James
by Percival Everett
"A masterpiece. I haven't stopped thinking about it for weeks."
— Margaret, bookseller
Family-owned since 2009 · Burnside, Kentucky
A bookshop for slow afternoons on Lake Cumberland.
Two warm rooms of hand-picked books. A small espresso bar pulling lattes for locals. A back porch overlooking the water. Come in for a novel — stay for the afternoon.
4.9 / 5 from 312 readers · "Best little bookshop in Kentucky"
· Locally owned since 2009 ·· Curated by 6 booksellers ·· American Booksellers Assoc. ·· We ship anywhere in the U.S. ·
15,000 titles, hand-picked
Every book on the shelf has been read or vouched for by a bookseller you can ask in person.
Coffee from Lexington roasters
Quills & Magic Beans, pulled by people who know your name and your usual.
A community gathering place
Four book clubs, monthly author visits, and quiet afternoons by the window.
"The best little bookshop in Kentucky."
— Lexington Herald-Leader
Our Shop
A bookshop the way they used to be — only friendlier.
Fifteen years ago, Margaret and David Whitaker converted an old bait-and-tackle shop on Highway 27 into a place for readers. Today, Harbor Light Books occupies two rooms of warm light and slow afternoons, with a small espresso bar tucked into what was once a feed counter.
We host visiting novelists, kids' storytime, four book clubs, and the occasional unannounced banjo. We will special-order anything in print and ship anywhere. Mostly, though, we'd love it if you came in.
Read our storyCurated Collections
View all categories →What you'll find on the shelves
Every section curated by a bookseller who actually reads it. Stop in and tell us what you love — we'll find your next favorite.
Fiction
From this season's literary darlings to comfort re-reads.
1240 titles in stock
Mystery & Thriller
Cozy whodunits, Nordic noir, and twisty page-turners.
482 titles in stock
Kentucky & Local Authors
Silas House, bell hooks, Wendell Berry, and home-grown voices.
196 titles in stock
Nonfiction
History, memoir, nature writing, and big ideas.
730 titles in stock
Children's
Picture books, middle-grade favorites, and read-alouds.
540 titles in stock
Poetry
A small but mighty corner — verse old, new, and Appalachian.
168 titles in stock
This Month's Shelf-Talkers
Hand-written picks from the bookseller's desk
Notes from the people who shelve, sell, and lose sleep over these books. Look for the cream-colored cards on the shelves.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
by James McBride
"Warm, sprawling, and full of grace. Perfect for the porch this fall."
— Daniel, bookseller
All Fours
by Miranda July
"Strange and electric. Our book club nearly came to blows over it."
— Ruth, bookseller
The Coffee Bar
Pour-overs, warm scones, and a stool with your name on it.
We pull espresso from a vintage La Marzocco and bake nothing — but Daisy's, two doors down, delivers buttermilk biscuits and lake-blueberry scones every morning at 6:45 sharp.
Pour-Over of the Week
Ethiopian Yirgacheffe — bright, floral, citrus finish.
$4.50
Honey Lavender Latte
House lavender syrup, local wildflower honey, oat milk.
$5.75
Buttermilk Biscuit & Jam
Baked next door at Daisy's. Strawberry-rhubarb preserves.
$4.00
Brown Butter Blueberry Scone
Lake Cumberland blueberries when they're in.
$3.75
Coffee bar open Tue–Sun · 7 am – 4 pm
Events & Book Clubs
There's almost always something happening.
Four book clubs (mystery, literary, memoir, and the gloriously rowdy Wine & Words). Visiting authors most months. Kids' storytime every Saturday. New members always welcome — no commitment, just show up.
Oct
18
Fri
An Evening with Silas House
Reading & signing — the Kentucky novelist returns home.
Free · Reserve a seat
Oct
24
Thu
Mystery Lovers Book Club
Discussing 'The Maid' by Nita Prose. New members welcome.
7 pm · Coffee bar
Nov
02
Sat
Storytime on the Lake
Children's reading hour at the marina pavilion. Bring a blanket.
10 am · Family event
What Readers Say
Notes left in the guest book.
4.9 average from 312 reviews
"Walked in for a paperback, walked out with three books, a friend, and the best latte in Pulaski County. This place is a treasure."
Hannah B.
Russell Springs, KY
"Margaret hand-picked a stack for my niece and she's reading for the first time in years. That's not a bookshop — that's magic."
Reverend Tom L.
Regular since 2011
"We drive in from Bowling Green just for the book club. There is nowhere else like it on this side of the lake."
Priya & Mark
Mystery Lovers Club
Two blocks from the marina.
A short walk from the Lake Cumberland waterfront — the perfect stop before a morning on the water or a quiet end to a long Sunday hike. Bring your dog. The water bowl's by the door.
308 S Highway 27 · Burnside, KY · Open Tue–Sun