By Ariana Carpentieri
Sadie Way Scott has been avoiding her family and hometown of Sugarberry Cove, Alabama, since she nearly drowned in the lake just outside her mother’s B&B. Eight years later, Sadie is the host of a much-loved show about southern cooking and family, but despite her success, she can’t help but wonder why she was saved.
Sadie’s sister, Leala Clare, is still haunted by the guilt she feels over the night her sister almost died. Now, at a crossroads in her marriage, Leala has everything she ever thought she wanted—so why is she so unhappy?
When their mother suffers a minor heart attack just before Sugarberry Cove’s famous water lantern festival, the two sisters come home to run the inn while she recovers. But in order to make it work, they have to put aside their differences and rediscover the power of a little lake magic. If you’re planning on reading this charming tale with your book club, read on for our recommendations on what beverage, food, and music you should have to accompany your discussion, as well as what to talk about and what to read next!
What to Drink:
We think a southern sweet tea would be a perfect pick to pair with this book! If you’re looking for something boozy to spice up the club, then perhaps this recipe will hit the spot:
Directions
- Steep 8 black tea bags in 1 cup boiling water for 6 minutes
- Discard the tea bags
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups raw sugar and the zest of 1 lemon (in strips)
- Let cool
- Strain into a pitcher
- Add 3/4 cup lemon juice, 2 cups southern comfort, 4 cups ice cubes and 1 sliced lemon
- Stir to partially melt the ice
- Pour into glasses and enjoy!
What to Eat:
Reading a book this sweet calls for an equally as sweet treat, and we think that a southern-style banana pudding would make the perfect pair! The author, Heather Webber, put together a delicious recipe card so that you can try making it for yourself!
What to Listen to:
This book is full of southern charm and touches of lake magic, so we think a whimsical, magical song like The Lakes by Taylor Swift would be fitting, relaxing background music for your discussion.
What to Discuss:
Download The Lights of Sugarberry Cove Reading Group Guide for insightful questions to get the discussion going.
Webber_Lights of Sugarberry Cove RGG (4)What to Read Next:
If you’re looking for more stories that are perfect for summer reading, we suggest you check out Heather’s other books, Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe and South of the Buttonwood Tree! These books are also full of sweet southern charm, touches of magic, and would be excellent picks for your next book club discussion.
Order Your Copy of The Lights of Sugarberry Cove—Available Now!