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The Teacup Novellas #1
Tea with Emma
Fresh from a Jane Austen tour in England, Maddie Cooper returns home to Texas, determined to bring a touch of "Austen to Austin." She dreams of opening an authentic English tea room and, like Austen's Emma, put into practice her self-proclaimed gift as a matchmaker. But an airport mishap with a cranky Englishman gets her off on the wrong foot (quite literally), especially when he moves into the university guest house across the street. Can Maddie find a love for her unapproachable new neighbor, or has she finally met her match?
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2011
602 people are currently reading
1302 people want to read
About the author
Diane Moody
35 books219 followersBorn in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Diane Hale Moody is a graduate of Oklahoma State University. She lives with her husband Ken in the rolling hills just outside of Nashville. They are the proud parents of two grown and extraordinary children, Hannah and Ben.
Just after moving to Tennessee in 1999, Diane felt the tug of a long-neglected passion to write again. Since then, she's written a column for her local newspaper, feature articles for various magazines and curriculum, and several novels with a dozen more stories eagerly vying for her attention.
When she's not reading or writing, Diane enjoys an eclectic taste in music and movies, great coffee, the company of good friends, and the adoration of a peculiar little pooch named Darby.
Just after moving to Tennessee in 1999, Diane felt the tug of a long-neglected passion to write again. Since then, she's written a column for her local newspaper, feature articles for various magazines and curriculum, and several novels with a dozen more stories eagerly vying for her attention.
When she's not reading or writing, Diane enjoys an eclectic taste in music and movies, great coffee, the company of good friends, and the adoration of a peculiar little pooch named Darby.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 252 reviews
September 17, 2020
Tea with Emma, the first of The Teacup Novellas by Diane Moody, is a contemporary romance within another story.
2 stars
The novella opens with Lucy Alexander, an author with writer's block receiving an inheritance of teacups from her Aunt Lucille, who collected the cups over the years. Lucy is inspired to write a story for each teacup.
In Tea with Emma, Lucy writes her first story. Emma is not a character in either the story or the story within a story. Emma refers to Maddie Cooper, who decides to open a tea shop after an inspiring tour of Jane Austen's hometown. Maddie is like Jane Austen's Emma in that she tries to be a matchmaker for her best friend Lanie, regardless of the fact that Lanie is already very fond of someone. Just as in Jane Austen's Emma, it doesn't work out very well. The resemblance ends there, however.
Dr. Ian Grant, a professor from England, has come to Texas to be a visiting professor at a university. He lives across the street from Maddie and is grumpy and sometimes rude for most of the story until he undergoes a transformation.
What I liked:
*I liked Maddie's relationship with her grandmother and how she cares about those around her.
What I didn't like:
*There was really no romance. You see only one significant conversation between Lanie and one of her two love interests. Every other conversation is not shown. Maddie seems interested in Ian, but I don't know why. He is so rude to her! One of my favorite types of romance is when the hero and heroine dislike each other in the beginning of the story. But in Tea With Emma, you just don't see a gradual transformation from antagonism to friendship. This seems like an extreme case of "insta-love."
*I found Maddie, Lanie, and Ian all annoying from the very beginning (without much improvement later). These were not characters that I cared about at all. All three characters, particularly Lanie, seemed immature in the way they spoke and in the way they handled relationships. I understand that character growth is desirable in a story, but you really need to like at least one of the main characters from the start!
*There is a Christian element to the story, but it often seemed too vague. I didn't see anything that was contrary to Biblical principles, but I think that the Christian themes were too open for interpretation. Some reviewers misunderstood the intent, and I think that being more specific or explanatory would have been helpful.
I really didn't enjoy this book. I was glad when it was done at 75% on my Kindle Reader due to recipes, etc. It sounds like the later Teacup Novellas are probably better, but my appetite was most assuredly NOT whetted. I will not be picking up more books by Diane Moody. Another of her books might be more to my taste, but I'd rather read books by authors I know I enjoy.
2 stars
The novella opens with Lucy Alexander, an author with writer's block receiving an inheritance of teacups from her Aunt Lucille, who collected the cups over the years. Lucy is inspired to write a story for each teacup.
