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Tanglewood Village #1
The Tanglewood Tea Shop
Patisserie-Chef Stevie is stuck in a rut. Her beloved Great Aunt Peggy has passed away, she’s been fired from her job and the love of her life has walked out the door. But when she’s called to the solicitor’s office to hear the reading of Peggy’s will, Stevie’s life begins to change.
Left with a large amount of money, Stevie is determined to take Peggy’s advice and turn her life around. The quirky tea shop that she sees up for sale in the beautiful village of Tanglewood must be a sign, and Stevie can’t wait to make it her new home.
But what happens after your dreams come true? It turns out that life in the village isn't as idyllic as it may have seemed. With local mums waging war against sugar, a tea shop and its patisserie-chef owner are definitely not welcome.
When the gorgeous but grouchy local stable-owner, Nick, shows up he seems like just another fly in the pastry batter but as the two grow closer, Stevie realises he might just be the perfect reason to stay and win over the village...This laugh-out-loud romantic comedy is perfect for fans of Daisy James, Holly Martin and Portia Macintosh.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2019
2772 people are currently reading
2793 people want to read
About the author
Lilac Mills
84 books232 followersLilac lives on a Welsh hillside with her very patient husband and incredibly sweet dog, where she grows veggies (if the slugs don't get them), bakes (badly) and loves making things out of glitter and glue (a mess, usually).
She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.
She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.
She's been an avid reader ever since she got her hands on a copy of Noddy Goes to Toytown when she was five, and she once tried to read everything in her local library starting with A and working her way through the alphabet.
She loves long, hot summer days in the garden, and cold winter ones snuggled in front of the fire, but whatever the weather she's usually writing, or thinking about writing, with heartwarming romance and happy-ever-afters always on her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 611 reviews
September 5, 2022
The Tanglewood Tea Shop by Lilac Miles sweet romance set in Wales. It reads like a present day HF. A very basic book with no depth was a quick read. I am not much for romance books. This one was sweet and simple. I enjoyed it
February 10, 2019
I don't want to lie, I was planning to give up on this story without finishing. Glad that I have stuck through because the latter half more than made up for all the dull moments in the beginning. Stevie's buying of the tea shop and settling in the community takes half of the book and then only we get the glimpse of the exciting story we are promised. Especially when old lady Betty comes to the scene to play the perfect fairy godmother.
I loved the cosy community, the tantrums of the black cat who is also named Peggy, but the one who has really touched my heart is Tia, who braves the world from a wheelchair. This book would have been really fascinating and unique if Tia was to be on the lead role. Sadly, that is not in my hands. But I do really hope that there will be such a story from the talented hands of Lilac Mills.
I loved the cosy community, the tantrums of the black cat who is also named Peggy, but the one who has really touched my heart is Tia, who braves the world from a wheelchair. This book would have been really fascinating and unique if Tia was to be on the lead role. Sadly, that is not in my hands. But I do really hope that there will be such a story from the talented hands of Lilac Mills.
January 26, 2019
I love these sorts of books - give me a small town community, a tea shop (or other sort of shop), a couple of hunky men, some new friends, and a bit of drama, and for you have a wonderful comfort read.
There was something so familiar about this book, despite never having read it before and i felt right at home, and loved how Stevie suddenly had the means to move away from her frankly horrific family, and buy a teashop in a gorgeous village.
When I say familiar, perhaps I really mean warm and cosy, and I loved how the story panned out. There did seem to be some large jumps in time between chapters, but once you came to almost expect that time was moving forward a few weeks at a time, it was absolutely fine, as that way we were able to get to know Stevie a lot better, and see how she starts to become a part of the Tanglewood community.
As much as I loved Stevie, I had real soft spots for Tia, who is the sister of Nick who may or may not fancy Stevie, and ha been going through a tough time, and Betty who really comes into her own during the second half of the book.
I really enjoyed getting to know the residents of Tanglewood, and would be incredibly happy to return there in a future book.
This is anther highly enjoyable book from Lilac Mills. It seems as though she is very talented at writing, just the sorts of book that I love!
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
There was something so familiar about this book, despite never having read it before and i felt right at home, and loved how Stevie suddenly had the means to move away from her frankly horrific family, and buy a teashop in a gorgeous village.
When I say familiar, perhaps I really mean warm and cosy, and I loved how the story panned out. There did seem to be some large jumps in time between chapters, but once you came to almost expect that time was moving forward a few weeks at a time, it was absolutely fine, as that way we were able to get to know Stevie a lot better, and see how she starts to become a part of the Tanglewood community.
As much as I loved Stevie, I had real soft spots for Tia, who is the sister of Nick who may or may not fancy Stevie, and ha been going through a tough time, and Betty who really comes into her own during the second half of the book.
I really enjoyed getting to know the residents of Tanglewood, and would be incredibly happy to return there in a future book.
This is anther highly enjoyable book from Lilac Mills. It seems as though she is very talented at writing, just the sorts of book that I love!
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
July 10, 2022
Ok, this was disappointing. It’s not enough to set your story in a nice, typical, British village, with a tea shop and cakes, if your characters are so silly, they’re annoying and hard to believe.
Take Stevie, the female protagonist, for instance. She inherits a considerable amount of money from her deceased great-aunt and wants to put it to good use. She also happens to be an unemployed patisserie chef who had to go back to living with her mother. Who happens to be a horrible person. But Stevie seems to be incapable of thinking for herself and it has to be her friend Karen telling that opening her own business might be a good use of that money. Stevie thinks this is a great idea and launches herself into opening her own tea shop. Completely on her own, that is. She bakes the goods to be sold, she takes orders, serves her customers, cleans the place. Again, Stevie cannot think properly on her own. So, a couple of weeks later, she’s exhausted. But does she consider getting someone to help her? Of course not! But then, when the grocery lady tells her she’s not looking good and doesn’t have to be doing everything on her own, Stevie realises she needs an assistant. Stevie made my eyes roll so much throughout this reading, oh my gosh! I found her unbearable.
