The Smell of a Good Book: Candle and Book Pairings Part 2
Editor’s Note: Returning to give us more candle and book pairings is my dear husband, Sean. If there is a book you’d like a candle pairing for, comment it below and our in-house candle connoisseur will dig through the depths of the scented internet and include it in his next post. Click here if you’d like to follow through our first foray into literary fragrance curation.
Since my last blog post, I’ve had various people asking me for more candle suggestions for books. Now in the same fashion as the white wizard, Gandalf, arriving when Helmsdeep needed him, I have returned to provide more candles for your reading enjoyment.
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi and “Inklings” from Frostbeard
When a professor of fairy tales falls in love with the mysterious and ethereal Indigo, he is dragged by his heels into a realm of gothic whisperings and dark secrets, tasked to find the truth behind his wife’s past. The candle I found worked best was a surprise for me as I didn’t expect it to fit so well. “Inklings” by Frostbeard meets all the crucial elements of the story, from the cider to represent Indigo’s scent of apples to the oak and pipe tobacco to represent the old world magic and mysteries of the House of Dreams.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon and “Marsyas Island” from Briarwick
In this story of a world threatened by fire-breathing wyrms, one side of the world despises all dragons and believes that as long as there is a living descendent of their first king on the throne, the dreaded beast shall remain dormant. On the other side of the world, dragons are seen as gods to celebrate. As religion and cultural clash, two individuals must put differences aside as the Nameless One stirs. I actually struggled to find a good candle for this book, however, after hours of research I found the best match possible. “Marsyas Island” from Briarwick provides the perfect combination of citrus, floral, and sea spray. to match this world and its mythical tree that grows at its center.
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree and “Bookstore” from Frostbeard
Viv is an Orc adventurer who one day decides she wants to pursue a quiet life. Through her determination she is able to gather a small group of people who join her; a baker, a carpenter and a friend for life as she brings the amazing concoction of coffee to the residents of Thune . An incredibly laid back novel that is made even more enjoyable with Frostbeard’s “Bookstore” candle. The smell of leather, mahogany, and of course, coffee set the perfect scene for you to imagine yourself in Viv’s coffeeshop.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers and “The Old Forest” from Frostbeard
Sibling Dex is a monk who is struggling to find their place in life. They decide to try the life of a Tea Monk, someone who travels the country dispensing tea and a shoulder to cry on, talk to or simply someone to sit in silence with. Their world takes a change when they encounter a robot, something that none has seen since they left for the wilds centuries ago. Since this book takes place on the road to and from locations, I found the “The Old Forest” from Frostbeard to be an excellent addition to your reading experience. The scent of rosewood, fig, and dirt walks you down the path, discussing life with the protagonists, while spices remind you of the jars of tea in Dex’s wagon, waiting to be poured.
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang and “Juliette” from Briarwick
Authors June Hayward and Athena Liu were both supposed to be successes, but Athena's a cross-genre literary darling and June didn't even get a paperback release. But, when June witnesses Athena's death in a freak accident, she steals Athena's just-finished novel about WWI Chinese laborers. After doing some work on the manuscript, June offers it to her agents as her own work. They then rebrand her as Juniper Song and the novel is a huge hit, but June must protect her secret lest her literary “borrowing” make her the subject of public consequences, taking away everything she feels she deserves. This was another difficult pairing. I wanted to get the right scent to represent the deception and cultural appropriation within the novel. I believe that “Juliette” from Briarwick might be a good choice. Its scents of lavender provide the uprising and hopeful smell for Athena’s book, while Jasmine and Rose represent June’s choices.
Happy Place by Emily Henry and “Steamy Romance Novel” from Frostbeard
A beautiful story of sisterhood, found family, and second-chance romance, this book swept my former-gifted-kid wife away. We follow Wyn and Harriet who just broke off their engagement, but they haven’t told their friends. Now, they must fake that everything is okay so they don’t ruin the last vacation at their beloved spot with all their friends. This novel is peopled with realistic characters who are still earning how to be good adults and even better friends and partners. Witty, poignant, and brimming with warm nostalgia, this book doesn’t miss. For any romance novel, I always recommend well…“Steamy Romance Novel” by Frostbeard. It is the perfect combination of all the best romance scents, cherry blossom, peach, and citrus. This candle is, as Bluey from Bluey says, soooo romance.
The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec and “Going on a Hike and Feeling Real Woodsy” from Rise and Pine
Focusing on a witch’s passage through many lifetimes and the ultimate sacrifice she makes for the ones she loves, Angrboda, wife of Loki, leaps off the page. With beautiful prose suggesting the old Norse Eddas without being bogged down by it, this book is captivating. Deft, delightful, and emotive, Gornichec’s first novel is a masterpiece, leaving you both tearful and brimming with hope. For this book, since it takes place mostly in the wilderness of Jotunheim, I chose “Going on a Hike and Feeling Real Woodsy” from Rise and Pine. Though this is not a bookish candle company, this candle’s scent notes of Pine and campfire really set the the scene for the book.
Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher and “Tarot Reading” from Novelly Yours
After years of seeing her sisters suffer at the hands of an abusive prince, Marra—the shy, convent-raised princess of a small kingdom—has finally realized that no one is coming to her rescue except herself. Seeking help from a powerful gravewitch, Marra is offered the tools to kill a prince—if she can complete three impossible tasks. But, this is only the beginning. On her quest, Marra is joined by a reluctant fairy godmother, a strapping former knight, and a chicken possessed by a demon. Together, the five of them intend to be the hand that closes around the throat of the prince and frees Marra's family and their kingdom from its cruel ruler. For this book, I chose “Tarot Reading” from Novelly Yours. This book drips dark and old magic so this candle goes very well with it. Its scent notes of wormwood, mugwort, and tea leaves provide an ambiance for most of this book while lavender sneaks in to remind us of the innocence Marra must throw away to save her family.
