Sweet Reads Box Review January 2021
You know Sweet Reads Box is one of my favourite subscription boxes so I’m so excited to see what this year will bring! Voted Canada’s best book box, each month it delivers a newly released novel, something tasty to eat and drink while enjoying the book and a few bookish items (bookmarks, mugs, journals, cozy socks and the like) tied to the story. *
* They kindly sent us this box for review
I’m always excited to see Sweet Reads Box on my doorstep but January’s arrival had me grinning ear to ear. It’s the first one to feature its lovely new box, designed and made in Canada. Definitely makes a great first impression.
A product card included with each Sweet Reads Box notes the contents on one side and an image and quote related to the story on the other. The Eiffel tower on January’s card, paired with the quote “Believe deep down in your heart that you’re destined to do great things,” makes me think we’re in for an inspirational story, set in Paris perhaps? (Sweet Reads Box has since apologized for quoting former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno after subscribers noted he had been fired for his involvement in abuse at the university. It was an honest mistake, and I appreciate how quickly and transparently Sweet Reads Box addressed it.)
January’s book is the historical fiction novel, The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little. Here’s the description from the publisher:
A novel of survival, love, loss, triumph—and the sisters who changed fashion forever
Antoinette and Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel know they’re destined for something better. Abandoned by their family years before, they’ve grown up under the guidance of pious nuns preparing them for simple lives as the wives of tradesmen or shopkeepers. At night, their secret stash of romantic novels and magazine cutouts beneath the floorboards are all they have to keep their dreams of the future alive.
The walls of the convent can’t shield them forever, and when they’re finally of age, the Chanel sisters set out together with a fierce determination to prove themselves worthy to a society that has never accepted them. Their journey propels them out of poverty and to the stylish cafés of Moulins, the dazzling performance halls of Vichy—and to a small hat shop on the rue Cambon in Paris, where a business takes hold and expands to the glamorous French resort towns. But when World War I breaks out, their lives are irrevocably changed, and the sisters must gather the courage to fashion their own places in the world, even if apart from each other.”
I have some knowledge of Coco Chanel from a children’s book series I’ve talked about in the past but certainly nothing as fulsome as this novel promises, even if fictional. I’m intrigued! Have you read The Chanel Sisters?
Hot Chocolate (Covet Coffee & Tea)
“A delicious blend of hot chocolate from a local cafe. Perfect for a cold Winter’s Day.”
Sweet Reads Box often includes coffee or tea but I’m just as happy to see hot chocolate. And plenty to enjoy long after I’ve read the book. (🇨🇦 indicates a Canadian product.)
Chocolate & Cherry Fudge (Kawartha Lakes Fudge Co)
“A delicious local fudge incorporating some classic French flavours.”
And usually I’m through the snack before I’ve even started the book but this fudge was an exception. I love chocolate fudge but not the cherry flavour so unfortunately it was a miss for me.
Face Mask (MaskerAide)
“One of four styles of face masks is included for a night of self-care and pampering.”
MaskerAide makes great masks so I was happy to see this one. Made for all skin types to firm and soften lines. Perfect!
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.”
I have another reading journal from a past Sweet Reads Box so I’ll probably gift this one to my mom. She’s a voracious reader so I think she’ll appreciate it.
Paris Boxed Mug (Paper Products Design)
“Transport yourself to Paris with this beautiful boxed mug (one of four designs).”
You can never have too many mugs IMHO and this one is so cute! The cat even has the same colouring as our little guy.
Paris Tissue (Sniff)
“We love these convenient packages. A chance to dream of Paris with every Sniff.”
Tucking these in my purse and feeling so fancy!
Self-Love Tote (Peace Collective)
“A tote that says it all. Self-love is so important and something Antoinette and Gabrielle struggle with.”
I’ve been using a tote from another Sweet Reads Box as my purse for ages and love this one too. (I feel like all French women must carry black totes, non? So chic!) Perfect size to carry a three-litre bag of milk and plenty strong enough too.
January’s Sweet Reads Box includes so many of my favourite things — an intriguing novel, chocolate treats, a lovely new mug, a relaxing face mask — “me time. delivered.” really is the perfect way to describe it. This one is sold out and February’s too but the March box is available along with two new limited editions, April’s Young Adult Box and the next Book Lovers Box (also an April release).
- Single monthly Sweet Reads Box: $80
- Three-month subscription: $230.97
- Six-month subscription: $443.94
- 12-month subscription: $863.88
Sweet Reads Box ships Canada-wide and shipping is included.
And you can save 10% on three- and six-month subscriptions when you sign up for the Sweet Reads Box mailing list. The co. also shares bookish news, discounts and info on upcoming boxes on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Did you get January’s Sweet Reads Box? What did you think? What books or other treats would you like to see in a future box?
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