Pride, Prejudice, and Popcorn: When Jane Austen Meets Modern Romance at Philly’s Newest Bookish Haven
Since junior high, Jane Austen’s words have been my constant companions. Her wit, wisdom, and razor-sharp social commentary have guided me through countless life chapters. From dog-eared copies of Pride and Prejudice to late-night readings of Jane Austen’s works have been more than just stories—they’ve been a form of literary therapy, offering comfort and clarity when modern life becomes too overwhelming.

Cupid’s Bookstore
Philadelphia’s first dedicated romance bookstore, Cupid’s Bookshop, opened its doors this spring in Manayunk at 106 Grape Street. Owner Tina Long has created a judgment-free haven for romance lovers, stocking about 700 titles that span every imaginable love story – from contemporary and historical romance to more fantastical tales featuring aliens, werewolves, and vampires.

Beyond just books, the charming 600-square-foot space offers romantic-themed accessories like coffee mugs, greeting cards, bookmarks, reading lamps, and candles. The store regularly hosts author signings and book clubs, making it a vibrant hub for Philadelphia’s romance reading community. It’s open six days a week (closed Mondays), with extended hours on Saturdays for those looking to find their next literary love affair.
An Evening of Enchantment
There’s something magical about watching a Jane Austen-inspired film in a city as storied as Philadelphia. As Sony Pictures Classics releases “Jane Austen Wrecked My Life” (now showing in select theaters and releasing worldwide on May 30th), I found myself amid an enchanting VIP celebration at Cupid’s Bookstore—a fitting sanctuary for both contemporary romantics and devoted Austenites.

The Setting: A Bookish Paradise
Walking into Cupid’s feels like stepping into a love letter to literature itself. Floor-to-ceiling shelves create intimate nooks where you can lose yourself in both classic romance and modern love stories. On this particular evening, the space transformed into a regency-era dream, with The Happy Traveler Mobile elevating the experience through their expertly crafted mocktails.
Sips & Sophistication
The evening’s libations were worthy of a Regency ball:
- The Francais Sorbet—a delightful blend of peach nectar, raspberry syrup, and lemonade—transported us to the sun-drenched orchards of Pemberley
- The Pride and Hibiscus, featuring hibiscus iced tea, rose water, honey, and orange, offered a refreshing twist that even the particular Mr. Darcy would approve of

Literary Revelry
Between sips and literary trivia rounds (who knew so many of us could quote Pride and Prejudice by heart?), conversations flowed as naturally as the mocktails. Fellow Austenites shared their favorite adaptations, debated the most swoon-worthy heroes, and playfully argued whether Emma Woodhouse or Elizabeth Bennet would have been more successful on modern dating apps.
Reading as Self-Care: A Modern Take
In our fast-paced digital world, there’s something profoundly healing about losing yourself in a well-loved book. Reading Austen isn’t just entertainment—it’s a form of self-care that I’ve practiced for decades. Whether it’s escaping to the Bath assembly rooms or wandering the grounds of Northanger Abbey, these literary adventures offer a much-needed respite from our modern anxieties. It’s about carving out time for yourself, wrapped in the comfort of familiar words and timeless wisdom.

The Timeless Appeal
What makes Austen’s work so eternally relevant—and so beautifully destructive to our realistic expectations of love—is her ability to craft romance that feels both impossibly perfect and startlingly real. “Jane Austen Wrecked My Life” plays with this duality, exploring how her timeless tales continue to shape our modern expectations of love, for better or worse.
A Night to Remember
As the evening drew to a close, we each left with thoughtfully curated gift bags—a new book to add to our collections and charming trinkets that would make excellent additions to any Austen enthusiast’s treasure trove. Between the worn spines of vintage Austen collections and the fresh pages of contemporary romance novels at Cupid’s, there’s a tangible reminder that while courtship rituals may have evolved from formal balls to dating apps, the heart’s fundamental desires remain unchanged.

A Bookish Evening
The beauty of discovering this film at Cupid’s lies in the shared experience. Both the reader and the read. Just as Austen’s characters found themselves entangled in society’s romantic expectations, we too navigate the delicate balance between fictional ideals and real-world love. And sometimes, just sometimes, reality manages to be even more enchanting than fiction. This is especially true when accompanied by perfectly crafted mocktails and the company of fellow romance enthusiasts.

So here’s to letting Jane Austen wreck our lives, one romantic notion at a time. After all, there are worse ways to be ruined than by believing in the kind of love. This has captivated readers for centuries. And if you need me, I’ll be at Cupid’s. I’ll be adding to my collection of beautiful disasters—one love story at a time. A special thank you to Sony Pictures Classic, Allied Global Marketing, and the new Cupid’s Bookstore for having me.