I have three beverages to enjoy when reading a good book. First, is coffee. A latte hits the spot if it’s before noon. Then, I move into tea, and after 5pm (or, let’s be honest… often earlier), I go for wine. I LOVE wine. I don’t have super fancy tastes, but I do have opinions.

Below are five of my five-star books and the wine to drink if you’re over 21 in the U.S. and want to imbibe. Drink responsibly.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

I adored this book. I’m such a huge Henry fan and this book is now solidly my favorite. To start, the FMC is a librarian! She’s a funny, lovely, smart, vulnerable woman who moved to Northern Michigan with her fiancé. The MMC is a free spirited, hilarious, gorgeous winery worker, among other odd jobs. The book opens on the two MCs in their apartment. The apartment that they share. And they are not a couple. Yet.

🍷 Pair with canned & bubbly

While the story isn’t always light and bubbly, I think bubbles go best. And because it takes place in Northern Michigan amid lakes and boating, I recommend a canned format. Cans are great! No glass is perfect for summer lake and pool activities. Canned wines have come a long way. They are delicious.

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

I read this book two years ago and cried. No, actually, it was more like I weeped. When I saw that Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine were starring in this heartbreaking age-gap romance on Amazon Prime, I was all in.

The story follows the relationship between Soléne, a 40-year-old divorced gallery owner with a teenage daughter, and Hayes, a 24-year-old lead singer in a boy band. Now, don’t write this one off as being silly and frothy. Both characters are well-developed, multi-dimensional, interesting people who you’ll root for until the very last page. Then, pick your sad self off the ground and watch the movie.

🍷 Pair with a ready-to-drink cocktail or French Champagne

You can go two ways with this book. First, try the modern concept of a ready-to-drink cocktail. There are some delicious new products on the market. Just what Hayes might drink after a big concert? Maybe. Or, go with a classic mature choice and pop open a bottle of French Champagne. I feel like Soléne would approve.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

If you're into thrillers, I highly suggest this book. This was a terrific, twisty read that has a Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibe. Evie Porter is a criminal who appears to have a nice life with her fabulous — yet enigmatic — boyfriend. Evie works for a mysterious boss who gives her the details of each job, but never reveals who he is to her. There are so many lies and great characters. I inhaled this book. I want this to be made into a movie, please.

🍷 Pair with Pinot Noir

You can’t go wrong with a Pinot Noir — something with complex flavors, and intriguing with multiple layers of aromas. Pinot Noir is a lighter, easier to drink red, just like this was easy to read.

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff

I don't know how I tripped into finding this book. I think I stumbled on the author’s Instagram and got hooked. This is one LONG fantasy book that ends on a cliffhanger. The second book, Empire of the Damned, equally long, was released recently and it’s also excellent!

Like the title suggests, the story is about vampires and one vampire-ish main character. The vampires are not the sparkly, sexy kind. Be warned. With a lot of religious symbolism, and equal parts horror and action, I couldn’t put this book down. Three words to describe Empire of the Vampire; epic, bloody, and dark.

🍷 Pair with French Cabernet Sauvignon

I listened to this one. Narrator Damian Lynch was so amazing! The worldbuilding and group of characters has a medieval European vibe. It’s a vampire book so you have to go with a red wine. A full bodied, DARK French Cabernet Sauvignon.

Lost Boy: The True Story of Captain Hook by Christina Henry

Finally, this book was a delightful, dark surprise of a read. I'm a sucker for reimagined fairy tales and classic books. This one did not disappoint. It turns your view of Peter Pan upside down. I still think about it and especially this version of Captain Hook’s origin story.

🍷 Pair with Rosé

Rosé might seem like an odd choice, but I’m going there. Most people think of Rosé as a summer wine for BBQs, outdoor patio nights, beach reads. And they’re correct. But, hear me out: You can drink Rosé anytime, anywhere. It’s versatile and excellent for any occasion. Turn your view of Rosé upside down and try it year round. It’s OK to drink what you like any time of the year and with anything you’re eating, or reading.

*Title availability may vary by library & region.

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Happy reading! Cheers! 🥂