At Ember & Scent, we believe that a scent can transport you to places no plane ticket could ever reach - a forest at dusk, a bustling tropical market, or even the pages of your favourite book. There’s a natural synergy between scents and stories; both have the power to stir emotions, evoke memories, and ignite the imagination. Today, we’re pairing some of our most beloved candle fragrances with equally captivating books. So, light a flame, settle in, and escape into a story.
Thai Lime & Mango — Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
This zesty and exotic scent brims with energy, capturing the essence of discovery and self-renewal. Like Gilbert’s adventure through Italy, India, and Indonesia, Thai Lime & Mango offers a vibrant escape. Picture a bustling market in Thailand with fresh citrus and juicy mangoes piled high. Each flicker of this candle invites you to embark on your own soul-searching journey, whether that’s through meditation, feasting, or indulging in a good read.
Black Plum & Rhubarb — Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Darkly sweet with a hint of tartness, Black Plum & Rhubarb is the candle equivalent of a Gothic romance. Much like the mysterious aura of Manderley in Rebecca, this fragrance creates an intoxicating atmosphere, perfect for diving into a tale of love, jealousy, and secrets. Dim the lights, light this candle, and let its seductive scent pull you deeper into the suspense.
Nordic Woods — The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Step into an enchanting forest where snow-laden branches glitter under the moonlight. Nordic Woods pairs perfectly with Arden’s Russian-inspired fairy tale. The candle’s earthy undertones of pine and crisp winter air evoke the wild beauty of Vasya’s world—a place where folklore and reality collide. Wrap yourself in a blanket, let the flicker of the flame mimic a hearth fire, and lose yourself in this spellbinding story.
Coconut Island — The Beach by Alex Garland
Dreaming of white sand beaches and azure waters? Coconut Island’s creamy, tropical aroma mirrors the allure of paradise—until, like Garland’s novel, it hints at the darker complexities of such dreams. Pair this candle with a gripping tale of adventure and utopian illusions, and let its warm glow whisk you away to sun-drenched shores.
Clean Cotton — Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Fresh, pure, and utterly nostalgic, Clean Cotton captures the innocence and charm of Avonlea. This scent is as comforting as crisp linens on a summer’s day, making it the perfect companion for revisiting Anne’s spirited adventures. Let the clean, airy fragrance take you back to simpler times, where meadows were for dreaming, and every day held the promise of discovery.
Vanilla Orchid — The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Romantic and mysterious, Vanilla Orchid is the epitome of elegance. Its delicate floral notes entwine with creamy vanilla to create a luxurious sensory experience, much like the magical atmosphere of the Cirque des Rêves. Morgenstern’s tale of star-crossed lovers and enchanted competitions feels even more enchanting with this sophisticated fragrance casting its spell.
Marine — The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The salty breeze and aquatic notes of our Marine candle evoke the vast, unyielding ocean—a perfect pairing for Hemingway’s masterpiece. As you follow Santiago’s epic struggle with the marlin, the candle’s fresh scent brings the sea to your doorstep. Close your eyes, breathe in deeply, and feel the pull of the tides.
Dark Honey & Tobacco — Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Novels and Stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Earthy and rich, Dark Honey & Tobacco conjures images of Holmes’ study, where the scent of a pipe mingles with the weight of intrigue. This warm, layered fragrance invites you to join the great detective as he solves mysteries and uncovers hidden truths. With this candle burning, even a quiet evening at home can feel steeped in adventure.
Himalayan Cedar & Jasmine — Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
Exotic and grounding, Himalayan Cedar & Jasmine embodies the bustling streets of Mumbai and the serene heights of the Himalayas. Much like Roberts’ epic tale of love, crime, and redemption, this fragrance offers complexity and depth. Each whiff of its woody and floral notes draws you deeper into a world of contrasts, where beauty and chaos coexist.
Pear & Freesia — Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This light and graceful fragrance is the very essence of romance and refinement. Pear & Freesia’s delicate sweetness matches the charm of Austen’s beloved novel, making it the ideal choice for a dreamy afternoon in the English countryside. Let the candle’s gentle glow illuminate the wit and wisdom of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy’s timeless love story.
Honey Bee — The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Warm and golden, Honey Bee is a fragrance that feels like a hug from nature itself. Pair this comforting scent with The Secret Life of Bees, a novel that celebrates love, resilience, and the intricate beauty of bees. Just as the book reveals the harmony between humans and nature, this candle fills your space with a rich, natural sweetness that soothes the soul.
Daydreams — Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Whimsical and airy, Daydreams is a scent that mirrors the fantastical world of Wonderland. Its light, enchanting aroma invites you to follow Alice down the rabbit hole into a realm of curiosity and imagination. With this candle burning, your reading nook transforms into a dreamy escape where nothing is impossible, and every turn of the page holds a new surprise.
Elusive Flower — The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro
Sophisticated and mysterious, Elusive Flower is like a rare bloom hidden deep in a story. Pair this fragrance with The Perfume Collector, a novel about the power of scent and the secrets it holds. The candle’s subtle floral notes echo the book’s exploration of love, identity, and the way fragrances can shape a life. Light it, and let yourself be drawn into the intrigue.
Escape — Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
True to its name, Escape is the ultimate candle for adventurous souls. Its invigorating aroma captures the feeling of setting off into the unknown, making it the perfect companion for Cheryl Strayed’s memoir about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. As you read her story of courage and self-discovery, the fresh, uplifting scent will inspire your own longing for freedom and exploration.
Bluebell — The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Delicate and nostalgic, Bluebell evokes a serene springtime woodland—a setting that feels straight out of The Wind in the Willows. Pair this candle with the timeless adventures of Mole, Ratty, and Toad as they revel in the beauty of nature and friendship. Let the scent of blooming bluebells transport you to a riverside picnic under the soft glow of candlelight.
Pineapple Party — The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Fun, fruity, and full of sunshine, Pineapple Party is a celebration of summer. Its playful scent pairs perfectly with Jenny Han’s coming-of-age story set against a backdrop of sandy beaches and sun-soaked days. Light this candle and dive into a world of first loves, bittersweet moments, and the magic of endless summers.
The Final Chapter
Books and candles are natural companions, each enhancing the other’s ability to transport, comfort, and inspire. Whether you’re flipping pages or turning on your e-reader, the right scent can make the experience even more immersive. At Ember & Scent, we’re not just crafting candles - we’re crafting experiences. So, next time you escape into a story, consider lighting one of our fragrances to complement the story. You might just find yourself lost in a whole new world.
What’s your favourite book and fragrance pairing? Let us know in the comments or share your cosy reading setup on social media with #EmberAndScentReads.
Happy reading and scent-filled adventures!
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