By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Editor
Tracy Martinez-Tennis has a long history with the mountain. Her family has had a home here for more than 25 years. “I came up here a lot,” Martinez-Tennis said. “And my daughters grew up here.”
She inherited the house when her parents passed away. “It was the first place I came after my Dad passed,” she said. “And I came right after my Mom passed. It’s where I can sleep. It’s a good reminder of my Mom and the family.”
Martinez-Tennis and her husband, Brandon Tennis, love to travel. She and her daughter, Briana, 17, are readers.
“I noticed there was no bookstore close to us on the mountain,” Martinez-Tennis said. In her travels, she always tries to find a unique bookstore. “I thought, ‘I can do that.” And she started looking for a building.
Her new bookstore, Reigning Pages, opened in Agua Fria on Aug. 31, which would have been her father’s birthday.
At a “paint a brick” event, guests will be able to create “books” similar to these.
“I wanted to create a safe space with areas that are like your own living room, as if you’re sitting in your own library,” Martinez-Tennis said.
“When you walk in, I hope you feel that inclusivity.”
Briana worked with her mother to choose the books they would initially offer. The shop has a wide variety of genres, from thrillers to history. They are soliciting ideas from their customers and are adding titles and genres based on those suggestions.
“Someone asked for graphic novels,” Martinez-Tennis said. Someone else asked for philosophy books, which are on order, as are local history books.
Martinez-Tennis envisions holding a variety of events at the shop. Not only will she host book clubs for adults but wants to have clubs and events for children and young adults. She is fascinated by the idea of a silent reading club, where folks can come, relax and read their books – or listen to audio books – in silence without being disturbed.
Her first event at Reigning Pages will be “paint a brick” with artist Danella Gerish on Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Martinez-Tennis will provide the bricks, paint and brushes; she anticipates there being wine and charcuterie. The fee for the two-hour event will be $45. The finished bricks will resemble books; she has two examples on display of The Complete Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe and The Secret Garden.
In the warmer weather, Martinez-Tennis looks forward to hosting events – like book-themed birthday parties – on the shop’s large deck that overlooks the forest behind the shop.
Reigning Pages is more than a bookstore. Brandon Tennis mans the coffee bar at the rear of the shop. “It just seemed logical,” Martinez-Tennis said. “Books and coffee go together.” And tea drinkers can enjoy their beverage of choice as well.
Scattered throughout the bookstores are some vintage typewriters. Customers are encouraged to leave a thought on them, typing just one word or a sentence.
Martinez-Tennis is filled with ideas for the shop as it evolves. Perhaps she will create a fairy garden in the back. Briana suggested having folks paint memorial rocks for their lost pets; those would be placed around the water feature the graces the property.
Someone came in not long after the shop opened and did their homework. A teacher came in to prepare lessons for the week. “I wanted to create a spot where people feel welcome,” Martinez-Tennis said.
Where did the name come from? Martinz-Tennis’ late mother was from England. “I went with royalty because of my Mom. This bookstore is ‘reigning’ over the mountain. And it is ‘raining’ pages.” The crown in their logo is an English touch and the teacup is a nod to her mother having her cup of tea.
Currently Reigning Pages is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 26890 Highway 189 in Agua Fria. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
0 Comments