For some months now I have been working on writing a "cozy" mystery myself, and I can tell you it's hard work. I've read probably a dozen different series now to get a better feel for what readers of this genre expect, and I was surprised to learn that "heroines" aren't all as admirable as our beloved Theo. The one cozy I read with a main character who glibly drove while drunk just about sent me over the edge! Because of Laura Childs, I have high expectations of what a good cozy can be. I won't be submitting my own manuscript until it's the sort of book I personally would like to read, and the fact Childs has kept me interested for 14 books now tells me she has mastered the art of keeping us reading! I also appreciate the fact the author recognizes her characters need to change and grow, their tastes may need to wander a bit, and that happens, regularly, in the tea shop mysteries.
Another thing I have enjoyed about the tea shop series is that Theodosia and friends keep up with the latest in tea room trends. I'll let you read the book to discover which new sweet treats Haley and Drayton are serving in the tea shop these days. Like me, you'll probably nod your head and think, "Yes, she got that just right." As always the book concludes with some yummy sounding recipes. And even more exciting was a teaser for Childs' upcoming book "Living a Tea Shop Life," which is said to be "a nonfiction book that applies life lessons learned from tea shops and tea masters to everyday life." It will also include 100+ recipes and tea time tips, and I can't wait to read it!
I'm only about half way through Sweet Tea Revenge and am enjoying it as much as any of the others from the series. I agree that the characters and setting evolve which keeps the reader interested. Some series are so predictable that after one or two, I don't read them any more. I won't want to miss her new book you mentioned when it comes out either!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your mystery, I know you've been working on it for awhile.
Judith
When I saw this post pop-out yesterday and then "go away" I thought she's working on a post about it and still making changes to the post. I haven't finished reading this yet and probably like you got the book from Laura last month. I am running is so many directions. Yesterday I got an email from her so I responded that I promised to "getter done" and do a review. She loves it when we are all doing blog chatter about her new book. I am excited about you writing a book.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm looking forward to reading this one. I just finished one of her scrapbooking series. I'll look forward to reading your book, too, when it is ready. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'll be a year behind as I get her books when they come out in paperback. I thoroughly enjoy them and will pick them up for a re-read. Sounds like this new one is a winner. Thanks for the heads up on the other book she is writing - will look for it too.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read it, I love Theo!
ReplyDeleteWhen will your book be done? No pressure!I will look for her other book too, thank you.
Frances
What a great book review, Angela. I've read some of the books in the series, but not all of them. I'm anxious to read this one. I'm going to be recuperating from surgery soon, so it'll be the perfect time for reading.
ReplyDeleteI know your mystery book will be great when it's ready for publication.
Angela, I know your book will be great and hope you finish it soon so we can read it. You are a fascinating woman. I love everything you write and get inspiration from you.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy her tea shop mysteries and have this one on my Wish List to buy soon.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this series!
ReplyDeleteThe best to you with your book! I just finished the new tea mystery last night. It came a day after release because of our snowstorm which caused a UPS delay.
ReplyDeleteI liked the new element of the male persuasion that the author added! Do you think he might be coming back in the future?
Thank you, Angela, your review means a lot to me. I have read a few of these and always enjoyed them. I actually forgot about this series. It should be easy to get on my nook. Looks like I have many books to catch on.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads-up about the new book. Ms. Childs is one of my favorite authors, and I especially love her tea shop series. I've read and enjoyed several books in her scrapbooking series as well, and I'm not even a scrapbooker. Will definitely want to get a copy of this offering and the next one as well.
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