Abby Jimenez Joins Sonic to Help Kids Read and Reveals the Book Series That Made Her a Lifelong Reader (Exclusive)

Published: May 27, 2025

Abby Jimenez, the author and founder of Nadia Cakes, knows what it feels like to fall in love with books, and now she's helping kids discover that same magic. The New York Times bestselling author of Say You'll Remember Me is partnering with Sonic, along with fellow romance stars Christina Lauren and Ashley Poston, to help launch their new Sweet Topped Lemonades, which pair perfectly with a summer beach read.

The new drinks come in flavors Classic Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, and Blueberry Lavender Lemonade, and are available in the Sonic App starting May 27 and at locations nationwide on June 2.

As part of the program, Sonic is also partnering with nonprofit First Book, which aims "to remove barriers to a quality education for children in low-income communities," and plans to distribute 100,000 books to young readers in the areas served by the chain.

When asked about her own early memories of reading, the Nadia Cakes founder told PEOPLE, "The only reason why I am a writer today is because I was a reader when I was a kid."

Jimenez reveals that she "dove through all of the Dr. Seuss books," but it was the Xanth series by Piers Anthony that turned her into the bookworm she is today.

"I used to blow through those fantasy novels and he was a very prolific writer," she told PEOPLE. "There's probably like a hundred or something Xanth novels, and I would go to used bookstores and the library to try and find every single one. That was my introduction to binge reading."

It wasn't until she reached high school that the Just for the Summer author made the switch from fantasy to romance.

"The girl in front of me would read these books and then I would see the really beautiful Fabio covers," Jimenez said. "And then she would hand them back to me and I would take those and read and then bring 'em back. That was my introduction to romance. So yes, there's been a lot of books that have stayed with me."

Abby Jimenez's newest book, You'll Remember Me, hit shelves on April 1. Read more about Sonic's new Sweet Topped Lemonades and how they're helping kids discover the magic of reading.