Blogs
October Happenings: Cozy Reads, Craft Nights & Spooky Fun!
Fall has officially arrived at Paper and Vine, and October is packed with creative, cozy, and just a little bit spooky activities you won’t want to miss! Here’s a look at everything happening this month: 📚 Book Club Gatherings Book of the Month Club Meeting – October 2Kick off the month with thoughtful conversation on 'Anywhere with You' and your favorite thoughts. Fantasy Book Club Meeting – October 9Step into magical worlds and discuss fantastical adventures about 'When the Portals Open' with fellow fantasy lovers and local author, Mercedes Koefoed, who will be at the store for Q&A and signing. Thriller Book Club Meeting – October 16Perfect for spooky season—join us to dive into suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat conversation about 'Wasp Trap'. Book and Bottle Book Club – October 23A relaxed evening combining great conversation over 'French Kitchen' with your favorite bottle—wine, cider, or sparkling water, it’s up to you! 🎨 Creative & Craft Nights Pink Pumpkin Painting – October 3Get creative for a cause! Paint pumpkins pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Fantastic Needle Point Night – October 14Thread, stitch, and relax with fellow needlework enthusiasts. Beginners and experts are welcome! 👻 Spooky Season Specials Boo-Dazzle Book Night – October 7A festive evening celebrating Halloween vibes with themed book fun. Ghosts and Gossip PJ Party – October 17Bring your coziest pajamas for an evening of ghost stories, gossip, and laughter. Trick or Treat Book Swap – October 28Swap your gently loved books for new-to-you reads in this Halloween-inspired community exchange. 🗓️ Special Notes The store will be closed on Mondays (Oct 6, 13, 20, 27). October 22: Closed for a private event in the evening. ✨ Whether you’re here to read, craft, or celebrate the season, October has something for everyone. Mark your calendars, invite a friend, and join in the fun!
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Fall into September with Paper & Vine Book Bar
As summer gently gives way to crisp autumn breezes, there’s no better place to settle with a good read (and maybe a delightful drink) than Paper & Vine Book Bar, Midland’s coziest bookstore. This September, we've got a special lineup that celebrates community, mystery, and a dash of indulgence. 📖 Featured Events & Book Clubs Thursday, Sept 4 — Book of the Month Club: Battle of the Bookstores Kick off the month with a lively discussion on Battle of the Bookstores. Doors open at 5 PM, discussion starts at 6 PM. Bring your thoughts, sip a drink, and join fellow readers for a night of literary fun. Friday, Sept 5 — Chocolate & Chick-Lit The perfect pairing: decadent chocolate and lighthearted, feel-good reads. A sweet way to start the weekend. Thursday, Sept 11 — Fantasy Book Club: Knight and the Moth Dive into magical realms and epic storytelling as the Fantasy Book Club takes on Knight and the Moth. Thursday, Sept 18 — Thriller Book Club: Killer Potential For readers who crave suspense—this month’s thriller pick is Killer Potential. Expect twists, turns, and plenty of discussion. Thursday, Sept 25 — Book & Bottle Club: The Sicilian Inheritance Our signature monthly pairing returns! Enjoy Jo Piazza’s The Sicilian Inheritance with a carefully selected Val de Loire Sauvignon Blanc IGP 2024. Perfect for savoring the last warm evenings of the season. Please note: This unique offering is first come, first serve—so don’t wait! Pickup is in store only, and ID verification is required at pickup (you must be 21+). 🍷 Social & Specialty Gatherings Tuesday, Sept 9 — Prosecco & Prose Raise a glass of bubbly while sharing stories and poetry in this relaxed, prose-filled evening. Tuesday, Sept 16 — WTX Mahjong Event Tiles, strategy, and a touch of competitive spirit—join the West Texas Mahjong community for a night of fun. Wednesday, Sept 24 — Bingo Night Classic bingo with a Paper & Vine twist. Grab a drink, grab your card, and maybe grab a prize! Saturday, Sept 27 — Midland Mahj Night Another round of Mahjong to close out the month—perfect for both newcomers and experienced players. 🎉 Fun Nights Out Saturday, Sept 13 — Twilight Trivia Night Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob? Test your Twilight saga knowledge with themed trivia, laughs, and maybe even some sparkling surprises. Why September at Paper & Vine is Unmissable Seasonal Comfort with Style: Sip, read, and relax in the store’s inviting atmosphere perfectly suited for fall escapes. Unique & Thoughtful Pairings: Elevate your reading experience with the Bottle & Book Club—because books are better with wine. Community-Focused Events: Whether you're a long-time reader or new to book clubs, the September discussion welcomes all with a warm, inclusive vibe. Check out our events page for more information on all of these events!
