Novel: Miss Benson’s Beetle

We really enjoy Rachel Joyce’s writing (we featured her novel The Music Shop in Nov 2018) and hope you do too! This novel centers around Margery Benson’s journey to find a special beetle on the other side of the world. A journey of self-discovery, risk, adventure and friendship. While the novel does deal with feelings of darkness and hopelessness there is also a great amount of humour. Margery and Enid are characters you will remember long after you’ve read the last page.

What is in the box?

Maple Peanut Brittle – Sweetsmith – A delicious sweet enjoyed around the world. This Canadian Peanut Brittle is the perfect treat to nibble on while reading. 🍁

Seasonal Blend Coffee – Propeller Coffee – A divine coffee with tasting notes of chocolate, hazelnut and stone fruit. We know it will quickly become your favourite December drink. 🍁 

Slipper Socks - Pudus Socks – Keep your feet warm this winter with the ultimate reading socks. One of Oprah’s favourite things and soon to be yours too! 🍁

Sweet Reads Magnetic Bookmark – Crafted Van – Made by our friends at Crafted Van these bookmarks are just for our subscribers! 🍁

By the Sea Candles – Allan Wick – Made locally, these hand poured soy candles burn beautifully and will bring a hint of the sea into your home. Inspired by Margery and Enid’s ocean/island adventure. 🍁

Bamboo Toothbrush – Kikkerland – An eco-friendly travel toothbrush designed for on-the-go toothbrushing without the added plastic waste. 

To Do Pad – Knock Knock – The ultimate organization tool for use around the house, planning a trip, at work or setting out on an adventure.

Vanilla Coconut Body Lotion – The Perth Soap Co. – A luxurious body lotion that is pH balanced, fast-absorbing and infused with fragrances that will allow you to escape to the islands. The lotion is paraben free, phthalate free and are not tested on animals. 🍁

🍁 Indicates a Canadian company

Novel: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

The Dutch House is a story about a home and the impact it has on the Conroy family who inhabits it. This novel, written by one of our favourite authors (read Bel Canto if you haven’t already!) features Danny’s perspective as the house and the family journey through five decades. From fortune, to loss Danny and Maeve’s lives are dysfunctional, at times humorous and in the end redemptive. The Dutch House is an enjoyable grand tale of family drama where the house represents much more than its’ architecture, drawing you into its’ walls and the Conroy family.

What’s in the box?

*Cookies & Cream and French Vanilla Hot Chocolate – Gourmet du Village – Two flavours of this rich hot chocolate perfect for curling up with the novel and a mug full of warmth on a cold winter’s day.

Milka Chocolate – One of four varieties of this smooth, rich and decadent German chocolate is a little taste of Europe to remind you of the Europeans who first owned The Dutch House.

Antique-style Frame – Silver Tree – The portrait that hangs by the fireplace is a symbol of the family and history it shares with the house. These frames reminded us of pictures from the past. We hope you’ll choose a family photograph to display in your home.

*Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Handmade Soap – SOAK Bath Co. – This remarkable soap is handmade by a lovely Canadian artisan. The traditional scent was chosen as the perfect accompaniment to a claw foot tub and some much deserved me time. Plant the label for wildflowers in the spring. 10% off your next order included in the box.

*Swedish Dishcloth – Now Designs – Perfect for cleaning up, this retro styled dishcloth is an environmentally friendly alternative to paper towels and essential to every kitchen.

After Dinner Trivia – Draper James – We love this modern version of a classic parlour game by Reese Witherspoon’s company. Perfect for entertaining this December with family/friends. We know Danny and Maeve could have used some conversation starters like this around their dinner table throughout the years.

Photo Credit Laura @Bibliotaph_Bean