Book: A Town Called Solace 🍁

In a world where we could all use some Solace comes the remarkable story of Rose, Liam, Elizabeth and Moses and the ties that bind them together. Set in the 1970’s the novel begins with a runaway 16-year-old, and a new man moving to town. From there, the novel explores how family, grief and love come in many forms. Mary Lawson is a gifted Canadian writer. Her novels have remarkable characters, relatable Canadian settings and tell stories we love. We know you will love this novel too.

The items in this box were carefully chosen to represent Canada and small-town living. Each item is from a Canadian company.

What is in the box?

Letter from Mary Lawson – A beautiful letter from the author is included.

Chocolate Covered Jujubes – Walton Wood Farms – We could all use some Good JuJu and thanks to our friends at Walton Wood we have these amazing Jujubes.  A delicious treat to enjoy while reading. 🍁

Rapids End Coffee – We are thrilled to include this delicious coffee from a local roaster. Ethically sourced and using a compostable bag it is a perfectly smooth cup of coffee. Pour a cup and take a trip to Solace. 🍁

Good JuJu Bath Bombs – Walton Wood Farms – Bring the positive energy you need to your ‘Me Time’ with these fantastic bath bombs. 🍁

Maple Soap Bar – SOAK Bath Co. – Solace reminded us of so many small Canadian towns where the scent of fresh air and maple syrup combine over breakfast tables and restaurants. This handmade soap bar (with a biodegradable, plantable seed paper label) is a divine way to get your morning started. 🍁

Hamburger Spices and Poutine Mix - Gourmet du Village - Hamburgers and Poutine became a mainstay in Liam’s diet and a way to measure the days and passage of time.  We included these mixes as a fun tribute to the local restaurant and some yummy meals when BBQ season comes to your part of Canada. 🍁 

Waffle Dishtowel – Danica – A soft dishtowel to bring Canadian pride to your kitchen. We loved the vintage feel and styling of this towel and imaged it would fit perfectly in the kitchens of Solace.  🍁

🍁 Indicates a Canadian company

Book: The Gutter Child 🍁

This is a debut novel from Canadian Jael Richardson. We were immersed in an imagined world but also a recognizable reality. We know you will find yourself making connections to the Mainland and the Gutter. The protagonist Elimina Dubois faces powerful struggles: for her identity, against injustices and for the opportunity to realize her freedom and potential. A harrowing read about a class system and the ramifications it has on the characters’ lives. 

What is in the box?

Asheville Mix Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn – A sweet and salty mix of popcorn flavors from North Carolina.

Jasmine or Sencha Tea – Genuine Tea- A hot cup of tea is going to be your best reading companion for this book as you ponder its deep themes. We chose Green Tea to connect to the cover and as a fresh, uplifting tea. 🍁

Buttons - Harper Collins – A fun gift from Harper Collins to celebrate the novel’s release.

Wool Socks – Duray Canada - The Gutter Children work hard at Livingstone Academy in order to put freedom in their future. Wear these comfortable socks when doing your hard labour or playing hard. 🍁

She's Like Nothing the World Has Seen Before Journal – Compendium – A beautiful journal for dreaming, planning or reading notes. Filled with beautiful designs, bold statements and inspirations.

Sweet Reads Box Pen – SRB – The perfect reading and journal writing pen. Keep for yourself or pass along to a Sweet Reads Box loving friend. 🍁

And Still I Rise, Poems by Maya Angelou – Penguin Random House - One of the few delights Elimina and her fellow Gutter Children have, is to surreptitiously read poetry to each other. We included one of our favourite collections of poetry because it features Maya Angelou’s poem Phenomenal Woman which ties into the journey of the women in Gutter Child.

**100 boxes will include a special tote bag as a gift from Harper Collins. We distributed these randomly throughout provinces and boxes!

🍁 Indicates a Canadian company

Book: Love Songs for Skeptics

We chose this fun rom-com for our Valentine’s Box this year. We hope you enjoy this warm-hearted feel-good read about love, and music. With each chapter the title of a love song, we definitely sung along to our favourites as we read. An entertaining and humorous story sure to lighten your February days.

What is in the box? 

*Strawberries and Prosecco Chocolate – Centre and Main Chocolate Co. – Nothing says romance like strawberries and chocolate, or strawberries and bubbly – this chocolate bar brings the best of all three together.