In Tea with Emma, Lucy writes her first story. Emma is not a character in either the story or the story within a story. Emma refers to Maddie Cooper, who decides to open a tea shop after an inspiring tour of Jane Austen's hometown. Maddie is like Jane Austen's Emma in that she tries to be a matchmaker for her best friend Lanie, regardless of the fact that Lanie is already very fond of someone. Just as in Jane Austen's Emma, it doesn't work out very well. The resemblance ends there, however.
Dr. Ian Grant, a professor from England, has come to Texas to be a visiting professor at a university. He lives across the street from Maddie and is grumpy and sometimes rude for most of the story until he undergoes a transformation.
What I liked:
*I liked Maddie's relationship with her grandmother and how she cares about those around her.
What I didn't like:
*There was really no romance. You see only one significant conversation between Lanie and one of her two love interests. Every other conversation is not shown. Maddie seems interested in Ian, but I don't know why. He is so rude to her! One of my favorite types of romance is when the hero and heroine dislike each other in the beginning of the story. But in Tea With Emma, you just don't see a gradual transformation from antagonism to friendship. This seems like an extreme case of "insta-love."
*I found Maddie, Lanie, and Ian all annoying from the very beginning (without much improvement later). These were not characters that I cared about at all. All three characters, particularly Lanie, seemed immature in the way they spoke and in the way they handled relationships. I understand that character growth is desirable in a story, but you really need to like at least one of the main characters from the start!
*There is a Christian element to the story, but it often seemed too vague. I didn't see anything that was contrary to Biblical principles, but I think that the Christian themes were too open for interpretation. Some reviewers misunderstood the intent, and I think that being more specific or explanatory would have been helpful.
I really didn't enjoy this book. I was glad when it was done at 75% on my Kindle Reader due to recipes, etc. It sounds like the later Teacup Novellas are probably better, but my appetite was most assuredly NOT whetted. I will not be picking up more books by Diane Moody. Another of her books might be more to my taste, but I'd rather read books by authors I know I enjoy.
March 23, 2017
The ebook is free, so I read it on a whim to coincide with a group buddy read. It's a lighthearted comedy of a book, with many a nod to the classic "Emma" by Jane herself. As a teacup collector, I loved the teacup collection/tearoom emphasis.
That said, I can't approve of all the characters. One is very heartless when another is injured, yet it's implied that he's at fault for being a Scrooge of a man; well, I'd have been sick of the chatter, too, if I'd been cooped up in a plane from London to Austin with two women who chattered nonstop and made a general nuisance of themselves. I also didn't like the heavy emphasis on attraction, the kiss from a married woman to a former fiancé, and having a character assume another has taken a mistress.
So, only three stars, though I did enjoy the tale.
That said, I can't approve of all the characters. One is very heartless when another is injured, yet it's implied that he's at fault for being a Scrooge of a man; well, I'd have been sick of the chatter, too, if I'd been cooped up in a plane from London to Austin with two women who chattered nonstop and made a general nuisance of themselves. I also didn't like the heavy emphasis on attraction, the kiss from a married woman to a former fiancé, and having a character assume another has taken a mistress.
So, only three stars, though I did enjoy the tale.
March 25, 2017
This is the second book I have read in The Teacup Novella series. I really liked the first one I read: A Christmas Peril which was the last in the series. This one was the first, and I found the characters somewhat immature for their age especially Maddie. Their antics on the plane ride home from England and her attitude towards the unknown Englishman when he is hit by the flying wheel from Lainey's bag were somewhat off putting. I did see some growth in Maddie as she learned her lesson from her matchmaking attempts with Lainey. Easy enjoyable read but not as good as some of Moody's other writing.
October 5, 2020
This story ends at 76% and then we are introduced to the next story in this series.
This is a story within a story...in other words we have Diane Moody writing about author, Lucy Alexander, who is writing her first story "Tea with Emma A novella". Each story seems to be inspired by teacups Lucy has received as an inheritance from her aunt, Lucille.
