It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man of good fortune probably doesn’t read enough, but probably drinks a lot of caffeine. Switch your coffee pot off, put the kettle on, go to your local library and snuggle up. Here are five books and five accompanying teas to keep you sane as the days continue to stretch on and on and on, as the ground slowly thaws and the sun starts to appear.

Spring is (technically) here—keep faith with a new book and a cuppa.

For the person who has already read The Great Gatsby multiple times:

The Gilded Life of Matilda Duplaine by Alex Brunkhorst

Following Thomas, a small-town boy turned reporter through his journey to the elite and secretive society of Hollywood, The Gilded Life of Matilda Duplaine is for the lover of the extravagant yet tarnished. Opulent homes, old money and even older secrets, Brunkhorst’s debut novel is sure to delight the contemporary and classic reader alike.

Read with: Paris Black Tea, Harney and Sons

Fruity, yet dark and rich, this tea seems like it could be light, but after one sip it is clear there’s more to it than preconceived notions of ease and romance. With hints of caramel and vanilla, this fruity black tea is both fancy and simplistic, making it the perfect companion for this modern yet timeless novel.  

For those who need a break not from the cold, but from reality:

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

The first book in the Winterknight trilogy and Arden’s debut novel, this historical fantasy is set in the Russian wilderness, where winter reigns for most of the year. Vasya is different than her siblings and hated by her stepmother for her clear otherness. When Vasya’s stepmother forbids the old ways and any talk of the old stories, Vasya is thrust into a world she knows little about in order to save her village.

Read with: Cinnamon Orange Spice Tea, Buffalo Buck’s Coffee

Dark and earthy yet sweet, steeped too long this tea can become overpowering, but with the right amount of attention, this tea has the potential to warm you from the inside and protect you from any frost, magical or not.

For the person who already saw the movie, but needs more:

Call Me by Your Name by Andre Achman

A moving portrayal of teen heartbreak, first love, and discovering yourself, Andre Achman’s first novel, Call Me by Your Name, is similar to its movie adaptation but has a few key differences. Leaving the picturesque, sun-drenched Italy, Achman writes about a love that is moving, tender, painful, and tangible. This book will make you want to fall in love and forget any fears that falling in love poses.

Read with: Ginger Peach Black Tea, Bean Town Tea and Spices

Sweet, with just the right amount of spice, this soothing tea will warm you from the inside out and leave you wanting more.

(Author’s note, for those who have seen the movie or read the book: I apologize for nothing.)

For the person who can’t decide between creepy and fantasy:

House of Furies by Madeline Roux

Set in England during 1809, House of Furies follows Louisa Ditton, who has become the newest maid at Coldthistle House, a boarding house owned by the brilliant and sinister Mr. Morningside. The staff at Coldthistle House all have unusual talents, and as Louisa navigates her new surroundings she discovers that the guests at Coldthistle House are not there to rest, but there to be judged, their souls beyond saving. When Louisa meets a guest who she believes to be innocent, she must choose between saving a stranger and the first place she ever felt accepted.

Although a teen novel, Roux’s atmospheric world and compassionate, complex characters will grip readers of all ages.

Read with: Better off Red, Now Foods

This soothing and sweet rooibos is naturally caffeine free, making it the perfect companion for mystery and mayhem. Sweet notes of vanilla are offset by the strong earthy taste of rooibos. Drink without milk for a smooth, hearty cuppa, or add a splash of milk for a fun twist on a mug of warm milk before bed.

For the modern romantic:

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

Who doesn’t love a Pride and Prejudice retelling? Set within the backdrop of a Bachelor-like reality TV show, Eligible tells the story of a struggling middle-class family in the modern world. While the cast of beloved characters is modernized, the characters are not unrecognizable. From yoga instructor Jane to journalist Lizzie, Eligible is for the hopeless romantic who’s craving a contemporary read.

Read with: English Breakfast, The Republic of Tea

A reliable tea for a classic and beloved story, this blend has the ability to adapt with the times and still ring true to the original sentiment. Black, or with milk or sugar, English Breakfast tea is a cup of tea so classic and reputable, even Mrs. Bennett would approve.

Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored, all recommendations are the author’s own thoughts and preferences.