January always arrives with a quiet kind of magic. The rush of December fades, the evenings feel slower, and there’s space to pause, reflect, and dream a little. It’s a month that invites fresh starts — new habits, new intentions, and new stories waiting to be opened.
This January feels especially meaningful for us at Boozy Books, because it marks one whole year of this community. One year of chapters forming, friendships growing, books being passed around tables, and drinks being raised in celebration. What started as an idea has become something warm, welcoming, and deeply special — and we couldn’t have done it without you.
As we step into a brand-new year, we’re kicking things off with a book that feels hopeful, cosy, and full of heart — the perfect way to set the tone for everything still to come.
This Month’s Read: When in Rome by Sarah Adams
Our January pick is When in Rome by Sarah Adams — a charming, feel-good romance that leans fully into comfort, connection, and small-town magic.
The story follows Amelia Rose, a world-famous pop star desperate for a break from the pressures of fame. After a spontaneous road trip (and a broken-down car), she finds herself in the tiny town of Rome, Kentucky, where she crosses paths with Noah Walker, a grumpy but kind-hearted pie shop owner who prefers a quiet life far from the spotlight.
What unfolds is a slow-burn romance filled with warmth, humour, and emotional growth. At its core, When in Rome is about identity — who we are when no one is watching, and what happens when we allow ourselves to be known exactly as we are.
The Perfect Way to Begin a New Year
- Grumpy/sunshine energy we can’t get enough of
- Small-town charm that feels like a deep exhale
- Themes of starting over, finding balance, and choosing what truly matters
It’s the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place — easy to sink into, comforting to linger in, and impossible not to smile through.
Drink of the Month: Cherry Bakewell Martini 🍒
To match January’s read, we’re sipping on something sweet, nostalgic, and just a little indulgent — the Cherry Bakewell Martini.
Recipe:
- 50 ml Cherry Vodka
- 25 ml Amaretto
- 15 ml Simple Syrup
- 15 ml Lime Juice
Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry 🍒
With its rich cherry flavour and almond notes, this cocktail mirrors the heart of When in Rome — comforting, familiar, and perfect for savouring slowly. Easy to make at home and just as lovely shared at a chapter meet-up as it is enjoyed during a quiet evening curled up with your book. If you give it a try, don’t forget to tag us in your book & drink pairings (@boozybooks.co).
Partner Spotlight: Evielou Spirits
This month, we’re excited to shine a light on Evielou Spirits, a brand that shares our love for quality, creativity, and meaningful moments.
Evielou is a family-run spirits company creating beautifully crafted, small-batch products designed to be enjoyed together — whether that’s during a celebration or a simple night in. Their passion for thoughtful, well-made drinks aligns perfectly with what Boozy Books is all about: slowing down, connecting, and making space for joy.
From our monthly book & drink pairings to cosy evenings spent reading at home, Evielou spirits add something special to the experience and remind us that it’s often the small rituals — a poured drink, a shared laugh — that make the biggest impact.
We’re so proud to partner with a brand that values connection as much as we do.
New Year, New Reading Goals
A new year brings fresh possibilities — and that includes how we read.
Your reading goals don’t have to be about hitting a big number (though they absolutely can be). They can be about intention, enjoyment, and showing up for yourself in ways that feel good.
This year, your goal might be:
- Reading more consistently, even if it’s just a few pages at a time
- Exploring a genre you’ve never tried before
- Making it to more Boozy Books chapter meet-ups
- Getting involved in the chat groups and sharing your thoughts
- Or simply rediscovering the joy of reading, without pressure
Whatever your goal looks like, Boozy Books is here to support it — through shared reads, welcoming conversations, and a community that cheers you on.
Join the Conversation
Here’s how to get involved this January:
- Pick up your copy of When in Rome and read along with us
- Mix a Cherry Bakewell Martini and tag us in your book & drink pairings (@boozybooks.co)
- Join one of our Boozy Books chapters and get involved in the chat groups
- Share your reading goals — we’d love to celebrate them with you
If you’re new here, consider this your sign. One year in, Boozy Books is still all about the same thing: books, memories, and women coming together to connect.
Closing Thoughts
January reminds us that beginnings don’t have to be loud. Sometimes they’re quiet, gentle, and full of promise. As we celebrate one year of Boozy Books, we’re so grateful for every conversation, every page turned, and every person who has taken a seat at the table.
Here’s to a new year of stories, shared moments, and chapters still unwritten.
Cheers to Year Two,
Boozy Books 🥂📖