And so it is that she has the main character, Maddie Cooper, inspired to open a tea room in Austen, Texas, after visiting England and Jane Austen's Chawton and bringing home a special tea cup and saucer. And as in JA's story, Emma, this story has Maddie trying to matchmake her best friend, Lainie, (who has not only accompanied her on the trip to England but who is now also going into business with her) with the contractor who is remodeling the house as a tea room for Maddie and Lainie.
Ironically a true Englishman sat in the seat ahead of them on the flight back from England and makes some rude remarks about their constant chatter...and then has to audacity to move into the house across the street from the tea room. He seems to grate on Maddie's nerves as she sees him from time to time. She apologizes for offending him on the plane and makes friendly overtures which he rebuffs.
Maddie's grandmother is part of her life. Nana has words of wisdom, based on her Christian beliefs as she observes Maddie derailing her friend's love life. Part of what she says hits home and Maddie has to make some changes: some forced and some after reflections on Nana's advice.
So Lucy Alexander gets her story to her publisher by the deadline and is now considering which teacup is going to inspire her next story.
This is a story within a story...in other words we have Diane Moody writing about author, Lucy Alexander, who is writing her first story "Tea with Emma A novella". Each story seems to be inspired by teacups Lucy has received as an inheritance from her aunt, Lucille.
And so it is that she has the main character, Maddie Cooper, inspired to open a tea room in Austen, Texas, after visiting England and Jane Austen's Chawton and bringing home a special tea cup and saucer. And as in JA's story, Emma, this story has Maddie trying to matchmake her best friend, Lainie, (who has not only accompanied her on the trip to England but who is now also going into business with her) with the contractor who is remodeling the house as a tea room for Maddie and Lainie.
Ironically a true Englishman sat in the seat ahead of them on the flight back from England and makes some rude remarks about their constant chatter...and then has to audacity to move into the house across the street from the tea room. He seems to grate on Maddie's nerves as she sees him from time to time. She apologizes for offending him on the plane and makes friendly overtures which he rebuffs.
Maddie's grandmother is part of her life. Nana has words of wisdom, based on her Christian beliefs as she observes Maddie derailing her friend's love life. Part of what she says hits home and Maddie has to make some changes: some forced and some after reflections on Nana's advice.
So Lucy Alexander gets her story to her publisher by the deadline and is now considering which teacup is going to inspire her next story.
April 1, 2023
There was a strange vibe to this one. The prologue and epilogue made this story seem autobiographical, but it’s fictional. Not sure what was up with that. The rest of the book took a caffeine pill or something, because all the characters were overly enthusiastic the entire time, even in the throes of grief. I don’t know whether it was that enthusiasm or the melodrama that made the thirtysomething characters act thirteen, but I found it annoying that they opened up to random people about their most personal problems and broke up friendships “forever” over something explainable and forgivable. Those are things most often done by the eight to fourteen crowd (the ages I’ve tutored for 15+ years).
This novella seemed to alternate focus from the super-hot guys (not one man was average or ugly in the entire thing, and their hotness was overly focused on) and the faith thread. I honestly couldn’t decide if the book was supposed to be aimed at Christians or the rest of the world because of that back-and-forth thing.
Okay, so there were some things I really liked. I loved that the author’s passion for Jane Austen and her novels and life was the inspiration for this book. This one didn’t quite do it for me as a retake on Emma, but I could see how it would for other people. I thought the online dating angle was a great way to modernize the plot for this retelling. The journey to forgiveness was sudden but still heartwarming. The visiting-professor aspect is one I haven’t seen much before, so I enjoyed that, though I would have preferred seeing him in the classroom more than one time for only two seconds. My favorite thing was the lead’s goal of creating an Austen-inspired English tea room.
Overall, this was a cute story that just tried too hard.
Content: one expletive
This novella seemed to alternate focus from the super-hot guys (not one man was average or ugly in the entire thing, and their hotness was overly focused on) and the faith thread. I honestly couldn’t decide if the book was supposed to be aimed at Christians or the rest of the world because of that back-and-forth thing.
