BOOK SMARTS
Charming Hill Country bookstore and café turns page with new space

The Chapter & Co. 2.0 is now open in New Braunfels.
One of the Hill Country’s most charming bookshops is turning the page. After announcing a closure in January, New Braunfels’ The Chapter & Co has reopened at 215 W. San Antonio St inside Staunch Traditional Outfitters —a short walk from its original downtown home.
“We worked our tails off this week and were able to pull off opening today!” wrote the store on Instagram. “We have all new book selections, merchandise, and matcha!”
The Chapter & Co, a “book-tique” and café, always promised a sequel. When it planned to shutter in January, it suggested the relocation was necessary for its continued success.
“We will miss these tiled ceilings and hardwood floors but are so excited for the next chapter in a more sustainable storefront,” wrote the team in a statement.
Sisters Lilliana Brabham and Laura Hickman opened The Chapter & Co. in October 2024. Like many independent booksellers, it had a narrow focus, specializing in the romance and fantasy genres. A small cafe onsite and a selection of cheeky gifts made the shop feel like a neighborhood hangout.
The move to the new space, however, did cause some confusion. While the original announcement anticipated a quick transition, the process took a little longer than the sisters anticipated. The old store lingered a little longer in its first storefront as the young entrepreneurs worked through the details of the transition.
“The early closing announcement was because we thought we’d have to be out of this space in a very short time,” wrote the sisters in a comment. “After many conversations and meetings, we were able to remain in the space a little longer while we worked on ironing out the kinks of the new space!”
Now with the kinks ironed out, the duo is still selling books with a little more room to sprawl. Comfortable furnishings provide space to discuss plot points, while café tables allow guests to catch up on a few emails. What hasn't changed is that the bookstore is still all about romance.
