Last week, I was in Massachusetts with a dear friend of mine, and we went to the CUTEST little bookstore I’ve ever had the pleasure of stepping into. It’s called An Unlikely Story, and it’s now owned by Julie and Jeff Kinney—the author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series. 

What makes this bookstore stand out from the others?

It sells books, of course, but oh-so-much more. Bookish gifts abound in the old-timey “General Store” appearance, as does a great “autographed books” section that features local authors. I found a signed copy of V. E. Schwab’s new book Vengeful there. And Elizabeth Gilbert’s City of Girls. Score!

To top it off, An Unlikely Story has the BEST bookish decor I’ve ever seen. Fairy lights border the little cafe, and flying books adorn the ceiling.

Even Harry Potter Firebolt brooms hang from the rafters to help transport you into this otherworldly place. 

What treasures did I find this time?

I discovered the books Circe and Strange the Dreamer, both of which I hear are fantastic, and I can’t wait to start reading them. Of course, I got the signed copy of Vengeful, V. E. Schwab’s sequel to her outstanding “superhero” story Vicious, and the signed copy of Elizabeth Gilbert’s City of Girls. I’ve never read her fiction books before, but I adore Big Magic, and I think she’s just a little bit magical herself. 

I also scored a little treasure box filled with nebula-styled stationery (the stationery is nice. I mostly wanted the box, though). An adorable tote bag. And I stumbled upon my new favorite type of chip, Maui sweet onion-flavored, in their cafe.

I love discovering new places, and I especially love exploring them with good friends. This is a special bookstore, and I look forward to coming here on my many more visits to Massachusetts. 

Keep the magic flowing, An Unlikely Story! You’re as unlikely—and special—as they come.