It was like opening a book jacket into a giant book, when I opened the door into ‘Book-ish’, located in Crickhowell. I looked up at the words ‘Book Dust’ above the shop door and let it settle on me.
I was Alice in Wonderland, as I explored the various rooms; and it became ‘curiouser and curiouser’. Besides the books, treasures greeted me in every nook and cranny. There were: cards, bags, soft toys, baubles, ornaments, but no sign of Captain Hook.
Passing through magical corridor from the main bookshop, I heard a little boy saying, “Wow!” to his mother, as they followed a staircase down into the children’s section.
And I hope that the little boy managed to find Harry Potter under the stairs, or perhaps he found some ‘read me labels’. Beyond the magical corridor, I was greeted with the aroma of coffee, alas there were no seats.
A gentleman, wearing a white shirt and waistcoat, looked up from his book. “Oh dear!” he declared. “I think there’s more seating upstairs.” he muttered, into his book.
Upstairs, there was a beautiful loft with a picture window framing a view of the Brecon Beacons, and plenty of seating. A selection of wine was on display behind the bar that was decorated with lots of books. Various word and book games were scattered around for the customers to enjoy. 
Clearly, this bookshop has been set up by a true book lover who values time to read, chat and eat. The ‘Book-ish’ cake menu has been designed to tempt the reader to stay. I chose The Queen of Hearts’ Bakewell Tarts. ‘Book-ish’ is a haven from the chaotic pace of modern life and a bibliophile’s dream.
I was writing for some time and taking pictures of the treasures, but no one asked questions. I had entered a world of like-minded bookworms. It felt as if I had travelled into cyberspace to meet my virtual friends. 
Indeed, I was delighted that Sara Gethin’s book, ‘Not Thomas’ was there to keep me company. The bookshop also hosts events in the loft space, and I couldn’t help wondering if Heidi also lives up there too. I did find out that ‘The Snowman’ will be brought to life in the bookshop by Looby Lou. I stayed in the shop for some time and imagined hosting a Books in Handbag meeting. I visualised bags and bags of books like a stairway to Heidi’s star filled sky.
I purchased a book entitled ‘Kindness: the little thing that matters the most’, by Jaimie Thurston. Indeed, the bookshop owner is spreading kindness to her customers by providing a reading space and not limiting time in the shop. 
My Twitter and Facebook friends will understand my delight when I was handed my treasure in a brown bag that read, ‘BOOKS ARE MY BAG.’ I also discovered that the bookshop opened in the same month I launched my Books in my Handbag Blog.
Closing the door on the Bookish Narnia, I felt happy that I would return before the ‘Book Dust’ settles. In the meantime, I must spread the word amongst my bookish community. Please don’t be late for this ‘very important date’ at ‘Book-ish’: a feast for the bookworm’s senses!
‘Sharing good news spreads positivity, changes attitudes and ultimately leads to more people feeling happy and encouraged.’
Kindness: the little thing that matters the most’, by Jaimie Thurston
Please see all my adventures at Handbag Adventures and my blog at jessiecahalin.com.