Welcome to The Story Grove! If you’re new here, I’m Kristin – book lover, curator, and founder of this little corner of the internet dedicated to helping you find your next great read without the guesswork.
Let me start with a confession: I spend an embarrassing amount of time researching books before I recommend them.
Not because I don’t enjoy a wide range of books myself – I do! But because I’ve noticed something: there’s a huge gap in the market for readers who want compelling stories across all genres without explicit sexual content. Maybe they want books they can confidently recommend to their teenage daughter. Or share with their book club that spans multiple generations. Or give as gifts without worrying about content surprises.
These readers exist everywhere – but finding books for them? That takes work.
Sound familiar?
That’s exactly why I started The Story Grove. I saw an unmet need, and I wanted to fill it. Today, I want to pull back the curtain and show you exactly how I curate books – so you can understand what makes a story “worth sharing.”
The One Thing I Filter For (And Everything I Don’t)
Here’s the thing that makes The Story Grove different: I curate for ONE specific thing – sexual content.
That’s it. That’s my filter.
I keep spice levels at a 2 or below (think closed-door romance, fade-to-black scenes, or books where romance isn’t the focus at all). Everything else? Fair game.
What This Means for You:
You WILL find:
- Books that make you ugly-cry
- Thrillers that keep you up past midnight
- Fantasy with real stakes and morally gray characters
- Historical fiction that stays with you for weeks
- Complex themes and emotional depth
- Stories with violence, difficult topics, or dark moments
You WON’T find:
- Explicit sexual content
- Detailed intimate scenes
- Books where steam takes priority over story
This isn’t about creating a “safe” reading experience or limiting you to light, fluffy reads. It’s about giving you the freedom to explore ANY genre without worrying about one specific type of content.
My Book Selection Process
So how do I actually choose which books make it into our Story Boxes and Wrapped Reads? Let me walk you through it:
Step 1: Start With What I Know and Love
I begin with books I’ve personally read and adored – stories that grabbed me, moved me, or made me want to immediately tell everyone about them. These form the foundation of my recommendations.
But The Story Grove isn’t limited to just my reading list! That’s where the research comes in.
Step 2: Hunt for Hidden Gems
I’m constantly searching for compelling stories through:
📚 Curated lists I trust – Reese’s Book Club picks, carefully selected Goodreads lists, award winners, and recommendations from fellow readers who share my values
⭐ Deep research on Goodreads and beyond – I’m not just looking for high ratings. I want books with wide appeal that resonate with readers across different ages and preferences
🔍 Genre exploration – From cozy mysteries to psychological thrillers, heartwarming contemporary to epic fantasy. If it’s a great story, I want to find it
Step 3: The Crucial Content Verification
This is where the magic (and the work) happens.
For every book I consider, I thoroughly research the sexual content level. I read reviews, check content guides, consult trusted sources, and often read sample chapters myself.
Here’s what I’m looking for:
- Does romance stay mostly off-page or fade-to-black?
- Are there detailed intimate scenes?
- What’s the overall spice level on a scale of 0-5?
If a book scores above a 2 on spice, it doesn’t make the cut – no matter how good the story is.
But here’s what I’m NOT filtering:
- Violence or action sequences
- Dark or difficult themes
- Complex emotional content
- Scary or suspenseful moments
- Historical events or trauma
- Morally gray characters
Because great storytelling often includes these elements! And you deserve access to compelling books across all genres without having to compromise.
Step 4: The Final Question
Before any book makes it into a Story Box or becomes a Wrapped Read, I ask myself:
“Would I confidently hand this book to my teenage daughter? My mother? My book club? A friend who asked for a great recommendation?”
If the answer is yes – if I can share it without hesitation or disclaimers about content – it belongs at The Story Grove.
Real Examples From Our Upcoming Boxes
Let me show you what this looks like in practice:
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
- Genre: Cozy Fantasy
- What it includes: Magic, found family, sweet romance, cottage-core vibes
- Why it fits: Like a warm hug in book form, with gentle romance that never goes explicit
- Spice level: 1
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- What it includes: WWII setting, violence, trauma, heartbreaking themes, devastating emotional moments
- Why it fits: This powerful story about two sisters in Nazi-occupied France will absolutely wreck you – but contains no explicit sexual content. It’s proof that “clean” doesn’t mean light or easy
- Spice level: 0-1
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
- Genre: Romantic Fantasy
- What it includes: Fantasy violence, morally gray characters, witty banter, closed-door romance
- Why it fits: Despite the villain theme and action, the romance stays sweet and the story is absolutely delightful
- Spice level: 1
See the range? From cozy comfort reads to devastating historical fiction to whimsical fantasy – all curated with the same promise: compelling storytelling with minimal sexual content.
Why This Matters
Because you shouldn’t have to choose between “safe but boring” or “interesting but potentially uncomfortable.”
You deserve:
- Books that challenge and move you
- Stories that span every genre and mood
- The freedom to read without constant content anxiety
- Recommendations you can trust and share confidently
That’s what “Stories Worth Sharing” means at The Story Grove.
Small Business Bonus: The Perfect Pairings
Once I’ve selected the perfect book, the fun really begins! I get to curate 3-6 gift items from small businesses that enhance the reading experience.
How I choose the pairings:
Start with the story – What would make this book even more special? A cozy mystery might pair beautifully with artisan tea, while a romantasy could call for a handmade candle with magical vibes
Source from small businesses – I work with makers and artisans through platforms like Faire, local Michigan craftspeople, and vendors I meet at markets
Create an experience – Every item is chosen to complement the book and create a complete, curated moment
For example, our upcoming Remarkably Bright Creatures Story Box includes items that inspired by the ocean – think fresh coastal scents and sea creatures. It’s not just a book. It’s an experience.
What’s Coming Next
Our website launches November 15th with our full collection of Story Boxes, Deluxe Story Boxes, and Wrapped Reads!
You’ll also find us at West Michigan craft markets starting November 22nd in Allendale, where you can browse our Wrapped Reads in person, chat with me about what you’re in the mood to read, and discover your next favorite story.
The bottom line: At The Story Grove, you get access to compelling books across ALL genres with ONE simple promise – minimal sexual content. That’s it. That’s the filter.
Everything else? Wide open for exploration.
Ready to discover your next favorite story? Sign up for our newsletter to get early access to our November launch, exclusive market updates, and book recommendations delivered straight to your inbox.
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