What better way to escape the bitter cold and grey of central Ohio this February than through a book? And what better place to look for a book than Escape Into Fiction, downtown Powell’s newest bookstore?  

The evolution of April and Michael Rock’s Escape Into Fiction began in March of 2020, when the couple decided to open an online, home-delivery bookstore. Their first brick-and-mortar opened in Franklin, Massachusetts in 2021, after the Rocks relocated to New England; the residents of Franklin simply adored the new bookstore in their community.   

A few years later, when Michael was offered a job opportunity in Ohio, the couple returned–this time with a goal of opening a brick-and-mortar in central Ohio. It took April and Michael about a year to find the perfect location, but they ultimately decided on downtown Powell, which they fell in love with because of its “quaint downtown feel.” Although the couple’s new bookstore is smaller than their previous location in Massachusetts, they have managed to stock all of the books they love whilst still maintaining a relaxing, open ambiance.

While making choices about the inventory and aesthetic of their store, the Rocks kept in mind their goal of ensuring customers have a “fun and relaxing experience whether [they’re] shopping, at an event, or just browsing the shelves.” They accomplished this by choosing soothing colors and bright, natural overhead lighting as well as by playing background music. 

“We want [our customers] to feel that this is their bookstore, not just a store that sells books,” said April. 

When asked what inspired her to open a bookstore, April shared that it has always been her dream: 

“I’ve been an avid reader from the beginning and have always found ways to incorporate that love into a career,” she shared. 

Those careers have ranged from being a preschool teacher, to working in a library and now to owning a bookstore. April’s personal favorite genres are mystery-thriller and romance, while Mike is big on fantasy–a section of the store he enjoys curating the most. 

“We sell anything fiction, but we special order any book (even non-fiction) for our customers,” said April. “I absolutely love working on the children’s section as well.”

There are lots of exciting things in the works for Escape into Fiction, which started its first book club in January, featuring a romantasy (romance fantasy) retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Bonded by Thorns, and a suspense mystery, And There He Kept Her.

Also in January was the bookstore’s “Bling a Book” event, where those that signed up were able to decorate the cover of their favorite book with sparkling gems. 

This past December, the bookstore partnered with Megan’s Mission to donate books for the libraries at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 

“We love partnering with other businesses and local charities,” said April. 

Other unique experiences/services the bookstore offers include “blind dates with a book” and “bookish gifts and puzzles for those that may not need a book but still want something book related.”  

April shares that, so far, the store’s bestseller has been a novel called Buckeye by Patrick Ryan, a historical fiction story of two Ohioan families over the course of several generations. 

“It is one I am constantly reordering,” she says. 

April and Michael would be delighted to welcome you to their store should you choose to check out Buckeye or any of the other merchandise, books and events Escape into Fiction has to offer: 

“We love meeting new customers, making recommendations and having meaningful conversations with the residents in Powell,” April says. “I’m pretty good with faces, but over time I strive to remember your names as well.” 

That’s something you certainly won’t find when ordering off of popular websites or shopping at corporate bookstores. Learn about Escape into Fiction’s upcoming events by following them on social media and checking out the events page of their website, escapeintofiction.com. Shop local this February!