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Anderson's After Dark
Past event
Featured Book
Not a Strong Enough Word
A slow-burn second chance romance set in the publishing world, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Colleen Hoover.
Five years apart. One unfinished love story.
Scarlett Frye was once a literary genius. With two bestselling novels, a million-dollar book deal, and a love story of her own, she had it all—until the pressure broke her. Five years ago, she canceled her book tour, shredded her contract, and disappeared. She left everything behind, including Ryan Whitlock, the editor who believed in her… and the man she loved.
Now, after years of healing, she’s ready to write again.
For Ryan, Scarlett’s disappearance wasn’t just a professional loss, it was personal. It shattered his heart and sent him into a slump. That is, until an anonymous manuscript lands on his desk. The writing is brilliant, raw, and achingly familiar—it can only be Scarlett’s.
As fate brings them back together, Scarlett reluctantly agrees to let Ryan edit her comeback novel, even though it means working with the man she never stopped loving. Old passions reignite, but when pressure builds and buried secrets resurface, Ryan fears history will repeat itself.
Scarlett walked away once. But as they navigate love, loss, and the weight of the past, she and Ryan must be strong enough to rewrite their story before it’s too late.
This book will be available for purchase at the event.
About This Event
Join Anderson’s Bookshop for our annual Anderson's After Dark— a romance-focused event on Bookstore Romance Day with romance authors, a game or two, food, drinks, giveaways, and fun! This after-hours event will allow romance readers to connect with authors while enjoying a night out at Anderson's Bookshop Naperville on Saturday, August 15th from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Your ticket will get you admission to the after-hours event, entry into exclusive raffles, and 10% off the entire store (stackable with your URA membership), good for the entire store during this event on 8/15! This event will be held in our Naperville store, and pre-registration is required as space is limited. Anderson's After Dark is proud to host the following authors: Allie Samberts More authors TBA soon! About the authors: Allie Samberts is a romance writer, book lover, and high school English teacher. She was voted funniest teacher of the year for 2023 by her students, which is probably her highest honor to date. She is also a runner, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two kids. You can follow her on Instagram @alliesambertswrites , TikTok @alliesamberts , YouTube @alliesamberts , subscribe to her newsletter at alliesamberts.substack.com , and get other updates at www.alliesamberts.com .
Featured Author
Allie Samberts
Allie Samberts is a romance writer, book lover, and high school English teacher. She was voted funniest teacher of the year for 2023 by her students, which is probably her highest honor to date. She is also a runner, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two kids. You can follow her on Instagram @alliesambertswrites, TikTok @alliesamberts, YouTube @alliesamberts, subscribe to her newsletter at alliesamberts.substack.com, and get other updates at www.alliesamberts.com.
About the Venue
Anderson's Bookshop - Naperville
Anderson’s Bookshops are located just outside Chicago, IL in Naperville and Downers Grove. As independent booksellers since 1875, we pride ourselves on our expertise for every customer and our relationships within our communities. We are the oldest single-family-run bookstore in the country and hope to share our passion and knowledge of books and build community through great reads, good company, and engaging conversations for all ages.
Visit store pageMore at Anderson's Bookshop - Naperville
Lynn D. Jung - Mothsblood
Join Anderson’s Bookshop for an author event with Lynn D. Jung, to celebrate the release of Mothsblood (Deluxe Limited Edition), on Saturday, October 24th at 4:00 pm in our Naperville store. Jung will be in conversation with author Olesya Salnikova Gilmore. Event Format We will begin checking you in approximately 30 minutes before the start time. After a presentation and Q&A with the author, the line will form in numbered order with the following guidelines: Posed photo with your camera taken by our staff There is a limit of 2 books from home to be signed (unless otherwise stated) There is a limit of 1 personalization (unless otherwise stated) All events have open seating. The “Order Line Number” on your pdf ticket is your reserved place in the signing line. You will line up to meet the author based on that number. If you cannot attend, you must pick up your book (if included with ticket) at the hosting store within 30 days of the event. We can ship that book to you for an additional charge of $9.99; please call the store to arrange that. Pre-registration is required for this event because space is limited.
Struan Murray - Dragonborn
Join Anderson’s Bookshop for an author event with Struan Murray, to celebrate the release of Dragonborn: The Twilight Child, on Sunday, October 25th at 2:00 pm in our Naperville store. Event Format We will begin checking you in approximately 30 minutes before the start time. After a presentation and Q&A with the author, the line will form in numbered order with the following guidelines: Posed photo with your camera taken by our staff There is a limit of 2 books from home to be signed (unless otherwise stated) There is a limit of 1 personalization (unless otherwise stated) All events have open seating. The “Order Line Number” on your pdf ticket is your reserved place in the signing line. You will line up to meet the author based on that number. If you cannot attend, you must pick up your book (if included with ticket) at the hosting store within 30 days of the event. We can ship that book to you for an additional charge of $9.99; please call the store to arrange that. Pre-registration is required for this event because space is limited.
Midnight Release Party ACOTAR 6
Join Anderson’s Bookshop for a midnight release party to celebrate the release of A Court of Splintered Harmony, the long awaited sixth installment of Sarah J. Maas’s ACOTAR series on Monday, October 26th at 9:00pm in our Naperville store. Please note that the author will not be present at this event. Event Format Check-in for the event will begin at 9pm, with activities beginning immediately upon arrival. Event will include: Team trivia, to begin at 10pm – test your knowledge of all things ACOTAR as you prepare to return to Prythian. Come with your team or make friends at the event! The winning team will receive exclusive A Court of Splintered Harmony prizes. Discuss and Debate all your SJM universe predictions with fellow attendees, and add your favorites to our prediction wall. Prythian themed arts and crafts, including book and mask bedazzling (You may bring a book of your choice from home or purchase one in-store to bedazzle.) Photo Wall with SJM universe cut-outs Autumnal-themed snacks and mocktails Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to arrive in costume. Everyone will get to vote for their favorite costume of the night, and the top winners will receive a prize! Please note: Attendees will receive their copy of A Court of Splintered Harmony at 11:00pm CST (midnight EST). If you cannot attend, you must pick up your book (if included with ticket) at the hosting store within 30 days of the event. We can ship that book to you for an additional charge of $9.99; please call the store to arrange that. Pre-registration is required for this event because space is limited.