Before my summer adventures officially began, I promised myself two weeks of rest. I caught up on sleep, wandered around town, and embraced the freedom of having nowhere to be. One afternoon, all I knew was that I wanted to do something book-related. That simple decision led me to one of the most unexpected spontaneous afternoons I’ve had in a long time.
I originally planned to stop by Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers to browse the shelves. As luck would have it, they were hosting an author event as part of Tiffany Crum’s book tour. The event, Books Over Drinks, featured a conversation between Tiffany, author of This Book Will Save Your Life, and local bestselling author Rachel Hawkins. After reading about both authors and the synopsis of Tiffany’s book, I was all in!
Since the event involved drinks, I was a little confused by the location listed on the announcement: St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church. I knew the bookstore sold wine, so I assumed we’d attend the discussion at the church and then head back across the street afterward for a glass of wine.
When I arrived, a small line had already formed outside Saint Dunstan’s Episcopal Church. I joined everyone else and waited about ten minutes for the doors to open. Just before we were let inside, I heard the unmistakable pop of a champagne cork…then another. I looked around, slightly confused, and finally asked aloud, “Wait… are we allowed to drink in this church?” A woman who said she attended the church turned around with a smile and replied, “Oh yes! Episcopalians are pretty easygoing.” I laughed to myself because I had spent the entire drive assuming we’d leave the church before the drinks were served. Instead, there I was telling one of the servers I wanted a glass of Prosecco as I walked into the sanctuary.
Honestly, it felt a little strange at first. Growing up, I had always associated churches with very different expectations, so this was completely new to me. I found myself appreciating the Episcopal tradition’s welcoming atmosphere and willingness to host community events, especially those involving alcohol.
The event itself was fantastic! Tiffany Crum shared her writing process, talked about her journey to publication, and even gave us a few teasers about the book. As someone working on my own writing projects, I found her story incredibly encouraging. Hearing about the realities of publishing from someone living it made my own goals feel a little more attainable. Rachel Hawkins was equally engaging as the moderator. In the weeks after the event, she became my new favorite author, and I immediately wanted to add several of her mystery novels to my reading list.
After the discussion, everyone received a copy of This Book Will Save Your Life, and Tiffany stayed afterward to sign books. I had the chance to take a photo with her and chat briefly about writing. I also spoke with Rachel Hawkins for a few moments before heading out, feeling inspired and grateful that I’d decided to come.
Sometimes the best adventures are the spontaneous decisions we make on an ordinary day. I showed up expecting a book discussion and left with signed books, new authors to follow, a fresh appreciation for the Episcopal Church, and a reminder that saying yes to something unexpected can lead to the most memorable experiences. Oh, and I also came home with two more books for my already overflowing bookshelves. At this point, I think I’ve accepted that there’s always room for just one more. As a result, I haven’t read Tiffany Crum’s book yet, but it will be read before the year ends!
Cheers to more spontaneous adventures!!!