FICTION FOUND

readers retreats

mainely romance retreat

Kennebunkport, Maine
May 7-10, 2026

A retreat for the ages, this retreat was right on the water in Kennebunkport, maine, and it was everything we could've dreamed for.

Days were spent in the sunroom just hanging out, reading, admiring the views, and when the storms came in, we enjoyed watching the waves crash onto the beach with a movie playing in the background. This was the coziest beach retreat to exist.

We had a craft day dedicated to making bookmarks and bedazzling books, and a full day spent out on the town as groups. From needlepoint to charm bars, we found everything we needed here. 

Highlights included:
  • An adventure to portland for Grump & Sunshine Bookstore
  • Dancing in the sunroom all night long
  • Character arcs of west of forever donated by Corinne Michaels
  • Scene arcs from Kay Cove and a surprise virtual chat with her
  • nights spent chatting and eating homemade meals

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:
  • 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:
  • 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:
  • 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:
  • 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:
  • 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

Reach out to some of the girls before and have conversations! I felt like I was around my family just hanging out & seriously walked away with people that I love more than anything.

- Rickie
@rickie.reads

Don't let fear hold you back! Be yourself and fully immerse yourself in the weekend. Play the games, talk the books, eat the food, and have fun. It truly can be one of the greatest weekends of your life.

- Kelsey
@BookishSouthrnBelle

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Future Retreats