A bookstore-café nearly entirely focused on anglophone romance novels is set to open in La Rochelle this autumn. The venture, called Books' Apothecary, is the brainchild of Angela Ieffi and Floriane, who are friends and former colleagues. Their goal is to create a space that combines books, coffee, social meetings, and book clubs. The company was founded in October 2025, and its online store has already been active, offering a range of romance novels, romanticasy, dark romance, young adult fiction, self-published works, and special editions in both French and English. The business is based on the observation that there is a large community of English-speaking readers, according to Angela Ieffi. The store plans to offer around 80% of its titles in English and 20% in French, catering to both local and international visitors. For their English-language books, Books' Apothecary sources from Gardners EU, a British wholesaler that has operated a distribution platform in Arques, in the Pas-de-Calais, since 2021. This allows easier access to Anglophone books for French and European bookstores. A portion of the catalog will also be sourced directly from independent authors. Angela Ieffi notes that many self-published authors are difficult to find through traditional book distribution channels, and the store wants to provide a space for them. Intermediate platforms will help the store order these titles without incurring high import costs. The bookstore also plans to limit its stock, preferring to order books only after customer requests, ensuring a rotating selection in a modest-sized shop. After several unsuccessful location searches during the summer, the founders have now identified a spot in La Rochelle, with the lease expected to be signed in early October. The address will not be disclosed until the project is finalized. A small coffee section is planned, featuring a simple menu of hot and cold drinks. Local bakeries, pastry shops, and a regional coffee supplier will be involved, aligning with the founders' vision of creating a welcoming space for people to gather. The store will host reading clubs, workshops, and author meet-and-greets, aiming to build a sense of community and belonging. Social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, plays a significant role in the romance genre, according to Angela Ieffi. While the founders are still learning to navigate these platforms, they aim to highlight lesser-known books and self-published authors rather than just focusing on the most popular new releases. The exact budget for the project has not been detailed, but Angela mentions that she personally contributed a significant portion of the funds. She estimates that between 80,000 and 100,000 euros are needed for the initial stock, premises, fittings, and other costs. A crowdfunding campaign on Ulule has been launched with an initial goal of 3,000 euros, primarily to cover the fitting out, furniture, and decoration of the store. The campaign also aims to raise awareness for Books' Apothecary before its official opening. The founders are already planning future events, such as author signings and meetings with writers based in France, aiming to bring British and American authors to the local community.