The Reading Lounge

Sarah and Cynthia discuss historical fiction novel, The Swan's Nest, by Laura McNeal and dive into the love story of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning framed by the backdrop of industrial London, tainted wealth, and limited choices from their families and society.This episode's cocktail is fittingly called, The Poet.2 oz rye whiskey1/4 oz simple syrup or honey 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled1 lemon wedge2 sprigs mintsplash of soda water (we used more than a splash)Muddle the ginger, lemon, and one sprig of mint in the simple syrup. Add ice, whiskey, and soda then mix well. Add the second sprig of mint as a garnish if you are feeling fancy. Who doesn't want to feel fancy! We added the second sprig.

Welcome to The Reading Lounge! This month Cynthia and Sarah discuss Hum by Helen Phillips. A work of speculative fiction that leaves a long-lasting impact. In the novel, we follow one woman as she makes a variety of choices tobring her family closer together while living in a not-to-distant future world of AI. We had much to say about this novel and we think you will, too. Here are the others books mentioned : Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn IveyThe Lost Bookshop by Evie WoodsThe Story Collector by Evie WoodsThe Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan KamaliThe Covenant of Water by Abraham VergheseDon't Forget to Write by Sara Goodman ConfinoThis month's cocktail and mocktail is called BotanicalGarden. Read the book and it will all make sense!Botanic Garden – original recipe50 ml Pineapple Tequila20 ml Lime juice20 ml Basil syrup25 ml Pineapple juiceBasil leavesTop with proseccoMix first five ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain intoa cocktail glass. Top with prosecco and gently stir. Garnish with a basil leaf.Our Mocktail Botanic GardenSame ingredients minus the tequila and adding club soda.Mix lime juice, pineapple juice and basic syrup in shakerwith ice. Pour into glass and top with club soda and mix. Garnish with basil.Enjoy!

We each highlight a few new books that we're adding to our TBR list. Plus, we have a Spring cocktail you may enjoy whenever you find some reading time in this new season. Vodka Thyme Lemonade1 C sparkling lemonade3 oz vodka1 sprig thymeMix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and pour over ice!

In this episode of The Reading Lounge Sarah and Cynthia discuss West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. Inspired by a true story, Rutledge takes us on a journey with a pair of giraffes, their caretaker, and our storyteller across the country headed for the San Diego Zoo. A tale told against the backdrop of The Great Depression makes for great discussion. Join us while sipping on this month's cocktail, a Giraffe's Print! 2 oz spicy golden rum1 oz Amaretto1 oz fresh lemon juice1 oz simple syrup2 dashes Angostura bitters1 egg whiteIceOrange peel (we used lemon peel) for garnishAdd rum through bitters into shaker with ice and pour into your favorite cocktail glass. Whip up egg white and add a dollop to top. Garnish with citrus peel. Enjoy!

Welcome to The Reading Lounge! Sarah and Cynthia discuss Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford. Perhaps not many find fame in the sunset of their lives but Mrs. Quinn's love of baking puts her front and center. The unexpected fame also illuminates the cost of keeping secrets in a nearly 60-year long marriage. If you enjoy The Great British Baking Show as much as we do, the setting for this fun and engaging novel will make you smile and keep turning page after page. Let's not forget this episode's cocktail - A Sticky Toffee Fizz!You'll need:1 oz. Spiced Rum1/2 oz. Butterscotch liqueur1/2 oz Caramel Toffee liqueur1 2/3 oz Brut Champagne/sparkling wineWe made a few modifications - listen in to find out what to do when you can't find Caramel Toffee liqueur!Thank you for joining us in The Reading Lounge.

Thanks for joining us in The Reading Lounge! Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel A Walker in the Evening by Nick Owchar. This is a beautifully crafted literary novel that is intelligent, interesting, and will keep you turning page after page. Be sure to try this episode's signature cocktail: The Night Walker! 1 oz Rum 1 oz Vodka 1/2 oz Triple Sec 1 oz Cassis 2 oz Orange Juice 1 oz Lime Juice Mix all ingredients in a shaker, serve over crushed ice. Garnish with pineapple wedge or lime. Hint: We think fresh lime juice was key!

