Why Renee walked away from her job to open Brisbane’s first romance bookshop
Sydney Morning Herald
by Dominique TassellFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Renee Woolnough, a former senior case manager in corrections with over 20 years of experience, decided to leave her high-pressure job after feeling burned out. Inspired by her love for romance novels, which served as her escape from work stress, she took a bold step to open Brisbane’s first dedicated romance bookshop, *Sweet Chapter Books*. Located on Moggill Road in Taringa, the store offers a wide selection of romance books across various subgenres, along with accessories like stickers and tote bags. Renee’s decision reflects her desire to bring joy to both herself and others by sharing her passion for the genre.
The romance bookshop is part of a growing trend in the publishing industry, where romance novels account for over 3 million sales in Australia, generating $46.4 million in revenue. According to Dr. Rohan Wilson, an award-winning author and creative writing lecturer at QUT, romance has become the largest genre in publishing, with subgenres like rom-com and romantasy driving much of this growth. Authors such as Colleen Hoover and Sarah J. Maas have contributed to the genre’s popularity by blending emotional storytelling with fantasy elements, creating compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
Renee’s shop also highlights the importance of print culture in today’s digital age. Despite the rise of e-books, most romance readers still prefer physical copies, making brick-and-mortar bookstores like *Sweet Chapter Books* a valuable resource for fans of the genre. Additionally, the store serves as a community hub, offering space for book clubs and author signings. Renee is particularly focused on promoting independent authors, stocking works by local writers such as K.E. Barden and Mia K. Rose, which aligns with the growing interest in supporting smaller, diverse voices in literature.
By opening *Sweet Chapter Books*, Renee has
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/14/2026