FICTION FOUND
readers retreats
great lakes, great escape
lake michigan
august 7-10, 2025
Tucked away on a lake michigan near Holland, this retreat felt like stepping into summer at its absolute peak.
Our days were spent barefoot on the beach, books in hand, while nights turned into long conversations, laughter, and the kind of friendships that form when everyone loves stories as much as you do.
We welcomed special guests Karla Sorensen and Lena Hendrix, who joined us for unforgettable evenings filled with books, surprises, and reader hangs.
Highlights included:
Our days were spent barefoot on the beach, books in hand, while nights turned into long conversations, laughter, and the kind of friendships that form when everyone loves stories as much as you do.
We welcomed special guests Karla Sorensen and Lena Hendrix, who joined us for unforgettable evenings filled with books, surprises, and reader hangs.
Highlights included:
- A bookstore scavenger hunt that ended at a local brewery with Lena
- Movie night in matching pajamas singing along to High School Musical
- Incredible meals shared around the table
- Beach days + late-night chats that none of us wanted to end
Rocky Top Retreat
Knoxville, TN
April 24-27, 2025
Our first retreat in Knoxville quickly became known as the life-changing one.
From sunrise hot tub hangs to hours spent talking books on the dock, this weekend was pure connection from start to finish.
We were joined by special guests Mollie Goins and Ashley James, plus a virtual author chat with Sarah Bailey discussing upcoming releases.
Weekend favorites:
From sunrise hot tub hangs to hours spent talking books on the dock, this weekend was pure connection from start to finish.
We were joined by special guests Mollie Goins and Ashley James, plus a virtual author chat with Sarah Bailey discussing upcoming releases.
Weekend favorites:
- An in-house book shopping experience
- Homemade pasta lesson together
- Exploring downtown Knoxville
- Movie night featuring The Princess Diaries with an over-the-top snack spread
- Ice cream float bar perfection
- Dock sunsets + sunrise hot tub mornings
Snow on the Beach Retrat
surf city, nj
january 17-20, 2025
Yes… actual snow on the beach.
Our oceanfront retreat in Surf City welcomed us with snowfall over the water — instantly turning the weekend into something magical.
The vibe was cozy, relaxed, and bookish:
We visited a romance-only bookstore that completely destroyed everyone’s TBRs and hosted virtual conversations with Sarah Bailey and Lindsey Lanza. And of course, special guest surprise from jenn mcmahon.
A snowy seaside weekend none of us will ever forget.
Our oceanfront retreat in Surf City welcomed us with snowfall over the water — instantly turning the weekend into something magical.
The vibe was cozy, relaxed, and bookish:
- Lounging, reading, and talking for hours
- Book bedazzling all weekend long
- “Tini Time” featuring tiny snacks and martinis by the pitcher
We visited a romance-only bookstore that completely destroyed everyone’s TBRs and hosted virtual conversations with Sarah Bailey and Lindsey Lanza. And of course, special guest surprise from jenn mcmahon.
A snowy seaside weekend none of us will ever forget.
Romance in Manchester
Manchester, vT
Septmebr 12-15, 2024
Set in picturesque Manchester, this cozy autumn retreat delivered peak fall romance energy.
Joined by special guests Victoria Wilder and Alexandra Hale, the weekend blended bookish fun with full cozy-season vibes.
Favorites from the weekend:
Joined by special guests Victoria Wilder and Alexandra Hale, the weekend blended bookish fun with full cozy-season vibes.
Favorites from the weekend:
- Trope Wars + Bookish Jeopardy
- Author chats with Morgan Elizabeth and Jenn Plummer
- Waffle brunch station mornings
- S’mores + pizza party nights
- Horseback riding through fall scenery
- Movie nights bundled up together
Beachy Retreat
TOpsail, NC
march 7-9, 2024
Our retreat in Topsail was dedicated entirely to sunshine, stories, and seaside memories.
The weekend kicked off with a beach photoshoot before settling into days filled with games, reading, and nonstop book conversations.
A surprise highlight?
New York Times bestselling author Jessica Peterson joined us as an attendee — spending the weekend simply being a reader alongside everyone else.
Other unforgettable moments:
Proof that the best beach trips are the ones shared with fellow readers.
The weekend kicked off with a beach photoshoot before settling into days filled with games, reading, and nonstop book conversations.
A surprise highlight?
New York Times bestselling author Jessica Peterson joined us as an attendee — spending the weekend simply being a reader alongside everyone else.
Other unforgettable moments:
- A One Tree Hill filming locations tour
- Stops at a local romance bookstore
- Virtual chats with Jenn McMahon and Melanie Harlow (with a surprise crashing from Corinne Michaels)
Proof that the best beach trips are the ones shared with fellow readers.
advice from the
fiction found family
Can the advice be to have the best time ever? Just kidding. I would say to talk to EVERYONE, and don't be afraid to grab your book and have some chill introvert time if you need it. The weekend will change your life!
- Jessica Peterson, Author of Lucky River Ranch