fantasy reading retreat for women and nonbinary readers
burn so bright
the darkness trembles
Captain Whidbey Inn | Whidbey Island, Washington
April 23-25, 2027
Featuring The Kindred’s Curse Saga by Penn Cole
Guest count: Approximately 20
registration info
Registration will open first with early bird pricing to members of the Found Family Club, before opening to our email list.
Registration times are as follows:
Membership Community: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 12pm ET
Email List: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 2pm ET
If tickets are not sold out, they will be made available to the public at full price on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
PICTURE THIS
You arrive at a historic inn nestled amidst Pacific Northwest forest…
You’re there to meet a gaggle of other fantasy lovers to swap fan theories and swoon over your favorite book boyfriends with.
Or perhaps you’d prefer to spend your time quietly reading in a cozy nook with some herbal tea and a blanket.
Maybe you’d like to venture outside and kayak or visit a local geographical wonder, just like your favorite fantasy characters.
No matter what you choose, we know there is magic waiting for you at this enchanted fantasy retreat.
WHAT BOOKS ARE WE DISCUSSING?
spark of the everflame, glow of the everflame, heat of the everflame, and burn of the everflame by penn cole
Yearning. Burning. Hot princes and powerful queens…
This captivating saga features slow burn enemies to lovers, magic, and the strength it takes to step into your power and challenge oppressive rulers. From the heart-stopping romance to the riveting world-building and fantasy plot, we’re sure to have plenty to discuss throughout this magical weekend.
Whether you want to gush over how hot Luther is, discuss Diem’s character development, or dive deep into the world-building and fan theories, this space was designed for you.
This event is independently organized and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the author or publisher.
You want to connect with other women and nonbinary people who love to read fantasy and just get you
You need people in your life who know what you’re talking about when you bring up a sexy prince who’s willing to kneel in the blood of your enemies
You want to make lifelong friendships with people who have similar interests
You know your found family of readers exists, but you can’t find anyone near you
You want a few days to escape from the real world and travel to a place that feels like a different realm
You are 21+
This reading retreat is for you if:
hear from past retreat guests
“As someone who attended solo, I immediately felt included and comfortable. It was the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, books, and friendship. I’m so grateful for the experience and the memories made, and I would absolutely attend another retreat hosted by this team.”
— Perrin F.“After going on my third retreat, I can't wait to go another! It's amazing the friendships that can be built over a shared love of books, fae, dragons, and whimsy in just a few days. Right after getting back, I'm already planning a long weekend trip with my new book besties!”
— Sarah E.“This was my second retreat and I will definitely be coming back for more! As an adult it can be so hard to make friends but attending the retreats you really do find your Found Family. The attendees naturally have so much in common that it's easy to connect with others. I always feel like I can be my more true, natural self and that it's appreciated.”
— Libby P.
Photo credit: Captain Whidbey
What’s included?
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The historic Captain Whidbey rests on Whidbey Island, Washington. With your own private room decorated to make you maximum amounts of cozy, this will be the perfect place to unwind and create space for creativity.
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All meals are included starting with dinner on Friday night and ending with breakfast on Sunday.
Have an allergy or other kind of food restriction? We’ve got you covered. You’ll have an option at checkout to tell us what your specific needs are!
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We will have scheduled times to meet to discuss topics from the books, our favorite characters, and anything else your hearts desire!
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All activities on our itinerary, inspired by the books we all love so much, are included.
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A privately designated meeting room for the weekend just for our group!
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Because no retreat is complete without a few things for you to take home that will serve as reminders of your magical time with Forest & Fawn retreats. Whether this weekend brings you new book besties to swap conspiracy theories with or simply a much needed break from a hectic day-to-day, we want you to remember this time forever.
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You’ll have access to a private group forum before and after your retreat. This is a great chance to connect with other fantasy-lovers (if you choose) and keep in touch once the retreat is over. Say hello to your new book besties!
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It’s all taken care of! All you have to do is book your travel, then sit back and relax!
