Coffee and a Good Book
I'll let you in on a little secret: I haven't always been a coffee drinker. In fact, it wasn't until my mid-thirties that I started to drink coffee. Before that, I had always been a tea drinker. When I admit that to people, it feels like I just told a dog person I used to only like cats, but once I got a dog, I liked both. It's a strange feeling of being judged.
But once I started drinking coffee, I haven't really stopped. I still enjoy the occasional cup of tea, but I'm mainly a coffee drinker now.
As an author, I feel there are few combinations more comforting than a great book and a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Whether it's a quiet morning before the rest of the house wakes up, a rainy afternoon curled up by the window, or a peaceful evening on the porch as the sun sets, coffee has a way of slowing me down and inviting me to savor the moment. Add a captivating story to the mix, and I've created one of life's simplest—and greatest—pleasures.
If you're anything like me, coffee isn't just a drink. It's part of the reading (and in my case, writing) experience. I even made the love interest in Whispers Along the Shore own a coffee shop because I tried to take a break from coffee for a while (totally failed experiment). That made me really want coffee all the time. To satisfy my itch, I made Lucas a coffee shop owner. Don't worry, I am back to drinking coffee.
Coffee and Books: The Perfect Pairing
Books transport us to charming small towns, windswept beaches, cozy cottages, and unforgettable adventures. Coffee helps us settle in, relax, and enjoy every page just a little longer.
There’s something wonderfully comforting about wrapping your hands around a warm mug while getting to know new characters, solving a mystery, or watching two people find love when they least expect it.
Reading becomes less about escaping life and more about taking time to enjoy it.
Pair Your Coffee with the Perfect Book
Different stories seem to call for different coffee drinks. Here are a few fun pairings to inspire your next reading session.
Cozy Mystery + Classic Cappuccino
Rich, comforting, and timeless, a cappuccino is the perfect companion for a cozy mystery. As clues unfold and small-town secrets come to light, every sip feels like you're sitting in your favorite neighborhood café.
Beach Read + Iced Vanilla Latte
A refreshing iced latte is made for warm summer afternoons. Pair it with a heartwarming coastal story filled with friendship, romance, and second chances, and you'll almost hear the waves crashing nearby.
Women's Fiction + Honey Cinnamon Latte
Women's fiction often explores family, friendship, healing, and personal growth. A lightly sweet honey cinnamon latte reflects the warmth and emotion found within these unforgettable stories.
Later-in-Life Romance + Caramel Macchiato
Love has no expiration date, and neither does the joy of discovering a new favorite coffee drink. A smooth caramel macchiato pairs beautifully with stories about second chances, new beginnings, and finding happiness when you least expect it.
Autumn Stories + Pumpkin Spice Coffee
As leaves begin to fall and sweaters come out of the closet, nothing complements an autumn novel better than a cozy pumpkin spice coffee. I feel Lavender & Quill is the perfect story for cool days. It takes place in autumn with the heroine owning a bookstore.
Create Your Own Reading Café at Home
You don't have to visit a coffee shop to enjoy the perfect reading atmosphere.
Create your own cozy corner with a few simple touches:
- Brew your favorite coffee or specialty latte.
- Choose a comfortable chair with plenty of natural light.
- Keep a soft blanket nearby.
- Add fresh flowers or a small plant.
- Light a candle with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, or coffee.
- Put your phone on silent.
- Let yourself get lost in a good book.
Sometimes the smallest rituals become the most meaningful.
Why I Love Writing Stories That Pair with Coffee
When I write my stories, I often imagine readers slowing down for a little while—finding a quiet afternoon, pouring a favorite cup of coffee, and stepping into a welcoming small town filled with memorable characters.
I love creating stories that feel like a comforting conversation with a friend. Stories where neighbors know each other's names, mysteries unfold one clue at a time, and hope is always waiting around the corner.
Those are the kinds of books that seem to pair perfectly with coffee.