I owe y’all a big apology – it’s been WAY too long since I’ve done Cozy Reader Club reviews! I’m finally starting to catch up on things here; I was dealing with an injury for the last 6 months or so that prevented me from sitting at my laptop and typing. If you have been here before, you already know that this is my favorite book box in terms of quality. Every month I am absolutely GIDDY when it arrives! If you want to peruse my previous reviews on this subscription, go here.
The Cozy Reader Club is what I consider a “Luxe” (luxury) Book Box. They curate a truly beautiful subscription box with high quality items that I am consistently impressed with. It is one of the more expensive book boxes out there, but totally worth it IMHO. The cost is $64.95 per month (+ 9.99 shipping US), with a slightly lower cost for longer subscriptions. They also ship to Canada. You can skip a month, too, if you wish! Each month you will receive 4-6 items including a recently released hardcover women’s fiction novel, artisan beverages such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate, beautiful handmade items and delicious gourmet handcrafted treats. The boxes feature handcrafted, artisan goods from small businesses throughout the USA. Additionally, they host a blog called the “Cozy Reader Connection” with great ‘Me Time’ articles; which is their motto.
The reviews today are for the September, October, November and December 2017 Cozy Reader Club boxes (because I’m so behind!). I am not a Cozy Reader Club affiliate, but I AM a Cratejoy affiliate. I pay for my subscription. Please note that I *never* accept compensation in exchange for a positive review. All of my reviews are my honest, personal opinions and contain my own photography (unless otherwise stated).
Cozy Reader Club Review, September 2017
It’s always a good day when I come home to this box on my doorstep!
Fall is my favorite time of year, and coincidentally, Fall subscription boxes are among the best!
Packed beautifully and carefully, it is an experience to unbox the Cozy Reader Club.
Hello Fall! What lovely things are you bringing me today?
Their card inserts are gorgeous; and give you all the information you need about each product, including prices. Us box reviewers really appreciate that! I’ve really come to appreciate artisan goods since becoming a subscription box addict. Not only do I like supporting small businesses, but the products just seem more ‘special’ or personal, if you know what I mean. Because this box is geared toward women, the businesses featured are mostly female entrepreneurs. I am one myself (soon to have my own line of essential oil beauty products!) so I feel it is important for me to support others as well!
The Burning Girl: A Novel by Claire Messud – Retail Value $25.95 (Amazon $15.97)
I love the cover art on this book!
Amazon excerpt:
A bracing, hypnotic coming-of-age story about the bond of best friends, from the New York Times best-selling author of The Emperor’s Children.
Julia and Cassie have been friends since nursery school. They have shared everything, including their desire to escape the stifling limitations of their birthplace, the quiet town of Royston, Massachusetts. But as the two girls enter adolescence, their paths diverge and Cassie sets out on a journey that will put her life in danger and shatter her oldest friendship. The Burning Girl is a complex examination of the stories we tell ourselves about youth and friendship, and straddles, expertly, childhood’s imaginary worlds and painful adult reality―crafting a true, immediate portrait of female adolescence.
Claire Messud, one of our finest novelists, is as accomplished at weaving a compelling fictional world as she is at asking the big questions: To what extent can we know ourselves and others? What are the stories we create to comprehend our lives and relationships? Brilliantly mixing fable and coming-of-age tale, The Burning Girl gets to the heart of these matters in an absolutely irresistible way.
I don’t normally read too many coming-of-age novels, but this one intrigues me, so I will step out of my comfort zone and give it a try!
Julianne & Co. “Let’s Get Cozy” Pillow Cover – Retail Value $17.95 (NOTE: The Julianne & Co. website no longer carries this item, but I found it on Amazon at the same price.)
This is a really cute “Farmhouse” style that will help spruce up any pillow for your reading nook.
Hearth & Hammer “Burning Books” Literary Soy Wax Candle 8 oz. – Retail Value $18
This is a large candle that smells like Fall to me with cinnamon, orange & fir notes. The name of it is also really fun – and it goes great on my bookshelves!
Teapigs Apple & Cinnamon Tea Bags – Retail Value $9.99
You know what? THIS IS THE BEST TASTING TEA I’VE EVER HAD!! OMG, it smells as good as it tastes, too. I absolutely LOVE it!
Such elegant tea bags! And they are biodegradable too! This is the 15-bag box.
Krumville Bake Shop Chocolate Almond Amaretti Cookies – Retail Value $10 (NOTE: The price on the website for 4 cookies is now $10 instead of $8.)
These were pretty tasty, and per usual gone in about 60 seconds after photographing them. I saw that the price on the Krumville Bake Shop site went up to $10, and that seems a little steep to me for 4 small cookies, but I understand small businesses have to charge a little more. I feel lucky to get them at a discounted rate through the box!
A fabulous start to fall with all the items necessary for a cozy night in!
