Editor’s Note: This article was written for Mosaic, an independent journalism training program for high school and college students who report and cover stories under the guidance of professional journalists.
Posted by Iris Sanchez/Mosaic
A Los Altos bookstore offered a heartwarming escape for a Valentine’s Day event on Saturday.
Romance lovers gather at the Bay Area’s first romance-only bookstore, A Novel Affair Bookshop, for a Feb. 14 in downtown Los Altos. The bookstore was filled with merchandise, vendors, specialty books and local authors.
“I love romance books,” said Gaby Azcarate, who attended the event with her best friend. Both are from San Francisco. “It’s the only thing I’ve learned.”
The two exchanged book-themed candles spread across the sales floor, their hands full of bookmarks and stickers.
“This is the perfect place to spend Galentine’s,” said Vaish Patel, who traveled from San Francisco with his two best friends, Maya Ghosh and Vanita Mundhra.
The trio were decked out in matching pink and red outfits, matching the heart necklaces tied to the crammed bookshelves. They said they remember making friends at local bookstores when they were growing up, and how much that has changed with social media.
“Most of my experience with the book community is online,” says Ghosh, holding a stack of books. “But there’s nothing like coming to an event and talking to someone.”
Friends have come together in the romance section, a combination of the romance and fantasy genre, looking for their next book club read.
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Decorations at the Valentine’s Day Show at A Novel Affair Bookshop in downtown Los Altos, Calif. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (Iris Sanchez/Mosaic)
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Decorations at the Valentine’s Day Show at A Novel Affair Bookshop in downtown Los Altos, Calif. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (Iris Sanchez/Mosaic)
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“Reading is my escape,” said Mundhra. “Finally, I meet friends who agree with that.”
Andrea Ressi, owner of Whimsy Blooms Floral Co., displayed bouquets as customers passed by her table at the event.
“Novel Affair is a fun place to be,” said Ressi, of San Francisco, as she arranged flowers for a customer. “It’s a wonderful, kind thing to be invited and share the love today.”
A teacher for more than 11 years, Ressi said she hopes events like the book fair give young people a safe place to connect with their community.
“Books are a window to the world,” said Ressi. He showed the flowers at his flower show and said, “I know the only way this is possible is because I’ve been in these places where people believe in me.”
Iris Sanchez attends San Jose State University.