Cynthia and Sarah recap their reading year and choose their favorite books and cocktails. We hope you enjoy this brief bonus episode. Join us to raise a glass to the great reading of 2024!

Cynthia and Sarah discuss the 2013 novel The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. Set in 1918, the story follows two people attempting to craft a life in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. The tragedies and longings are with them and so is hope that manifests in numerous ways. A great read at any time of year, but the novel beautifully captures the Alaskan seasons - especially the beauty and harsh reality of winter. We paired this novel with a Holiday Aperol Spritz shared by @drinkswithdanica. 2 oz aperol 2 oz cranberry juice 1 oz club soda 3+ oz Proseco Fill a wine glass with ice. Add aperol, cranberry juice and club soda. Stir and top with Proseco. Garnish with cranberries and a rosemary sprig. (We think the garnish really makes this drink!) Thanks for stopping by The Reading Lounge!

Join Cynthia and Sarah in The Reading Lounge for a lively discussion of Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin. The novel harkens back to not so long ago scandals and led us to the question, "Has anything changed?" Be sure to sip on The Politician, a fitting cocktail for this fun read. We'll meet you in The Reading Lounge! The Politician .75 oz gin .75 oz whisky 1 oz lemon juice .5 oz grenadine .5 oz grapefruit syrup .25 oz simple syrup Mix and serve over ice with a lemon twist.

Autumn is made for reading! Get cozy and hear about the new fall books Sarah and Cynthia are excited about. What is your favorite new book?

We are in the Halloween spirit in The Reading Lounge as we discuss Frankenstein. Go beyond the movies to enjoy the gothic story written by 18-year-old Mary Shelley. Tell us what you think of this original horror story. Pour yourself a Frankenstein cocktail while you listen to get into the spirit. Frankenstein 1.5 oz vodka 1 oz melon liqueur (we used Midori) 1/2 oz fresh lime juice 2 oz ginger beer Mix all ingredients over ice and garnish with a gummy worm or two for a special Halloween treat. Enjoy!

Join us as we discuss Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy. Though published earlier this year, this one wasn't on our book radar until we learned that Ann Patchett recommended this novel. As listeners know, we love all of Ann Patchett's books and will always give her recommendations a try. As expected, this one did not disappoint. Listen in to learn what we loved about this novel. Perhaps you'll add to your TBR list. Let's not forget this episode's cocktail: The Mouse Trap 1.5 oz Triple Sec 2 oz Vodka 2 oz Orange juice 3 oz 7-Up or Sprite 1.5 oz Grenadine syrup Shake vodka, triple sec, and orange juice with ice. Strain into cocktail glass and add soda (do not shake, stir). Layer drink with grenadine syrup. Enjoy.

Welcome to a brief bonus episode of The Reading Lounge. Since we love books how could we not spend a few minutes discussing the New York Times Best Books of the 21st Century (so far) survey results. Spoiler alert...We both love the title that took the number one spot! Special thanks to the wonderful content from The Book Review podcast from the New York Times and from Book Riot - The Podcast which providing information and inspiration for much of our discussion. We learned about many new books to add to our TBR list. We hope you discover some new reads, too.

Sarah and Cynthia discuss Natalie Sue's debut novel, I Hope This Finds You Well. If you've ever worked in an office, you will chuckle, and maybe even grimace, at the spot-on descriptions of office life that serve as the story's backdrop. But beyond the "birthday cake in the breakroom" and obligatory e-mail salutations, is a story of a young woman trying to navigate her way in life following a childhood tragedy, and ever-present family, and society's expectations. Join us in The Reading Lounge to hear more about why you may want to pick up this fun read and add to your TBR list. Don't forget to mix up this episode's cocktail: You've Got Mail 2 oz Cachaca 1/2 oz orange juice 1/2 oz lime juice 1/4 oz sugar syrup (2:1 sugar:water ratio) 1/4 oz honey syrup (3:1 honey: water ratio) 1 2/3 oz of Brut Champagne or sparkling wine Shake first five ingredients with ice and strain into ice-filled Collins glass. Top with sparkling wine. Enjoy!

