Discover Our Story
Welcome to Sip on Stories—your cozy corner for curated reads, book-inspired gifts, and small-batch coffee. Based in Matthews, North Carolina, Sip on Stories is an independent bookstore serving readers both online and through community events close to home. We're best known for our thoughtfully curated book and coffee subscription boxes, as well as our growing collection of books and bookish merchandise, shipped nationwide to readers near and far. Rooted in the charm of slow living, we believe every story deserves the perfect sip. Whether you're curled up with a fantasy romance, exploring historical fiction, or savoring your latest book club pick, we're here to make reading a truly magical experience. Discover books, brews, stickers, and more!
Meet Jen
Jen is a former public school educator with over 18 years in the classroom who not only obtained her bachelor's degree in English but also her master's degree in Teaching. Jen's love of reading was evident in the classroom with her in-depth novel studies, focused instruction on linguistics, and exploration of author studies with her students.
It didn't take long before her literary love seeped out of the classroom into other areas of the community. In 2021, Jen published her first self-care journal for teachers, The Teacher’s Well-Being Journal. After school, she hosted Battle of the Books novel studies, diving into character development, vocabulary, theme, and much more.
In 2023, Jen decided to leave the classroom for a short time to recharge and spend more time with her family. This led to more bookish fun, both with her family of six, as well as special book and coffee dates with her husband, Bob.
Noticing most of the events were outside of their beloved town of Matthews, Jen and Bob decided to bring more events to town by registering the first official Matthews, North Carolina chapter of Silent Book Club. In 2024, Jen also created Sip on Stories’ online bookshop space, with the goal of moving into a brick-and-mortar retail space in town.
Meet Bob
Bob is the owner of Crooner Coffee—our go-to source for smooth, soulful blends that pair perfectly with a great read. As Jen's husband, best friend, and biggest supporter, he brings a creative, strategic lens to Sip on Stories, contributing to marketing initiatives, design work, and event planning alongside Jen.
From helping shape Silent Book Club Matthews gatherings to adding cozy touches to seasonal collections (often with a vintage playlist in the background), Bob enjoys collaborating on the details that make the Sip on Stories experience feel welcoming and thoughtfully curated.
Outside of Sip on Stories, Bob is the Director of the Matthews Heritage Museum, where he works to preserve and share local history. When he's not crafting coffee blends or building websites, you'll likely find him at home with a stack of books and a fresh cup of coffee, savoring a well-earned quiet moment.
Join the Sip on Stories Community
We're more than a bookstore; we're a gathering place for readers and cozy-hearted folks who savor books, meaningful moments, and intentional connection. From local Silent Book Club meetups in Matthews, North Carolina, to readers supporting us from across the country, our community is built on shared stories, thoughtful conversation, and a love of slow-living. If you're passionate about books, curious about coffee pairings, or simply seeking the joy of cottagecore living, you're already one of us. Follow along, pull up a chair, and let's make space for more cozy moments together.
Stay in the loop — from book recommendations to local meetups.