Sweet Reads Box Review April 2020

How are you doing? Up and down? Me too. But this weekend was mostly up. We had really nice weather Saturday and it felt great to sit on the front porch with a book and get some sun and fresh air. And yesterday my little guy helped me with some baking, which was super satisfying. There was lots of bickering in between and I didn’t get anything else done but it felt like a bit of a break. Maybe because I was able to carve out more “me time” than during the week. If reading this is part of your “me time” thank you for spending it with me. Today I’ve got April’s Sweet Reads Box aka “me time delivered” aka the Canadian subscription service that delivers a new novel, something to eat and drink and a few treats tied to the story every month. Three-, six- and 12-month subscriptions are available and you can purchase single boxes to gift or try. Let’s see what’s inside this one.*

*They kindly sent us this box for review.

The quote from Paula Hawkins on this month’s Sweet Reads Box product card makes me think we’re in for a thriller. “Beware a calm surface – you never know what lies beneath.” The other side of the card is a list of the contents and how each one relates to the story. I like to be surprised so I always set it aside for last.

April’s book selection is “How a Woman Becomes a Lake” by Marjorie Celona. Here’s the description from the publisher:

“From the Giller-nominated author of Y comes How a Woman Becomes a Lake, a taut, suspenseful novel about the dark corners of a small town, and the secrets that lurk within…

It’s New Year’s Day and the residents of a small fishing town are ready to start their lives anew. Leo takes his two young sons out to the lake to write resolutions on paper boats. That same frigid morning, Vera sets out for a walk with her dog along the lake, leaving her husband in bed with a hangover.

But she never returns. She places a call to the police saying she’s found a boy in the woods, but the call is cut short by a muffled cry. Did one of Leo’s sons see Vera? What are they hiding about that day? And why are they so scared of their own father?

Told from shifting perspectives, How a Woman Becomes a Lake is a compelling, lyrical novel about family, new beginnings, and costly mistakes, and asks, what do you do when the people who are meant to love you the most, fail?”

I’d been reading loads the past month up until last week when I just couldn’t settle in and concentrate on more than a page. But I’m trying to get back into it (Saturday’s time in the sun with more of this one was a start) and How a Woman Becomes a Lake sounds fantastic.

Salted Caramel & Maple Crunch Milk Chocolate Bars (Galerie au Chocolat)

“We love these chocolate bars and felt these two flavours were a delicious compliment to the novel.”

Milk chocolate is my favourite and April Sweet Reads Box brought two amazing bars. Both of which are long gone and I haven’t even started the book. (tsk tsk) I think I liked the Maple Crunch the most but they were both excellent. And made in Canada, eh?

Earl Grey Cream Tea (Tealish)

I think the boxes must have had a few different teas because a Bluberry Lagoon White Tea from the same brand is listed on the product card and I got this one. Sadly I’m not an Earl Grey fan so I haven’t opened it but I’m sure I’ll find someone who will love it. What kinds of tea do you drink?

Sweet Preserve, Assorted flavours (Salt Spring Co.)

“Made in BC, these preserves were chosen for the amazing anchor logo (fitting the fishing town) and delicious flavours.”

I like basil with strawberries so this blueberry & basil jam sounded amazing and it is. Plus we’re on our last jar of strawberry jam from last summer so it’s perfect timing too. I feel like the blueberry & basil would be great on a charcuterie board.

Salmon in the Wild Mug (Native Northwest)

“Continuing with the water theme we chose this beautiful mug to represent Evelina’s work on fishing boats and the fishing culture of Whale Bay. Designed by Coast Salish artist Simone Diamond this design will remind you of travels to the West Coast and the fish that live in our beautiful Canadian waters.”

I love finding a mug in my Sweet Reads Box and this one is a great size ( I like big mugs and I cannot lie ) and the design is beautiful.

Whale Notebook (Native Northwest)

“Whales are mentioned often in the novel as inhabitants of the water and the namesake of the town — Whale Bay. They feature a beautiful design by Haida artist Ernest Swanson and a convenient size for jotting down notes on the go.”

This notebook is a great size and again, such a beautiful design. And I love seeing so many Canadian-made products in the box. Usually you can count on at least two or three.

Silver Earrings, Assorted Styles (Foxy Originals)

“We love everything this Canadian jewellery company creates and are excited to include their silver earrings in this box. Representative of Denny’s careers as a custom jeweller and the perfect compliment to a Spring outfit we hope you love these earrings as much as we do!”

And finally these gorgeous earrings from one of my favourite Canadian brands, Foxy Originals. I love the silver hoops and how love the dangling teardrops catch the light. These are just stunning!

April’s Sweet Reads Box book sounds wonderful and I’ve been enjoying several of the products in this month’s box in the “me time” I can get here and there. I love how so many Canadian makers are represented in the latest box and so carefully chosen to tie in to the story. You can tell a lot of time and care goes into each and every one.

• Single Sweet Reads Box: $65.99 + shipping
• Three-month subscription: $230.07 including shipping
• Six-month subscription: $443.94 including shipping
• 12-month subscription: $863.88 including shipping

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.

What do you think of the latest Sweet Reads Box? Are you a subscriber? Have you gifted a box? What would you like to see? I’d love to hear!

Try Small Things – https://trysmallthings.com