Welcome to the inaugural post of my new series, “Books-n-Tea”. What better time but during, The Year Of Reading and National Hot Tea Month, to launch a series about two of my favorite things, books and tea? Some people do food and wine pairings, but I do book reviews and tea pairings! Let’s start with one of my favorites, shall we?
The Book: The Girl Who Chased the Moon
by Sarah Addison Allen
The Tea: I suggest paring this book with one of my favorite teas, Red Rose Original
I found this book a couple of years ago while searching through the shelves at a used bookstore. I bought it and I’ve read it at least once a year ever since then. Last year I went so far as to read it twice in a row. To me it is 265 pages of pure delight, woven together with bits of enchantment and sugary cakes (oh, the cakes!).
Set in the small North Carolina town of Mullaby, the story focuses on Julia Winterson, a thirty-something baker of wondrous cakes (with a past – who doesn’t love a character with a past) and Emily Benedict, a soon-to-be high school senior who recently lost her mother. You’ll find yourself lost in the stories of their pasts and rooting for their futures. A lovely cast of characters surrounds them, each one flawed in their own gentle way. In the end, they all find the confidence to develop and learn from their mistakes and you’ll feel empowered right along with them.
Sarah Addison Allen tells the story of these two women in such a real and relatable way, that the tiny bits of magic she weaves into the story seem only natural. Once you start reading, you’ll get lost in the small barbecue town of Mullaby and you’ll be so glad you did. It’s a light, uplifting read that will fill your weekend with the delights of hummingbird cake, wallpaper that changes based on your mood, a giant of a man, secrets, ghost lights and true love of every kind.
I published a post earlier in the week about the tea but just in case you missed it, you can read it here.
I can’t wait for you to read this book and try this tea. Let me know what you think!
To see what I’m currently reading, along with previous books reviews and tea pairings, check out the “Books-n-Tea” page. As I read, I comment on Twitter and Facebook, I’d love to have you join the conversation!
*These photos are from a shoot that was done last year about people and their favorite books…hence the pre-haircut hair.
referred to arils, which is actually the red portion that covers the seed) that are found inside, in a white membrane. The seeds have a tart, slightly sour taste that gets sweeter the longer it remains in the fruit. Getting the seeds out of the membrane can be tricky and there are two common methods, the water bowl method and the “beating it with a spoon” method. I prefer the later method. Despite the violent sounding nature of it, using the spoon method will get you a bowl full of seeds that are fully intact and unharmed.