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Night Watcher by Daphne Woolsoncroft
Read if you like: 👻 Feeling like someone is watching you🎧 True Crime podcasts👀 Perspective of the killer🌧️ Pacific Northwest weather💪 Stories of survival and resilience after trauma Nola Strate is no stranger to the morbid and paranormal. After an encounter with a serial killer as a child, she grew up to carry on her father’s radio show which specializes in hauntings and cryptid sightings. Until one evening when she receives a call to the radio show that takes her back to her childhood. What was initially believed to be a hoax call turns out to be the return of a prolific Pacific Northwest murderer-the very same one taht Nola survived in her youth. As an avid thriller consumer, I was instantly interested in reading Night Watcher based on the creepy night vision cover art. Yes, I judged a book by its cover, and I’m so glad I did. Although I am normally skeptical about podcasters writing novels, Daphne Woolsoncroft has done an excellent job at creating a fictional story based on her own experience with an unsolved murder of a family member. Night Watcher creates a creepy ambiance that had me nervous to listen to the book after dark. This particular boom depicted a voyeuristic insight into the mind of a calculated stalker turned serial killer. I found myself holding my breath as I listened to it on my drive home, begging the characters to look over their shoulder or check the locks one more time. While I did have some issues with the resolution of the book, the storytelling along the way was so fun and creepy that I’m willing to forgive a trope I’m not a fan of. Overall, I would give Night Watcher a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It is a perfect read as we transition into the fall season, but don’t say I didn’t warn you if you find yourself sleeping with a light on. If you want to read, you can find copies of the book here: HardcovereBook
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A Marriage at Sea – My Thoughts After Turning the Last Page
Read if you like: 📚 Memoir-style nonfiction🌊Survival-at-sea stories🔥 True tales of endurance and grit❤️ Relationship dynamics under extreme pressure✨ Vivid, immersive narrative nonfiction In 1973, British couple Maurice and Maralyn Bailey set sail from Panama on their small yacht, headed toward a new life in New Zealand. Just weeks into the journey, a whale struck their boat, leaving it sinking in the middle of the Pacific. They abandoned ship with little more than a life raft, a dinghy, and what supplies they could grab in minutes. For the next 118 days, they drifted thousands of miles, surviving on rainwater, raw fish, and sheer determination.Sophie Elmhirst’s A Marriage at Sea tells their story in vivid, gripping detail — but this isn’t just about a shipwreck. It’s about two people bound together in marriage and survival, each responding to disaster in their own way.Maralyn is the quiet powerhouse of the story. She keeps order, rationing food, maintaining routine, and refusing to let despair take over. Maurice, on the other hand, is unpredictable — inventive at times, frustrating at others, and often caught in his own mental storms.I was blown away by Maralyn’s strength — not just to keep going in brutal, almost unimaginable conditions, but to keep going when her partner seemed to be doing the opposite. It’s wild to see how two people who love each other deeply can react so differently when pushed to their absolute limits.I’ll be honest — it was a slow start for me. I wasn’t sure I was going to love it, and I found Maurice a little too quirky for my liking. But once the wreck happened, I couldn’t put it down. The survival details were fascinating, and I found myself hungry for even more post-rescue information than the book gave. Still, this was such a unique and captivating read — very different from what I normally pick up, and absolutely worth it.If you want to read, you can find copies of the book here:Hardcover eBook
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Turning the Page: A New Chapter Begins at Paper & Vine Book Bar!
It’s here—Midland’s most charming and eagerly anticipated destination, Paper & Vine Book Bar, officially opens its doors Saturday, August 9. Picture this: a dreamy bookstore wrapped in soft pinks, cozy nooks, shelves bursting with swoon‑worthy reads, and a wine-and-soda bar ready to pour you something delightful. It’s the perfect blend of literary escape and stylish comfort. What’s Already Unfolding The team is in final‑prep mode—setting the mood, chilling the wine, and making every shelf sparkle with possibility. The ambiance is all set to envelop you from the moment you walk in. Why We’re Falling in Love Already This isn’t just a bookstore—it’s a dreamy escape for romance lovers and cozy‑vibe seekers alike. Think curated romance titles, adorable accessories, comfy seating, and a staff that genuinely wants to recommend your next literary love affair. It’s where you can sip something sweet, browse your next escape, and stay a little longer than intended. What to Expect on Opening Day Expect an atmosphere filled with warmth, filled‑to‑the‑brim bookshelves, and curated specials just for the celebration: Soft opening perks—regulars who joined the Book‑of‑the‑Month subscriber special already enjoyed a sneak peek! Vibes for days—this isn’t just shopping; it’s a mini celebration with good reads, lovely sips, and all the cozy feels. Want to Be First in Line? Follow them on social media for teasers, behind‑the‑scenes shots, and updates leading up to the grand day. Sign up for the newsletter—believe me, you won’t want to miss their styling, book picks, and future events as this new chapter unfolds. So grab a friend, pop on your cutest cozy sweater, and get ready to be swept off your feet—Paper & Vine Book Bar is opening Saturday, August 9, and it’s everything Midland’s been dreaming of.
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Behind the Scenes - What's Happening at Paper & Vine Book Bar?
