Our Editors' monthly Page & Pairing reads: Big Lives, Big Secrets & Bold Stories
Welcome to our latest Page & Pairing—a curated group of novels paired with perfect recipes, drinks, and playlists. From heartfelt friendships to chilling thrillers and immersive romantic fantasy, each book is thoughtfully matched to amplify your reading experience. Get cozy, savor the pairings, and let each story transport you into its world.
Shannon's Pick
I cried. I chuckled. I marveled at Backman’s unique insight into friendship, loss, and art. This emotionally resonant novel features five lovably complex teenagers and a nonlinear narrative woven together with Backman’s signature quirky humor. Since lasagna was a source of comfort in the teens’ turbulent lives, my recommended pairings would be lasagna with a fall twist and a simple white wine.
Kelly's Pick
by Riley Sager
I've wanted to read a book by Riley Sager for a while now, so I was super excited when my book club chose this for our October thriller read. It didn't disappoint! I will definitely be reading more by Sager. The book was full of twists and turns like any good thriller should be.
It felt only natural to pair the book with a nice red wine (but something Kit could afford) and an 80s playlist worthy of a relaxing night in. Maybe stay away from the any cliffs while reading this...and especially if you are having a glass or two of wine. I would 100% recommend to any fans of thrillers.
Alex's Pick
by Emma Rosenblum
This book started off giving me Big Little Lies vibes. It's centered around three wealthy mom friends who met through their children's private school and 1 scholarship awarded new mother. Unfortunate events keep happening to the 3 original core friends - Morgan Cherry, Frost, and Bell.
From the grand opening of the Cherry's sound bath spa to Frost's hit and run - it definitely seems like they're being targeted. Is someone out to get them? Are gossiping moms meaner than people realize? Check it out in Emma Rosenblum's new book.
Sound Bath - Spotify Playlist
Cherry Cake with Cherry Frosting from Nellie Bellie
Jane's Pick
The Berlin Letters: A Cold War Novel
by Kaatherine Reay
My friend Alex (see above!) referred this to me because she knows I’m a sucker for spies. The Berlin Letters is part thriller, family drama, and all about finding freedom when the world is divided. It’s a Cold War–era story that flips between a journalist trapped in East Berlin immediately after the Wall goes up, and his daughter in the West, a CIA codebreaker, who discovers he might still be alive. Their lives connect through coded letters, each one carrying hope, danger, and the possibility of reunion.
Schwäbischer Kartoffelsalat (potato salad)
Leiny's Pick
by Raven Kennedy
The Plated Prisoner series has me in a golden chokehold. I'm already on Book 5: Gold, and it's every bit as addictive as they say. Yes, it's a Romantasy, but the true magic—the chef's-kiss-amazing part—is the main character's fierce journey of self-discovery. There is nothing more empowering than reading about a woman who finds her own strength, and the romance is just the cherry on top.
