Bookworms Unite!

These godmothers are transforming the bookstore experience with an emphasis on community and a hint of luxury.

The longish venture from Montecito to Summerland for the Summerland Block Party last month paid off with interest, as it included a visit to the newly launched Godmothers in the former Garde space. Godmothers is neither an antique store nor a high-end décor shop, as many of the stores along Lillie Avenue are. Rather, the beautifully renovated 1920s gambrel barn, adorned with the word Godmothers in large letters above the door, is “a bookstore and gathering space” that is best described as a luxury shopping experience – a bookstore. The walls were adorned with neatly placed hardcover and paperback books, and in the back corner of the shop a small, raised platform held two wingback chairs – the perfect space for book signings and author readings. French doors led out to a patio appointed with plenty of outdoor seating for readers to enjoy, as well as a Godmothers Café food truck set to serve customers soon. The “soft opening” was bustling with people, all browsing the shop’s wide-ranging inventory, from young adult books and classics to cookbooks, children’s books, and nonfiction. In the center of the shop, coffee table books in a tasteful spread occupied their rightful place – just a reach away, that is, from the plush couch in front of the fireplace. The bookstore sells candles, journals, children’s toys, and more curated items. 

First impressions rely on a feeling, and the Godmothers’ vibe that co-owners Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and Victoria Jackson wish to convey was in full evidence. Godmothers promotes itself not only as a bookstore but as a community gathering space, a retreat where readers and writers come together and connect through the power of literature and storytelling. 

Godmothers’ official grand opening will take place on September 7th and 8th at 2280 Lillie Ave in Summerland. On September 7^th the opening will include Minh Lê and Dan Santat presenting Built to Last from 11am – Noon.

On September 8 look for In Every Life author Marla Frazee from 11am – Noon. This second day of the Godmothers grand opening event will also include an “Acoustic Concert & Musitation” by MILCK titled A Sonic Journey from Inner to Outer Peace, from 1pm – 2pm. Finally, Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd will join Godmothers co-founder Jennifer Rudolph Walsh in conversation on the topic of Connection, from 2pm – 3pm.

For more information, follow @godmothersbooks on Instagram or visit godmothers.com.