To be honest, I didn’t like any character in this story. Not even Tia, who had everything to be an interesting character. Not even Betty, who seemed to have a good background story, but could be really annoying at times.
Then the romance was nowhere to be seen. Sure, there seems to be some attraction between Stevie and Nick, but they barely interact. When they do, it’s all very tense and weird. But all the other characters know immediately they’re in love with each other. It silly, really.
And not fun, at all. Which is disappointing, considering this was supposed to be a romcom. But I didn’t laugh not even once. Wait, I think this didn’t even made smile. There were parts that were almost painful to read, because they were so cringey.
As I wrote up there, in the beginning, a quaint little village, some tea and cakes are not enough. A definite big no.
Take Stevie, the female protagonist, for instance. She inherits a considerable amount of money from her deceased great-aunt and wants to put it to good use. She also happens to be an unemployed patisserie chef who had to go back to living with her mother. Who happens to be a horrible person. But Stevie seems to be incapable of thinking for herself and it has to be her friend Karen telling that opening her own business might be a good use of that money. Stevie thinks this is a great idea and launches herself into opening her own tea shop. Completely on her own, that is. She bakes the goods to be sold, she takes orders, serves her customers, cleans the place. Again, Stevie cannot think properly on her own. So, a couple of weeks later, she’s exhausted. But does she consider getting someone to help her? Of course not! But then, when the grocery lady tells her she’s not looking good and doesn’t have to be doing everything on her own, Stevie realises she needs an assistant. Stevie made my eyes roll so much throughout this reading, oh my gosh! I found her unbearable.
To be honest, I didn’t like any character in this story. Not even Tia, who had everything to be an interesting character. Not even Betty, who seemed to have a good background story, but could be really annoying at times.
Then the romance was nowhere to be seen. Sure, there seems to be some attraction between Stevie and Nick, but they barely interact. When they do, it’s all very tense and weird. But all the other characters know immediately they’re in love with each other. It silly, really.
And not fun, at all. Which is disappointing, considering this was supposed to be a romcom. But I didn’t laugh not even once. Wait, I think this didn’t even made smile. There were parts that were almost painful to read, because they were so cringey.
As I wrote up there, in the beginning, a quaint little village, some tea and cakes are not enough. A definite big no.
February 8, 2019
It's always an exciting time when Lilac Mills has a new release, automatic read for me! And you've really got to love that cover, if it doesn't make you want to have cakes and tea I don't think anything will. This is a make me happy, pick me up kind of book. I loved the character's and Peggy the kitten, that scamp was such a cutie. Love her! Happy ending!
Pub Date 31 Jan 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Canelo through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
Pub Date 31 Jan 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Canelo through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 15, 2019
By reading the Goodreads summary I was convinced I would love this one but sadly I did not.
The basic premise is Stevie inherits a whole bunch of money which makes her family mad so she goes off and buys a teashop in a small town. Soon after she buys the shop drama and romance arise, oh my.
Let me start this off by saying Stevie's sister and mother are horrible. I don't know if their introduction was what started my dislike for this book but it is very possible. Stevie was also pretty unlikable and unrelatable until halfway through.
The romantic storyline was way too instalovey even for me and yet it also somehow seemed forced. In fact all the relationships seemed forced for me except the ones involving Tia. Speaking of Tia, her and Betty are the main reasons this book is even getting two stars from me. My mom has cerebral palsy so it is always nice to see someone with a disability represented like she was. I adored Betty and just wanted to hug her and let her bake me something delicious.
Also I had a huge formatting complaint with how everyones thoughts were written. It would have been so much easier if they would have been italicized instead of being placed in quotation marks.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
The basic premise is Stevie inherits a whole bunch of money which makes her family mad so she goes off and buys a teashop in a small town. Soon after she buys the shop drama and romance arise, oh my.
Let me start this off by saying Stevie's sister and mother are horrible. I don't know if their introduction was what started my dislike for this book but it is very possible. Stevie was also pretty unlikable and unrelatable until halfway through.
The romantic storyline was way too instalovey even for me and yet it also somehow seemed forced. In fact all the relationships seemed forced for me except the ones involving Tia. Speaking of Tia, her and Betty are the main reasons this book is even getting two stars from me. My mom has cerebral palsy so it is always nice to see someone with a disability represented like she was. I adored Betty and just wanted to hug her and let her bake me something delicious.
Also I had a huge formatting complaint with how everyones thoughts were written. It would have been so much easier if they would have been italicized instead of being placed in quotation marks.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 30, 2022
Clean, cute, very “no fuss”. Which means I was bored.
It’s a 1,5 for me. I want to stress that the writing is by no means terrible. And the plot (however light) was moving nicely along. It was just not my cup of tea.
The only thing these characters did for me was annoy me.
And a big “no no” for me is when our FMC does not stand up for herself. I am not saying all FMC needs to be warriors. But when your mother & sister continues to bully you because you inherited a huge chunk of money and they didn’t, you tell them HELL NO. No more.
The comedy we are promised didn’t feel funny to me.
And I don’t see where the romance was suppose to be. I could see a little crush. But not a romance.
Read: 22/03/2022
1st rating: 1,5 stars
Genre/tropes: Small town/clean/contemporary
Cover: 3.5 stars
POV’s: Dual -3rd person (Stevie & Nick)
Will I recommend: Nope.
It’s a 1,5 for me. I want to stress that the writing is by no means terrible. And the plot (however light) was moving nicely along. It was just not my cup of tea.
