I am watching my mailbox with great anticipation. An American author, Laura Schaefer, found me and has asked if I mind reviewing her recently published book. Mind? Those of you who know me, know that this is right up my alley!
The book, entitled The Teashop Girls, sounds like a wholesome read that I'll read for my review first, and then share with my 9-year old herbal tea drinking, avid Nancy Drew Clue Crew and Allie Finkle - loving daughter. I'll post both of our reviews here. While I am waiting for the ARC to arrive, I'll share with you what I know about the book - this is taken from the press release.
Annie, Genna, and Zoe have been hanging out at their favorite tea shop, The Steeping Leaf, since elementary school. The Teashop Girls used to do everything together, but with the end of eighth grade fast-approaching, Genna’s found her niche in the theater, Zoe’s always at tennis, and Annie is feeling confused and left out. What happened to “best friends forever” and “tea every week, no matter what”?
Annie convinces her grandmother to give her a job as a barista at the Leaf, and she starts to feel like she’s found her calling. But just as Annie settles into her new role, the tea shop is threatened by a new coffee chain across the street and receives an eviction notice. Annie must rally the support of her friends to save the Leaf before it’s too late!
The Teashop Girls is fresh, clean, and honest, and is sure to build on the success of other friendship-club novels like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and The Mother-Daughter Book Club. To sweeten the brew, this debut novel also includes recipes for tea and tea-related treats, lists, and amusing quotes that enrich the girl appeal to this already-charming package.
In her email, the author indicated that she has a plan to turn it into a series. "I already have a sequel planned that centers around the farmers' market and community supported agricultur," she writes. I live in Waterloo Region, less than 10 minutes from St. Jacobs Farmers Market, and I think that book could be VERY well received in this area!
Meanwhile, I keep watching the mailbox (I'm probably looking too soon, but I'm excited!) and now, to take the chill off, I'm going to make a cup of hot tea - French Bouquet here I come!
Happy sipping & stay warm! Baby, it's cold outside!
