The Weekly Pour: The Moonshine Women by Michelle Collins Anderson
Good afternoon, Meridian book lovers, and welcome back to The Weekly Pour!
At The Book Lounge, we believe every great story deserves an equally great beverage. As we count down the days to our grand opening in Meridian, Idaho, we’re continuing our digital toast to the most exciting new fiction hitting the shelves. Today, March 31, 2026, marks the release of a novel that is as intoxicating as its title suggests. Get ready to be transported to the rugged, secret-filled hills of the Prohibition-era Ozarks.
The Book: Fire, Ashes, and 'Shine
The Moonshine Women by Michelle Collins Anderson, is a sweeping historical fiction saga centered on the formidable Strong sisters—Rebecca, Elsie, and Jace (aptly nicknamed "Shine")—who are forced to take over their family’s clandestine moonshine business in 1920s Missouri. Following the death of their matriarch, Lidy, and the subsequent spiral of their father into grief and liquor, the sisters must harness Lidy’s secret recipes to survive. Every batch of Strong moonshine is unique, infused with secret ingredients like golden peaches, ripe melons, or jewel-toned berries.
As Prohibition agents close in and the unforgiving nature of the bootlegging world creates new dangers, the sisters face trials of vengeance, healing, and love. Anderson's prose is richly evocative, capturing the scent of oak and pine, the tension of a hidden still, and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. It’s a story of resilience, reinvention, and women claiming their power in a man's world.
Perfect for fans of:The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, The Glass Castle, and Fried Green Tomatoes.
The Cocktail Pairing: The 'Strong Sister' Peach Shine
To match the fiery spirit, fruity complexity, and historical grit of the Strong sisters, we needed a drink that felt authentic to the Ozarks yet refined enough for the Lounge.
We are pairing The Moonshine Women with a curated cocktail: The "Strong Sister" Peach Shine. This cocktail pays homage to Lidy Strong’s secret moonshine ingredients, specifically the "bucketful of golden peaches" mentioned in the novel. The base of white whiskey (legal moonshine) represents the sisters’ craft and fiery personalities, while the peach liqueur and fresh thyme provide the "alchemy" of flavor—balancing the "kick" with sweetness and an herbal, earthy depth reminiscent of the Ozark mountains.
The Recipe:
1.5 oz White Whiskey (or a high-quality, unaged corn whiskey)
0.75 oz Peach Liqueur
0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
0.25 oz Simple Syrup (optional, adjust to sweetness preference)
2 Dashes Orange Bitters
Garnish: A fresh peach slice and a sprig of fresh thyme.
Instructions: Combine all liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a peach slice and a slightly slapped sprig of thyme to release the aroma.
The Mocktail: The Ozark Orchard Fizz
For those seeking a refreshing, non-alcoholic escape that still captures the spirit of the book's setting, we offer The Ozark Orchard Fizz. This mocktail highlights the "juicy, jewel-toned berries" and "ripe melon" also used in the Strong family recipes. It’s bright, bubbly, and earthy.
The Recipe:
3 oz Sparkling Apple Cider
1 oz Muddled Blackberries & Raspberries
0.5 oz Honey Syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)
0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Garnish: A rosemary sprig and a few floating berries.
Instructions: Muddle the berries and honey syrup in the bottom of a shaker. Add lime juice and ice. Shake briefly to chill. Strain into a tall glass over ice. Top with sparkling apple cider. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and fresh berries.
Join the Conversation
Are you adding The Moonshine Women to your spring reading list? What’s your favorite fictional dynasty of strong women? Comment below or @thebookloungeid on Instagram to let us know!
We are so excited to eventually share these stories and sips with you in person at The Book Lounge ID in Meridian. Until then, grab your copy, pour yourself a drink, and get lost in the Ozarks.
Happy Reading!
The Book Lounge Crew
