Welcome to a brief bonus episode of The Reading Lounge. Since we love books how could we not spend a few minutes discussing the New York Times Best Books of the 21st Century (so far) survey results. Spoiler alert...We both love the title that took the number one spot!

Special thanks to the wonderful content from The Book Review podcast from the New York Times and from Book Riot - The Podcast which providing information and inspiration for much of our discussion.

We learned about many new books to add to our TBR list. We hope you discover some new reads, too.

Sarah and Cynthia discuss Natalie Sue's debut novel, I Hope This Finds You Well. If you've ever worked in an office, you will chuckle, and maybe even grimace, at the spot-on descriptions of office life that serve as the story's backdrop. But beyond the "birthday cake in the breakroom" and obligatory e-mail salutations, is a story of a young woman trying to navigate her way in life following a childhood tragedy, and ever-present family, and society's expectations.

Join us in The Reading Lounge to hear more about why you may want to pick up this fun read and add to your TBR list.

Don't forget to mix up this episode's cocktail: You've Got Mail

2 oz Cachaca

1/2 oz orange juice

1/2 oz lime juice

1/4 oz sugar syrup (2:1 sugar:water ratio)

1/4 oz honey syrup (3:1 honey: water ratio)

1 2/3 oz of Brut Champagne or sparkling wine

Shake first five ingredients with ice and strain into ice-filled Collins glass. Top with sparkling wine.

Enjoy!

In this episode of The Reading Lounge, Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel The Fellowship of Puzzle Makers by Samuel Burr. Both puzzling addicts (yes, that is us) and non-puzzlers alike will find much to enjoy in this book that highlights the ties that bind the families we choose. Join us in sipping on a cocktail called The Labyrinth.

The Labyrinth

1 1/2 parts bourbon

1/2 part sherry

1/4 Amaretto

3 dashes bitters

orange peel and cherry for garnish

Mix all ingredients and enjoy over ice.

Bonus Episode! Join Cynthia and Sarah in the Reading Lounge and learn about some fun summer book releases!

Listen in as Sarah and Cynthia discuss Attribution by Linda Moore. This independently published novel has won numerous awards and combines art history, mystery, romance, and interesting characters to paint (pun intended) a great story. Make a pitcher of Spanish Sangria, find a place to relax, and enjoy the podcast and the novel.

Spanish Sangria

This recipe makes a large pitcher. We halved the recipe.

3 oz Cognac or Spanish Brandy

3/4 C sugar

3 oz orange juice

2 naval oranges

1/2 lemon

1 apple

1.5 liters (two standard bottles) Rioja or a dry red wine

Mix cognac, sugar and juice. Chop oranges and lemon into small wedges and apple into small pieces. Add just enough wine to cover the fruit. Refrigerate overnight or for several hours to blend flavors. Add the remainder of the wine and adjust to taste with more brandy and/or sugar. Chill for at least two hours before serving.

Sarah and Cynthia discuss Lori Gottlieb's Maybe You Should Talk to Someone in The Reading Lounge. Did this read make us want to try therapy?

We did try a Psychotini.

Shake one up and join us in The Reading Lounge.

Psychotini

1 oz. dark rum

3 oz. pineapple juice

1 tsp. honey

splash of lemon

Add ingredients to a martini shaker and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a dehydrated pineapple slice.

In this episode of The Reading Lounge, Cynthia and Sarah discuss The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa. While we discuss, we enjoy a cocktail named "The Professor."

Mix one up and listen in to see if you'd like to add this book to your TBR list.

The Professor:

24 oz. grapefruit soda (Fresca, Squirt, or sugar free grapefruit soda

4 oz. Tequila

4 oz. Grand Marnier (we used Triple Sec)

4 oz. lime juice

Ice

oranges/limes for garnish

Mix all ingredients in a pitcher. Add ice, stir and serve!

We'll meet you in The Reading Lounge!

Sarah and Cynthia discuss Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson. Come on into The Reading Lounge while we discuss this episode's novel and sip on an Enigmatic Elixir cocktail.

Listen in to find out why this cocktail is the perfect pairing for the book and the month of March!

2 oz Vodka

1 oz Elderflower Liqueur

1 oz fresh lime juice (we cheated and used bottled)

1/2 oz simple syrup

4-6 fresh basil leaves

Soda Water (we used Lime flavored La Croix!)

Lime wheel for garnish (obviously optional)

Join us in The Reading Lounge!

Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. Join us in The Reading Lounge while we discuss this episode's book of choice and enjoy the signature cocktail.

Symphony

2 oz Gin

1 oz Fresh lemon juice

.5 oz Triple Sec

1 oz Cranberry Juice (we used 100% cranberry juice - use juice cocktail if you like your libations a bit sweeter)

Mix in a shaker with ice and garnish with a lemon twist

Sarah and Cynthia discuss the novel The Measure by Nikki Erlick. Join us in The Reading Lounge while we enjoy the signature cocktail designed to pair with this episode's book selection.

Fate

1 1/2 oz. St. Germain liquor

1/2 oz. Orange Juice

1/2 oz. Pineapple Juice

1 1/2 oz. Proseco