Pairing Books, Wine, and Candles for the Perfect Escape
Because the right ambiance transforms a good book into an unforgettable experience
Pairing Guide
Each pairing is built on three pillars:
- Mood and Tone– Aligning the sensory experience with the feeling of the genre
- Story Themes– Using scents and flavors to match the main ideas of the book
- Easy Access– Recommendations everyone can fine or easily find alternatives for
Romance
Wine: Sparkling rosé or sweet white wine (e.g., Prosecco or Moscato)
- Why it works: Light, bubbly, and romantic, just like the emotional highs of a romance novel.
Candle: Floral scents like rose, jasmine, or vanilla
- Why it works: soft, dreamy vibes that complement the warmth and tenderness of a romantic storyline.
Thriller/Suspense
Wine: Bold red wine like Malbec or Syrah
- Why it works: Dark, intense, and spicy, these wines mirror the suspense and tension found in thrillers.
Candle: Woodsy scents like cedar, sandalwood, or smoky notes
- Why it works: Mysterious and moody, creating the perfect atmosphere for a gripping suspense novel.
Historical Fiction
Wine: Classic Bordeaux or Chardonnay
- Why it works: Timeless wines that echo the richness and depth of history, grounding readers in the past.
Candle: Earthy scents like patchouli, leather, or amber
- Why it works: Evokes nostalgia and adds depth, tying in with the historical context of the story.
Fantasy
Wine: Pét-nat or orange wine
- Why it works: Creative, effervescent, and unexpected—just like the magical and imaginative worlds of fantasy novels.
Candle: Herbaceous or mystical scents like sage, lavender, or frankincense
- Why it works: Enchanting and otherworldly, enhancing the escape into a fantastical realm.
Empowerment/Nonfiction
Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir
- Why it works: Light and approachable yet thought-provoking, perfect for reflective, self-discovery reads.
Candle: Clean, minimalist scents like eucalyptus, citrus, or linen
- Why it works: Fresh and refreshing, helping to create a focused, clear environment for introspection.
The Monthly Muse
Each month, we bring you a curated selection of books and perfectly paired wines, candles, and more. Whether you’re seeking a cozy escape, an adventurous journey, or an emotional rollercoaster, we’ve got something special to elevate your reading experience. Explore, unwind, and let us inspire your next favorite pairing.
Curious about the story and the setting? Click the title to sip, read, and set the mood.
Romance
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Why You’ll Love It:
After losing her mother, Katy heads to the Almafi Coast on the trip they were meant to take together. She mysteriously encounters her mom, alive and thirty years younger. What follows is a stunning, time-bending exploration of love, loss, and rediscovery in one of the world’s most romantic places. This novel is a warm breeze and a bittersweet hug, perfect for anyone craving depth with a touch of magic.
Set the mood: Sun-Drenched Linen available at Bath & Body Works. This scent evokes fresh air, warm sunshine, and sea breezes, perfectly mimicking a coastal Italian escape.
Pair it with: Limoncello Spriz
Thriller/Suspense
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
Why You’ll Love It:
Casey Fletcher, a recently widowed actress, retreats to her family’s lake house for solitude but ends up spying on the glamorous couple across the lake. When the wife disappears, what starts as a classic voyeuristic mystery spirals into something far more sinister and supernatural. This thriller is packed with unexpected twists, foggy atmospheres, and jaw-dropping reveals that make it possible to put down.
Set the mood: Mahogany Teakwood Intense. It’s moody, mysterious and brooding, exactly like the setting of the lake house and the tension simmering under the surface.
Pair it with: Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Fantasy
The Startdust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah
Why You’ll Love It:
Insprired be One Thousand and One Nights, this desert fantasy follows Loulie al-Nazari, a magic smuggler blackmailed into a dangerous quest for a legendary lamp. Alongside a cowardly prince and her jinn bodyguard, she faces ghouls, jinn queens, and deadly truths.
Set the mood: Amber and Oud awakes a warm, smoky, and exotic atmosphere to evoke ancient magic and desert nights.
Pair it with: Grenache Rose
Historical Fiction
Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine
Why You’ll Love It:
Set on a Southern plantation as the Civil War looms, Junie is a powerful and haunting story of love, survival, and liberation. Sixteen-year-old Junie awakens her sister’s ghost and embarks on a journey filled with secrets, courage, and difficult choices.
Set the mood: Magnolia Blossom evokes Southern charm and resilience.
Pair it with: Chenin Blanc
Empowerment
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins & Sawyer Robbins
Why You’ll Love It:
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? The Let Them Theory shows you how two simple words “Let Them” can free you from the exhausting need to control others’ opinions and expectations. Using science-backed strategies and relatable stories, Mel Robbins help you reclaim your energy, build confidence, and focus on what truly matters: your happiness, goals, and personal power. A practical, inspiring guide to break free, create deeper connections, and live your best life.
Set the mood: Eucalyptus & Spearmint creates the perfect background for self-reflection and emotional detox.
Pair it with: Sparkling Cucumber Mint Wine Spritzer
Sip & Surprise
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Why You’ll Love It:
Fresh off finishing her PhD, Grace Porter is a high-achieving perfectionist who does something wildly out of character. She gets drunkenly married to a woman she doesn’t even know in Vegas. Reeling from burnout and pressure, she escapes to New York to spend the summer with her new wife, Yuki. What starts as a spontaneous mistake unfolds into a tender, beautiful exploration of self-love, healing, and what it really means to belong to someone and to yourself
Set the mood: Sunshine and Lemon, bright, zesty, and a little unexpected, just like Grace’s journey.
Pair it with: Honey Lavender Gin Fizz
We’d love to hear from you!
Share your favorites with us and help us discover new wines, candles, and books to pair together for future recommendations!
