When you want to make your dreams become a reality, sometimes it’s best to take to the road. That was just the case for Lotti and Caitlyn, owners of Maine’s first mobile bookstore, Novella. The traveling romance bookstore treks across the state, catering to lovers of the genre who may be missing a bookstore in or near their town.

The small business has taken off for Lotti and Caitlyn, both in their early twenties. The young entrepreneurs and best friends found a clever way to explore both the market and the state by creating a bookstore within a trailer they’ve nicknamed “Ella”, which they travel from location to location with. The Maine natives are able to research the market and foot traffic in the towns they stop in, and have the intention of one day settling into a brick-and-mortar building.

Their name, Novella, mirrors their business. Says Caitlyn, “we are a small romance bookstore. Just like a short story, a novella!” Posting their locations on both their website and Instagram, they make finding and accessing their store easy and approachable.

Having first begun operating in July, the storefront will be open at the specified locations until December 2025, depending on the weather. At that time, they will be closed until Spring while their trailer, Ella, receives an upgraded look, and the owners have a well-deserved break. 

Novella is supplied with both popular and indie authors. On their website, they highlight the importance of small-named authors, too. “While all of you are supporting a small business when shopping with us, we also want you supporting small authors who have written incredible books that have yet to be discovered.”

When asked for a comment about their new business and advice for new readers, Caitlyn was friendly and enthusiastic in response. “Romance is a huge genre with many other subgenres within it, that can help you narrow down what you do and don’t like! That’s why romance is so awesome and why we chose to stick to romance! And if anyone needs a book rec we are always here to help!”

Next stop on Novella’s tour is the Harvestfest in Bethel, Maine, this Saturday, September 20^th. Soon to follow are stops in Scarborough, Brunswick, and Kittery this month. Come find Novella as it travels across your state and meet the lovely women who make it possible.