Four indulgent spring reads

Posted on 1 November, 2018

The warmer weather is here, and so is the opportunity to spread out in the shade with a good book. 

Here are four of our favourites, whether you’re looking to spring clean your approach to home styling, freshen up your cooking or deep dive into a really great novel.

CHOCOLAT

By Joanne Harris

A tale of seduction and the power of chocolate, this old favourite is easy to sink your teeth into. Set in rural France, the story follows wanderer Vianne Rocher as she arrives in a quiet and respectable village, bringing with her recipes for all types of chocolate.

As she sets up shop she encounters the pious priest, whose warnings against selling the “sinfully luxurious sweets” at the beginning of Lent go unheeded. Instead, she sets about creating exquisite chocolates that the citizens of the small town begin to consume in secret.

As the townspeople continue to eat, the burgeoning sexuality of the long-sleepy and religiously devout village erupts and changes the town forever. A sensual work of fiction, and perfect for a mini‑break.

STYLED

By Emily Henderson

Renowned stylist Emily Henderson brings her wisdom and experience together in a book to help the wayward designer find their feet. Styled begins with a non-judgemental quiz designed to define your valued lifestyle aspects and an aesthetic that resonates accordingly.

So begins the study of a variety of styles from Scandinavian to Modern Glam to Zen—Emily explores the benefits of each and gives helpful hints and tips for repurposing old belongings in a new light. Sprinkled in the margins of the images are notes on styling a space to reflect your values.

At the heart of the book is Emily’s drive to ensure you take joy in creating the home that fits you and your taste. A wonderful book that will inspire you to dream up your own domestic paradise. 

GROWN AND GATHERED

By Matt and Lentil

Grown and Gathered brings domestic traditions into modern lives with a practical guide to growing, cooking, and preserving all your own veggies. Living on a property in rural Victoria, Matt and Lentil grow, forage and hunt for their food and trade flowers and food for any goods they don’t have. For aspiring green thumbs and preserving enthusiasts this is living the dream.

With the help of Grown and Gathered, this homebody has bottled a harvest of olives, made a few sourdough batches and is working towards pickling perfection. There is (almost) nothing better than the taste of homegrown food and now there are friends that can help you put it together.

LOVESOME

By Sally Seltmann  

Joni Johnson, a painter fresh out of art school, works at upmarket French restaurant Harland. Her life is filled with her restaurant family—people as strange and endearing as the eclectic décor—and her best friend Annabel, a singer-songwriter always falling in and out of love.

Filled with sumptuous descriptions of French food, the novel centres around moments of intimacy over shared meals, coffees and late-night wine parties. Annabel’s arrival into this scene prompts chaos that threatens to upset Joni’s balanced life. Tensions rise when Annabel begins to overstay her welcome, interfering with the one guy who takes an interest in Joni.

Meandering and intimate, this debut novel moves between Joni’s small studio flat and the restaurant—a small but charming world where characters slowly unfold.