Hey y’all!
You know how much we adore a good story here at The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast—like, seriously, we live for tales that pull you in and won’t let go. But let’s be honest, no great story ever started without a seriously stellar cup of coffee nearby. (Because, as Lorelai Gilmore once said, “This is a jumbo coffee morning. I need coffee in an I.V.” Yeah, that’s the kind of energy we’re talking about.)
So, here’s the scoop: we’ve teamed up with Free Rein Coffee, a brand roasted in San Angelo, Texas, and founded by an actor you might know from Yellowstone. Their motto? “Serve Those Who Serve.” Translation: for every bag you buy, they donate a cup to our everyday heroes—active military, vets, first responders, nurses, and teachers. Basically, every time you sip, you’re giving a little love back to the real MVPs.
Now, let me tell you about some of the blends that have made their way into my morning routine—and which books from the kidlit world they reminded me of (because you know me, everything pairs with a good read).
One morning, I started with American Dirt, a bold and dark roast that hit me like the opening lines of a gripping middle-grade adventure—rich, strong, with just the right amount of smoothness to keep you turning pages late into the night. It’s the kind of coffee that would pair beautifully with Firedrake, my own fiery tale of dragons and daring quests. It’s like the coffee and book are having a secret pow-wow, whispering, “Let’s get epic.”
Then there’s Homestead, which is like that comforting chocolate chip cookie you sneak while reading under your blanket fort. It’s a medium roast with cozy chocolate notes that made me think of The Secret Garden—warm, inviting, and perfect for sinking into a story that wraps you up in magic and nature’s mysteries.
For days when I want to feel a little wild and untamed, I go for Mesteño. This Colombian blend has dark chocolate and a savory kick that captures the spirit of the open plains kind of like This Moment Is Special by John Parra. This upcoming picture book, set to release on July 15, 2025, follows a boy through a single day filled with family, love, and inspiration as he prepares for the Día de Muertos celebration. It’s a tender tale that embraces life’s small and monumental moments alike, much like the bold and earthy notes of Mesteño.
If cinnamon is your spirit flavor (and, honestly, who isn’t a little cinnamon-obsessed?), Cinna-Blend is your new best friend. It’s like a warm hug that smells like a kitchen during the holidays, without any of those fake, “meh” flavors. I paired it with Cinnamon Roll, a sweet picture book that’s as delightful as the coffee itself, a perfect match for storytime and snack time.
And sometimes, I want something a little more sophisticated, like Concho, a blend that flirts with hints of fruit and spice, smooth and low-acid. It reminded me of The Tale of Despereaux, a story that’s charming, thoughtful, and a little unexpected, just like this coffee.
When I need a kick to start my day, San Angelo Sunrise does the trick. With cinnamon, turmeric, and a dash of black pepper, it’s a spiced coffee experience that wakes you up without knocking you down. I imagine pairing it with Warning: Short Stories for Middle School Boys Only, Because Girls Have Cooties! by Gene J. Miller. This collection of 15 short stories, set in the 1960s in Delanco, New Jersey, is a delightful trip down memory lane. It’s full of adventure, mischief, and the kind of humor that makes you chuckle out loud much like the unexpected spice of this unique brew.
For the boldest of bold, Pecos is like a flavor explosion, dark roast with notes of fruit, spice, and chocolate all tangled together. It’s like the literary equivalent of Percy Jackson full of action, mystery, and the kind of energy that keeps you hooked.
And when I want to close my eyes and pretend I’m somewhere tropical, Kona sweeps me away with floral and fruity notes. It’s the kind of smooth, medium roast you’d sip while reading The Rainbow Fish, beautiful, calm, and a little bit magical.
So, if you’re like me, always juggling a book in one hand and a mug in the other, Free Rein Coffee isn’t just about the caffeine (though it’s definitely doing the heavy lifting). It’s about savoring those little moments, supporting a cause bigger than ourselves, and finding the perfect brew to bring your stories to life.
Because, honestly, what’s a great story without a great cup of coffee to go with it?Ready to brew up your next favorite story (and coffee)?
Shop Free Rein Coffee Now
Use our link to get 15% off and free shipping when you subscribe. Your taste buds—and our podcast—will thank you.Stay caffeinated and keep storytelling,
—Your fellow coffee enthusiasts,
Theresa and Jackie
