Tune in to ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ Today to See Alexandria Bookstore in the Spotlight

Catch Friends to Lovers owner Jamie Fortin on the "#What I'm Liking" segment.

By Michele Kettner • Posted April 15, 2025 at 11:43 a.m.

Photo by Emily Sohl

Alexandria’s romance bookstore, Friends to Lovers, has much to celebrate. The store re-opened its doors at the beginning of the month. And now it’s set to make its national debut today when owner Jamie Fortin will appear on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

The bookstore made the announcement on Monday, April 14. Friends to Lovers will be featured on the NBC show during the “#What I’m Liking” segment. The show is set to air today at 2 p.m.

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Friends to Lovers originally opened back in November 2024. After just a few days in business, a fire damaged the building, forcing the store to close. The bookstore took to GoFundMe to start raising funds to renovate a new space and restock its inventory, which was completely destroyed.

In just over four months, the store raised more than the $45,000 needed to get back on its feet.

Now located at 301 Cameron St., the new space features more titles, a reading nook, and plenty of other merchandise.

Feature image by Emily Sohl

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.