WESTBOROUGH, Mass. – Several local booksellers received a special holiday bonus this year from author James Patterson.

Beth Orsini was one of 32 workers in Massachusetts, and 600 across the country, who received a $500 dollar bonus from the best-selling author. Orsini owns Hygge House Books in Westborough.

"I think James Patterson is so prolific,” Orsini said. “I don't know how he does everything. I actually used to teach middle school and he does a lot for kids and adults. I think it's amazing he gives back to the community like this because indie book sellers work really hard and we're in a tough age for it."

In a post on the social media platform X, Patterson said booksellers save lives and what they do is crucial.

Employees were able to nominate themselves, or be recommended by store owners, managers, peers, community members and others.