The total retail value of this box (right now) is $81.89 ($71.91 with Amazon Pricing), and the items are all the high quality I’ve come to expect from this box! Both values are above the $64.95 cost of the box (not including shipping costs in either calculation), so it is a deal any which way you look at it. I now have a new favorite tea, to boot!
Something to note as far as what I think about box values – I don’t get my panties all up in a bunch over ”value”. Value is too subjective. What is worth a lot to me, isn’t worth shit to someone else; and vice versa, not to mention prices fluctuate. I look at it like this – someone is going to a lot of trouble to curate a special box for me. I don’t have to think about what I want, look for it, buy it or pay individual tax or shipping fees. I am being pushed out of my comfort zone when I get something I wouldn’t normally buy, or don’t know exists (this is a good thing). If I don’t like something, I can swap it on one of the swap sites, sell it on ebay, gift it to a loved one, or donate it to charity. Not to mention it’s fun to get a surprise every month! There are many folks who only like (ridiculously) high-valued boxes, or get upset if the perceived value dips below the cost of the box. I say get over it. This is a SERVICE. You tip your waiter extra for (good) service, right? But I digress. Who cares about the value. Enjoy the box! When the value exceeds the cost – celebrate and count yourself lucky!
Cozy Reader Club Review, October 2017
The October box is here! Hooray!
The always elegant packaging.
It’s a full goodie box with more Fall colors…
“My favorite color is October.” Yes! All the turning leaves are stunning; no matter where you go! I love the ‘spooky’ feel of October, too. 😉
The spiders are nice touch! Even though I am deathly afraid of spiders. 😉
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman – Retail Value $27.99 (Amazon $19.03)
Amazon excerpt:
From beloved author Alice Hoffman comes the spellbinding prequel to her bestseller, Practical Magic.
Find your magic.
For the Owens family, love is a curse that began in 1620, when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for loving the wrong man.
Hundreds of years later, in New York City at the cusp of the sixties, when the whole world is about to change, Susanna Owens knows that her three children are dangerously unique. Difficult Franny, with skin as pale as milk and blood red hair, shy and beautiful Jet, who can read other people’s thoughts, and charismatic Vincent, who began looking for trouble on the day he could walk.
From the start Susanna sets down rules for her children: No walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no cats, no crows, no candles, no books about magic. And most importantly, never, ever, fall in love. But when her children visit their Aunt Isabelle, in the small Massachusetts town where the Owens family has been blamed for everything that has ever gone wrong, they uncover family secrets and begin to understand the truth of who they are. Back in New York City each begins a risky journey as they try to escape the family curse.
The Owens children cannot escape love even if they try, just as they cannot escape the pains of the human heart. The two beautiful sisters will grow up to be the revered, and sometimes feared, aunts in Practical Magic, while Vincent, their beloved brother, will leave an unexpected legacy. Thrilling and exquisite, real and fantastical, The Rules of Magic is a story about the power of love reminding us that the only remedy for being human is to be true to yourself.
So everyone remembers the 1998 movie “Practical Magic” with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, right?? Well, I loved that movie, so when I saw this book come out (the prequel to that story), I went all squeal-y! Squealy is a word, yes? It is now. Anyway, books are always better than movies, but Alice Hoffman is a phenomenal writer, and this book is SO GOOD! Everyone else agrees, too – it gets almost a 5-star rating everywhere. I actually don’t read fantasy genre books all that often, but Alice Hoffman books are always an exception!
Silver Leaf Bangle Bracelet by Designs by Katie Leigh – Retail Value $15
I really like this bracelet – and it’s perfect for Fall. It’s delicate, but adjustable – and it doesn’t feel ‘cheap’ at all, like some wire cuffs can.
Beautiful! And it fits my huge, thick wrists! I love both gold and silver jewelry, but silver suits this piece better I think. I have a pair of silver leaf earrings that will match this bracelet perfectly, too!
Sorry, I blanked out the discount code because this deal is for Cozy Reader Club subscribers only, but you should check out her shop – she makes some pretty cute jewelry at a very reasonable price!
“Fall into a Good Book” Bookmark by Lexi Olivia – Retail Value $5 (NOTE: The price has dropped from $8 to $5 on her website – better hurry before it goes back up!)
This simple, but gorgeous bookmark is hand painted with watercolors, and comes laminated. I have a billion + bookmarks, yet I use this one more often than any other! It is just such a pretty and sturdy marker. Recommend!
Kindred Spirit Espresso by Kindred Coffee Company 12 oz.– Retail Value $14.99 (NOTE: This item was $12.99 and is now $14.99 on the website.)
OMG I was so excited to see an espresso blend in my box!! I LIVE for (and on) espresso! This one tastes REALLY GOOD, too, with a hint of pecan & chocolate. It’s perfect! You can buy this whole bean or ground.
