Wednesday, December 26, 2012

"A Victorian Christmas Tea"


Some of the Christmas hours I like best are the quiet ones just before and after the big celebrations. In my own quiet hours this week, I actually read a whole book in two days, and it was so utterly charming I just have to tell you about it. It's the 1997 book "A Victorian Christmas Tea," four novellas about Christmas, all with a teatime plotline somewhere in the mix, and the authors are Catherine Palmer, Dianna Crawford, Peggy Stoks and Katherine Chute.

I had saved two of my "12 Days of Christmas" teas from Janet in Texas just for this time, and I thoroughly enjoyed Bigelow's Gingersnappish and Eggnogg'n. (I've never had eggnog, because it just doesn't appeal to me, but I absolutely adored this tea!) And the book itself was such a sweet treat! These four inspirational romances are set in the mountains of New Mexico, a stormy New England coast, rural Minnesota, and a Louisiana plantation, all at Christmas, all with budding romances promising to unfold. It was such a lovely time back when ladies and gentlemen were courted and gave such care to that all-important decision of choosing a life's mate. I ended each of these tender stories heartened—and wanting a cup of their story's tea.

Each tale also concludes with one special recipe from the plot, so that was a treat as well, but mostly I just enjoyed reading uplifting fiction with a Christmas theme at Christmas. If you haven't read this book, I'd suggest you get a copy now—or at least put it on your reading list for next year!

15 comments:

  1. This looks like a very cozy read. I just reserved it at my library. Thank you! Dee

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  2. Definitely gonna look for that book -sounds charming

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  3. I'll be looking for this book at my library. I usually devour a lot of books & tea all through the winter.

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  4. Hello Angela
    You have recommended some good books this year and I'll see about getting this one for my ereader since I received a gift certificate for Christmas. :-)
    My plan today is to sit and read with a cup of tea and a couple of sweets. Hubby is gone for a few days helping our daughter and SIL prep for their new kitchen going in next month. Guess I'll get a git of reading done.
    Judith

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  5. Oh that sounds like a wonderful book - once again you are so helpful with awesome recommendations, Angela!

    So glad you had a wonderful holiday!

    I wish you a truly tealightful new year, too. Best wishes.

    Hugs,

    Michele

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  6. What a lovely post, Angela. This sounds like a good book. Sometimes quiet moments around the holiday are the most memorable moments, I agree! Hope you had a nice holiday, Joanie

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  7. A friend gave me that book -- I haven't found time to read it...now you have motivated me!! I am currently reading In the Company of Others by Jan Karon -- It was published in 2010 -- so I am behind...but was on sale at BN for $5...hardback and all -- I had so enjoyed the previous series...so working through this one these wintery days. Thanks for the info on the previous mentioned book...will have to get to it!! ~Donna

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  8. I read this book when it first came out but maybe I should get it at the library tomorrow and reread it.

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  9. We used to live in New Mexico. Looks like a trip to the bookstore is on the to-do list now. Thanks for the review.

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  10. I love to read Christmas fiction at this time of year, so this one will go on my reading list for sure.

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  11. I received this book previously as a Christmas gift from a friend, but have never taken the time to sit down and read it. You've inspired me! We got A LOT of snow last night so maybe I'll get it read while I'm homebound.

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  12. Sounds like a lovely book. Thanks for the review.

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