Cozy Reader Club June 2016 Review

I've been feeling really under the weather today (both physically and emotionally) but I really wanted to talk about this lovely new subscription box that I came across recently! I've been re-entering the world of subscription boxes slowly, both because I have a lot more bills now than I did before (higher rent, car payments, student loans, the works) and because often, I just find that products can pile up faster than I can use them. Although I do tend to splurge on things that I consider my "hobbies", such as skincare, books, games, and makeup, I'm a very frugal person in real life and a little bitty part of my soul shrivels every time I have to toss a product because it expired before I could use it. That being said, lifestyle/specialty subscription boxes are some of my favorites, especially book boxes! As soon as I saw a new book sub box out on the market, I knew I had to give it a try. Plus, there's no expiration dates on books. ;)

Cozy Reader Club is a monthly book subscription box that includes a recently released hardcover women's fiction novel, handmade items from various Etsy shops, local and artisan coffee/tea/hot chocolate, and a gourmet treat! Each box contains 4-6 items, and the cost is $64.95/month, with free shipping to the US.

Each box comes with a cute little info card describing its contents. It seems like there was a theme of "relaxation" for this month. which I definitely needed after the hectic month I've had. :)

The book selection for this month was "The Children" by Ann Leary ($26.99) -

From New York Times bestselling author Ann Leary comes the captivating story of a wealthy, but unconventional New England family, told from the perspective of a reclusive 29-year-old who has a secret (and famous) life on the Internet.

Charlotte Maynard rarely leaves her mother’s home, the sprawling Connecticut lake house that belonged to her late stepfather, Whit Whitman, and the generations of Whitmans before him. While Charlotte and her sister, Sally, grew up at “Lakeside,” their stepbrothers, Spin and Perry, were welcomed as weekend guests. Now the grown boys own the estate, which Joan occupies by their grace―and a provision in the family trust. When Spin, the youngest and favorite of all the children, brings his fiancé home for the summer, the entire family is intrigued. The beautiful and accomplished Laurel Atwood breathes new life into this often comically rarefied world. But as the wedding draws near, and flaws surface in the family’s polite veneer, an array of simmering resentments and unfortunate truths is exposed.

With remarkable wit and insight, Ann Leary pulls back the curtain on one blended family, as they are forced to grapple with the assets and liabilities – both material and psychological – left behind by their wonderfully flawed patriarch.

This month's book looks interesting, even if the description is a bit vague. I can't wait to dig in and see what this book is all about!

Being Apothecary Sensual Bath Soak ($34) - An organic, vegan milk bath soak with cocoa butter and real rose petals. Rose and Indian Sandalwood relax the nervous system and alleviate tension while helping to heighten mood and sensuality. Rich coconut milk and creamy cocoa butter soften skin and improve elasticity. The photo really doesn't do this product justice, it's a pretty huge jar, and feels very "apothecary", if that makes sense. It also smells divine, a bit like coconut and almonds to me. From the Etsy shop Being Apothecary, you can save 20% off with coupon code COZYREADER20.

Shady Creek Farm Crochet Washcloth ($8) - Another bath related item! I'm so happy that I received this, it's so beautifully made and feels very hefty, so you know it's high quality. These are handmade by Shady Creek Farm, another Etsy shop that specializes in natural, sustainable, and local goods. You can check out their shop and save 20% off with coupon code COZYREADER20.

Remedy Teas #17 Guava White (1oz, $7.28) - A huge bag of blended, organic white tea. It has flavors of guava with back notes of luscious strawberry and ginger. It even contains organic guava, strawberry, and ginger root pieces. This was one of my favorite items in the box! I absolutely adore tea and just bought a new tea infuser, so I'm excited to give this a try while curled up with my new book.

Emmy's Organics Raspberry Macaroons ($2.99) - Mmm, I absolutely love macaroons. My boyfriend hates coconut, so I was glad to see these inside this month's box because that means I won't have to share. :D These are fruity and refreshing, tart and subtly sweet with a creamy coconut finish. They're also vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. These are perfect for someone like me who doesn't particularly like sugary snacks; they're very light and summery, and not tooth-achingly sweet.

Final Verdict - I'm incredibly impressed by Cozy Reader Club! Although they're a relatively new subscription service, they really hit the mark on what I think is a perfect selection of items for all my bookish babes out there who like to relax and enjoy their "me time". I love the focus on women's literature, and this month's box was so well curated, with gorgeous handmade items from Etsy shops I haven't heard of before. I'm definitely feeling a cozy vibe from this box! I payed $64.95, and the total value of the contents of the box stated on the info card is $79.26. I was able to find the book on Amazon for about $17.46 though, making the true value of the box about $69.73, which is just a little over what I paid for it. Not bad for a box full of handcrafted, artisan goods! Good news - you can save $5 off your first box with coupon code "COZYTIME"! That brings the cost of the box down to only $59.95!

If you'd like to sign up for your very own Cozy Reader Club subscription, you can do so here. Happy reading!