Ticket Chocolate Artisan S’Mores Kit – Retail Value $19
They’re killing me this month! A S’mores Kit?!? NOM NOM NOM! Do I even have to tell you how good this is? What makes me laugh is it says “Service for 4”. PFFFT! YEAH, RIGHT! All mine. MINE MINE MINE. In one sitting.
The total retail value of this box (currently) is $81.98 ($73.02 with Amazon pricing); both above the $64.99 cost of the box (without considering shipping for either calculation). Bonus!
OK, this is hand’s down my favorite Cozy Reader Club box of all time!! OMG I love every item so much – seriously! Such a total win for me this month – I could eat those S’mores all day long!
Cozy Reader Club Review, November 2017
There’s that box!
Thanksgiving month!
It appears the theme for this month is “Happy Thanksgiving” – fitting of course. We should be thankful and grateful ALL YEAR LONG, though.
I’m thankful for my Cozy Reader Box subscription. 🙂
Let’s look at the items more closely!
Heather, The Totality by Matthew Weiner – Retail Value $25 (Amazon $17)
Amazon excerpt:
The explosive debut novel – about family, power and privilege – from the creator of the award-winning Mad Men.Named a Barnes & Noble Best Book of the Year
Mark and Karen Breakstone have constructed the idyllic life of wealth and status they always wanted, made complete by their beautiful and extraordinary daughter Heather. But they are still not quite at the top. When the new owners of the penthouse above them begin construction, an unstable stranger penetrates the security of their comfortable lives and threatens to destroy everything they’ve created.
I was pretty psyched to read this because the author is the creator of ‘Mad Men’ (an amazing show), but unfortunately I have to report that I hated it. You can read my full review here. You can’t win them all though; occasionally I don’t like a book. I’m sure others may enjoy it; it just disappointed me is all. This is actually the very first book from the Cozy Reader Club that I haven’t enjoyed; and being that I’ve been a subscriber since April of 2016, that’s some pretty amazing statistics right there!
Sweet Dreams Eye Pillow by Dana Herbert – Retail Value $20
Relaxation eye pillow in a variety of cotton prints. Filled with flaxseed for a restful and rejuvenating experience. When storing in the freezer, place eye pillow in a plastic bag so that it doesn’t get wet.
Directions: Eye pillow can be left in the freezer long term (in a sealed bag) or chilled for at least 20 minutes to achieve a longer lasting chill. Eye pillow can also be used at room temperature. It is not advised to place hot items on your eyes.
Eye pillow measures 4″ x 9″ and comes boxed.
Handmade in Portland, Oregon.
I had been trying to score one of these eye pillows on a subscription box swap site for like, A YEAR, to no avail. But the Cozy Reader Club came through and now I have one of my own, so NYAH swap site! LOL!
This particular eye pillow came unscented in my box, which was smart because so many people have allergies, or are particular about certain scents. You can buy them scented in lavender or eucalyptus, or add your own essential oils.
My favorite way of using the little pillow is with a few drops of chamomile essential oil right before bed. AAAHHHHH…so relaxing.
Maddie Baker Makes ‘Grateful Hearts are Happy Hearts’ 8 x 10 Watercolor Art Print – Retail Value $17
This is a really pretty watercolor print that will put the final touches on your Thanksgiving decorations – OR – you can display it all year long like me. It looks great in my kitchen. 🙂
Whimsey & Spice Classic Hot Chocolate Mix – Retail Value $15
Growing up, my mom (bless her heart & rest her soul) only ever bought those cheap & gross hot chocolate packets that you mix with hot water. BLECH! If it isn’t gourmet chocolate made with hot milk, marshmallows and/or whip cream, then JUST FORGET IT! I ain’t wasting the calories!
Whimsy & Spice makes ‘hot chocolate’ that contains special blends of teas & spices, and it’s DELICIOUS! This blend has valrhona shaved chocolate, sugar, ground vanilla and sea salt. I am going to try some of their other products for sure! The Spiced Chili Hot Chocolate Mix intrigues me! I loves me some spicy! Have you ever tried Mexican Hot Chocolate?? OMG…
Little Apple Treats Spiced Apple Pie Caramels Treat Pack – Retail Value $6.95
These were tasty, and so unique! I’ve never had an apple-flavored caramel before, let alone a spiced apple caramel. So perfect as an after dinner treat with coffee! This pack comes with 6 individually wrapped candies.
The total retail value of this box (currently) is $83.95 ($75.95 with Amazon pricing); both above the $64.99 cost of the box (without considering shipping for either calculation). Bonus!
So that’s November! Oh, and have I mentioned how much I love Cozy Reader Club’s ability to color coordinate their boxes?!? It makes me happy. I don’t know why. All three Cozy Reader Club Fall boxes this year were amazing and beautiful.
