Pairing the playful and vibrant "Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizzas" with Colleen Hoover's "Reminders of Him" and a refreshing "Strawberry Kiwi Fizz" cocktail creates a delightful sensory experience. Just like the sugar cookies provide a sweet, refreshing treat, "Reminders of Him" offers a heartfelt, emotional journey that resonates with the same light yet profound touch. The cocktail enhances this experience with its fruity zest, mirroring the colorful and uplifting theme of the fruit pizzas. This pairing is perfect for a sunny book club meeting where the flavors and emotions can intermingle and come alive together.

Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Base:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Spread:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into small chunks
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation and Baking:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Shape and Bake: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape each into a round disc about 1/4 inch thick on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Assembly:
- Prepare Cream Cheese Spread: While the cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Fruit Pizzas: Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over each cooled cookie. Arrange the fresh fruit on top in an attractive pattern.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Slice into wedges and serve immediately.
Reminders of Him
A troubled young mother yearns to reunite with her daughter in this heartbreaking yet hopeful story from a #1 New York Times bestselling author.
A troubled young mother yearns for a shot at redemption in this heartbreaking yet hopeful story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover. After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter's life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself. The only person who hasn't closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna's daughter. But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna's life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them. The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing.
Discussion Questions
- How did you feel about Kenna's journey for redemption?
- What role does forgiveness play in the story?
- Discuss the influence of Ledger in Kenna's life.
- How does the setting impact the narrative?
- What symbolic elements can you identify in the book?
- How do the themes of love and loss intertwine?
- What did you find most compelling about Kenna's character?
- How do secrets and reveals drive the plot?
- Discuss the importance of family and community in the story.
- How does "Reminders of Him" compare to other works by Colleen Hoover?
Authors:
Colleen Hoover
ISBN: 9781791392796
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Published Date: 2022-01-18
ISBN: 9781791392796
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Published Date: 2022-01-18
Strawberry Kiwi Fizz

A refreshing and vibrant cocktail that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries and kiwis with a fizzy sparkling wine base. Perfect for celebrating a beautiful summer day or for a festive book club gathering.
Ingredients
- 3 fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Sparkling wine or champagne
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries and kiwi slices.
- Add simple syrup and lemon juice to the shaker.
- Shake well with ice until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a champagne flute.
- Top with sparkling wine or champagne.
- Garnish with a strawberry slice on the rim.