“I’m gonna go block the McDonald’s drive-thru until they bring back pizza. (That’s how things are done now, right?) #McFreedom
— Jason Pugh
I’ve been totally gutted over what’s been happening in our city since the convoy arrived but seeing that tweet today made me laugh. The situation is as ridiculous as it is maddening. But I need to put it out of my mind for a little bit and catch up on a few boxes. If you follow Sweet Reads Box you’ve already seen this one and if so, I hope this closer look will still be of interest. Generally I try to share reviews a few weeks after the boxes have been shipped so I don’t ruin the surprise for people who haven’t yet received theirs but I didn’t intend to be this long with January’s. Let’s get into it. *
* Sweet Reads Box sent us January’s box for review.
If you’re new to Sweet Reads Box, it’s a monthly Canadian subscription service that sends you a new book each month, something tasty to eat and drink while you’re reading and a few brilliant bookish items tied to the story. A number of themed limited editions are released throughout the year as well. (Sweet Reads was kind enough to send me this year’s Valentine’s Box, which hopefully I’ll be able to share with you next week.)
Sweet Reads Box currently ships across Canada and the US. (Shipping to the US began just last week.)
January’s product card features a quote from the novel Interior Chinatown by American writer, Charles Yu: “Am I the suspect? Or the victim?” The quote is a hint about what’s to come from January’s novel. I’m guessing we’re in for a mystery? A murder mystery, perhaps? (Okay okay I know what book it is but only after opening the box.)
The reverse of the card includes descriptions of the contents, which I’ve included below in italics. Oh and the Canadian flag 🇨🇦indicates a Canadian product.
January’s pick the brand-new release The Maid by Nita Prose.
“Molly Gray is a character you won’t soon forget. A woman whose life was centered around her Gran (who has recently died) is now left to forge her own path. The story focuses on her job as a hotel maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. When Molly finds a wealthy guest dead in his bed, life takes a different course. Thus begins a search to prove her innocence and find the real killer.
A delightfully charming novel with an intricate and surprising mystery at the center. Captivating and curious, this novel will will have you talking about it for weeks to come. The fictional world of The Maid is brought to life with the products we have included for the ultimate reading experience.”
The Maid has been on my wish list so I was so, so happy to see it in January’s box. I have another novel I need to finish and review before I can start it but I’m really looking forward to getting into it. Have you read it? What did you think? (No spoilers please!)
Regency Hotel Shortbread · Walton Wood Farm · “Everyone should have this delightful sweet treat after witnessing a crime scene.” 🇨🇦
Sweet Reads Box has collaborated with Walton Wood Farm on a few custom products over the years but January’s are next level. Cleverly named after the hotel in the novel with cheeky descriptions to match, these melt-in-your mouth shortbread are the first of what I’m gonna call hyper-curated bookish delights.
“This authentic buttery shortbread is sure to distract from life’s pesky little inconveniences such as murder, interrogations, and unrequited love.”
And not for the first time, my Sweet Reads snack was gone before I’d turned a single page. 😋
Regency English Breakfast Tea · Walton Wood Farm · “Nothing calms the nerves better than this tea lover’s classic blend. A rich cup of breakfast tea will set you in the mood for reading while also connecting to Gran and Molly’s traditions.” 🇨🇦
I drink tea all day and evening long and English Breakfast is my favourite by far. This one is delightfully smooth.
Regency Hotel Notepad · “Designed for our Sweet Readers to jot down notes, book annotations, and/or pop in your bag. We just cannot help ourselves from grabbing hotel notepads when we travel. Keep the fun of The Maid continuing with this handy paper.” 🇨🇦
Regency Hotel Pen · “A hotel staple and the perfect pairing for your notepad. Great conversation starter for those who haven’t heard of the Regency hotel and its many stories.” 🇨🇦
Milk Chocolate Truffles · Lindt · “A classic hotel turndown chocolate but used by Molly in a different way. “From Molly the Maid. Know this: Your Work is Sweet.”
The notepad and the pen remind me of playing restaurant as a kid (and kinda make me want to play it again). And Lindt truffles! How decadent! I’m also loving the colour-coordination in January’s box.
Regency Hotel Cleaner · Walton Wood Farm · “The most versatile cleaner you’ll use. A bio-enzymatic cleaner that digests all manner of unmentionable odors and messes, including surfaces, athletic equipment, crime scenes, and more!” 🇨🇦
I’ve been using this cleaner on our countertops and the vanilla citrus is the rare scent the whole family likes. I’d love to see more all-natural cleaners like these one in future Sweet Reads Boxes!
Chocolate Puzzle · Chronicle Books · “Puzzles are a much-loved activity for Molly and Gran. Enjoy this sweet little puzzle with your cup of tea.”
So clever! The pieces might be a little small for my peepers but my kids can put it together.
Door Hanger · Penguin Books · “Tell your household you are far too busy solving mysteries to be interrupted with this custom-designed door hanger.” 🇨🇦
I don’t know about your household, but it’s gonna take more than a door hanger to keep mine from bothering me when I’m reading. 😂😂 But I still think it’s a clever idea.
January’s Sweet Reads Box is one of my favourites to date! I’m really excited to start The Maid and I love the clever tie-ins and the custom packaging. There are still a few January boxes available to purchase individually, along with some other past boxes.
- Single box: $85
- Three-month subscription: $76.99/month
- Six-month subscription: $73.99/month
- 12-month subscription: $71.99/month
Follow Sweet Reads Box on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for info on bookish news, discounts and info on upcoming boxes.
Have you tried Sweet Reads? What do you think of January’s edition? Are there any particular authors, products or themes you’d like to see in future boxes?
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