The Best Gift
Books are the best presents to give- there is one sure to enthrall everyone on your holiday list. The same can be said about wine, beer, spirits- a bottle is a much appreciated gift. Pair them together and you will make Santa proud at your prowess with presents.
Most of these pairings will please everyone from millennials, who may enjoy getting to know a classic book for the first time, to baby boomers who will appreciate receiving a nice edition of a familiar book, especially if you pair it with an intriguing brand or vintage. Of course, the latest bestseller or holiday anthology is a joyous present to give, too.
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For 2016, the elves wanted me to spotlight more books by Indie authors. Mrs. Claus recommended that I also add some gift basket ideas!
Christmas Romance
Mistletoe, kisses, happily ever after- Romances are the perfect holiday reads for your mom, aunt, sis, best friend! Pair any or all of these delightful confections with a sweet Moscato, egg nog or a basket of cosmo cocktail fixings and chocolate!
Locking Up Santa by Nikki LeClair
A Drakenfall Christmas by Geralynn Corcillo
Murder at Mistletoe Manor by Holly Tierney-Bedord
Books for History Lovers
Books with a more timeless outlook are well-received at the holidays. Historical fiction, and biographies make great books to read and contemplate by a fire during long winters. I would pair these books with craft beers, or a whisky.
Bishop’s War by Rafael Amadeus Hines
by Rafael Amadeus Hines
Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery
Reflections on a Generous Generation by Michael R. Stern
Bruno and Son: An Italian-American Memoir by Frank J, Bruno Pair this with a big basket of Italian food delights and chianti
Books by Authors You Know
Wouldn’t a signed copy of a book from an author you know be a wonderful present? Pair it with your favorite food and drink! I am going to pair my choices with a bottle of my favorite flavored vodka. Here are some of the authors I know!
Mind Waves (Mind Hackers Series) by Amanda Uhl 
A Mistress A Wife by Arline Miller
Sunny Side Up by Maureen K. Howard I am going to pair this with a gift breakfast of breakfast foods.
The Cubicle Chronicles by Lynn Brookdale perfect for millennials-pari this with some gift cards!
The Wayfaring Swan by Rose Schmidt This book features a handsome “pirate” so give a bottle of rum, too!
Margaritas & Murder: A Sunny Truly Mystery (The Sunny Truly Mystery Series Book 1) by CeCe Osgood You will have the bet present if you pair this with a basket of margarita essentials!
By Jane O’Brien
Also, check out books series by Jane O’Brien, and Lisette Brodey.
For more ideas: here’s what I suggested in 2015!
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald- Pair with Gin or Rum
Fitzgerald’s opus of decadence and passion pairs well with a sumptuous sip from the Jazz Age. Gin and rum-based cocktails were popular when society was roaring.
A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens- Pair with Spiced Wine
Dickens’ view of Christmas and social conditions has never been out of print. Spiced wine and 
punches were popular in England in the 1800’s and are featured in this holiday gem.
To Kill a Mocking Bird, Go Set a Watchman, Harper Lee- Pair with southern Bourbon
This classic, and soon to be classic, is a set that blends serious social issues with warmth and humor. These books deserve to be savored with a smooth, refined southern bourbon classic.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, Marie Kondo- Pair with Champagne
After you have decided what to keep and how to fold it, you will be in the mood to celebrate. Spark joy (also the name of the soon to be released sequel) with champagne, although this book also pairs nicely with sake. But only choose one- don’t add to your recipient’s clutter.
Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy- Pair with Vodka
Tolstoy’s masterpiece is widely considered to be the best novel ever written but you may not want to give this serious book to just anyone. Read it yourself and pair it with vodka, of course.
The Martian, Andy Weir- Pair with a Red Bull concoction
Like Anna Karenina, Andy Weir’s science fiction thriller was also initially published in serial format. The plucky hero astronaut survives by pairing his creative skills with NASA’s input. Many of the space agency’s young scientists worked around the clock and I am guessing that energy drinks helped them solve the challenges. Pair this bestseller with Red Bull and whatever spirits your giftee prefers.
Tricky Twenty-Two: A Stephanie Plum Novel, Janet Evanovich
Our favorite bounty hunter is back with her family and cohorts to solve another crime. We know that Stephanie likes beer, and as the promo for the book reads, “Something big is brewing in Trenton, N.J”, so take the hint and pair this fun read with a favorite beer.
The Golden Age of Charli- RSVP, Jena C. Henry
Yes, I featured my own book, recently released and the first in a planned series. How will the ever-positive Charlotte, “Charli”, and her solid husband weather the problems and praises of retirement? With love, laughter and lots of wine. You can pair this book with your favorite red or white, but Charli prefers a Gewurztraminer.
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
About the Author
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