The only thing these characters did for me was annoy me.
And a big “no no” for me is when our FMC does not stand up for herself. I am not saying all FMC needs to be warriors. But when your mother & sister continues to bully you because you inherited a huge chunk of money and they didn’t, you tell them HELL NO. No more.
The comedy we are promised didn’t feel funny to me.
And I don’t see where the romance was suppose to be. I could see a little crush. But not a romance.
Read: 22/03/2022
1st rating: 1,5 stars
Genre/tropes: Small town/clean/contemporary
Cover: 3.5 stars
POV’s: Dual -3rd person (Stevie & Nick)
Will I recommend: Nope.
February 26, 2019
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion
I did enjoy reading this book and I loved the vibes of it. However, the plot was nothing spectacular and it was really predictable. At first I didn't like Stevie but after a while I could endure her. Regarding the other villagers, almost all of them were really nice, welcoming and helpful. I appreciated that a lot about the book.
I did enjoy reading this book and I loved the vibes of it. However, the plot was nothing spectacular and it was really predictable. At first I didn't like Stevie but after a while I could endure her. Regarding the other villagers, almost all of them were really nice, welcoming and helpful. I appreciated that a lot about the book.
October 1, 2023
Легка, така повітряна і зовсім без драми, як на мене книжуля 📖🥯☕
Придбала всю серію, оскільки мені подобаються такі історії ❤️.
Героїня Стіві втрачає роботу в Лондоні, за щасливим збігом обставин отримує в спадок чималу суму від тітоньки Пеггі , ризикує і купує Кафе в Тенглвуді, з якого робить свою власну Кондитерську. Стіві пройде всі випробування долею, місцевістю, потоваришує з мешканцями містечка, з кимось трошки більше 🙌❤️. Навіть закохається, але скажу, що до тих історій зі схожим сюжетом, які читала до цього - ця книжка таки не дотягує. Чому оцінка 3, та тому що мені тут не вистачило емоцій як таких - все було занадто просто, ні не солодко - просто і рівно, ніяких там детальних занурень в події, які відбуваються з героями, от мені цього не вистачило. Ну і як такої історії та і розвитку любовної лінії між Стіві та Ніком мені бракувало 🤧🤧. От взагалі для мене в книзі було мало їх взаємодії, хотілось би більше, ну і щоб ми якось дійшли до того, що вони закохались взаємно, тут теж було : бац і нате, все ми разом 🙆
Загалом, герої - комфортні, адекватні, окрім мами і сестри героїні - ті мене дратували з самого початку 🤭.
Сподобалась ще бабуська Бетті , яка таки підштовхнула Стіві і Ніка один до одного, та і взагалі був такий момент, коли Кондитерській Стіві загрожувало закриття через брак клієнтів, бо одна місцева мегера понаписувала поганих відгуків про її заклад, от тут я прям розчулилась, коли весь Тенглвуд згуртувався і врятував Кондитерську Стіві, при цьому вказавши Алегрі на її місце 🙌❤️
Тепла, смішна, місцями весела, а деколи і щемлива історія, тому пізніше обов'язково прочитаю дві наступні ❣️🥰
І ще була приємно здивована якістю книг, вони - нереально красиві, маленькі, зручні для того, щоб їх можна було брати почитати в парку і т.д, ну і якість мене здивувала приємно ❣️😍. Тепер буду слідкувати за новинками від @snowdrop_publishing
Придбала всю серію, оскільки мені подобаються такі історії ❤️.
Героїня Стіві втрачає роботу в Лондоні, за щасливим збігом обставин отримує в спадок чималу суму від тітоньки Пеггі , ризикує і купує Кафе в Тенглвуді, з якого робить свою власну Кондитерську. Стіві пройде всі випробування долею, місцевістю, потоваришує з мешканцями містечка, з кимось трошки більше 🙌❤️. Навіть закохається, але скажу, що до тих історій зі схожим сюжетом, які читала до цього - ця книжка таки не дотягує. Чому оцінка 3, та тому що мені тут не вистачило емоцій як таких - все було занадто просто, ні не солодко - просто і рівно, ніяких там детальних занурень в події, які відбуваються з героями, от мені цього не вистачило. Ну і як такої історії та і розвитку любовної лінії між Стіві та Ніком мені бракувало 🤧🤧. От взагалі для мене в книзі було мало їх взаємодії, хотілось би більше, ну і щоб ми якось дійшли до того, що вони закохались взаємно, тут теж було : бац і нате, все ми разом 🙆
Загалом, герої - комфортні, адекватні, окрім мами і сестри героїні - ті мене дратували з самого початку 🤭.
Сподобалась ще бабуська Бетті , яка таки підштовхнула Стіві і Ніка один до одного, та і взагалі був такий момент, коли Кондитерській Стіві загрожувало закриття через брак клієнтів, бо одна місцева мегера понаписувала поганих відгуків про її заклад, от тут я прям розчулилась, коли весь Тенглвуд згуртувався і врятував Кондитерську Стіві, при цьому вказавши Алегрі на її місце 🙌❤️
Тепла, смішна, місцями весела, а деколи і щемлива історія, тому пізніше обов'язково прочитаю дві наступні ❣️🥰
І ще була приємно здивована якістю книг, вони - нереально красиві, маленькі, зручні для того, щоб їх можна було брати почитати в парку і т.д, ну і якість мене здивувала приємно ❣️😍. Тепер буду слідкувати за новинками від @snowdrop_publishing
January 28, 2019
People who have been following my blog for a while know that one of my trigger words for a book is ‘tea shop’. As soon as I hear the word tea shop I just have got to get my hands on the book in question.
