A new home for bookmarks and bonding

Summerland bookstore, Godmother's, is a cozy location home to eccentric book collection.

Nestled in the small seaside town of Summerland, just south of Montecito and about ten miles east of Santa Barbara, Godmothers Bookstore sits inside a bright, 1920s barn on Lillie Avenue.

The store was recently renovated into a three-level shop and side opening in September 2024. It has become more than a place to buy books—it’s a local hangout, a cultural hub and a tribute to influential women.

Summerland is known for its antique shops, design boutiques and quiet beach views, but until recently, it lacked a true gathering space—somewhere to sit, stay, and connect that wasn’t centered around food or shopping. Godmothers Bookstore is filling that gap.

Godmothers Bookstore is housed in a renovated 1920s barn on Lillie Avenue in Summerland, Calif. a 20 minute drive from Santa Barbara.

“It builds community,” Summerland resident McKenna Van Koppen said. “It’s nice to have a space where you can meet someone, grab a book, or just hang out.”

Beyond books, Godmothers taps into a growing movement toward “third spaces” — places where people can spend time without the pressure to spend money. With a cozy fireplace, soft lighting, and a welcoming aesthetic that feels more like a home than a store, the bookstore offers something rare in Summerland: a place to slow down that isn’t centered around shopping or dining.

“We’re not just trying to be a retail space,” said employee Mikayla Romeril. “We want people to feel like they can stay, talk with us, bring their families, or just be here.”

Godmothers is also rooted in a clear mission: to celebrate the stories and voices of women. The name was even suggested by neighbor Oprah Winfrey.

Authors, artists, activists and everyday change makers are featured in the bookshop.

While the shelves carry a wide range of titles, they prominently feature female writers across genres, and the store’s events often spotlight women-led conversations and creative work.

Brought to life by co-owners Victoria Jackson and Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, the bookstore sits in what was once an antique shop.

Selection of books at Godmothers.

Interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard gave the space a warm, lived-in feel with velvet couches, soft lighting, and wood-paneled details. The ground floor features an array of books and plenty of space to sit and relax. Out back, a vintage camper serves espresso, lattes, and light lunch bites for purchase next to a small patio.

Upstairs, there’s a kids’ section and an event area for storytimes and workshops. The top floor offers quieter corners for small gatherings.

The atmosphere clearly resonates with visitors.

“The entire vibe of the store is so homey and calming that it definitely makes me want to visit again,” Julia Torto, a first-year student at UC Santa Barbara, said. “I would love to come back and grab a book and sit by their fireplace to read.”

It’s also one of the only places nearby where students and young adults can spend a few hours without needing to buy anything. “Most things to do around here involve spending money,” Torto said. “This is one of the only places where you can just hang out and enjoy yourself without buying anything.”

The entryway at Godmothers features a tribute wall to influential women—an immediate nod to the store’s mission of honoring female voices.

The store draws a mix of locals and visitors. Bookseller Mikayla Romeril said they see older customers and families regularly, but are also getting younger foot traffic from Santa Barbara and L.A. into the store: “There’s something here for everyone,” Romeril said.

For Summerland resident Brian Ramos, who works remotely nearby, it’s become a reliable spot for a midday break.

“We’re home all day staring at screens,” said Ramos. “Just having a place to go and talk to people in person, even casually, makes a difference.”

Godmothers is open seven days a week, with events listed online and on Instagram.

Whether for a coffee, a book talk or just a quiet place to spend an afternoon, the space is designed to give people something that’s increasingly hard to find: a reason to slow down.