Okay, so there were some things I really liked. I loved that the author’s passion for Jane Austen and her novels and life was the inspiration for this book. This one didn’t quite do it for me as a retake on Emma, but I could see how it would for other people. I thought the online dating angle was a great way to modernize the plot for this retelling. The journey to forgiveness was sudden but still heartwarming. The visiting-professor aspect is one I haven’t seen much before, so I enjoyed that, though I would have preferred seeing him in the classroom more than one time for only two seconds. My favorite thing was the lead’s goal of creating an Austen-inspired English tea room.
Overall, this was a cute story that just tried too hard.
Content: one expletive
July 4, 2012
As a lover of reading, I have never read a Jane Austen book. Always planned on it, but never picked up one of her books.
This title tempted me to read it and see what a "Jane" themed book was all about. I loved it! A quick fun read. The main character Maddie just returns from a trip to England with her best friend with plans to open up a tea room. She is a lover of anything Jane and her favorite book is Emma. She is much like Emma, playing the matchmaker.
I am now going to read my first Jane Austen book, Emma of course!
This title tempted me to read it and see what a "Jane" themed book was all about. I loved it! A quick fun read. The main character Maddie just returns from a trip to England with her best friend with plans to open up a tea room. She is a lover of anything Jane and her favorite book is Emma. She is much like Emma, playing the matchmaker.
I am now going to read my first Jane Austen book, Emma of course!
March 9, 2016
One of those books that are fun to read, but also a little annoying.
Ever since living in England I get a annoyed with the "American girl falls in love with a handsome, British guy" story-line. Oh, not to mention he's as moody as Mr. Darcy and has this perfect posh accent. There did seem more of a focus on looks than true love in this story. They didn't even know much about each other when they kissed!!!
But all that being said, I did like the story and want to read the others :)
Ever since living in England I get a annoyed with the "American girl falls in love with a handsome, British guy" story-line. Oh, not to mention he's as moody as Mr. Darcy and has this perfect posh accent. There did seem more of a focus on looks than true love in this story. They didn't even know much about each other when they kissed!!!
But all that being said, I did like the story and want to read the others :)
March 1, 2019
3.5 stars
This was a cute read. I liked how the story was about an author writing a story. So the prologue and epilogue were about the "author" and the story was the novella she was writing. It was unique and I liked that part. The actual story was fine, but not a favorite.
This was a cute read. I liked how the story was about an author writing a story. So the prologue and epilogue were about the "author" and the story was the novella she was writing. It was unique and I liked that part. The actual story was fine, but not a favorite.
August 24, 2015
Okay....THIS is what a novella is supposed to be! I'm not generally a novella reader because they just frustrate me. But since I've read several Diane Moody's books, I picked up three of her Teacup novellas, and I'm so glad I did.
Normally a novella should really be a book. They seem shortened so everything happens too quickly, or there seems to be way too much left out...like the author is in a rush to get it finished so omits a lot of important background, character development and detail.
Not so with this series.
In this book, two best friends from Texas are given an opportunity to go to England. While there they come up with an idea to go into business creating a Jane Austin-esque tearoom in their southern town. On the airplane ride home, as they chatter like magpies about all their experiences in England, a grumpy British man is so irritated he keeps telling them to pipe down and gets quite adamant about not wanting to hear their prattle.
Ends up he's an English professor going to a new job in the same town as the two friends. Paths cross as they end up to be neighbors, and it's nasty at the start.
Maddie decides to be a witness to him by leaving him baked goods or being kind, even though he's a poophead. Eventually her kindness wins him over. But in the meantime she blows it with her best friend as she tries matchmaking and it really doesn't work out well.
Love the way Ms Moody writes. I doubt I will read very many novellas other than this series, because these spoiled me.
Normally a novella should really be a book. They seem shortened so everything happens too quickly, or there seems to be way too much left out...like the author is in a rush to get it finished so omits a lot of important background, character development and detail.
Not so with this series.
In this book, two best friends from Texas are given an opportunity to go to England. While there they come up with an idea to go into business creating a Jane Austin-esque tearoom in their southern town. On the airplane ride home, as they chatter like magpies about all their experiences in England, a grumpy British man is so irritated he keeps telling them to pipe down and gets quite adamant about not wanting to hear their prattle.