My love for tea shop books naturally also means I have a lot of stories to compare to. Which makes me sometimes a bit of a difficult reader, because it is so easy to get the been there, done that feeling over a story. However I must say that The Tanglewood Tea Shop was actually a breath of fresh air.
It was quite refreshing to step away from the classic coastline of England and venture into the wilder territory of Wales. The setting of the story really added to the overall feel of the story and certain story-lines were really inspired by the setting in Wales.
Apart from that I had never read a story that involved a sudden inheritance and a heroine with a decent brain that wanted to make something of her life. (Instead of just booking a cruise to the Maldives and lay back till all the money was gone.) I also loved the family tension surrounding this sudden inheritance. Lilac Mills certainly went off the beaten track for The Tanglewood Tea Shop.
But at the same time her story felt familiar and comfortable. A book about a Tea Shop needs to mention food. I hate it when I read 300 or more pages and I have to look for a single mention of a cake. Not so in here! Stevie is backing her ass of and the luscious creations jump of the pages. I just couldn’t help google some of the pastries and cakes she created.
And then there are of course the villagers. For me the inhabitants of small villages make are break a story set around a little cafe or tea shop. But in this story I loved every one of them…Ow wait that is not entirely true. I loved to hate some of the characters, but I think that was kind of the point.
So why not more stars I hear you say! Well, I have two reasons for that. One being the way the story was written. Stevie likes to talk to herself in her head and these sentences are mentioned with quotation marks. As a reader this is very confusing, because most of the time you don’t realize she is saying these things to herself. It takes a few sentences before it is mentioned that she was speaking to herself inside her head.
The second reasons is the romance. First of all there isn’t a lot of it. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Because The Tanglewood Tea Shop is actually a story about a young, independent woman fighting for her dreams and finding her place in the world. Ideal for people who don’t like sugar sweet romances. But the romance that is there feels unrealistic and develops much too quickly. I loved the lingering looks and I won’t deny there is certainly an attraction between the two characters involved. But they haven’t even had one decent conversation and the I love you’s are flying around. How can you know you love someone when you have hardly talked to each other at all? I was really let down by that. Instalove is a bad thing in YA, but I hate it even more in books for adults.
But overall I really enjoyed The Tanglewood Tea Shop. It’s a small town sweet little romance with quirky inhabitants and a strong heroine who is finding her place in the world. And its full of delicious desserts.. you should read it, if only for those scrumptious desserts!
My love for tea shop books naturally also means I have a lot of stories to compare to. Which makes me sometimes a bit of a difficult reader, because it is so easy to get the been there, done that feeling over a story. However I must say that The Tanglewood Tea Shop was actually a breath of fresh air.
It was quite refreshing to step away from the classic coastline of England and venture into the wilder territory of Wales. The setting of the story really added to the overall feel of the story and certain story-lines were really inspired by the setting in Wales.
Apart from that I had never read a story that involved a sudden inheritance and a heroine with a decent brain that wanted to make something of her life. (Instead of just booking a cruise to the Maldives and lay back till all the money was gone.) I also loved the family tension surrounding this sudden inheritance. Lilac Mills certainly went off the beaten track for The Tanglewood Tea Shop.
But at the same time her story felt familiar and comfortable. A book about a Tea Shop needs to mention food. I hate it when I read 300 or more pages and I have to look for a single mention of a cake. Not so in here! Stevie is backing her ass of and the luscious creations jump of the pages. I just couldn’t help google some of the pastries and cakes she created.
And then there are of course the villagers. For me the inhabitants of small villages make are break a story set around a little cafe or tea shop. But in this story I loved every one of them…Ow wait that is not entirely true. I loved to hate some of the characters, but I think that was kind of the point.
So why not more stars I hear you say! Well, I have two reasons for that. One being the way the story was written. Stevie likes to talk to herself in her head and these sentences are mentioned with quotation marks. As a reader this is very confusing, because most of the time you don’t realize she is saying these things to herself. It takes a few sentences before it is mentioned that she was speaking to herself inside her head.
The second reasons is the romance. First of all there isn’t a lot of it. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Because The Tanglewood Tea Shop is actually a story about a young, independent woman fighting for her dreams and finding her place in the world. Ideal for people who don’t like sugar sweet romances. But the romance that is there feels unrealistic and develops much too quickly. I loved the lingering looks and I won’t deny there is certainly an attraction between the two characters involved. But they haven’t even had one decent conversation and the I love you’s are flying around. How can you know you love someone when you have hardly talked to each other at all? I was really let down by that. Instalove is a bad thing in YA, but I hate it even more in books for adults.
But overall I really enjoyed The Tanglewood Tea Shop. It’s a small town sweet little romance with quirky inhabitants and a strong heroine who is finding her place in the world. And its full of delicious desserts.. you should read it, if only for those scrumptious desserts!
February 20, 2019
This is the first book that I have read by this author. But it certainly will not be the last, because I simply loved it.
In this book we meet Stevie. Who has got herself stuck in a little bit of a rut. She has found herself back at her childhood home because she has been fired from her job as a top patisserie chef, and the love of her life has walked away.
Not only that but Stevies great aunt Peggy has passed away. Stevie, her sister and mother attended the funeral. Stevie is told that her Aunt has left pretty much all her money to Stevie. Apart from £2,000 which she left £1,000 each to Stevies mum and sister.
Stevie is told that if she tries to share the money with her mum and sister then Peggy will give the money to the cats protection. Stevie is told to put the money to good use and to spend it on something that will make a difference in her life.
Stevie at first doesn’t know what to do with the money. To go one holiday, buy a new wardrobe, rent a place in London, or get her haircut with highlights. But on talking to her best friend Karen. Stevie is told that she should spend the money on opening up her very own restaurant.
