Table with snacks and drinks

Book Clubs, Recommended Reads

Book club bites: Snack pairings for your next meeting or solo read

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An ideal reading experience includes a beverage, cozy seat, a blanket, fuzzy socks, and snacks. I’ll read anywhere, anytime. But when it all comes together, chef’s kiss.

Chef's kiss

Here are five book recommendations you can borrow on the Libby app along with suggested snacks to enjoy during your next reading session or with your whole book club.

Let’s get started.


The Ex Vows

The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce is a second chance romance set primarily in Napa Valley. Georgia and Eli are the MCs. They are tapped to help save their bestie’s (Adam’s) wedding. Everything that can go wrong in planning a wedding does go wrong. Georgia is a thoughtful list-dependent HR pro, and Eli is an anxious recovering workaholic. This book is sweet, funny, and so very swoonworthy.

Snack pairing: Because of the Napa Valley setting, fix yourself a fruit and cheese plate. Apples with Brie or Cheddar. Figs with Smoked Gouda. Peaches and Burrata. And of course, a glass of wine. #Cheers.


Hidden Pictures

Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak has a bit of a Stephen King vibe. This supernatural thriller features Mallory, an addict with a rough past. She’s just out of rehab and is recommended for a nanny position with a wealthy New Jersey couple. Their son, Teddy, is an inquisitive, energetic five-year-old who has a sense of adventure. Mallory and Teddy busy themselves all summer exploring the forest that borders the family property. But all is not as it seems. Cue the spooky music! Teddy loves to draw and his artwork gets increasingly more disturbing. The guest house where Mallory is staying also has a troubled past. Are they related? Read and find out!

Snack pairing: This book gave me theatrical feelings. I can see it coming to life on the big screen. Air pop some popcorn and add an extra kick with Old Bay Seasoning. Old Bay is good on EVERYTHING. Trust me. It’s delicious. My family has been known to sneak it into movie theaters and add to our popcorn there, too.


Powerless

Powerless by Lauren Roberts is a YA fantasy for those that love The Hunger Games or Red Queen. I always enjoy a good revolution and forbidden romance trope. This checked the boxes perfectly. In a society that values magic, FMC Paedyn grew up in the slums and with zero magical powers. She is, however, a badass young woman who knows how to survive and has killer fighting skills. After saving one of the young prince’s lives, Paedyn finds herself competing in the Purging Trials. She needs to hide the fact that she isn’t like everyone else competing. And at the same time, she must hide her growing feelings for the prince.

Snack pairing: Pair Powerless with dark chocolate. In moderation, it’s both healthy and delicious. Research suggests it’s good for cardiovascular health—something Paedyn definitely needs to win the Purging Trials. You can add in berries, too! Raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries are considered superfoods. Load up!


Look Closer

Look Closer by David Ellis is a twisty, clever murder mystery. Simon is a law professor at a respected university. Vicky, his wife, works at a domestic violence shelter. They’re normal and perhaps a bit boring, but they seem to be a solid married couple. The book opens with the murder of a stunning woman who lives a privileged, country club life. She’s found hanging in her house with just the right amount of clues to lead the detectives down a certain path. There’s a trust fund, a con-man, a grim reaper costume, and at least one affair. I listened to Look Closer. The audiobook featured four terrific narrators.

Snack pairing: The murder takes place on Halloween, so I’m going with pumpkin spice anything. There are so many yummy choices. One of my favorites is Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joes. Treat yourself to a box of these tasty sandwich cookies.


Bride

And speaking of Halloween, this last book is a great pick leading into spooky season. Bride by Ali Hazelwood is a vampyre and werewolf marriage-of-convenience romance. I’m just starting this book and am really loving it. It’s very funny and I’m officially addicted. It’s a great pick for paranormal lovers, Twilight fans, Teen Wolf enthusiasts, and the “slow burn who like some spice” crowd. Give the audiobook a try!

Snack pairing: I must go with a wedding appetizer snack. Pretzel bites with a side of spicy cheesy salsa con queso dip. You might even add in some sparkling wine (if you’re over 21!). Serve in a champagne glass and you’ll feel like a fancy wedding guest.


*Title availability may vary by library & region.

RELATED READ: 11 recipe & book pairings for your next book club

Published Aug 27, 2024

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About the Author

Jen Leitman is Chief Marketing Officer for OverDrive. She dreams of one day living on the top of a mountain and writing the next bestseller. Her hobbies include reading, travel, binging TV, and hiking with her dog and husband. Her favorite book genres are romance, fantasy, and of course, romantasy.

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