📕 Books, Wine, & a Happily Ever After

As with most great reads, this one starts off with friends and heartfelt conversation. Our story today begins with avid reader and small business owner Susannah Baird, but this series is still very much writing itself.

Before raising $51,830 from her Kickstarter campaign in June 2025, Susannah says this idea was born from a conversation with a close friend. That idea grew into a desire to fill an entire bookstore with “the good stuff” she was struggling to find elsewhere.

Now, six months after opening, Raleigh’s first brick-and-mortar romance bookstore, Bright Side Books & Wine, hopes to continue building a space local readers can call home.

Many would argue that a story doesn’t truly begin until a challenge is presented. And as with many new businesses, a long permitting process was one such challenge.

Early reports and posts shared that the store originally planned to open in fall 2025. It took a little longer than planned, but Susannah had already opened a pop-up called “The Prologue” to keep the community going in the meantime.

After many months of operating out of their temporary spot in the Warehouse District in downtown Raleigh (and further proving the demand for the business), their permanent store finally opened on perhaps the most fitting day possible: April 25th.

Otherwise known as Independent Bookstore Day.

Think of Bright Side like a regular bookstore, just way more focused and with room to expand on the subgenres within romance.

Instead of trying to carry a little bit of everything, Bright Side goes all in on what they know best. That means local authors can get a spotlight, fantasy epics are there for the choosing, and everything in between can be found while wandering the shelves.

Plus, it’s not always about the books. Sometimes, it’s just about having a comfortable place to talk about them with others.

If you’re looking to visit, they’ve already got you covered with a great video on where to park (hint: it’s a garage with 3 hours of free parking when you validate inside).

But officially here’s what you need to know:

If you’re just getting started, I’d recommend visiting on “New Release Tuesday”. If you’re looking to stay longer and enjoy a glass of wine, try their monthly book clubs as well.

The wine side is also a big part of the fun since the wines often get matched up with specific books or events (as if we really needed an excuse for wine and a good book). Snag a spot right outside, grab a stool at the bar, or settle into a window seat with your latest pick.

Sometimes the best way to understand what it’s all about is to experience it yourself.

Coming up this month alone, Bright Side has author events, book clubs, new release events, preorder opportunities, wine deals, and a ton of merchandise to get your holiday shopping started before December even gets here.

So whether you are a lifelong romance reader or you just want to browse with good company (and good wine), be sure to plan a visit here soon.

Their story may still be writing itself, but you’ll have no trouble finding one to finish on their shelves.

The story above is not sponsored — we just love Bright Side and the businesses around Dupont Circle (near Boylan Heights).

If you’re interested in getting your business, service, or event in front of 16,000+ Triangle locals — get in touch with us.

P.S. Looking to contact me directly? Try clicking on the image above, reaching out via our contact form, or giving me a quick ring.