Stevie decides that it is an amazing way to spend the money, and upon looking on line. Stevie finds the most perfect cafe, with its own flat, in the lovely little town of tangle wood.
But what happens when all your dreams come true, and life slaps you around the face with the stark reality of your dreams. Local mums waging wars against sugar, grouchy locals, raining days in a quiet village with no customers coming into the cafe, and being in a tourist destination also shows that you only get customers in the holidays. Not only that but Stevie realises that she cannot run the business on her own with everything that it entails.
This is a really lovely, romantic story about dreams coming true. Highly recommend to all.
In this book we meet Stevie. Who has got herself stuck in a little bit of a rut. She has found herself back at her childhood home because she has been fired from her job as a top patisserie chef, and the love of her life has walked away.
Not only that but Stevies great aunt Peggy has passed away. Stevie, her sister and mother attended the funeral. Stevie is told that her Aunt has left pretty much all her money to Stevie. Apart from £2,000 which she left £1,000 each to Stevies mum and sister.
Stevie is told that if she tries to share the money with her mum and sister then Peggy will give the money to the cats protection. Stevie is told to put the money to good use and to spend it on something that will make a difference in her life.
Stevie at first doesn’t know what to do with the money. To go one holiday, buy a new wardrobe, rent a place in London, or get her haircut with highlights. But on talking to her best friend Karen. Stevie is told that she should spend the money on opening up her very own restaurant.
Stevie decides that it is an amazing way to spend the money, and upon looking on line. Stevie finds the most perfect cafe, with its own flat, in the lovely little town of tangle wood.
But what happens when all your dreams come true, and life slaps you around the face with the stark reality of your dreams. Local mums waging wars against sugar, grouchy locals, raining days in a quiet village with no customers coming into the cafe, and being in a tourist destination also shows that you only get customers in the holidays. Not only that but Stevie realises that she cannot run the business on her own with everything that it entails.
This is a really lovely, romantic story about dreams coming true. Highly recommend to all.
Read
February 3, 2019For a break from the more heavier reads, Tanglewood Tea Shop proves a nice interlude. This is the kind of story that takes you away to a small village community somewhere in rural England, where a newbie usually comes along and attempts to start afresh. Throw into the mix a little drama, a little romance and you have the makings of a gentle getaway.
My further attraction to this book is of course the prominence of the word ‘tea’. Loving all things associated with this amber liquid, this quickly became a must read. And it is in terms of this that the book really shines - the whole shop, tea and cake details are ideal. I fully appreciated the realistic and humorous situations that were often adhered to:
“... regretting her decision to buy bone-china cups and saucers, and pretty but not-dishwasher-safe plates with gold leaf around the edges.”
The author, Lilac Mills, also does a noteworthy job of capturing not only the setting of the typical English village but also a good range of characters. There were a few, however, situations and circumstances sprinkled throughout that brought this story down a little. The main romantic couples instalove was a little hard to buy into given they really had not been present or conversed sensibly for any length of time. I also found some of the dialogue silly and contrived and that disappointed me somewhat. Then again, the likes of other characters such as Betty, really lift and give the story notable engagement.
Overall, however, for a quick escape to the English countryside with a cup of tea and some delectably described cake, Tanglewood Tea Shop may just fit the bill for you.
‘You only get one chance at it, so live it your way’.
My further attraction to this book is of course the prominence of the word ‘tea’. Loving all things associated with this amber liquid, this quickly became a must read. And it is in terms of this that the book really shines - the whole shop, tea and cake details are ideal. I fully appreciated the realistic and humorous situations that were often adhered to:
“... regretting her decision to buy bone-china cups and saucers, and pretty but not-dishwasher-safe plates with gold leaf around the edges.”
The author, Lilac Mills, also does a noteworthy job of capturing not only the setting of the typical English village but also a good range of characters. There were a few, however, situations and circumstances sprinkled throughout that brought this story down a little. The main romantic couples instalove was a little hard to buy into given they really had not been present or conversed sensibly for any length of time. I also found some of the dialogue silly and contrived and that disappointed me somewhat. Then again, the likes of other characters such as Betty, really lift and give the story notable engagement.
Overall, however, for a quick escape to the English countryside with a cup of tea and some delectably described cake, Tanglewood Tea Shop may just fit the bill for you.
‘You only get one chance at it, so live it your way’.
January 28, 2019
When Stevie is left some money by her great aunt, whilst she is in a sorry stage of her life she decides to buy a tea shop.
When she struggles with even the journey to the picturesque sounding village, you begin to wonder whether she may have bitten off more than she can chew. But her plans for the tea shop are wonderful and she soon picks up pretty mismatched crockery for the delicious cakes she is going to serve.
Her introduction to the village community doesn't go that smoothly, but she's soon making friends with some wonderful characters who put themselves behind her.
It has everything- a lovely village, the 'folk' at the manor house, a tempting teashop, warm friendships and a hint of romance in the air.
I do wonder whether we might return to Tanglewood and possibly follow other characters in new ventures! I would be keen to read more.
When she struggles with even the journey to the picturesque sounding village, you begin to wonder whether she may have bitten off more than she can chew. But her plans for the tea shop are wonderful and she soon picks up pretty mismatched crockery for the delicious cakes she is going to serve.
Her introduction to the village community doesn't go that smoothly, but she's soon making friends with some wonderful characters who put themselves behind her.
It has everything- a lovely village, the 'folk' at the manor house, a tempting teashop, warm friendships and a hint of romance in the air.
I do wonder whether we might return to Tanglewood and possibly follow other characters in new ventures! I would be keen to read more.
March 2, 2025
An easy read, liked the characters.