Cozy Reader Club Review, December 2017
Here we go…
The ‘Happy Holidays’ themed box! I love the holidays (even though it is hard missing my family). It is great fun to get holiday-ish items in subscription boxes because I am slowly starting new traditions, and I get introduced to so many great new brands this way.
The box is jam-packed this month!
I love their inserts – I keep them all because they are so pretty and I refer back to the information sometimes. I have, on more than one occasion, purchased additional items from a featured artisan (especially food items!).
The Story of Arthur Truluv: A Novel by Elizabeth Berg – Retail Value $26 (Amazon $15.16)
Amazon excerpt:
“I dare you to read this novel and not fall in love with Arthur Truluv. His story will make you laugh and cry, and will show you a love that never ends, and what it means to be truly human.”—Fannie Flagg
An emotionally powerful novel about three people who each lose the one they love most, only to find second chances where they least expect them
“Fans of Meg Wolitzer, Emma Straub, or [Elizabeth] Berg’s previous novels will appreciate the richly complex characters and clear prose. Redemptive without being maudlin, this story of two misfits lucky to have found one another will tug at readers’ heartstrings.”—Booklist
For the past six months, Arthur Moses’s days have looked the same: He tends to his rose garden and to Gordon, his cat, then rides the bus to the cemetery to visit his beloved late wife for lunch. The last thing Arthur would imagine is for one unlikely encounter to utterly transform his life.
Eighteen-year-old Maddy Harris is an introspective girl who visits the cemetery to escape the other kids at school. One afternoon she joins Arthur—a gesture that begins a surprising friendship between two lonely souls. Moved by Arthur’s kindness and devotion, Maddy gives him the nickname “Truluv.” As Arthur’s neighbor Lucille moves into their orbit, the unlikely trio band together and, through heartache and hardships, help one another rediscover their own potential to start anew.
Wonderfully written and full of profound observations about life, The Story of Arthur Truluv is a beautiful and moving novel of compassion in the face of loss, of the small acts that turn friends into family, and of the possibilities to achieve happiness at any age.
I love Elizabeth Berg novels – they are always wonderful, heartwarming stories that have profound messages. I tend to gravitate towards the dark, disturbing and macabre, but I also enjoy happy-feels from time to time if they are written well – just to even things out. 😉 I had not heard of this new title, and that is what I like so much about getting boxes! Definitely looking forward to this read.
“Cheers” Cranberry + Rosé Hand-Poured Mercury Prism Candle by Paddy Wax (7 oz) – Retail Value $20 (NOTE: Is no longer available on Paddy Wax site, but I found it for $20 on Amazon.)
This is such a unique candle! The prism design is cool, and the metallic ‘droplet’ look makes each one different. The scent in nice – fruity, sweet and not too overpowering. I also really like the cork top! This looks great on my bathroom counter with the mirror reflections. I will definitely be re-purposing the holder once it’s melted down. Paddy Wax candles are da bomb – I’ve loved every one I’ve ever received. Their concrete ones are awesome.
Dream Slouch Beanie by Flipside Hats – Retail Value $35
This is the softest, snuggliest, most well-made beanie I’ve ever had! I LOVE it! The triple-flower design makes it feminine and stylish, and the cream color is such a great neutral for winter that goes with everything!
I like that you can position the hat to put the flower on the top or side of your head to give it a different look.
I live in Southern California where is doesn’t get cold often, but when it does, I break out my beanies!
Gingerbread Chai Tea by Tea Chai Te – Retail Value $15.99
This Gingerbread Chai blend will fill your kitchen every time you make it with a delightful fragrance! A festive chai with a black tea base and strong hints of ginger and brown sugar will give you a a burst of energy.
This is the ‘premium’ tin of loose tea and is WAY YUMMY. I love anything gingerbread and everything chai, so I’m good to go.
It is sweet, spicy and CAFFEINATED! Yay!
St. Nicholas Cookies by Lark Fine Foods – Retail Value $10
These babies are traditional dutch almond spiced cookies! Super appropriate naming and flavoring for the holidays; but that comes with a price. You can only get them at the holidays! I’ve tried Lark cookies before, and for some reason the flavors they use come up short for me. Don’t get me wrong, I shoveled them in without missing a beat, but they aren’t something I would buy on my own. Tasty, but not terrific. I liked them better after dipping them in my latte.
They are dense, firm and crunchy. My pack had 14 cookies.
This was a great month – definitely up there in my favorites! I wore the hat all winter long.
The total retail value of this box (currently) is $106.99 ($96.15 with Amazon pricing); both WAY above the $64.99 cost of the box (without considering shipping for either calculation) – WHOA! Super great bonus value for a book box!
So now that you know the kinds of items to expect, what do you think? Are you ready for a little ME time?!? OF COURSE YOU ARE DARLING! GET ON IT!
TTFN – CrazyDogMama xoxo
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