Book: The House Guests

An easy summer read with captivating characters and a storyline that will leave you guessing how it will all turn out. Two women whose lives are brought together after a stolen change purse leaves one of them destitute. An unexpected act of kindness brings these two women and their lives together to face the questions of their past. Set in Florida this book combines a tropical Florida setting with the rich heritage of Greek culture and food. While you might not want to open your home to a stranger, we think you will enjoy this story about doing just that.

What is in the box?

*Lemon Shortbread Cookies – The Shortbread Company – The perfect pop of citrus makes these cookies a light summer treat. Enjoy them with friends, or keep them for your secret reading snacks. 

*Skyhawk Dark Roast – Propeller Coffee – A rich, beautiful coffee that is perfect for making iced coffee this summer. Use the enclosed card for tips on how to make the perfect iced coffee. Don’t love iced coffee? Use it hot whichever way you’d like to brew it!

Oasis Tea Towel – Tag – Bring the Florida vibe home with a beautiful summery tea towel. A great accent to your kitchen.

*Sweet Orange Bath Bomb – SOAK Co. – We just love this scent for summer. Fresh, citrusy and perfectly hydrating for your skin. Relax and unwind with a great bath in all-natural ingredients.

*Greek Salad Mix – Gourmet du Village – An easy mix to create your own Greek salad at home. Perfect for outdoor meals on the deck/patio.

*Assorted Zipper Pouch – Danica – You will receive one of a variety of designs of a small pouch. Included to tie into the stolen zipper pouch that is the catalyst to Cassie and Amber’s relationship.

*YiaYia’s Kouzina Tzatziki Dip – Walton Wood Farms – Created specially for this box this Tzatziki Dip is named after the Greek restaurant owned by Cassie’s family. Serve with warm pita, and veggies or as a side to souvlaki. 

House Guests Keychain – Harper Collins Canada – A fun and practical tie-in to the novel. Great for your spare set of keys to give to your next house guest.

 *Indicates a Canadian company

Why The Last Flight?

Julie Clark’s novel reminded us of Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train with a modern twist that keeps you guessing. Eva and Claire are magnetic characters that draw you in to their less than ideal lives. The Last Flight is a novel that will draw you in and have you boarding a wild ride. The two storylines create tension but are easy to follow all while building suspense through many twists and turns.

What is in the box?

Skyhawk Coffee – Propeller Coffee Co. - We are thrilled to partner with this amazing Toronto based roaster. A Canadian company focused on sustainability, community and quality. We know you’ll love this amazing dark roast. Plus, Propeller is the perfect tie-in for this novel **

Rocky Road Popcorn – Toronto Popcorn Company – This popcorn company is a reader favourite and what could be more delicious then Rocky Road? It is a combination of your favourite summer flavors mixed with airplane peanuts. Plus, the flavor Rocky Road was invented in Oakland, CA close to where this novel takes place. **

San Francisco Pouch – Galison – The novel is set in Berkley, CA close to San Francisco and Eva and Liz go to the Giants game. This handmade pouch is perfect for pencils, makeup or travel items.

Cocoa & Coconut Superfood Reviving Mask – Dr. Botanicals – This is the perfect travel size facemask intended to nourish and revive. It had us thinking, what better way to disappear than to wear a mask?

Laundry Bag – Kikkerland – Two styles of a travel sized laundry bag with pouch and carabineer.  Whether you use it for laundry while travelling or at home it is fun and functional.  

Spark Courage – Chronicle Books – Discover your inner bravery with this set of matchsticks. Eva and Claire’s desperation leads them to show courage to change their lives entirely with unexpected results. 

 **Indicates a Canadian company

We featured one of our all time favourite authors, Michael Ondaatje. Packed with fun goodies it was a great summer read.

*Novel: Warlight by Michael Ondaatje

As lovers of Ondaatje’s writing we wanted to share this magnificent piece of literature with you. As the narrator, Nathaniel says, “We order our lives with barely held stories,” and Warlight is a novel of stories and lives pieced together in post-WWII London. We see adventure, suspense, and at it’s essence, a story of a young boy growing up, then piecing together his mother’s life after her death.

If this is your first Ondaatje novel you will find yourself caught up in his poetic style, but perhaps at times overwhelmed by detail and imagery. Take your time, soak in the words and revel in the story.

The items we chose to pair with Warlight are designed to fit the setting and story. While Michael Ondaatje was born in Sri Lanka he is a Member of the Order of Canada

What’s in the box?

Peach and Rhubarb Tea – London Tea – Delicious hot or iced this Peach and Rhubarb tea is perfectly delicious.

Dry Gin Fizz Gummies - SugarSin - The classic British drink in a gummy is perfect for a summertime treat while reading Warlight. *Non-Alcoholic

V&A Ribbon Bookmark – Victoria & Albert Museum – The leading museum of art and design located in London designed these beautiful bookmarks. Assorted designs.

Warlight Candle – FromthePage – We love these custom candles made by Etsy Shop FromthePage ‘Candles for Bookish Souls’ - the perfect light to read by and a way to bring light to the shadow cast by war.

*Unwind Coaster – Cedar Mountain – We chose these coasters because they reminded us of time taken by Nathaniel’s mother (Rose) once she stepped away from being a spy. We hope they remind you to take a bit of ‘me time’ this summer.

*Sunflower Microgreens – Gift-a-Green – Nathaniel’s journey takes him to Marsh Felon as he works to piece together his mother’s life. We chose these greens as they represent; mailed letters, growing and gifts.

*A Canadian company