May 11, 2025
2.5 stars (Kindle). Lots of repetitive writing + not a lot of character development. Love at first sight + full 'I love you' declarations, despite zero meaningful interactions. No recipes included 😞
April 29, 2023
My Thoughts
The Tanglewood Tea Shop is a lighthearted novel to escape into when life gets hectic. It begins with the protagonist, Stevie, inheriting a very handsome sum of money from her Great Aunt Peggy. She spent a lot of time with Peggy when she was alive and was always there for her, hence the large inheritance.
‘...”How much?” It came out as a strangled yell as Stevie spluttered tea down her chin.’
Some people are not happy for Stevie’s inheritance and proceed to protest very loudly. Stevie is determined to not ‘fritter it away’ and do something worthwhile with the money.
‘Please, use the money to follow your heart. I know you’ll spend it well. I have total faith in you. You were always my favourite. I know I shouldn’t say it, but it’s true. I loved you like a granddaughter and I always will, wherever I am now.’
Stevie is searching the internet for a job, because she has just lost hers (so the money is very much needed) and she comes across a cafe for sale in Tanglewood. The next day she goes for a drive to see it and decides to buy it.
“She had a good feeling about this. A really good feeling.”
Stevie begins to set up her cafe and enlists the help of her good friend, Karen. I really enjoyed reading about how and where she found her equipment for the cafe, especially the tea pots, cups, saucers etc.
‘The car boot sale was huge…”You know the sort of thing I’m looking for?”...”Anything cutesy, mismatched, old fashioned...I have this vision in my head of flowery tea cups and tiny silver tongs for the sugar lumps, and real linen napkins.”...’
While Stevie is getting acquainted with Tanglewood, she meets some interesting characters. She hires Cassandra as an assistant, who is a godsend and helps Stevie navigate her business. I really enjoyed reading about Betty, a customer in her cafe who becomes a very good friend. Betty is very eccentric and reminds Stevie of her Aunt Peggy.
‘She had orange wellies with big yellow flowers on her feet, and a pink beret completed her outfit.’
Even though life is a lot quieter than the rat race of London that Stevie is used to, setting up her business has its challenges and not everyone is happy to have her there or happy for her. I didn’t like her Mum and sister’s treatment of her and their jealousy, they were just downright rude.
Stevie has a love interest, the local stable owner, Nick. I liked reading about their developing feelings for each other and it was funny, that they were both oblivious to each other’s feelings even though it was mutual.
When a traumatic event occurs, it really shows the true nature of the characters and their relationships with each other. There are some past truths revealed and the book shows real substance. I enjoyed this part the most.
‘She was surprised so many of the villagers had turned out to help - she couldn’t imagine the same thing happening in London...Seeing so many familiar faces simply getting on with it, despite the torrential rain, gave her a warm, comfortable feeling. And the smiles and nods of acceptance aimed at her, made her finally feel as though she was a part of this little community.’
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys humourous, light hearted, escapism with a bit of substance thrown in.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
The Tanglewood Tea Shop is a lighthearted novel to escape into when life gets hectic. It begins with the protagonist, Stevie, inheriting a very handsome sum of money from her Great Aunt Peggy. She spent a lot of time with Peggy when she was alive and was always there for her, hence the large inheritance.
‘...”How much?” It came out as a strangled yell as Stevie spluttered tea down her chin.’
Some people are not happy for Stevie’s inheritance and proceed to protest very loudly. Stevie is determined to not ‘fritter it away’ and do something worthwhile with the money.
‘Please, use the money to follow your heart. I know you’ll spend it well. I have total faith in you. You were always my favourite. I know I shouldn’t say it, but it’s true. I loved you like a granddaughter and I always will, wherever I am now.’
Stevie is searching the internet for a job, because she has just lost hers (so the money is very much needed) and she comes across a cafe for sale in Tanglewood. The next day she goes for a drive to see it and decides to buy it.
“She had a good feeling about this. A really good feeling.”
Stevie begins to set up her cafe and enlists the help of her good friend, Karen. I really enjoyed reading about how and where she found her equipment for the cafe, especially the tea pots, cups, saucers etc.
‘The car boot sale was huge…”You know the sort of thing I’m looking for?”...”Anything cutesy, mismatched, old fashioned...I have this vision in my head of flowery tea cups and tiny silver tongs for the sugar lumps, and real linen napkins.”...’
While Stevie is getting acquainted with Tanglewood, she meets some interesting characters. She hires Cassandra as an assistant, who is a godsend and helps Stevie navigate her business. I really enjoyed reading about Betty, a customer in her cafe who becomes a very good friend. Betty is very eccentric and reminds Stevie of her Aunt Peggy.
‘She had orange wellies with big yellow flowers on her feet, and a pink beret completed her outfit.’
Even though life is a lot quieter than the rat race of London that Stevie is used to, setting up her business has its challenges and not everyone is happy to have her there or happy for her. I didn’t like her Mum and sister’s treatment of her and their jealousy, they were just downright rude.
Stevie has a love interest, the local stable owner, Nick. I liked reading about their developing feelings for each other and it was funny, that they were both oblivious to each other’s feelings even though it was mutual.
When a traumatic event occurs, it really shows the true nature of the characters and their relationships with each other. There are some past truths revealed and the book shows real substance. I enjoyed this part the most.
‘She was surprised so many of the villagers had turned out to help - she couldn’t imagine the same thing happening in London...Seeing so many familiar faces simply getting on with it, despite the torrential rain, gave her a warm, comfortable feeling. And the smiles and nods of acceptance aimed at her, made her finally feel as though she was a part of this little community.’
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys humourous, light hearted, escapism with a bit of substance thrown in.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
January 8, 2022
Three and a half stars.
