Twice Upon a Time Books

08/04/2025

🦸‍♀️ Superheroes + blind date books = a match made in multiverse heaven.

This January 17, 2026, I’ll be popping up at Superhero Saturday with fandom-themed blind date books for every kind of hero, villain, or morally gray heartthrob.

Come find your next bookish obsession—wrapped, mysterious, and ready to sweep you off your feet. 🧚‍♀️✨

🦸‍♂️💥 It’s back, heroes! 💥🦸‍♀️
Join us for the 7th Annual Superhero Saturday, where fandom meets fun!

📅 January 17, 2026
🕙 10 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Metro Center | Phoenix, AZ

🎉 We’re beyond excited to announce our first guest , the legendary cosplayer and creator, ! 🙌✨

🎭 Cosplay • Comic Artists• Contests • Family Fun • More surprises coming soon!

🧡 All ages welcome. FREE to attend. Costumes encouraged!

🔗 Details at superherosaturday.org

07/23/2025

Me and these blind date books will be starting 2026 at Superhero Saturday—and if you’ve been thinking about doing an event or getting your fandom-based biz out into the world, this is such a good one to start with.

It’s only $25 to exhibit (or $20 with code PFF2026) and it’s super chill, family-friendly, and full of folks who actually get what you’re doing—makers, cosplayers, comic lovers, collectors, and small biz dreamers.

Saturday, Jan 17, 2026
Metro District, Phoenix
10am–4:30pm

Over 4,000 people came through last year, and promo runs everywhere—from local TV to 150+ QuikTrip stores. Plus, the January weather in Phoenix? Yes, please.

Spots go fast—there are only 100—and I’d really love to see more amazing small businesses out there alongside me. Let's do this!

Important note: Lieutenant Mark Schweikert is the only event manager. Always double check the link—this is the real one:
superherosaturday.org/events/2026-superhero-saturday-exhibit

FB: Superhero Saturday

If you end up registering, tell me so I can come fangirl over your booth!! Hope to see you there. ❤️

06/24/2025

✨ Phoenix friends! ✨

Looking for something fun to do this Saturday, June 28? I’ve got three bookish itineraries—whether you’re hanging with the kiddos, brunching with your bestie, or flying solo in search of ice cream and AC.

📍 BUT FIRST: come see me at Sip & Story Saturday!
I’ll be at Fontaine & Co. from 9AM–1PM with blind date books wrapped and ready to surprise you. Think romance, thrillers, fantasy, and maybe your next favorite read. 💌

Then pick your vibe:
👶 With Kids – pancakes, books, and bouncing at Uptown Jungle
🧋 With Your Bestie – pop-up magic, mimosas, and a mystery haul
🧠 Casual & Cool – library wanderings, brainy fun, and ice cream in a donut

👉 Swipe through or check the feed for your perfect route!

04/10/2025

Some people judge a book by its cover... I’m over here judging by format. 😅

When it comes to holding a real, cozy book in your hands — are you Team Hardcover or Team Paperback?

(There are no wrong answers... unless you dog-ear pages. Kidding. Mostly.)

04/09/2025

3 more days! Let's gooooo... get a book!

04/04/2025

Lookin’ for your next dance partner?

I’ll be matchin’ folks with books that’ll sweep you right off your boots at the Country Backroads Market on Saturday, April 12 from 10AM to 2PM at Mother Nature’s Farm in Gilbert!

📚 Surprise reads, handpicked and wrapped with charm
🎶 DJ tunes, handmade treasures, and western-inspired vibes
👢 No cowboy hat required—but it sure wouldn’t hurt

Come say howdy and let’s find the story that’s gonna two-step into your heart.
I’m Alyssa, your Book Matchmaker behind Twice Upon a Time Books—and I’d love to see ya there!

04/02/2025

If this ain’t your first rodeo, welcome back, bookish buddy.

And if it is—well, let me tip my hat and say howdy! 🤠

I’m Alyssa, your Book Matchmaker behind Twice Upon a Time Books, where every story’s preloved, wrapped in twine, and ready to sweep you off your boots.

I’ll be settin’ up shop at the Country Backroads Market on Saturday, April 12 from 10AM to 2PM at Mother Nature’s Farm in Gilbert, AZ (📍1663 E Baseline Rd).

Come early for the best reads—these surprise books go quick, and I’ve got fresh picks to wet your whistle:
small-town love,
grumpy cowboys,
haunted houses,
desert magic,
Southern secrets,
and stories that'll stick with you like red dirt on boots.

So saddle up, swing by, and let’s rustle you up a new favorite read!

03/25/2025

Is this one in your TBR?

03/24/2025

03/22/2025

Such an incredible opportunity to meet the brilliant Whitney Clark and show off these amazing stories--waiting for their new owner. It could be you! 😀

Thank you again, Whitney, and the Arizona Family team!

💛 BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK 💛

Such a treat meeting the owner of Twice Upon a Time Books this weekend! Alyssa buys used books, wraps them up, and writes a description on the cover! You can pick one and it will be a nice lil' surprise. It's been a super fun trend you see at bookstores. Alyssa sells books at markets across the Valley and shares updates on social media of where you can find her!

Full interview will be on the azfamily 3TV CBS 5 website 📖📖📖

03/18/2025

So flippin' excited that I get to attend this through work and hear from some absolute bookish and local business community rockstars! ✨

First up, Cindy Dach—aka indie bookstore royalty. She’s the powerhouse behind Changing Hands and First Draft Book Bar (yes, a book bar, let's go!). The way she’s built a thriving, book-loving community is truly inspiring.

Then there’s Sahar Modares, a storytelling and branding wizard who helps people find their voice and make an impact. Basically, when she drops wisdom, I’m taking notes.

Also hyped to hear from Lynita Johnson (PR and marketing queen) and Justine Bibb (local biz champion and one of the best connectors I know).

If you're interested in joining me in Peoria on April 2, check out the details here: https://localfirstaz.com/good-business

Honestly, just feeling super lucky that this is my day job. Let’s gooo!

Check out these amazing humans and follow their work:
modares

linkedin.com/in/justine-bibb-39508214a/

03/13/2025

If you love a good market stroll, fresh finds, and the thrill of unwrapping a mystery book like it’s your birthday, here’s where I’ll be:

📍 Saturday, March 22 – Open Air Market & Produce Giveaway
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Heart & Soil People’s Garden, Phoenix
Fresh produce, local vendors, and good vibes only. If you love shopping small, supporting sustainability, and grabbing a surprise-wrapped book, this is your spot.

📍 Sunday, March 30 – Farm to Mesa Market
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 104 East 1st Ave, Mesa
Come for the farm-fresh goodies, stay for the perfectly chaotic blend of market magic and community charm. I’ll be there with my stash of preloved books, ready to find their next match.

📍 Saturday, April 12 – Desert Creative Market
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Mother Nature Farm, Gilbert
One last outdoor market before Arizona turns into an oven. Grab an iced coffee, shop some incredible local vendors, and pick up a surprise-wrapped book to enjoy in the shade.

See you there, book lovers!