September Reading Recap + Tea Pairings (Coming Soon!)

September was filled with cozy reads, cooler evenings, and plenty of tea mugs warming my hands. 🍂☕ As the season shifted, I found comfort in curling up with stories that blended magic, small-town charm, and heartwarming relationships. Here’s a look at what I read this month — along with the teas I think would pair perfectly with each book.

✨ Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m a huge fan of the movie, so going into the book I expected something similar… but wow — this story is its own kind of magic ✨🖤

The book is very different from the movie in tone and plot, but it still pulled me in with its lyrical writing and enchanting characters. The pacing was quicker than I expected, and the story had a captivating, almost dreamlike quality that made it hard to put down.

If you’re heading into this as a movie fan, just keep an open mind. Don’t expect a direct replica of the film — this book stands beautifully on its own. It’s worth reading for the unique storytelling, sisterhood, and a deeper, more bittersweet kind of magic.

Tea Pairing: Olive Branch Chai — a grounding, spiced tea with just the right hint of mystery to match the magic.

📚 The Shop Around the Corner by Anne Marie Meyer

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

This one is definitely a slow burn, and we finally get the long-awaited conclusion to Shelby and Miles’ story (carried over from book 1).

I loved how sweet it is that Miles has always loved Shelby 💕—but oh my goodness, the lack of communication between them just about did me in 😂. Like… y’all, just say the words!

Overall it’s a cozy, clean romance with absolutely no spice so far. I haven’t finished the series yet, so maybe there’s still hope, but for now it’s more sweet than swoony.

Tea Pairing: Citrus Grove Green — light and refreshing, just like the easy charm of this story.

🌸 Apple Blossom B&B by Anne Marie Meyer

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

I wanted to really like this one, but I found myself getting more and more frustrated 😣 with the lack of communication between the characters. Abigail and Bash — we, as readers, know how they both feel, but they just wouldn’t tell each other 😳.

And then Claire and Jax… same problem. She refuses to talk to him and brushes him off over and over. Ugh! 😣 It felt like the same cycle on repeat.

That said, I’m pot-committed at this point and still need to know what happens next in the series.

Tea Pairing: Autumn Orchard Black Tea — cozy and a little bittersweet, perfect for a story about family and second chances.

🍎 Wrapping Up September

Each of these books brought me into fall in their own way — some magical, some romantic, some a little bittersweet. While I don't have teas available just yet, I couldn't help imagining the perfect mug to sip alongside each story.

✨ “Pairing books with ideal tea blends made every story feel even cozier.” 🍎🍂

I can't wait to share these blends with you soon - but until then, I'd love to hear from you. What should I add to my October reading list? Drop your recs in the comments below!