Noblesville’s Living Truth Bookstore is a treasure

Tucked away near the intersection of Cumberland Road and Cherry Street is a wonderful treasure. I’ve been shopping at Living Truth Bookstore for years, and I was delighted to learn they’re celebrating their 28th anniversary this month.

Living Truth is Noblesville’s only Christian bookstore. It’s been locally-owned since Brenda Milthaler opened her doors in October of 1998. She felt called in the spring of that year to leave her career in discount retailing. Later that summer, Brenda believes God gave her the name “Living Truth” to proclaim His life and truth through a Christian bookstore.

With a mission to serve local families and support spiritual growth, Living Truth has withstood a lot in its nearly three decades. Big box and e-commerce competition, digital media and e-readers, space limitations, and many other issues continue to plague local bookstores.

I asked Brenda what her greatest challenges have been through the years owning this business.

“I was in corporate retail since 1973,” Brenda said. “It took me a while to find out this is more than selling products; it is a ministry.”

As another small business owner, I could relate. But she’s also loved many things about the business.

“I’ve enjoyed personal growth thanks to interacting with different people and learning from them. I’ve felt the joy of God and people helping one another.

“It’s all about relationships – I believe in living vertical first, horizontal second,” Brenda said.

Brenda certainly practices what she speaks. I was honored to be part of Living Truth’s celebration last Saturday as they continue to feature local authors and creatives. I was there with my book, Happy and Solo at Church, along with Lee Rocker, author of the delightful children’s book Luca and the Light. You can buy Lee’s book through West Bow Press at westbowpress.com.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, Living Truth will feature Cindy Holt Miller. Cindy is the creator of two Scripture Memory Match Card Games for adults and author of several books for children and adults. Living Truth will also host Bruce Beck, author of Journey to the Land of Integrity. If you can’t make it Saturday, you can buy Bruce’s book at ajourneymanseries.com.

I was happy to hear Brenda’s not alone managing the store; she has help thanks to two wonderful volunteers.

The store is offering 28th Anniversary Specials through the end of October. All marked-down books, music, and DVDs are an additional 50 percent off. Living Truth is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can learn more about Living Truth and various authors on their Facebook page, Facebook.com/LivingTruthBookstore, or their website, living-truth.com.

Amy Shankland is an empty-nester, writer, and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John and two dogs. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.