*Hot Chocolate – Gourmet du Village – One of our favourite hot chocolates. One for you and one to share.

*Significant Otter Socks – Socksmith – We thought these adorable sea otter pairs were perfect for Valentine’s and beyond.

*Sweet Hearts Mug – Danica – How could we not include this perfect mug? Reminiscent of your candy heart trading days this mug can be kept for yourself or passed along to a loved one.

You’re the X to my O – Knock Knock – A beautiful book of fun illustrations describing the perfect partnership.

Thoughtfuls – Compendium – We love these little love notes. Perfect for writing a short note, including in a card or reminding yourself that love is all around.

*Love You Hand Rescue – Walton Wood – The best-selling and most delicious smelling hand cream is back. When we saw this new scent, we wanted to send some vanilla hugs to you!

*Pink Cherry Donut – Allen Wick Candles – Yum! The word we would use to describe the smell of this dessert inspired candle.

*You’re The Icing To My Cupcake Card – I’ll Know It When I See It – Share the love with this card to give to your love, bff or family member.

*Indicates a Canadian company

Novel: The Chanel Sisters

A unique perspective on the lives of The Chanel Sisters, Gabrielle “Coco” and Antoinette. While we know them as women who changed fashion forever, this novel looks at their lives growing up and their fierce determination to succeed. The novel examines expectations and rules set out on these women because of their place in society. The Chanel Sisters is an interesting piece of historical fiction we hope you enjoy while curled up on a cold January day.

What is in the box?

Chocolate & Cherry Fudge – Kawartha Lakes Fudge Co. – A delicious local fudge incorporating some classic French flavours. 🍁 

Hot Chocolate – The Edison – A delicious blend of Hot Chocolate from a local café. Perfect for a cold Winter’s Day. 🍁 

Paris Boxed Mug – Paper Products Design – Transport yourself to Paris with this beautiful boxed mug (one of 4 designs).

Paris Tissue – Sniff – We love these convenient packages. A chance to dream of Paris with every Sniff.

Face Mask – MaskerAide – One of 4 styles of face masks is included for a night of self-care and pampering.

Self-Love Tote – Peace Collective – A tote that says it all. Self-love is so important and something Antoinette and Gabrielle struggle with. 🍁 

Double Sided Reading Journal – I’ll Know It When I See It – Our friends at IKIWISI created this amazing reading journal just for Sweet Reads Box subscribers. It is the perfect tool for your 2021 reading journey. 🍁 

🍁 Indicates a Canadian company

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 Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett

We fell in love with the characters in this novel, making it the perfect choice for our Anniversary box. As we head into Fall and some uncertainty about what life will look like in the months ahead Rose, Stanley and Eudora are exactly the novel we all need. While funny and quirky this novel also deals with loss, love, family, World War II and death. We know you will love this trio of friends and their story. 

What is in the box?

*Vanilla Bean Shortbread – Provisions – Eudora and Rose love their sweets and often share cookies and cake. We choose these Canadian-make shortbreads as the perfect cookie to pair with afternoon tea.

*Sweet Lemon Tea – Tealish – Rose’s favourite drink is Lemon Cordial. In honour of her love of lemon beverages we chose this perfectly delicious lemon tea.

Lemon Body Butter – Dr. Botanicals – A luxurious body butter great for moisturizing and taking care of your skin. Great for skin of any age and a convenient size for on-the-go moisture. Whether you are off to afternoon tea or the pool we know you will love the scent and feel of this cream.

*Colourful Socks – Little Blue House – You will receive one of three patterns of fun, bright and colourful socks. With Rose’s love of fashion, unique colour combinations and zest for life these designs are very fitting. Lightweight and perfect for Fall days.

*Pear and Reisling Jam – Provisions – Pair this amazing jam with creamy cheeses and crackers. A decadent sweet to pair with savory afternoon tea. While Eudora might choose a more traditional jam, we chose a bright jam full of sunshine – just like Rose.

*Sticky Notes – Little Blue House – One of two patterns of fun sticky notes to help you remember the little things. Eudora and Stanley are both a bit forgetful, these notes would be a handy tool. We chose unicorns for Rose and a Cat for Eudora.

*Sweet Reads Mug – A special gift from us to you on our anniversary. We hope you will enjoy many cups of tea/coffee in it while reading. A reminder to take some time for you.

*Indicates a Canadian company