Ends up he's an English professor going to a new job in the same town as the two friends. Paths cross as they end up to be neighbors, and it's nasty at the start.
Maddie decides to be a witness to him by leaving him baked goods or being kind, even though he's a poophead. Eventually her kindness wins him over. But in the meantime she blows it with her best friend as she tries matchmaking and it really doesn't work out well.
Love the way Ms Moody writes. I doubt I will read very many novellas other than this series, because these spoiled me.
April 23, 2015
This story was nice but not for me. The modern christian version of Emma was a deception. I dont like the multiples references to God, especially in Ian's conversion, which was very quickly to seem realistic...
The modern turn whit Laney and her ciber boyfriend was inteligent and I like the frame of Maddie story, that was the story of the author, Lucy, who had inherited the tea cups from an excentric aunt. But I don't recommend this book.
The end was so quickly, he didn't speak to her but he apollogized and declared his love to her in the only civil conversation they had, and he did it when she was feeling miserable because of her fight whit her best friend!!! An all the chears in the opening?! Very cheesy...
The modern turn whit Laney and her ciber boyfriend was inteligent and I like the frame of Maddie story, that was the story of the author, Lucy, who had inherited the tea cups from an excentric aunt. But I don't recommend this book.
The end was so quickly, he didn't speak to her but he apollogized and declared his love to her in the only civil conversation they had, and he did it when she was feeling miserable because of her fight whit her best friend!!! An all the chears in the opening?! Very cheesy...
December 29, 2019
Definitely listened to this for a challenge.
Tea with Emma was just not my cup of tea. It was nice and okay but I was just bored. I didn't connect with any of the characters. It doesn't even help that I didn't even like Emma (the original) that much either. Ugh, I'm just happy that it was quick and over with.
Tea with Emma was just not my cup of tea. It was nice and okay but I was just bored. I didn't connect with any of the characters. It doesn't even help that I didn't even like Emma (the original) that much either. Ugh, I'm just happy that it was quick and over with.
February 23, 2024
Got as an audiobook. It was good for noise as I completed household tasks.
September 27, 2020
Tea with Emma is a story within a story.
The first story is about Maddie Cooper. Maddie just came from a Jane Austen tour from England and was so inspired to start her own English tea shop in Austin,Texas. And like Jane Austen's Emma, she thinks she is a natural matchmaker. Only to find out that she isn't.
I have not read Emma by Jane Austen but because of this book I wanted to read it. Jane Austen is like every girl's favorite writer. I liked Pride and Prejudice but I just hadn't gotten to reading the rest of her works. I will try to find the time to do just that. I will try to sneak it in between reading contemporary writers.
I had fun in this book. A light read and makes you feel good. Aside from the fact that I love tea which what this book is about, it gives off a really relaxing vibe. Just like drinking a hot cup of tea. It settles your nerves and it would make you feel like all is well in the world. The book is also funny. I like how Maddie is so clueless as to how other people feel about her because she's too focused on her matchmaking.
I give the book four hot steaming cups of tea served in bone china tea cups. I really enjoyed the book and would love to read the next books in the series. This is what me and my friends would call a classic example of inspirational romance.
Thank you Diane Moody.
Full review on http://iamnotabookworm.blogspot.com/2...
The first story is about Maddie Cooper. Maddie just came from a Jane Austen tour from England and was so inspired to start her own English tea shop in Austin,Texas. And like Jane Austen's Emma, she thinks she is a natural matchmaker. Only to find out that she isn't.
I have not read Emma by Jane Austen but because of this book I wanted to read it. Jane Austen is like every girl's favorite writer. I liked Pride and Prejudice but I just hadn't gotten to reading the rest of her works. I will try to find the time to do just that. I will try to sneak it in between reading contemporary writers.
I had fun in this book. A light read and makes you feel good. Aside from the fact that I love tea which what this book is about, it gives off a really relaxing vibe. Just like drinking a hot cup of tea. It settles your nerves and it would make you feel like all is well in the world. The book is also funny. I like how Maddie is so clueless as to how other people feel about her because she's too focused on her matchmaking.
