Books & Bottles Series (#17)
Book Guides,  Lifestyle

Books & Bottles Series (#17)


The one where Alli cannot fathom it being the end of June…

Happy Books & Bottles post, my friends! I’m happy I started this series last year. It’s really kept me honest and challenged me to read at least one book a month. I’m exceeding that right now, which is SO exciting. I’ve always wanted to be this kind of reader!

I went a little off the books this month because, even though, yes, I love wine, I want to share something I make during these hot summer days. It’s currently 91* in Seattle. That’s not a complaint. I’m thrilled because I love the heat! That doesn’t mean I’m not constantly hydrating though and always looking for something cold in the fridge.

DisclaimerThe following post has Bookshop & Amazon affiliates links. If clicked and purchased, a small percentage will go toward On the Trip Side. Thank you for your continual support!


Books & Bottles Series (#17)

This book took me a really long time to read. I wish I could tell you why. Then, I got to the 40% mark and could NOT put it down. I read the remaining book in 2 days. So, I’m stoked to write about this.

Book: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

Short Summary (from the back of the book):

Meet Nina Hill: A young woman supremely confident in her own…shell.

The only child of a single mother, Nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, a kick-butt trivia team, a world-class planner and a cat named Phil….

When the father Nina never knew existed suddenly dies, leaving behind innumerable sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews, Nina is horrified. They all live close by! They’re all—or mostly all—excited to meet her! She’ll have to Speak. To. Strangers. It’s a disaster! And as if that wasn’t enough, Tom, her trivia nemesis, has turned out to be cute, funny, and deeply interested in getting to know her. Doesn’t he realize what a terrible idea that is?

Honest Review: 4.5 Stars

Oh, I just ADORE Nina Hill. I love her bookish nerdy ways. The way she loves her cat and the bookshop she works at more than anything in the world. But most of all, I love how utterly awkward and relatable she is.

Honestly, if this book was an aesthetic it would be light academia. Nina is full of sunshine. She’s also introverted and lives hour after long hour scheduling reading and trivia practice in her calendar. She loves her job at the book shop. I wish everyone loved their job as much as Nina does. I’m convinced everyone would be happy.

From the beginning, I had an idea of how this book would end and then 3/4 of the way through, I didn’t think it would happen. I’m thrilled to say we get the ending we all want and deserve. If you’re looking for a book that’s happy and an easy read, this one is for you.

If you’re looking for book recommendations, check out my Amazon book list here!


The Bottle: Homemade Peach Sweet Tea

I make hot tea every morning. Up until the summer time. It being 90* this week, I’m back to brewing my teas in the evening, bottling them, and leaving them in the fridge overnight. I normally love making black tea but I intent to be drinking this all day. So, I went for my favorite Harney & Sons Peach Fruit Tea.

This loose leaf tea is a mix of rosehips, hibiscus, peach pieces, orange peel, apple pieces, safflower petals, and peach flavor. I love how there are literal chopped peaches in this tea. A little goes a very long way in this mix.

What I’m Tasting:

Lovely tart peaches and floral notes. I also taste the large glob of honey I added to it. 😅

What I’m Smelling:

Hibiscus! And peach of course but the floral is very evident.

Overall Grade: A

Perhaps a little too much honey but it’s perfect for hot summer days after dinner. It’s a lovely evening refreshment.


Thank you for reading my Books & Bottles (#17) this month! This one was really fun. Especilly because I think the tea went very well with the book.

Happy reading!

Love Alli // On the Trip side Signature

Shop this post:

Other posts you might enjoy:


Never Miss An Adventure!

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE THE LATEST ADVENTURE STORIES, SOLO TRAVEL GUIDES, AND SO MUCH MORE!