Two of my favorite things in the world are craft beer and books. On the last Thursday of every month I pair a women’s fiction novel I love with the perfect pint to sip while reading it, under the theory that there is a perfect beer to compliment every book.
I was excited about Lindsay Emory’s Sisterhood is Deadly from the moment she first posted about it online. Sorority advisor turned ammeter sleuth when a sister dies during a chapter meeting. You had me at sorority advisor. Seriously, I’m a sucker for books set on college campuses. Throw in a lighthearted mystery, a cast of dramatic college women, a hilarious best friend and a broodingly attractive cop who isn’t a fan of the Greek system– and I won’t be able to put the book down.
And then there’s the main character. Margot Blythe is truly the reason Emory’s story is so very unputdownable (it’s totally a word). At first blush she’s a stereotype; into fashion and her hair and her sorority– in a BIG way. At age 26 she’s been working for the national office of her sorority since college graduation. She frequently evokes quotes from the founding members and can recite the Standards and Morals (S&M, *snicker*) without consulting a manual. She also holds her own against the inappropriate advances of the fraternity advisor, is kind but stern with the young women she advises, and hunts down murder suspects with tenacity and an eye for details. But Emory also masterfully weaves in a few other glimpses of Margot’s life that are neither bubbly nor badass- like hints about a family where love was less prevalent than money. So sure, Margot is goofy and funny, but she’s also intelligent and flawed.
Which brings me to the beer pairing. While the story takes place in North Carolina, Margot is from Atlanta, Georgia. I can never think of Atlanta without thinking about the giant peach statue thing downtown. So, easy– a peach beer. Done. Except it’s not that simple. Just like Margot isn’t really who she appears to be on the surface, neither is the beer I’ve paired this book with. When I mentioned peach beer, you probably were thinking of something akin to a Fuzzy Navel cocktail, right? Here’s the thing, Dogfish Head’s Festina Peche is not that. It’s got a tang like a not quite ripe yet peach balanced with a really delicious Berliner-Weisse base. There’s a depth that’s unexpected for a fruity, summer ale, which makes it a perfect pairing for a light summer read featuring a main character with the same strength beneath the surface.
Pick up your copy of Sisterhood is Deadly today! Also say “hi” to Lindsay. (And here’s a handy tool to find the beer.)
Cheers and happy reading!
Oh, and one more thing – the beer comes in a four-pack and Lindsay’s book comes in a three-pack (by which I mean there’s another book in the series coming later this year)!
Thanks for reading! To return to the FICTION WRITERS BLOG HOP on Julie Valerie’s Book Blog, click here: http://www.julievalerie.com/fiction-writers-blog-hop-aug-2015 Then check back here tomorrow (August 27) for the August Installment of Books & Brews. My newsletter subscribers are eligible to win a copy of the book I feature. There’s still time to sign up before 11:59 EST on August 26 (hint, hint!)
Join my email list and be the first to know about new books and get exclusive access to my monthly newsletter where I share an inside look into the writer's life.
Pairing books with brews??? You might be on to something there. I wonder if it works with chocolate too???
I know, right?! Beer and books – what could be better! And yes – it would ABSOLUTELY work with chocolate. Love it!
I love this idea of pairing books with brews. Love both things. I’ll have to see if I can find this peach beer of which you speak… Your description of it has my mouth watering. And it’s not even noon.
It’s never too early for a beer. Festina Peche is a summer seasonal – but you should be able to find it around (especially if you’re on the east coast). Grab it quick though, before all the pumpkin beers take over!
That beer sounds right about my alley! And the book sounds pretty great too 🙂
Both are so good! Thanks so much for reading!
“Unputdownable” is soooo totally a word! And I think I’m going to pick up some of that peach beer. Sounds yummy! A perfect pairing. 🙂
Yay – thanks for the endorsement of my word! And yes, the beer is one of my summertime favorites.
I would definitely do peach beer! That’s very cool.
Excellent! Always happy to introduce people to a new beer! Thanks for reading!
Great post! And I’ve added this book to my wish list 🙂
Thank you, Tracy! It is SUCH a great book – enjoy!