I give the book four hot steaming cups of tea served in bone china tea cups. I really enjoyed the book and would love to read the next books in the series. This is what me and my friends would call a classic example of inspirational romance.
Thank you Diane Moody.
Full review on http://iamnotabookworm.blogspot.com/2...
October 7, 2013
Tea With Emma - The Teacup Novellas - Book One by Diane Moody is a narrative based on Emma by Jane Austen. This sugary-sweet story opens by introducing us to Lucy, a writer who is in the midst of struggling with writers block and a deadline around the corner. She receives an elegantly decorated china teacup in the mail, an inheritance from her late Aunt Lucille. The small teacup gives her inspiration for the novella.
Tea With Emma opens with Maddie, Madeleine Cooper and her friend, Lanie, Elaine Morgan returning on a flight to Austin, Texas from a visit to Jane Austen's England. They animatedly discuss opening a tea room in their home town. An English passenger seated ahead of them repeatedly chastises them for their boisterousness. It is there where our main characters meet.
What ensues is your typical formulaic love story with Christian overtones. The characters, unfortunately, lacked any depth. Even written as a novella, there is still room to develop more characterization. The flighty dialogue did not fit the age of Maddie and Lanie, but of two teenagers in a high-school cafeteria. I was disenchanted by the story. It was certainly not my cup of tea.
Tea With Emma opens with Maddie, Madeleine Cooper and her friend, Lanie, Elaine Morgan returning on a flight to Austin, Texas from a visit to Jane Austen's England. They animatedly discuss opening a tea room in their home town. An English passenger seated ahead of them repeatedly chastises them for their boisterousness. It is there where our main characters meet.
What ensues is your typical formulaic love story with Christian overtones. The characters, unfortunately, lacked any depth. Even written as a novella, there is still room to develop more characterization. The flighty dialogue did not fit the age of Maddie and Lanie, but of two teenagers in a high-school cafeteria. I was disenchanted by the story. It was certainly not my cup of tea.
March 15, 2012
After thinking about this, I need to change my rating from a 4 to a 3. I really enjoyed the book, but it ended so abruptly. It was like the author ran out of material and just wrapped it up in a neat little bow at the end. It reminds of me of how my 11 year old writes. He writes great stories until he gets tired of writing, and then just ends them with a sentence.
March 10, 2015
I really liked this book, but I thought the ending was rather abrupt. It seemed like the story was moving along nicely. Then, within a couple of chapters, it was suddenly over.
I plan to go ahead and read the second book... I hope it has more --- gradual? --- ending.
I plan to go ahead and read the second book... I hope it has more --- gradual? --- ending.
August 16, 2015
The story wasn't very good. I mean, come on, if the the main character had ever read Jane Austen's 'Emma' she would have known not to try matchmaking. The happy endings were despite Emma's machinations. But, the recipes at the end of the book look worth trying. So, there's that...
June 1, 2019
The set up to the start of the story was intriguing, that the book is written by the character introduced in the prologue about the teacups she inherited from a loved one. This first story in the series was fun. I personally sided with Ian, on his annoyance with Maddie and Lanie making so much noise on the plane, but think he could've asked them to quiet down nicer.
I couldn't believe what Lanie came home to... that would've broken my heart and I felt so sorry for her!
The ending was rushed and wrapped everything up quickly, but I'd still like to read more in the series.
I couldn't believe what Lanie came home to... that would've broken my heart and I felt so sorry for her!
The ending was rushed and wrapped everything up quickly, but I'd still like to read more in the series.
January 24, 2023
2.5 stars
I am not a romance reader but I think this would tip into that catagory,although very lightly. The characters seemed immature and their actions showed that. Maddie is sweet to her grandma and they have a nice relationship but aside from that all the characters could use more growth.
I liked that it was a story within a story; the writers story wrapped around the tale she was telling. The writer's story was actually a little more interesting to me.
The recipes at the end are tempting especially the blueberry scones.
I am not a romance reader but I think this would tip into that catagory,although very lightly. The characters seemed immature and their actions showed that. Maddie is sweet to her grandma and they have a nice relationship but aside from that all the characters could use more growth.
