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There’s no better way to spend a cozy fall morning than with a good book and a delicious treat from your local cafe. We’ve rounded up some perfect pairings from Cincinnati bakeries and local authors to help you embark on the ultimate Rory Gilmore fall aesthetic experience.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry and a Fall Spiced Latte from Mom ‘n ‘em Coffee
Nothing says feel-good-romance quite like Emily Henry. The West Chester author has released eight books, but Book Lovers is the perfect fall read. The book tells the slow-burn romance between literary agent Nora and editor Charlie in the seemingly unlikely Sunshine Falls. Pair this read with Mom ‘n ‘em Coffee’s Fall Spiced Latte, the perfect seasonal blend of clove, cinnamon and everything nice.
Purchase the book: josephbeth.com/book Photo: Fair Use/instagram.com/momnemcoffeeCloser Than You Think by Karen Rose and an Autumn Apple Latte from Redtree Coffee
In this novel by Cincinnati author Karen Rose, thriller and romance collide when a young woman on the run must finally confront her dark past in her hometown of — you guessed it -—CIncinnati. We paired this with Redtree Coffee’s Autumn Apple Latte, packed full of espresso and apple-coffee cake flavorings — there’s nothing more fall than that.
Purchase the book: josephbeth.com/book Photo: Fair Use/instagram.com/redtreecoffeeandartThe Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop and a Bull Blaster from Coffia Coffee Shop
How can we forget about the television series that just screams fall: Gilmore Girls. In her memoir paying homage to her time on the series, Kelly Bishop takes readers through the highs and lows of her career on screen, as a professional dancer and behind the curtain. We paired this with Bull Blaster from Coffia Coffee Shop, containing Red Bull, your choice of flavoring and orange juice.
Purchase the book: josephbeth.com/book Photo: Fair Use/instagram.com/coffiacoffeeshopLittle Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng and a Cinna-Honey Latte from Bean & Barley
Looking for a local twist? Travel to Shaker Heights, Ohio, for a tale of motherhood, love and the power of right and wrong in Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. Fall into the story with a Cinna-Honey Latte from Bean & Barley and add on a cinnamon roll and enjoy their ample outdoor seating.
Purchase the book: josephbeth.com/book Photo: Fair Use/instagram.com/bean.and.barleyLittle Women by Louisa May Alcott and a Redlegs Latte from Roebling Point Coffee
There’s nothing quite like coming back to that book once a year, and for us, it’s Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Travel back to the 1800s and follow the highs and lows of the four March sisters. Enjoy this timeless classic with a Redlegs Latte from Roebling Books & Coffee, a raspberry and white chocolate-flavored treat, hot or iced. Bonus points if you’re able to find a copy within the shop’s collection to enjoy. Purchase the book: josephbeth.com/book/ Photo: Fair Use/instagram.com/roeblingbooks/Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser and an Autumn Latte from Deeper Roots Coffee
For our next pick, Cincinnati author Jessica Strawser brings us a mystery centered around a woman’s disappearance from Yellow Springs, Ohio. We paired this read with an Autumn Latte from Deeper Roots Coffee: espresso and milk infused with ginger and mulling spices. For the perfect fall experience, enjoy this at Deeper Roots Coffee’s Findlay Market location with outdoor seating. Purchase the book: josephbeth.com/book Photo: Fair Use/instagram.com/deeperrootsdrc/The History of Us by Leah Stewart and a Banana Nut Bread Latte from Lola’s Cincy
Fall can make you introspective, and The History of Us by Leah Stewart is the perfect choice for examinations on family, love and loss, with a local twist. The novel tells the story of Eloise Hempel, who returns to her home of Clifton (our Clifton!) to raise her sister’s three children after she is killed. Pair this read with a Banana Bread Latte from Lola’s Cincy, packed with butterscotch, butter pecan, banana and spice flavors. Purchase the book: josephbeth.com/book Photo: Fair Use/www.pexels.comTo All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han and a Lavender Dream from Flatiron Cafe
There’s just something about shamelessly enjoying a cheesy romance that not many other feelings can replicate. This story by acclaimed author Jenny Han tells the story of Laura Jean, a high school daydreamer who writes love letters to the boys she has crushes on. We paired this with Flatiron Cafe’s Lavender Dream, a latte infused with lavender syrup and white mocha flavoring. Purchase the book: josephbeth.com/book Photo: Fair Use/instagram.com/flatironcincy/Twilight by Stephanie Meyer and a Spiced Orange Fizz from Maple Street Biscuit Co.
We can’t have a fall book list without paying homage to the true spooky season delight that is Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Fall into the ultimate vampire and werewolf love triangle while sipping on a Spiced Orange Fizz from Maple Street Biscuit Co. The refreshing drink features blood orange, lemonade and sparkling water. Purchase the book: josephbeth.com/book Photo: Fair Use/instagram.com/maplestreetbiscuitcompany/Beloved by Toni Morrison and an Autumn Fog from Fort Thomas Coffee
If you have never read the timeless classic by Toni Morrison, now is your chance. Morrison tells the story of Sethe, a former slave from Cincinnati who recalls her traumatic past. The story is thought-provoking and eye-opening. Enjoy this read while sipping on an Autumn Fog tea from Fort Thomas Coffee with all the best fall flavors; cinnamon spice tea, vanilla and almond milk. Purchase the book: josephbeth.com/book Photo: Fair Use/Provided from Fort Thomas CoffeePhoto: Vlada Karpovich, Pexels