Martha’s Bookstore

Bookstore is now closed. It’s now been replaced by a children’s bookstore. Cute, but only children’s books.

I’ve always been a fan of Martha’s bookstore and bring my bookworm friends and family here when they come to visit, but that may not happen again. The customer service I received the other weekend was downright rude and insulting. I love the store, but find it hard to spend my money where it’s not appreciated.

Awesome bookstore !
Very friendly employee. Helped me find a few books to read on my vacation from AZ. Wonderful pricing for used books. I purchased four used books and a new book all for $ 33. That should keep me entertained for a few days. Thank you.

This is the best BOOKSTORE in the world. They will buy your used books, offer you a sample of iced tea, and provide free gift wrap for everything. Stephanie and Kathy, the owners and their employees are well read and full of great suggestions for every reader. Wonderful gifts and cards too.

Awesome bookstore tucked away in Balboa Island. This is a great place to pick up a couple of inexpensive reads to add to your book collection, regardless of genre. The service here is exceptional; the man who helped us in the afternoon provided personal recommendations and had in fact read many of the authors we were considering! I regret not asking his name but he also provided us with hot tea (and offered refills while we were browsing). Most books here are just a couple of dollars. Definitely will return next time I am in the area!

Such a quaint, charming little spot. They’ve got a good selection of new and used books. Snagged a couple great deals! The person working there (owner?) gave us a sample of tea when we came in and had great recommendations for books to read.
Love it!

Cute bookstore tucked away among lots of shops in Balboa. Friendly staff. The free cup of tea was a nice treat. A sensory place that can be fun for readers of all ages.

I love walking the shops on the beautiful quaint Balboa Island. Martha’s Bookstore is a must see for a real old-​fashioned quaint boutique. I never know what I’ll discover in this wonderful bookstore. No visit to Balboa Island is complete without stopping in. It so reminds me of my Mom taking me to the neighborhood bookstore as a child. Great memories and fresh new products every time.

Martha’s Book Store is the perfect beach book store. You walk down a narrow brick entry way into a small cottage. The employees offer you coffee, or OJ and offer to help, but don’t hover (just the way I like it). Martha’s offers a wide assortment of books and cards in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Martha’s is a unique spot where you feel totally comfortable spending a few minutes or a couple of hours browsing.

The first time I entered the bookstore I was with my mom and we spent a good amount of time browsing the books, the gifts, the cards and the cute area for children. We shared laughs and moments of awe. My mom bought a book for my nephew she had not seen anywhere else and I found some books on the history of the area. It was a day out for us filled with wonderful memories around the bookstore. Big thanks to you gals for making it so wonderful and cozy.

My husband and I stopped in a couple of weeks ago while out on a date night without the kids. What a find! Imagine my surprise when, while browsing in the store, the person behind the counter (Joel) offered us a glass of wine or tea while we looked around. Well twist my arm! They had some fun greeting cards and a children’s book area in the back. And… when you spend $ 10 you get to pick out a free book from titles that haven’t been released yet. It was a great way to spend our evening and it was all we talked about the next day. I highly recommend a visit :)

Warm, welcoming and inspirational. Sure there is a library down the road but some books you just HAVE to have for your personal library! The beauty of this store is that no one will hurry you while you browse to your hearts content. If the folks on your gift list don’t read much you’re sure to find a lovely alternative here… candles, calendars, lotions, soaps, Everyone who works in this store (and I think I’ve met nearly all of them now) likes to read and isn’t shy about sharing opinions. Very kid friendly destination too.

What a great bookstore! The selection is quirky and cool, and the service is exceptional! Really enjoyed my visit there.

My friends and I visited the island a couple days ago and we stopped in for fun.
Cute little tables on the front with nicknacks for kids and what have you. Music playing in the brick courtyard as you walk up to the actual store.
Martha (i assume the lady behind the corner) seemed a little cold at first but was very nice and welcoming when she offered all of us ice tea! obviously very customer friendly. Went back to reading — which didnt really bother me cause we were all having a good time but at the same time Im wanting something more from these little boutiques! show me something special ! :)

This bookstore has a BAR area inside it. I am amazed! The service is warm (I was offered tea when I walked in) and the owner is so sweet! Not only that, but they bookstore had the current bestsellers, along with a «memory lane» area where they had all the books I used to read as a child. I really enjoyed stumbling into this hidden area, and I hope more people stop by sometime. It also sells other things than just books (like candles, cards, etc). I absolutely loved this little place.

As I walked in, the owner asked me if I wanted tea or a glass of wine. I was taken aback at this display of customer service! Very cool! I didn’t take either but did take a look around this very cute bookstore. Besides books, they also carry some cute gifty type items. I love supporting locally owned businesses, especially when they are owned by women!

My love for books and all things related to books continues with this bookstore on Balboa Island.
Entering Balboa from Jamboree and just off the bridge, Martha’s Bookstore is located to your left near the unique candle shop, Peace Frogs and tucked in the back. It has a «secret garden» like entrance and you’ll be greeted by two of the super sweetest dripping like honey older ladies that will ask if you’d like tea or chardonnay on this fine afternoon.
We were a bit blown away. Tea or chardonnay? What do we choose? Do we want tea or chardonnay? We politely declined since we were still stuffed from our Round Table Pizza buffet brunch. Next time, we might just take them up on their offer.
We browsed the bookstore and all its unique books and knick knacks. Outside of the bookstore, which is actually a little cottage, you will find wooden chairs and an awesome little garden with cobblestones. I felt transported to another land.

«Bookstore» is a bit of a stretch to call this store in Balboa Island. It’s more like a gingerbread house jampacked with saccharine novelties like bears, cute postcards, children’s books, calendars, and various products imprinted with witticisms. I do recommend just browsing around since it’s the only one of its kind in the island.

If JK Rowling needed inspiration, she probably would’ve gotten it by strolling into Martha’s Bookstore. This absolutely gorgeous treasure trove of books is housed in a secluded little ‘house’ with a cobblestone pavement which leads to it. Outside the ‘house’ there are wooden chairs and a garden setting, making one feel as if one’s strolled into someone’s home.
Imaginative and absolutely delightful especially for children (and those who are children at heart).