I liked that it was a story within a story; the writers story wrapped around the tale she was telling. The writer's story was actually a little more interesting to me.
The recipes at the end are tempting especially the blueberry scones.
August 3, 2017
Somewhere between a 4 and a 5
I really did enjoy this book, and I have every intention of finishing the series. The characters are very appealing, and the subject matter is clean, romantic, and entertaining. Enjoy!
I really did enjoy this book, and I have every intention of finishing the series. The characters are very appealing, and the subject matter is clean, romantic, and entertaining. Enjoy!
August 7, 2020
A Delightful Sweet Treat
Tea with Emma by Diane Moody was a delightful sweet treat of a story about tea and friendship, love and forgiveness, and fulfilling a lifetime dream. Driven by lovable characters, this story is certain to put you in a good mood, just like tea and a cookie.
Tea with Emma by Diane Moody was a delightful sweet treat of a story about tea and friendship, love and forgiveness, and fulfilling a lifetime dream. Driven by lovable characters, this story is certain to put you in a good mood, just like tea and a cookie.
April 2, 2024
Very basic meet-cute romance w/ Christian overtones, perfect for someone who likes that genre and for Jane Austen fans -- I am neither. Even the included recipes weren't special.
Maddie wants to start a tearoom after a visit to England w/ her best friend, Lanie. They annoy a grumpy guy in the seat ahead of them, who ends up injured, and it's Maddie's fault. Maddie considers herself a matchmaker, but ends up causing Lanie heartache instead of romantic joy. Can she start the tearoom anyway, if she listens to her grandmother's wise advice?
Just too simplistic, too cute, slightly too Christian for me. Maybe someone else will like it, so I'll give it three stars ... grudgingly.
Maddie wants to start a tearoom after a visit to England w/ her best friend, Lanie. They annoy a grumpy guy in the seat ahead of them, who ends up injured, and it's Maddie's fault. Maddie considers herself a matchmaker, but ends up causing Lanie heartache instead of romantic joy. Can she start the tearoom anyway, if she listens to her grandmother's wise advice?
Just too simplistic, too cute, slightly too Christian for me. Maybe someone else will like it, so I'll give it three stars ... grudgingly.
July 9, 2016
This was my first book by this author and I quite enjoyed it. This series was a very clever idea with the different tea cups each having a different story behind them and I thought that this particular story, Tea with Emma was very sweet.
What I Liked: Maddie and Lainie were both very likeable characters. This book opens with them returning from a trip to England exploring the world of Jane Austen and coming back having had a wonderful time. Another character is also introduced in this first scene, the quite grumpy British professor, Ian Grant.
As Maddie works to open her own tea room, she tries her hand at match making, at which she thinks she has talent for, but quickly discovers that she has gotten herself into a heap of trouble.
I really liked the lessons Maddie learned in this story. She realized that she can't control other peoples' lives, including the people they chose to date, and when she does try, feelings get hurt and it's just a big mess. I really liked the advice Maddie's grandmother gave her about stopping match making; especially with her best friend, Lainie.
This was a very sweet, simple story and was pleasant to read. Over all, I really liked Maddie's personality, how she always tried to look on the bright side of things and bless other people. Her caring heart was very sweet to read of.
This story was also quite humorous; there were several times where I found myself shaking my head and thinking: "She seriously did not just do that, did she?" But alas, she did, and it kept me turning the pages to see how the story would end.
One more thing that I really liked that was unique with this book was the prologue and epilogue shown from the author's point of view. I thought that it was a pretty clever idea and I really liked it.
What I Didn't Like: I'm afraid that there were some things that I didn't really like. There was one scene where the professor appeared in his bathrobe at the front door and allowed his ex-fiancée into his house without putting on regular clothes before letting her in. I didn't like that whole scene.
And some of the language that was used I didn't care for. Nothing super horrible that I haven't heard before and isn't common in this world and I know people have different standards when it comes to language, but it bothered me to read a book with some of the word choices that were in it.
All that to say, I give this book 3 stars for a sweet story and a good ending.
