7 Book and Candle Pairings That Will Light Your Fire

Peppermint:

As the crisp, wintery aroma of peppermint wafts through your room, crack open the pages of The Winter Sister by Megan Collins. Let this story about an unsolved murder be sharpened by your alertness from the minty scent. In the book, Sylvie returns home to care for her sick mother, but their reunion also brings up the trauma surrounding her older sister’s unsolved murder. Secrets begin to pour out as Sylvie uncovers what really happened the night her sister died. When you want a guaranteed spine-tingler, The Winter Sister is a must-read.

Cinnamon Pumpkin:

If you fall in love with autumnal scents like cinnamon pumpkin, try cozying up with the atmospheric Tidelands by Philippa Gregory. This work of historical fiction, which takes place amid the English civil war in 1648, follows a midwife, Alinor, looking to escape her abusive husband. James, a young man on the run, proves to be her way out. Yet, a woman separated from her husband at the height of witch mania stirs up some dark superstitions in those around her, and her independence and skill with herbs arouse fear in the town. To what lengths will Alinor go to escape conformity, and also prove her innocence?

Eucalyptus Mint:

Cool fragrances are as refreshing as a breath of fresh air, just like feel-good novels. If your go-to candle is the invigorating scent of eucalyptus mint, try matching it with the charming novel Mornings with Rosemary by Libby Page. This story tells of an unexpected friendship between an anxious young reporter and an eighty-six-year-old lifelong swimmer. Twenty-something Kate Matthews is assigned to write a piece on the local pool’s closing. This expectedly drab assignment soon transforms into a portrait of one singular woman: Rosemary. The two begin to open up to each other and embark on a nourishing, transformative relationship.

Black Cherry Merlot:

If you are into deep, dark scents like black cherry merlot, a romantic thriller is the perfect book for you. The Obsession by Nora Roberts follows the life of Naomi Bowes, who is forced to live in the shadows of her father’s infamous serial-killer crimes. Despite attempts to reinvent her life, Naomi is haunted by her father’s past, which she discovered as a young girl. Even after she acquires a new name, a new home, and a hot new boyfriend, the nightmares of Naomi’s past life always seem to find their way back to her.

Peach Bellini:

While the sweet, fruity scent of peach bellini emanates through your room, a feel-good book is a must. Pick up a copy of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. Soon to be a movie produced by Reese Witherspoon, the novel follows Eleanor, a socially awkward recluse who spends her weekends with frozen pizza and a bottle of vodka. Her sad, lonely life is completely turned upside down, though, when she and the unhygienic IT guy from her office save an elderly man who has fallen on the sidewalk. The three characters form an unlikely friendship that ultimately helps Eleanor reinvent her life. For a wholesome and infectiously buoyant read to pair with your fruity fragrance, I definitely recommend this one.

White Gardenia:

If floral scents like white gardenia are your favorite, a lighthearted love story will pair perfectly with your hopelessly romantic heart. Meet Me on Love Lane by Nina Bocci is the perfect pick-me-up. Charlotte Bishop is forced to return to her hometown in Hope Lake, Pennsylvania, after New York City has beaten her down. Expecting to succumb to a dreary life of boredom, Charlotte is pleasantly surprised to discover the quaint place is now bustling and thriving. Captivated by her nostalgic return home, Charlotte falls for not one but two of Hope Lake’s charming resident men. Now Charlotte’s heart is torn between two men and two cities.

Mahogany Teakwood:

The classic, musky scent of mahogany teakwood definitely calls for a bracing mystery. Try diving into Laura Lippman’s novel Lady in the Lake. This thrilling whodunit is set in 1960s Baltimore, where Maddie Schwartz, who’s desperate to make her mark on the city, takes it upon herself to draw on her own secrets to help the police investigate a murder. Her poking around lands her a position on the city’s paper. In this role, Maddie is sure she’ll make a journalistic name for herself. But as she entwines herself in the investigation, she risks losing the people who care about her the most….