Sweet Reads Box April 2021 🇨🇦

I received April’s Sweet Reads Box in exchange for an honest review. This post also appears on A Year of Boxes.

Hi everybody! I hope you had a great weekend. I put off cleaning to spend some time on our deck in the sun while the weather was nice so I need to get to that but first, the first in a Sweet Reads double header. Today I’ve got April’s reveal and in a couple of days an April limited edition, The Cook’s Box. If you’re new to Sweet Reads (or Sweet Reads Box, I use them interchangeably), it’s a monthly Canadian book box that delivers a new novel, something delicious to drink, a tasty sweet or savoury snack, and a few clever bookish goods (think mugs, bookmarks, candles, etc.) related to the story or the theme of the box. This fall will mark the co.’s fourth year in biz (!) and I feel like they’re just getting better and better.

Every box comes with a product card. One one side there’s a quote related to the book and on the other side a description of the contents and how they relate to the story. The box is always packed with the quote side up so you can set the card aside and be surprised as you dig in or flip it over and see everything that’s in store.

“I forgive myself and set myself free.” — Louise Hay

I’ve included excerpts from the product card below in italics. Whenever you see the Canadian flag 🇨🇦 that indicates a Canadian product. Sweet Reads founders Kerrie and Mark take great pride in sourcing gems from small Canadian businesses and makers.

April’s book is When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain A story about redemption and forgiveness set in 1993 California, Paula McLain weaves together a powerful story about your past and the many ways it affects your life. Centered around a criminal investigation and a missing person’s detective’s search for answers. We know you will love the lyrical style of the novel and the protagonist’s journey to heal and solve the mystery.

I’ve been avoiding reviews of this one because it sounds like a nail-biter and I don’t want to know too much going in. If the author’s name rings a bell, maybe you’ve read some of her earlier works? She’s also written The Paris Wife, Love and Ruin and Circling the Sun (among others).

Sweet Readers also received a letter from the author. I didn’t read it for fear of spoilers but I can’t wait to pick it up again when I’ve finished the book. We’ve seen these in Sweet Reads Boxes more and more and IMHO they make each one feel extra special.

Coconut Milk Dark Chocolate (Camino) A fair trade, vegan chocolate bar made in Canada. We loved this unique chocolate bar and through Californians would too! 🇨🇦

Lemon Rooibos Tea (Genuine Tea) A relaxing blend of tea — perfect hot and delicious iced. A great drink after a long day. 🇨🇦

Cocoa Camino makes my all-time favourite chocolate bar (milk chocolate with sea salt) so I was thrilled to see this one! I prefer milk chocolate over dark but 55% isn’t the darkest so maybe I’ll love it. (I’m saving it to have with the book.) And I love the sound of the lemon tea! Especially iced. Maybe I’ll make some this weekend.

Sweet Reads Tumbler Designed by a local graphic designer (who designed our boxes) these tumblers will keep your favourite beverage hot or cold on the go. A special tie in to the novel but we know you’ll love using it all year round. 🇨🇦

Ackkkk I love this tumbler! My favourite Sweet Reads branded item so far. I’ll get tonnes of use out of it.

Sweet Reads Hand Rescue (Walton Wood) Our friends at Walton Wood have created a signature scent just for us! Light smelling and refreshing. We hope you will love this as much as we do! 🇨🇦

Wait wait — this is amazing too! A Sweet Reads hand cream! It sinks in quickly and doesn’t feel greasy (greasy is a deal-breaker) and the citrus and herb scent smells like spring.

Basically Psychic Ankle Socks (Blue Q) While Anna didn’t always welcome the psychic’s help in the story, we know you’ll love these conversation-starting socks.

I rarely wear patterned socks but my bestie is basically psychic so these are perfect for her.

Book Banter Bookmark (Beautiful Words) Beautiful bookmarks that encourage you to read, reflect and connect. Keep this bookmark handy and answer the questions as you go. 🇨🇦

What a smart idea! The questions are broad enough to use with any book and I like how it’s laminated so it won’t get beat up over time.

April’s Sweet Reads Box was full of so many fantastic surprises — a new-to-me novel that sounds gripping, a chocolate bar from my favourite chocolate bar brand, the beautiful branded tumbler and hand cream I’ll be using over and over, the lemon tea, the bookmark, the letter from the author (!) and the socks my psychic bestie will love. I can’t wait to hear what you think of it too! (Note: May’s box just sold out but June is available along with limited editions for adults and kids.)

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.

What do you think of April’s box? What items grab you? What would you like to see in the future? Let me know below! I’d love to chat.