📖✨ Behind the Scenes: From Main Squeeze to Paper & Vine Book Bar Change is in the air, and we’re beyond excited to take you behind the scenes of something truly special. As many of you know, Main Squeeze Midland has been more than a shop — it’s been a gathering place, a cozy retreat, and a little dose of joy in your daily routine. But we’ve been dreaming… and now it’s time to turn that dream into something even more magical. We’re thrilled with our transformation into Paper & Vine Book Bar — a unique new concept that brings together the soul of a bookstore, the comfort of a wine bar, and the warmth of community. 🛠️ A Peek at the Progress Construction is underway, and it’s been amazing to watch the space take shape. Picture this: Shelves brimming with curated books you’ll actually want to read A bar serving wines, beer, and dirty sodas Reading nooks and intimate corners to unplug and unwind Thoughtfully designed spaces for events, book clubs and more Every detail is being chosen with intention — to inspire, to relax, and to connect. 🌿 Our Vision At its heart, Paper & Vine is about more than just books and beverages. It’s about creating a place where stories are shared — through pages, through conversation, through the atmosphere. Whether you’re meeting a friend for a glass of wine, browsing for your next great read, or simply seeking a place to connect and unwind, we want this space to feel like home. 📦 Where Can I Order from Now? Great question! In the meantime, please order online for free delivery through our website or subscribe via: Libro.fm for audiobooks Bookshop.org or our Paper & Vine link for physical books E-books, physical copies we don’t currently carry, and audiobooks can all be easily accessed through these platforms. Supporting us this way keeps you connected with our growing catalog while we finish building our shelves. 🗓️ How to Prepare for August We’re planning a soft opening in mid-to-late August — and we’d love for you to be part of it. Here’s how you can get ready: Join the Paper & Vine BOTM Club (Jilted Edition) – perfect for our subscribers eager to dive into the vibe of the new space. Start reading our August Book Club picks: Nightwatcher (Thriller) Shield of Sparrows (Fantasy) They’re handpicked to set the tone for what’s to come. 📅 Calendar coming soon! We’ll be announcing key dates for club meetups, preview nights, and more. 🎉 What’s Coming We can’t wait to open our doors and share this with you. In the weeks ahead, we’ll be revealing: Sneak peeks of the space as it comes together Special pre-opening events And some giveaways you won’t want to miss! Make sure to follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter — you’ll be the first to know everything. 💛 Thank You To our loyal Main Squeeze customers: thank you. Your support, feedback, and enthusiasm gave us the courage to grow into something even bigger. This next chapter is just as much yours as it is ours. We can’t wait to welcome you into the world of Paper & Vine Book Bar — where books meet beauty, and every visit is a little escape.
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A New Chapter for Main Squeeze Midland: Welcome to Paper & Vine Book Bar! 📚✨
We’ve got some big, exciting news to share, and we couldn’t wait another minute to tell you! After much thought and planning, Main Squeeze Midland is officially transitioning into something new, bigger, and better. Say hello to Paper & Vine Book Bar! Yes, you read that right – we’re rebranding, moving into a larger space, and transforming into a book bar experience like no other. But don’t worry, we’re still your favorite local shop for all things cozy, delicious, and now, literary! Here’s everything you need to know about the change and how it’ll affect you: What’s Changing? As part of our growth, we’re not just changing our name – we’re also moving to a new location that will give us more room to do what we love: serving you, our amazing community, with an even wider selection of books, beverages, and experiences. While we’re still in the process of getting our new location ready (it’s going to be amazing!), we want to keep you in the loop every step of the way. Our goal is to create a space where you can sip, read, relax, and find your next favorite book in a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine or soda, browsing our curated book collection, or hanging out with friends, we can’t wait to share the new Paper & Vine with you! What About the Current Store? Great question! While we’re busy working on the construction and renovation of the new space, our current location will be temporarily closed. But don’t worry, you can still shop with us online! Our online store is up and running, offering a wide range of books, gifts, and goodies to brighten your day. 📦✨ So, whether you’re missing your favorite book, looking for the perfect gift, or just want to treat yourself to a little something special, you can order from our online store at any time. We’ll keep packing and shipping your orders with the same love and care you’ve come to expect from us! When Will Paper & Vine Open? We know you're excited to check out our new digs, and we are too! While we don’t have an exact opening date just yet (because construction is always a bit unpredictable!), we’re getting closer every day. Make sure to follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter so you can be the first to know when we’ll officially open the doors to Paper & Vine Book Bar. We’ll be posting regular updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes progress photos—so you can join us in counting down to the big day! A Heartfelt Thank You We’ve come so far because of you—our incredible customers and supporters. Your enthusiasm for what we do keeps us motivated, and we’re beyond grateful for each and every one of you. This transition is a huge step forward for us, but it’s also about staying true to what made Main Squeeze Midland special in the first place: creating a welcoming space for our community, supporting local authors and makers, and offering a place to pause, unwind, and connect. As we head into this exciting new chapter, we can’t wait to continue serving you in new ways, whether that’s in person at our future book bar or through our online shop in the meantime. Thank you for your continued support and patience as we make this transition. We’re so excited for what’s ahead, and we’re so glad to have you along for the ride!
Learn moreDiscover the Power of Audiobooks with Main Squeeze & Libro
Why stop at the shelves? Take your love for stories to the next level by joining Libro, the audiobook platform that pairs perfectly with Main Squeeze’s mission. Libro lets you listen to thousands of audiobooks while supporting independent bookstores like Main Squeeze with every purchase.
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