The Burning Ember


About US
Welcome to the Burning Ember. I’m Charese—a romance reader, wine drinker, tea lover, and beach town dreamer. This cozy, witchy little bookstore has been in my heart for years. It's my happily-ever-after in the making, built with moonlight, books, and the unwavering belief of my husband, my real-life book boyfriend.
Here, you’ll find romance in all its glorious forms—steamy, swoony, magical, messy, hilarious, and healing. The vibe for the future store? Think creaky floors, candlelight, cozy nooks, and a whisper of salt in the air. There will always be a glass of wine or a cup of hot tea waiting, a new fictional crush to meet, and a story that knows just how to break and mend your heart.
But you don't have to wait to find your people! We’re just getting started with our vibrant, inclusive, and judgment-free online community. Think of it as a lighthearted escape where you can connect, laugh, and lose yourself in the magic of books. Whether you're a longtime romance reader or just curious about all the hype, this is your space.
Come on in. Stay a while. Let the stories work their magic. Because dreams do come true—and sometimes they come with books, wine, and a little witchy sparkle.

Upcoming Events
- Knot Your Average Romance ClubThu, Jan 15Virtual Event

Recent Updates
As Of January 1st 2026
A brick and mortar location is still the dream and we are making progress towards that goal. We have our eye on this beautiful stoned space tucked away in downtown Santa Cruz that we hope to show you one day soon! Every contribution to the dream helps us work towards building our dream space! A space not only for romance books, but a community spot to get cozy, feel safe and connect with similar bookish minds. Help support us! Thank you Nathan L, Laura B., and Leslie R. for your recent donations!
We're excited to launch a brand-new space dedicated to celebrating and sharing the beautiful diversity of love! Not all love stories are the same, and now our website is a collective hub where you can share your own unique love story and read about the incredible, diverse ways others have met and connected with their significant people. Whether it's tales of partners, girlfriends, boyfriends, or lovers, dive into this rich collection of community-shared experiences.