Stevie inherits a small fortune from her aunt Peg and decides to use the money to buy a small tea shop in Tanglewood. Moving from working for a Michelin star restaurant in London to a small tea shop in a small village isn't without its challenges but Stevie soon makes friends.
What with dealing with the little old ladies, the yummy mummies and the school children, not to mention her less than supportive family, Stevie has her hands full and don't even get her started on the hunky man she saw riding a horse down the small High Street on her first day in Tanglewood.
I enjoyed this cosy small own romance, surely there's nothing better than reading about scrumptious cakes when you've just started a new diet, right :)? In fact my biggest issue with the novel was Stevie herself. I know that her cluelessness was meant to be humorous but honestly I found it exasperating. How can an intelligent woman in her mid-20s not know that when a riding stables talks about Shetlands they mean Shetland ponies? There were other examples, each one of them jarring rather than funny which didn't really gel with the Stevie we had come to know.
But that was a small niggle, otherwise this was a joy of village life, friendly locals, scrummy cakes and plenty of eye-candy.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Stevie inherits a small fortune from her aunt Peg and decides to use the money to buy a small tea shop in Tanglewood. Moving from working for a Michelin star restaurant in London to a small tea shop in a small village isn't without its challenges but Stevie soon makes friends.
What with dealing with the little old ladies, the yummy mummies and the school children, not to mention her less than supportive family, Stevie has her hands full and don't even get her started on the hunky man she saw riding a horse down the small High Street on her first day in Tanglewood.
I enjoyed this cosy small own romance, surely there's nothing better than reading about scrumptious cakes when you've just started a new diet, right :)? In fact my biggest issue with the novel was Stevie herself. I know that her cluelessness was meant to be humorous but honestly I found it exasperating. How can an intelligent woman in her mid-20s not know that when a riding stables talks about Shetlands they mean Shetland ponies? There were other examples, each one of them jarring rather than funny which didn't really gel with the Stevie we had come to know.
But that was a small niggle, otherwise this was a joy of village life, friendly locals, scrummy cakes and plenty of eye-candy.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 22, 2019
Enjoyed the book. Definitely a fun read and would give it 3.5 stars. I immediately loved Stevie, more after meeting her mom and sister. They were truly horrid people. Aunt Peggy definitely knew what she was doing with her will. Stevie's tea shop sounded like a lovely place to eat with all the delicious baked goods and not to mention Peggy, the black cat, who constantly sneaks into the shop.
Loved the story, writing style and characters. I'm pretty sure Allegra was that miserable because she wasn't eating all the yummy food. It takes a special kind of someone to be purposely that mean. Loved the scene with Stevie and Leanne drunk in the pouring rain and Nick running out of the shop because he thinks he sees a ghost. The book is all about friendship and helping each other out, plus a little romance.
Definitely recommend the book. I wouldn't mind reading more about Tanglewood and find out what Stevie and her friends are up to. There's Leanne with all her brothers, Cassandra with her forever leaking house and Tia. I'm sure Betty has some great stories to tell. I look forward to reading more books by the author (even if they aren't about Tanglewood).
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Canelo through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Loved the story, writing style and characters. I'm pretty sure Allegra was that miserable because she wasn't eating all the yummy food. It takes a special kind of someone to be purposely that mean. Loved the scene with Stevie and Leanne drunk in the pouring rain and Nick running out of the shop because he thinks he sees a ghost. The book is all about friendship and helping each other out, plus a little romance.
Definitely recommend the book. I wouldn't mind reading more about Tanglewood and find out what Stevie and her friends are up to. There's Leanne with all her brothers, Cassandra with her forever leaking house and Tia. I'm sure Betty has some great stories to tell. I look forward to reading more books by the author (even if they aren't about Tanglewood).
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Canelo through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 30, 2020
I couldn't see an age group for this book but I presumed it was for adults. If it was it was very childish, if I had read this at 13 I probably would have enjoyed it. It's not that it's badly written just fairly infantile. The main characters were gormless twits who seemed to have no experience of adult emotions, even though they were both adults. It was a harmless read and I read it to the end but wouldn't read another of the series. (Maybe my 12 year old grandaughter might like it!)
February 4, 2019
I loved this, a lovely cheerful read. I couldn’t put this down it was dotable and heart warming. Such a pick me up read. I loved all the characters. A great happy ending to a great fun read
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
December 23, 2025
A great second chance romance, I was really surprised I enjoyed this so much. We follow Stevie a former sous chef who is left with a wealthy inheritance from her Nan — Stevie uses this to move and start fresh in a small village in Wales - Tanglewood!
Peggy’s Tea Shopee is a huge hit until Anglee ‘the bees-knees’ of the town has it In for Stevie and aims to shutdown her business like the previous owners…
During her time, we meet Betty, Cassandra, Tia & Nick - who totally has the hots for Stevie - where they aim to save the tea shop and keep Stevie here for good!
I recommend if you’re looking for a cosy love story and new beginnings 🥰
Peggy’s Tea Shopee is a huge hit until Anglee ‘the bees-knees’ of the town has it In for Stevie and aims to shutdown her business like the previous owners…
During her time, we meet Betty, Cassandra, Tia & Nick - who totally has the hots for Stevie - where they aim to save the tea shop and keep Stevie here for good!
I recommend if you’re looking for a cosy love story and new beginnings 🥰
April 26, 2020
The first half was really difficult for me to get through and I came super close to walking away from it.
May 25, 2020
3.5 stars! I enjoyed this cozy tea shoppe story!
June 15, 2022
Cute little romance with lovable characters.
July 18, 2021
Quite enjoyed this book. Nice easy read. Would like to visit Peggys Tearoom 🧁
September 28, 2023
It was a heartwarming story but not my 'cup of tea'.