In this episode of The Reading Lounge, Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel The Fellowship of Puzzle Makers by Samuel Burr. Both puzzling addicts (yes, that is us) and non-puzzlers alike will find much to enjoy in this book that highlights the ties that bind the families we choose. Join us in sipping on a cocktail called The Labyrinth. The Labyrinth 1 1/2 parts bourbon 1/2 part sherry 1/4 Amaretto 3 dashes bitters orange peel and cherry for garnish Mix all ingredients and enjoy over ice.

Bonus Episode! Join Cynthia and Sarah in the Reading Lounge and learn about some fun summer book releases!

Listen in as Sarah and Cynthia discuss Attribution by Linda Moore. This independently published novel has won numerous awards and combines art history, mystery, romance, and interesting characters to paint (pun intended) a great story. Make a pitcher of Spanish Sangria, find a place to relax, and enjoy the podcast and the novel. Spanish Sangria This recipe makes a large pitcher. We halved the recipe. 3 oz Cognac or Spanish Brandy 3/4 C sugar 3 oz orange juice 2 naval oranges 1/2 lemon 1 apple 1.5 liters (two standard bottles) Rioja or a dry red wine Mix cognac, sugar and juice. Chop oranges and lemon into small wedges and apple into small pieces. Add just enough wine to cover the fruit. Refrigerate overnight or for several hours to blend flavors. Add the remainder of the wine and adjust to taste with more brandy and/or sugar. Chill for at least two hours before serving.

Sarah and Cynthia discuss Lori Gottlieb's Maybe You Should Talk to Someone in The Reading Lounge. Did this read make us want to try therapy? We did try a Psychotini. Shake one up and join us in The Reading Lounge. Psychotini 1 oz. dark rum 3 oz. pineapple juice 1 tsp. honey splash of lemon Add ingredients to a martini shaker and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a dehydrated pineapple slice.

In this episode of The Reading Lounge, Cynthia and Sarah discuss The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa. While we discuss, we enjoy a cocktail named "The Professor." Mix one up and listen in to see if you'd like to add this book to your TBR list. The Professor: 24 oz. grapefruit soda (Fresca, Squirt, or sugar free grapefruit soda 4 oz. Tequila 4 oz. Grand Marnier (we used Triple Sec) 4 oz. lime juice Ice oranges/limes for garnish Mix all ingredients in a pitcher. Add ice, stir and serve! We'll meet you in The Reading Lounge!

Sarah and Cynthia discuss Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson. Come on into The Reading Lounge while we discuss this episode's novel and sip on an Enigmatic Elixir cocktail. Listen in to find out why this cocktail is the perfect pairing for the book and the month of March! 2 oz Vodka 1 oz Elderflower Liqueur 1 oz fresh lime juice (we cheated and used bottled) 1/2 oz simple syrup 4-6 fresh basil leaves Soda Water (we used Lime flavored La Croix!) Lime wheel for garnish (obviously optional) Join us in The Reading Lounge!

Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. Join us in The Reading Lounge while we discuss this episode's book of choice and enjoy the signature cocktail. Symphony 2 oz Gin 1 oz Fresh lemon juice .5 oz Triple Sec 1 oz Cranberry Juice (we used 100% cranberry juice - use juice cocktail if you like your libations a bit sweeter) Mix in a shaker with ice and garnish with a lemon twist

Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel The Measure by Nikki Erlick. Join us in The Reading Lounge while we enjoy the signature cocktail designed to pair with this episode's book selection. Fate 1 1/2 oz. St. Germain liquor 1/2 oz. Orange Juice 1/2 oz. Pineapple Juice 1 1/2 oz. Proseco

Welcome to The Reading Lounge. Sarah and Cynthia give you a brief glimpse into what we'll be reading and drinking in the lounge. We hope you'll join us in The Reading Lounge!