South Jersey author expands mobile bookstore into regency‑inspired shop after health scare

BORDENTOWN, N.J. (WPVI) -- A South Jersey author, who launched a bookstore on wheels, is now preparing to open a permanent literary space in Bordentown, N.J., marking what she calls her biggest chapter yet.

Charity Herndon, creator of the mobile bookstore "Austen's Shelf," said the journey to a brick-and-mortar shop began during a difficult period.

"This time last year, I was, like, in the depths of a breast cancer scare," she said.

Herndon told Action News she never imagined that a health crisis would lead her to create a mobile bookstore that would eventually grow into a full-scale store.

"Did you ever, in your wildest dreams, think that a health scare would prompt you to do a mobile bookstore that would eventually turn into a full-fledged brick-and-mortar?" asked Action News Christie Ileto.

"Like, this was beyond my comprehension, and anything I could have ever dreamed for myself," Herndon said.

The new store, which Herndon described as "regency-inspired," reflects the same aesthetic as her 98-square-foot trailer, which she has operated for the past 10 months. Austen's Shelf became popular enough that Herndon decided to expand, offering a wider selection of books ranging from thrillers to regency romance--a nod to her favorite author, Jane Austen.

Herndon, who is 30 years old, said the opening of the permanent location is a "pinch me moment." The original trailer will continue traveling throughout New Jersey.

Herndon's grand opening is scheduled for next Saturday in Bordentown.

Details are available at https://www.austensshelf.com/.