By Jessica Dillon
Blind Date With a Book was created by Melinda Day as a unique gift for book lovers. Each book is wrapped in colorful paper, with items such as highlighters, tabs, bookmarks, and tea tucked inside. Every selection is handpicked by Day, and special orders based on specific genres are available. The business has already filled more than 100 orders.
Day said her love of reading began early in life and is something she hopes to share with others.
“Some of my earliest memories are of my mom reading to me, all kinds of imaginative stories,” Day said. “A few of my childhood favorites were “Amelia Bedelia, The Berenstain Bears,” and ‘Wacky Wednesday.”
“When I started elementary school, our librarian had such a passion for storytelling and introduced us to ‘The Borrowers’ and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia.’ Like many kids with big imaginations, I immediately longed to step into those worlds,” she said.
Day said she started the business out of a genuine love of reading and sharing stories.
“It also lets me tap into my crafty side,” she said. “Blind Date With a Book allows me the space to be creative and expressive in a way that feels really true to me.”
She said she has always enjoyed wrapping books for friends.
“I believe one of the first Blind Dates I officially wrapped was ‘The Hating Game by Sally Thorne,’” Day said. “I’ve worked with several local small businesses, but I’d especially love to shout out Quantum Copy. I continuously use them for all of my printing needs, and they’ve been wonderful to work with.”
Choosing the items to include with each book can be challenging, she said.
“I’m very particular about what goes into each book,” Day said. “I love colorful and useful add-ons — items that feel special but are also practical. I spend a lot of time designing many of the elements you see in my Blind Dates.”
“One of my favorite requests was picking out a recipe book and getting to design and handpick all of the accompanying items,” she said. “It was such a fun process and felt really unique.”
Day’s fiancé, Adam Davis, said her creativity and care are evident in her work.
“Melinda has always had a creative eye and a big heart, both of which she pours into everything she does,” Davis said. “So, when she came up with the idea of creating blind date books, I knew it would be something that would instantly catch the attention of our community.”
“Her work isn’t just about creating something beautiful; it’s about creating an experience rooted in care, intention, and genuine love for the people she serves,” he said.
Day said fantasy remains her favorite genre.
“Fantasy will always be my favorite genre, in all its forms,” she said. “Growing up, my dad was a huge fan of ‘The Lord of the Rings,” “Star Trek,” “Star Wars,” and comic books. While some of these lean more toward science fiction, they all sparked my love for immersive worlds and storytelling beyond our own.
“That early exposure made it easy to fall in love with fantasy books and movies, especially the world-building and the sense of escape they offer,” she said.
Day said her inspirations include her daughter, fiancé, family, and friends.
“They’re my constant support system, and I know I’m never walking through life alone,” she said. “I’m also inspired by strong, courageous fictional women who fight for love, justice, and equality — characters like Sailor Moon, Padmé Amidala, Princess Leia, Éowyn, and Tohru Honda.”
Outside her small business, Day said life stays busy.
“I’m a lover of movies, books, anime, crafting, animals, coffee, and sweet treats,” she said. “My fiancé owns Daydream Photography, and together we have the most precious little girl. Life is always busy, always full, and truly never dull.”
Blind Date With a Book orders can be placed by messaging Day through the Once Upon a Blind Date Facebook page or by attending a pop-up event. Each Blind Date With a Book is carefully chosen and wrapped by hand.
On Feb. 13, Day will partner with Magnolia & Main owner Traci Morton Knight during the Rose Gold Salon Galentine’s event to sell prepackaged books. The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at 6274 A.L. Philpott Highway, Martinsville.
