Katherine Center at State Theatre

Get ready for a swoony night with Katherine Center at the historic State Theatre in Austin, where romance readers and summer-escape seekers can celebrate the release of her newest novel, The Shippers. This special evening is presented in partnership with Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar and promises all the charm, humor, and heart that have made Center a beloved voice in contemporary fiction.

At the center of the story is JoJo Burton, who is determined to crack the code on love during her sister’s destination wedding aboard a cruise ship. Her plan? Woo a long-lost crush with a little help from pop psychology and a lot of hope. The catch? Her childhood best friend Cooper Watts is back in the picture, and their history is equal parts spark, heartbreak, and unfinished business. Expect fake flirting, slow dancing, shared cabins, duet singing, and all the delicious tension of a true second-chance romance.

Here’s what makes the event especially fun:

• Author talk and celebration with one of the most popular names in feel-good fiction
• Book launch energy for The Shippers, a sunshine-soaked rom-com with cruise-ship chaos
• Reserved seating options for general admission guests
• VIP perks that include a signed book and a post-show meet-and-greet
• Books available on site courtesy of Vintage Bookstore & Wine Bar

Katherine Center has built a huge following with her laugh-and-cry novels that blend wit, vulnerability, and big-hearted optimism. Her books often land on best-of lists and have reached even wider audiences through film and streaming adaptations, making this a great night for longtime fans and curious newcomers alike.

If you love stories about messy feelings, second chances, and the magic of finding love where you least expect it, this is the kind of event that feels like a perfect summer read come to life. Bring your rom-com friends, settle into a seat, and get ready for an evening of warmth, laughter, and happily-ever-after vibes.