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From Cancer Scare to Bookstore Dream: A New Chapter
30 May
Summary
- Mobile bookstore owner Charity Herndon is opening a permanent shop.
- The new literary space is inspired by Regency aesthetics.
- The bookstore's grand opening is scheduled for next Saturday.

A South Jersey author is transitioning her mobile bookstore into a permanent literary haven in Bordentown, N.J., marking a significant new phase in her career. Charity Herndon, the visionary behind 'Austen's Shelf,' a bookstore housed in a 98-square-foot trailer, is preparing for the grand opening of her brick-and-mortar location.
Herndon's journey began unexpectedly during a personal health crisis, a breast cancer scare experienced about a year ago. This challenging period unexpectedly inspired the creation of her mobile bookstore, which has operated successfully for the past ten months. The growing popularity of 'Austen's Shelf' and its diverse selection of books, from thrillers to regency romance, fueled Herndon's ambition to expand.
The new store promises a 'regency-inspired' ambiance, mirroring the charm of the original trailer. Herndon, 30, views this expansion as a momentous 'pinch me moment.' The original mobile unit will continue its travels across New Jersey, while the new Bordentown shop prepares for its grand opening next Saturday, details of which are available on the AustensShelf.com website.