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Review: A Brewed Awakening

A Brewed Awakening book cover on blue background

With surnames like Austen and Dashwood, you know that the people of Wisteria, North Carolina are just itching for a romance to play out before their eyes. A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham is definitely a rude awakening for Daphne, and it's a fun journey that we get to go on as we see a small town band together to support old and new local businesses.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Content to be aware of: several New Age references including séances, hauntings, and manifestation; symbols of luck; mentions of speaking to and praying to deceased family members; near conflation of deceased family members to deity

Book Synopsis

Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival?

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life—and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme—around all things English: delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled—Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This book is the ultimate slow-burn romance between an English pub owner and a tea shop proprietor, involving two characters who couldn't be more opposite to each other. Despite their differences, sparks fly between Finn and Daphne from the onset, garnering an audience of local townspeople from Wisteria, North Carolina. With heavily hashtagged social media content following their every move (some posts really should be shared privately!), nothing brings a small town out for gossip-fueled drama like the cooking rivalry that heats up between refined food and comfort food. Foodies will appreciate the delectable meals and treats in this book, making it a chef's kiss for drumming up an appetite while reading.

I appreciate that when difficulties arise, Finn and Daphne realize they cannot lean on their own strength and instead trust in God to help them and their community.  With several heated moments between the characters, it's a good thing that they are chaperoned by Finn's adorable daughter, Lucy, who is both brave and beautiful like her favourite character of Rapunzel. Readers who enjoy cutting but not cruel repartee amid a community truly coming together will find it worthwhile to see whether tea or coffee wins the day in A Brewed Awakening. Plus, you might be asking yourself, how does Jodie have so much merchandise and who is buying it all?!

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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