I had no experience with event planning- I’m just an avid book lover who’d come back to reading after a 10-year hiatus and couldn’t shut up about all the books I was reading. 😂 On August 1, 2024, I officially launched book·cation.
How it All Began
When I started reading fiction again, I was immediately sucked in and felt like myself again. I was devouring books and wanted to talk to everyone about them! Now, my husband is amazing and such a good sport, but he could only handle so much, LOL. I was texting and messaging friends + old acquaintances about books nonstop. I realized I just wanted to be able to read, uninterrupted for hours on end.
Having a toddler and a baby meant my life revolved around their schedules; however, I daydreamed of a weekend in a beautiful place where I could read all day long with no one needing me 🙌🏼 So I decided to do it- I texted a few friends to see if they wanted in, and they did! A few friends who couldn’t make it even asked me to let them know next time I do one. Another one? I was only going to plan one. But then I thought, ‘huh…this might be something people are actually looking for!’
And that’s when book·cation was born! All of a sudden I had all these ideas for where I’d want to go, how it would look, and what I would call it. Some of these first ideas included doing it at the Grand Geneva Resort in Wisconsin (✅) and being separated by favorite genre for one of the dinners (✅). I called up two of my best friends and they helped me brainstorm next steps.
Making It Happen
Together, we hosted 3 book·cations with our friends in order to learn more about what I did and didn’t want at our retreats and then in June of 2024 I decided to go for it. By August 1, I had launched my website and social media and registration for our first public retreat went live two months later.
Hosting my first official retreat in April 2025 was so emotional and I was constantly on the verge of tears all weekend 🥹 It was such a dream come true to see this idea God gave me come to life! I loved having some friends and my mom there, but I actually only knew about 40% of the attendees. We had people fly across the country to attend- I’m still kind of in disbelief. (If you’re curious what happens + why people love it, check out these blogs.)
There were 2 retreats in 2025- both in Lake Geneva, WI- and by the end of this year we’ll have held 4 more 🤗 I’ve loved the opportunity these retreats are giving me to learn new skills and embrace others. It’s also allowed me to make so many new connections I never dreamed of and support local communities in a really fun way. Each retreat allows me to connect with authors and small businesses in that specific area and I love giving them a spotlight.
What’s To Come
Now, on our 2 year anniversary, I’m reflecting on this journey and how grateful I am for this community. What started as me just wanting a weekend to read in peace turned into something so much bigger than I ever imagined! It’s brought me new friendships, to new places, and a whole community of readers who get it. I still can’t quite believe this is my life. 🙈
So today, I’m starting something new- a place to keep this community close in between retreats. Book recs, first looks at where we’re headed next, and just… staying in it together, all year long. 📚
I started a Substack, and I’d love for you to be part of it. There’s a free way in, and a paid way with some extra perks (early access for registration, sneak peeks, printables, and more), but either way, I’m just glad to have you along for whatever year three brings.
Come join the community here! 🥂
I don’t know if I’ve said it enough, but I’m incredibly grateful you’re here! 😘 I’m truly so honored and humbled that you’ve trusted me to create this experience for you and I don’t take this responsibility lightly. We have some amazing retreats planned this fall with new locations for 2027 launching soon so make sure to check them out.
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