Meet Tyann Bjorkman, owner of Hayden's romance-themed bookstore, It's a Love Story. Originally from Idaho Falls, Bjorkman worked locally as a photographer for 13 years. After more than a decade spent reading people through a camera lens, she developed a keen ability to understand what customers want as soon as they walk through the door.

A lifelong book lover and romance fan, Bjorkman was inspired to open her own romance-focused bookstore in 2024. She found that many of the skills she honed in photography and marketing translated surprisingly well to running a small business. Today, she continues to focus on understanding her customers' interests and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

It's a Love Story has built a dedicated community through its cozy cafe and three book clubs. The bookstore also regularly hosts book signings, author events and other activities, including movie nights and craft nights. Visit itsalovestorybooks.com to learn more.

1. What inspired a romance-themed bookstore?

I missed having a bookstore and cafe here locally. Remember Borders? I wanted somewhere I could read a book, sip on coffee, and relax. Then I thought, why don't I do it? Romance was the easy part. It's what I read. I wanted it to be the whole story. So we built the version I wanted to sit in. Even drinks on our cafe menu are named after books or characters.

2. What makes for an amazing romance story?

For me? Enemies to lovers, real tension, a great plot, and an immersive world. Devney Perry's Shield of Sparrows nails that exact structure, and she's local-ish to us, which makes it even better. Her books are some of my absolute favorites — and so are Rachel Gillig's. I also have a deep love for Dungeon Crawler Carl, even if it isn't romance.

3. What are some common misconceptions about the romance genre?

That it has no depth, story or plot. That it's all just "spicy" stuff. It isn't. These characters are where so many readers find and see themselves. Sometimes a character's growth in a book resonates with a reader and inspires them in their own life. I've seen it happen time and time again in this store.

4. What business idea or accomplishment are you most proud of?

The community of people. We have regulars who have become friends, who come in and update us on their lives, who love this place as much as I do. We run three book clubs, The Archer's Quill, Slow Burn Society, and Illicit Affair, and watching those groups turn into actual friendships has been the best part of this whole thing. That, and connecting with smaller authors and giving them a boost. It's so fun to promote these hidden gems. We love books and people. Period.

5. What are you most looking forward to?

It's a tie. We launched our own deluxe line where we work with authors to create special editions of their books, and the first one comes out this holiday season. And we have an expansion coming soon. That's all I can say for now.

We're a tiny shop off the beaten path, so nobody wanders in by accident. People drive here on purpose, sometimes from out of state, and that still gets me every time.

    Tyann Bjorkman and It's A Love Story Store Manager Becca Rhoades.
  

    Tyann Bjorkman, Becca Rhoades, and their team members Aliah, Emily, and Ashlee, along with author duo Elizabeth and Helen at a book signing event.