Street in downtown Geneva, IL.
Harvey’s Tales is named after Roxanne and Chuck’s, the owners of Harvey’s Tales, Bernese mountain dog Harvey who lived and long a very well loved life in the Fox Valley. Roxanne and Chuck’s greatest loves are family and books so combining the two made sense! When I spoke to Roxanne she said that owning a bookstore had been a longtime dream of her and her husband’s and when the opportunity came along to purchase a property located on her favorite street in Geneva, they knew they had to pursue it! And, are we sure lucky they did!
Many residents of the Fox Valley already know and love the store but for those of you who are new to the area or who haven’t taken a stroll through their shop let me assure you Harvey’s Tales is a delight for the senses. Not only do you get to enjoy the comfortable and welcoming storefront but there’s also a coffee shop, dining area, cozy reading nooks, a conference room, and an outdoor patio area. And, with a children’s literature section there’s something for everyone.
I’m a big fan of the heavy hitters in the literary world, authors who have won awards or who have stirred up controversy for stepping outside the box. Which is why my favorite section of the store is located upstairs in a corner aptly named “banned and challenged”. Did you know that favorites like The Giving Tree and Beloved have been hotly debated for their content? Harvey’s Tales made placards on the shelf where they sit stating why they came under controversy. So interesting, right?!
If you are searching for the perfect gift for your favorite literary aficionado look no further. There are gifts galore for all your friends and family. From wearables like pins, scarfs, and bags to home goods like mugs, pillows, and candles you will certainly find something for everyone on your list.
Want to get involved with the Harvey’s Tales crew or pair up with likeminded readers? Get to know other book lovers by joining their monthly book club! Or, attend one of their upcoming on-site events like author’s readings or book signings.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s look at Harvey’s Tales and maybe I’ll bump into you amongst the shelves someday soon!
FUN FACTS ABOUT ROXANNE OSBORNE
Favorite Restaurants: “My three favorite restaurants in downtown Geneva are Stockholm’s, Preservation Bread and Wine and we like Dean’s for a quick sandwich.”
Favorite Stores: Grow, Cocoon and Anastazia
Favorite thing to do in the Fox Valley: “We don’t get to do too many things in the Fox Valley these days but we used to love the bike trails and the monthly flea market at the Kane County Fairgrounds.”
Bonus fun fact! Yvette Cortes and her team over at Isaac’s Furniture and Upholstery made the custom cushions for Harvey’s Tales reading nook on the second floor of their beautiful bookstore!
Want to stay in touch with Harvey’s Tales?
CONTACT INFO
Harvey’s Tales
216 James St, Geneva, IL 60134
www.harveystales.com
THANK YOU TO ALESSANDRO MADONIA – PREFERRED RATE
Very special thanks to Alessandro Madonia at Preferred Rate Mortgage for sponsoring today’s espisode! Alessandro and his team are committed to providing clients with the highest quality financial services, combined with the lowest rates available.
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