January 28, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for sharing a free ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars. I have mixed feelings about this book but the plot was definitely my favorite part. Patisserie-chef Stevie can't quite get her life together, but when her beloved aunt passes away she inherits a good chunk of money and buys a teashop in the small town of Tanglewood. The story follows Stevie as she gets her business up and running, befriends some of the town's residents (butts-heads with others), and pines after the cute and caring stable-owner. It's a short and sweet read that will most definitely transport you to the idyllic town of Tanglewood.
The aspects I didn't enjoy were small things that added up. Stevie's thoughts are formatted in quotation marks so it seems like it's something she has said aloud until you continue reading and realize she only "said" it in her head. I think putting the thoughts in italics would've created a better flow. Some of the dialogue also stuck out to me as unrealistic, as was Stevie's ditziness. She's an independent young woman who was capable of starting her own business in a town she'd never visited before - how can she be unable to follow a conversation without getting confused? Finally, I wish there was more romance! The ending wrapped up too quickly and I wish I got to see more interactions between the couple.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, characters, and friendships, but there were those bits that grated on me and me and kept me from really loving it.
2.5 stars. I have mixed feelings about this book but the plot was definitely my favorite part. Patisserie-chef Stevie can't quite get her life together, but when her beloved aunt passes away she inherits a good chunk of money and buys a teashop in the small town of Tanglewood. The story follows Stevie as she gets her business up and running, befriends some of the town's residents (butts-heads with others), and pines after the cute and caring stable-owner. It's a short and sweet read that will most definitely transport you to the idyllic town of Tanglewood.
The aspects I didn't enjoy were small things that added up. Stevie's thoughts are formatted in quotation marks so it seems like it's something she has said aloud until you continue reading and realize she only "said" it in her head. I think putting the thoughts in italics would've created a better flow. Some of the dialogue also stuck out to me as unrealistic, as was Stevie's ditziness. She's an independent young woman who was capable of starting her own business in a town she'd never visited before - how can she be unable to follow a conversation without getting confused? Finally, I wish there was more romance! The ending wrapped up too quickly and I wish I got to see more interactions between the couple.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, characters, and friendships, but there were those bits that grated on me and me and kept me from really loving it.
January 18, 2019
Such an inviting cover that matched the story perfectly!
Stevie is left an inheritance and almost on a whim moves to a rural community where she opens her own tea shop. The story follows her trials and tribulations to keep the customers coming in through wet summer months and also facing the challenge of a particularly harsh lady who has declared war on sugar and therefore Stevie's cakes.
Along the way Stevie makes a number of new friends that all sounded so charming, I'd so love to be part of the community! Stevie also has a couple of romantic interests - the question being will either of them turn into the read deal or is she destined to end up a spinster like her great aunt Peggy who left her the inheritance....
This feels like a tried and tested storyline in the romance genre but there were added aspects which brought a little something extra to this particular story. A few examples include wheelchair-bound Tia battling internal turmoil to try and find her own true love and the sharp as a tack Betty who finds disaster hits her life and has to try and find her feet again.
To sum up this was an enjoyable light-hearted read that had likeable characters and lots of yummy sounding cakes!
My thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Stevie is left an inheritance and almost on a whim moves to a rural community where she opens her own tea shop. The story follows her trials and tribulations to keep the customers coming in through wet summer months and also facing the challenge of a particularly harsh lady who has declared war on sugar and therefore Stevie's cakes.
Along the way Stevie makes a number of new friends that all sounded so charming, I'd so love to be part of the community! Stevie also has a couple of romantic interests - the question being will either of them turn into the read deal or is she destined to end up a spinster like her great aunt Peggy who left her the inheritance....
This feels like a tried and tested storyline in the romance genre but there were added aspects which brought a little something extra to this particular story. A few examples include wheelchair-bound Tia battling internal turmoil to try and find her own true love and the sharp as a tack Betty who finds disaster hits her life and has to try and find her feet again.
To sum up this was an enjoyable light-hearted read that had likeable characters and lots of yummy sounding cakes!
My thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2019
First time I read a Lilac Mills book and I wasn't really sure what to expect. And let me tell you... I really loved what I saw! Yes, I enjoyed this novel so much! It's a book about second chances, about small community spirit but also about yummy cakes and a lovely tea shop. There is also a nice romance touch to this book that I really enjoyed! All in all this book was perfect to have a good time and relax! There is quite a lot going on in this book and if you like horses you won't be disappointed (I thought I would add this to my review as it might be a plus for you :-) ) and I also I wanted to say Lilac Mills a big thank you to feature among the main characters a disabled young woman in wheelchair as it's not very often we see this in chicklit books.
March 7, 2019
I received a digital arc of #TanglewoodTeaShop from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the last book I read by Lilac Mills so I was hopeful for this one too, and I was not disappointed. Lilac Mills writes in a way that draws you in. She creates really likeable characters that, as a reader, you care about and want to learn more about. I felt I was one of the regulars in Peggy's Tea Shoppe and would have loved to visit there myself!
I didn't want to put this book down and really enjoyed it. Parts of it really made me laugh and it was a light hearted fun read, which I think I needed after having read quite a lot of darker psychological thrillers recently. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author in the future.
I really enjoyed the last book I read by Lilac Mills so I was hopeful for this one too, and I was not disappointed. Lilac Mills writes in a way that draws you in. She creates really likeable characters that, as a reader, you care about and want to learn more about. I felt I was one of the regulars in Peggy's Tea Shoppe and would have loved to visit there myself!
I didn't want to put this book down and really enjoyed it. Parts of it really made me laugh and it was a light hearted fun read, which I think I needed after having read quite a lot of darker psychological thrillers recently. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author in the future.
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