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Friday, August 21, 2015

A Visit to Books Etcetera in Ruidoso, New Mexico

Today I want to tell you about a great independent bookstore that operates in the main shopping district of Ruidoso, New Mexico.  I've written about this bookstore before on my other blog (the one I deleted), but I wanted to highlight it again.  It's called Books Etcetera and it's a little gem.  Here's the front:




Becky is the owner and Carla was manning the desk the two times that I visited on this trip.  I had a very nice conversation with Carla about bookstores, blogs, and New Mexico mystery writers.  She gave me a couple of great suggestions for new authors to try, which I'll share below.

This shop carries a great selection of books for all ages.  It also has some needlework and knitting supplies, kids toys, and other gift items.  A little of this and a little of that.  They do have some discounted books to check out as well.  Here's the interior:




And I can't forget the picture I took of Sabrina, the cat that belongs to Books Etcetera.  She was quite comfortable lounging on her own 'private' book cart.  Isn't she a sweetie?




Carla pointed me to two mystery series that I want to check out.  So, naturally, I bought the first book in each series.  First we have End Of The Road by Amy M. Bennett, a local author.  In fact, Amy Bennett has worked at a shop nearby, Noisy Water Winery.  It's not right next door, but very close.  And I managed to get a signed copy!




The second book was The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras.  The author is J. Michael Orenduff.  There are several books in the Pot Thief series.  Both of the books have been winners of the Dark Oak Mystery Contest.  Mr. Orenduff, who at one time was president of New Mexico State University, has won a Lefty Award for best humorous mystery.



I'm looking forward to trying both these books and I'm always happy to support independent bookstores.  If you ever find yourself in Ruidoso, New Mexico, stop by Books Etcetera and visit with Becky, Carla, and Sabrina.  You'll be glad you did!

25 comments:

  1. Indie bookstores are local treasures! We had a second one open here recently and I'm hoping it doesn't affect the first one too much.

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    1. How wonderful! Yes, I would worry about that too, but your local one has some great events. Bet your area could manage more of those.

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  2. This looks like a nice place to visit. Their cat looks right at home. Thanks for sharing your photos.

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    1. Believe me, I should have said the bookstore belongs to the cat. LOL

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  3. I love visiting indie bookstores when I travel. Love the cat pic too.

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    1. I make it a point to check out local bookstores on my travels. They are the best resource for local authors and their employees are often so knowledgeable . :-)

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  4. That does sound like a bookstore to visit! I love hitting a bookstore or more whenever I visit a new city so I'll keep this place in mind if I ever go to Ruidoso. And that cat! Love it!

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    1. It's a great little place! Right on the main street shopping area. And Ruisdoso is great in winter and in summer.

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  5. I'd love to have a bookshop like that nearby - with a little bit of everything thrown in - and a cat! And what a good idea to hunt out local authors while you were there - hope they're both goodies!

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    1. I love visiting bookstores when we are on vacation. Some real gems out there, plus supporting independents.

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  6. I love fun, local bookstores. This one looks like a treasure :)

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    1. It's a good one and they have been smart to expand their offerings into the needlework area. If you like to read and knit or crochet - two for the price of one. LOL

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  7. What a wonderful looking bookstore! If I'm ever out that direction I'll definitely have to plan on stopping in there. I'll have to look for both of these series. I'm especially interested in End of the Road. Thanks for sharing such a great looking place!

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    1. I'm looking forward to the books too. Always nice to ask for recommendations from local booksellers.

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  8. How fun to have a go-to bookstore where you can get great recommendations!

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    1. I try to never miss visiting here when we are in town.

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  9. Love the kitty in the bookstore. If I traveled more, I would love visiting bookstores best. Lovely bookstore, lovely post.

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    1. Thanks, Tracy! It's a fun thing to see bookstores in other parts of the country.

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  10. Thank you so much for the blog post Kay! It was lovely chatting with you during your time here. We absolutely look forward to seeing you again, and I sincerely hope you enjoy the 2 "new" authors!

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    1. Thanks so much, Carla! Look forward to seeing you guys again soon.

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  11. What a cozy bookstore! And any bookstore with a resident animal gets a double thumbs up from me. My local independent bookstore has a dog--she's a favorite among the customers.:-)

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    1. I've seen a lot of cats, but not many dogs. However, I bet the pup is a great favorite.

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  12. Looks like a fun place and I love that you could walk down the street and the get the author to sign a copy!

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Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy to hear your thoughts and will respond as soon as I can. Happy Reading!