Welcome to autumn, readers! Here in Minnesota, leaves are changing, people are hauling out their packed-away long-sleeved clothes, and coffee shops are bringing out all of their fall beverage menus. It’s the perfect time to sip a hot drink and read a good book.
Obviously, not everyone’s weather looks like this (shoutout to our international friends who are going into spring), but if you’re preparing for some cozy reading time as temperatures drop, here are some suggestions for the perfect drink-book pairings.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
This classic of autumnal flavors will put you in a seasonal mood at one sniff. This coffee drink takes the chill off of even the most gloomy and rainy of fall days.
Genre: Romance
Why: Can’t we all use a little heartwarming goodness in our lives? Romances and their happy-ever-after endings are also classics for a reason.
Recommendation: Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray
Cold Apple Cider
Genre: Mystery or suspense
Why: You’ll need to cool off after getting your heartbeat up reading about chase scenes, mistaken identities, and crime, right? What better way than this apple-orchard favorite?
Recommendation: The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright
Hot Apple Cider
Why does apple cider get mentioned twice? First, because it’s clearly the superior fall drink. Second, because hot and cold apple cider are two entirely different beverages. Hot cider feels like a sweater right out of the dryer, warm and comforting.
Genre: Historical
Why: Hot cider reminds us of barn-raisings or other old-timey goodness, a drink perfect for nostalgia and learning about the events and people of the past.
Recommendation: A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White
Cinnamon or Chai Tea
This is the perfect mix of classy-yet-cozy, especially combined with an elegant teacup. It doesn’t water down the fall flavors, though, and usually comes with a kick of caffeine too.
Genre: Contemporary or women’s fiction
Why: You’ve got sophisticated tastes, and like a little complexity in your reads—but still plenty of hope.
Recommendation: The Sowing Season by Katie Powner (releases in October)
Hot Chocolate
Is there anything more fun than a rich mug of cocoa, preferably sipped in front of the fireplace? We don’t think so. Especially if you add marshmallows.
Genre: Christmas novella
Why: Come on. We know you’re putting peppermint in this hot chocolate and listening to a playlist with some carols sneaking on it. Just admit it and go full-on holiday cheer.
Recommendation: An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen
Do you think your go-to genre matches the drink pairing above? Feel free to recommend a book in one of these categories too.
I love this! What a great idea! Now I want all of it – the drinks and the books!
Thanks, Jacinta. And I know that feeling, for sure!
Amy Lokkesmoe
BHP Fiction Publicist
Any time I think of peppermint hot chocolate (which let’s face it… is pretty much ALL of Autumn and Winter), I think of My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade.
That seems PERFECT. I love it.
Amy Lokkesmoe,
BHP Fiction Publicist
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