Captain whidbey
Located on the whimsical and stunning Whidbey Island, the Captain Whidbey Inn is a charming historic lodge full of magic. Whether you want to walk the rocky beach, watch for whales, take a stroll through nature, or sit in a cozy nook with your latest read, this destination is sure to provide you with everything you need.
Accommodations
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King Lodge Room
Early Bird: $1,850
Full Price: $1,950
Enjoy a luxurious King Room in the Historic Lodge building.
Note: all historic lodge rooms share bathrooms that will be exclusive to Forest & Fawn guests for the weekend.
This ticket is only available for single occupancy.
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Queen Lodge Room
Early Bird: $1,795
Full Price: $1,895
This ticket is for a Queen Room in the Historic Lodge.
Note: all historic lodge rooms share bathrooms that will be exclusive to Forest & Fawn guests for the weekend.
This ticket is only available for single occupancy.
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Private Lagoon Room
Early Bird: $1,995
Full Price: $2,095
This ticket is for a luxurious Private King Lagoon Room, and has a maximum occupancy of one.
This room comes with a private bathroom.
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Shared Lagoon Room
Early Bird: $1,895
Full Price: $1,995
This ticket is for Queen Bed in a double Lagoon Room. This is perfect for those traveling with a friend or those who are looking to have more quality one on one time with another reader.
Roommate assignments will be random unless noted at checkout. If you are traveling with a friend, you will both need to purchase a ticket and request each other as a roommate at checkout.
This room has a private bathroom.
Getting there
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE: Check in starts at 3:00 pm on Friday, November 6th, 2026. Check out is at 11:00 am on Sunday, November 8th, 2026.
Plane: The closest major airport to Whidbey Island is Sea-Tac International Airport. There are also a number of smaller airports closer to the island if you wish to take that route.
Car: If you are driving from the South, note there is a ferry crossing. As we get closer to the retreat dates, you can access ferry schedules here.
You can access Captain Whidbey’s travel recommendations here.
Want first access to registration? join our membership!
Be part of the Found Family Club!
With features like a monthly book club, local chapters, bookish virtual events, and more, this membership will encourage you to connect with fantasy lovers all over the world.
Want to know more about what this membership has to offer?
You Deserve a Weekend Like This.
This isn’t just about reading. It’s about remembering who you are when life gets quiet.
FAQs
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If you wish to cancel your retreat you must notify our team via email at hello@forestandfawnretreats.com. Refunds will not be available within 60 days of the event.
Ticket prices include a $250 non-refundable, transferrable deposit. A refund on a ticket (minus $250 deposit) is contingent on whether or not Forest & Fawn can fill the guests slot before 60 days prior to the event, for sold out events only. For non-sold out events there are no refunds on payments made, and you are responsible for the entirety of your payment plan. For sold out events, if your guest slot is filled, a refund will be issued within 14 days. If you paid using Afterpay, you can request a refund from Afterpay within 120 of the purchased. If your refund is being issued outside of the 120 day window, your refund will be sent via Zelle from Forest & Fawn. Exceptions to our cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early.
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Yes! Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase at the inn bar, but if you prefer herbal tea, that will be available all day at no extra cost!
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If you book a shared room, you will have an option in checkout to request a roommate! Make sure you both add each other to your order to ensure you end up in the same room.
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Yes! Well, as long as you take breaks to eat and use the restroom. This retreat is made for YOU. All activities are optional.
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Yes! Whatever your restrictions are, we’ve got you covered. Or rather, the staff at the Lodge at St. Edwards has you covered.
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Yes! You can choose to check out with AfterPay at checkout for orders up to $2,000.
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This retreat is for YOU. That means that nothing is mandatory. If you want to curl up and read in your luxurious bed all day, go for it. If you want to take your lunch on the road and see the natural wonders of the area, by all means. Our activities are solely here as options to enhance your experience.
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Due to the capacity of our venue, daypasses are not available for this retreat.