Although I didn’t stop in Ames, Iowa, specifically to skate or otherwise do research for my book Midwest Shreds, I couldn’t drive through without seeing my friend Rachel Mans McKenny!

If Rachel’s name sounds familiar, it’s because she’s the author of The Butterfly Effect, which I LOVED. We first went to the butterfly house at Reiman Gardens, which is where the novel takes place, then went to Dog-Eared Books, which is one of the cutest bookstores I’ve ever seen!

I’d love Dog-Eared regardless, but it was super fun getting to visit with Rachel since it’s her home bookstore. The owner came over to greet her immediately and asked her to sign a stack of her books because they were flying off the shelves. How cool is that?!

My only regret is not getting a selfie and a pic with Rachel beside this neon wall mural. Books are meant to be loved and we sure do love them!

I grabbed a maple latte from the coffee counter and browsed the store. Just look at those retro pennants!

The rolling bookshelves, the mural on the wall, the exposed brick, and the––dare I say––skateable hardwood floors… Whoever did the interior decorating is really at the top of their game.

There’s even a loft area for events, book club meetings, and more.

Staff Picks were spread throughout the store, but I wanted to know what Rachel recommended. She suggested Godshot by Chelsea Bieker for me and Olivia and the Fairy Princesses by Ian Falconer for my young niece, who I was going to see later that day.

I already had a copy of Rachel’s book, but I couldn’t resist getting another to have her sign!

No lie, if I lived in Ames I’d be hanging out at these cafe tables writing every day.

And guess what else! There’s a shop dog named Lovey!

I thought the “dog-eared” in Dog-Eared Books came from not using a bookmark, aka quitter strip. But the real reason is even better. And fluffier.

Lovey takes her job very seriously. She was running hither and thither greeting customers and accepting ear scratches. I got some pets in, though she was so busy attending to her duties that I didn’t get a single non-blurry picture of her. She’s a hard-working gal!

I also can’t say enough how much I loved talking to the booksellers at Dog-Eared! Rachel told them I was in town because I was traveling for my book and it turns out that many of them are roller skaters too! I want to go back once my book is out and do a reading on skates. How fun would that be?!

If you’re in town, definitely check out Dog-Eared Books! I can’t get over how great of a bookstore it is.

And if you haven’t already, go get a copy of The Butterfly Effect by Rachel Mans McKenny! You can thank me later.