Katherine Morgan is the energetic owner of Portland's first all-romance bookstore. Her enthusiasm for the genre is sincere and contagious. Perhaps that's why this Black-woman-owned business, located on 10th Avenue, right across from Multnomah County's Main Library, came in Number 1 in this year's Oregonian Readers Choice awards.
Per The Oregonian, May 25, 2025 edition:
"The city’s first romance bookstore only opened its brick-and-mortar downtown in October [2024], but it’s since become a staple for romance authors and readers alike. Customers appreciate the store's inclusivity — it’s a Black- and woman-owned business — as well as its commitment to uplifting the genre. 'For a long time, romance was taken as a very unserious genre because the audience was primarily women,' one reader said. 'It’s wonderful to see the cultural shift, and Grand Gesture is a big part of it.' Not a romance reader? Hold tight, because owner Katherine Morgan can turn any 'skeptic into a true believer.”
Katherine's message to her customers: "I believe that there's a happy ending for everyone, and I will work my hardest to help you find a book to love. Whether you're a seasoned romance lover or someone who is about to start their first foray into the genre, welcome!"
Grand Gestures can be found at 814 S.W. 10th Ave. and @grandgesturebooks on Instagram
- KBOO