An independent author and publisher recently achieved his dream of owning a bookstore with the opening of Spineless Reads in Settler’s Market.

Lucas Marino, co-founder of the indie publishing company Sobelo Books and author of the dark fiction series “Haunting of the Whispering House,” opened the new business adjacent to Chicken Salad Chick on Sept. 27 with the help of his wife, Tammie, their three teenagers and his father, Charlie.

Marino, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, became interested in the industry after retiring from the military, writing and publishing his first book in 2023. He started out selling his books at conventions, where he developed a following.

“I really enjoy engaging with the readers,” said Marino, who decided to take the leap and open a brick-and-mortar establishmen

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