I know this post is long overdue and the emails have just been pouring in but finally here it is:
One does not simply read a book with a random tea selection. The tea choice is critical for optimal book enjoyment. For example: One would not read Christmas Kiss at the Stampede, a holiday-time romance novel that takes place in Branson, MO with a cup of passion tea lemonade.
And one would not read Hitler Bites, a novel about vampires slaughtering Nazis during World War II with a cup of white chocolate mocha tea.
So be at ease, I have heard your concerns. Let's begin at the beginning: Magic Headaches. (Spoilers are coming)
Magic Headaches has a duality about it that is unique. The story jumps from Derek's past to Elinor and Derek's present. There is magic and pain and baggage and board games. It's complex and yet cozy. So while you read Magic Headaches brew yourself a cup of each of these...
GREEN TEA
Why? Well it's pretty much the healthiest tea so if you are a hypochondriac and now worry that you too have New Daily Persistent Headache you'll want to calm and aline your body with a soothing yet richly flavored green tea. There is also an earthiness to green tea that will keep you rooted in the present as you travel back and forth in time. P.S. you want your green tea to look almost inedible. The more it looks like the plants the closer you are to victory.
SALTED CARAMEL BLACK TEA
Why? This book mostly takes place in the fall. And during the fall this salted caramel black tea is exactly what you need. It reminds me of the Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Which is the greatest compliment I am capable of giving). It's sweet and bold. It's a sweet treat after the seriousness of the green tea.
And now to the next (or the first if we go chronologically) book. But wherever you think The Morland Prince should fit in the reading list here's what you need to drink to process all the man feelings and drawings of handsome brooding soldiers.
DOUBLE BERGAMOT EARLY GREY TEA
Why? Earl Grey's most defining ingredient is bergamot. It is bold. It is strong. I can smell it across the room. Brew it too long and its bitter and thick in the mouth. But brewed just right... it feels like coming home, which is just the feeling you want while reading The Morland Prince. T.A.R.D.I.S. teapot is suggested but I guess not necessary...
JASMINE AND ROSE WHITE TEA
Why? Because this is one of my least favorite teas. It must be brewed so lightly or it turns into perfume. But I feel like this is the kind of tea Jol, the Mage, would brew so you'll feel like you are in Morland. And maybe you'll like it. But probably not, Morland is the worst. Ready to go down the rabbit hole?
MADAGASCAR VANILLA RED
Why? It's caffeine free so it'll keep you calm as things start to get going. It has such a pleasant vanilla flavor that you won't even worry as things keep going wrong. That lion on the box will make you feel that everything is really going to be okay.
ORANGE GINGER TEA
Why? It's tangy and zesty and the warm feeling from the ginger will keep the danger at the forefront of your mind. This one is also caffeine free which is for the best. (I mean your heart is already pounding pretty hard.) The orange and the floral hints will fill your head with romance but the ginger will keep you grounded. Save the kissing till after the battle is done. Use a clear teapot to promote your own self reflection as Elinor and Derek find out who they really are.
And yes that is who you think it is. It's the heir of the Twinnings company. After this picture Sheila had him sign this for me.
This is obviously my most prized possession.
