The Novel Narwhal moved into a new space in August at the Aromas on Oak coffee shop at 400 S. Oak St., Ste. 140, in Roanoke, Tex. Community Impact reported that the shop, which launched as an online bookstore in 2022, "previously had a space at The Market at Roanoke. The Market relocated to Keller in May, but that location was not a fit for Kelli and Melissa Whall's book business."
"We really enjoy the customers at Aromas and, as time progresses, we look forward to learning more about the books they like so we can tailor our onsite inventory," said Kelli Whall. "In the meantime, anyone can request custom orders at any time by reaching out through social media or our website."
Ryan Buck and Kirsten Trudo-Buck, owners of Aromas on Oak, provided a space for the bookstore to reopen. "It just made sense for us because they're such an awesome couple and they've been very supportive of us," Buck said. "Why not bring books into a coffee shop? They kind of go together, and the response from the community is just awesome."
Kelli Whall told Community Impact that the family often looked for independent bookstores when they traveled and found very few in the area. "We also loved the idea of making books more accessible to families and helping people--especially kids--find books they're excited to read," Kelli Whall said.