The Weekly Pour: Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell
Good afternoon, Meridian book lovers, and welcome back to The Weekly Pour — where every great story gets an equally great drink to go with it.
We have been counting down the days to today's release, and we're going to be real with you: this one hits different. Rainbow Rowell, the author behind Eleanor & Park, Fangirl, and last year's Slow Dance, is back with what she's calling her most surprising novel yet — and we believe her. Cherry Baby released today and we've already lost sleep over it. Grab something to sip, get cozy, and let us tell you about it.
About the book
This is a second-chance romance, but also not. It's a novel about body image, reclaiming your own story, and the terrifying, exhilarating work of starting over. Rowell writes real, complicated, messy love like nobody else, and Cherry Baby is her swinging for the fences. One reviewer described reading it as "breathless and weeping." Another said it's "a book that only she could write." We'd add: it's the kind of novel that makes you want to call someone you love and also eat an entire charcuterie board while crying in the best possible way.
Perfect for fans of: Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell, Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe, The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary, and anyone who has ever felt like someone else was telling their story.
This week’s Wine & Mocktail pairing:
We had to go local for this one — and we didn't have to look far. Cherry Baby is bittersweet, rosy, a little unexpected, and deeply Idaho in its emotional terrain. So we're pairing it with something made right here in the Treasure Valley: Veer Wine Project's Soigné Rosé of Grenache. Veer, the 2024 Idaho Winery of the Year out of Garden City, makes wines that veer off the expected path — which feels exactly right for a Rainbow Rowell novel. Their Soigné rosé opens with a touch of sweetness, finishes clean and refreshing, and has an elegant depth that holds up to a really good cry. It is, simply put, Cherry Baby in a glass.
And if wine isn't your thing, we've got you covered with a mocktail that's just as satisfying.
Local Idaho Wine: Soigné Rosé of Grenache
A Grenache and Mourvèdre rosé with ripe cherry and berry notes, extended lees aging for weight and depth, and a clean, refreshing finish. Made in Garden City, Idaho — just a short drive from Meridian.
Pour chilled into your favorite wine glass
Pair with charcuterie-style snacks
Read Cherry Baby until you forget what time it is
Find it at Veer's tasting room: 4338 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City
Open Wed–Sat 1–7pm, Sunday 1–6pm.
Mocktail pairing: The Omaha Cherry Fizz
Bright, tart, a little sweet, and totally non-alcoholic — named for the city where Cherry refuses to give up on herself.
3 oz tart cherry juice (unsweetened)
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey + warm water)
3 oz sparkling water or ginger beer
Garnish: frozen cherries + a lemon wheel
Combine cherry juice, lemon, and honey syrup in a glass over ice. Stir gently. Top with sparkling water or ginger beer for a little fizz. Garnish and settle in for a long reading session.
Come find it on our shelves
Cherry Baby is out now — while you’re waiting for us to open our doors here at 33 E. Idaho Ave. in Meridian, grab it through our Bookshop.org storefront where every purchase supports The Book Lounge directly.
Have you already torn through Cherry Baby? Are you team Russ? Are you OKAY? Tell us everything — drop a comment below or find us over on Instagram at @thebookloungeid. We truly cannot wait to talk about this one with you and, once we’re open, pour you a glass of rosé .
Happy Reading (and Sipping!)
The Book Lounge Crew
Order at bookshop.org/shop/thebooklounge · Audiobooks at libro.fm/thebooklounge