What I Liked: Maddie and Lainie were both very likeable characters. This book opens with them returning from a trip to England exploring the world of Jane Austen and coming back having had a wonderful time. Another character is also introduced in this first scene, the quite grumpy British professor, Ian Grant.
As Maddie works to open her own tea room, she tries her hand at match making, at which she thinks she has talent for, but quickly discovers that she has gotten herself into a heap of trouble.
I really liked the lessons Maddie learned in this story. She realized that she can't control other peoples' lives, including the people they chose to date, and when she does try, feelings get hurt and it's just a big mess. I really liked the advice Maddie's grandmother gave her about stopping match making; especially with her best friend, Lainie.
This was a very sweet, simple story and was pleasant to read. Over all, I really liked Maddie's personality, how she always tried to look on the bright side of things and bless other people. Her caring heart was very sweet to read of.
This story was also quite humorous; there were several times where I found myself shaking my head and thinking: "She seriously did not just do that, did she?" But alas, she did, and it kept me turning the pages to see how the story would end.
One more thing that I really liked that was unique with this book was the prologue and epilogue shown from the author's point of view. I thought that it was a pretty clever idea and I really liked it.
What I Didn't Like: I'm afraid that there were some things that I didn't really like. There was one scene where the professor appeared in his bathrobe at the front door and allowed his ex-fiancée into his house without putting on regular clothes before letting her in. I didn't like that whole scene.
And some of the language that was used I didn't care for. Nothing super horrible that I haven't heard before and isn't common in this world and I know people have different standards when it comes to language, but it bothered me to read a book with some of the word choices that were in it.
All that to say, I give this book 3 stars for a sweet story and a good ending.
May 20, 2013
This was a cute story..Sweet characters...And I adore them all! Especially Nana & Jonathan...
There were quite a few times I got kind of bored throughout the story and that's why it got a 3/5 stars. But, thinking over the story, it's a sweet story with a message...Which I won't tell here because for who ever reads it..I want them to see it on their own.
Now, Maddie...The main character in this book? There were many times I wanted to shake her, smack her in the back of the head and tell her to leave Lanie alone and let her live her life...Many times, Lanie tried to find ways to let her know in subtle ways but Maddie wouldn't listen and it put a major strain on their friendship...Did it end it? Well, you will have to read the story for that part.
This book is for those who like clean, God centered books without it being shoved down your throat. It's not long, and a quick easy read for those who like books like this...It wasn't as quick of a read for me as it could have been because well, it had its slow moments and I was also reading another book as well (decided to just focus on this one eventually so I could get it finished, otherwise, I probably wouldn't have because many times, I thought about just deleting it from my Kindle and not finishing it but I wanted to.)
This was a book I got free from amazon.com...But even if it's no longer free, it shouldn't cost too much...I believe there are at least two other books in this 'Series'.
The next book in this series is:
And the 3rd and final book (that I know of) is:
I probably won't get to these other books for a while, just to give myself a break from them. If I try to read them now, I'd probably end up hating the series because they are not typically what I read and totally outside the box for me. I just wanted to read something different and not my normal YA Fantasy/Paranormal genre.
But they are cute none-the-less...:-)
Happy Reading!
There were quite a few times I got kind of bored throughout the story and that's why it got a 3/5 stars. But, thinking over the story, it's a sweet story with a message...Which I won't tell here because for who ever reads it..I want them to see it on their own.
Now, Maddie...The main character in this book? There were many times I wanted to shake her, smack her in the back of the head and tell her to leave Lanie alone and let her live her life...Many times, Lanie tried to find ways to let her know in subtle ways but Maddie wouldn't listen and it put a major strain on their friendship...Did it end it? Well, you will have to read the story for that part.
This book is for those who like clean, God centered books without it being shoved down your throat. It's not long, and a quick easy read for those who like books like this...It wasn't as quick of a read for me as it could have been because well, it had its slow moments and I was also reading another book as well (decided to just focus on this one eventually so I could get it finished, otherwise, I probably wouldn't have because many times, I thought about just deleting it from my Kindle and not finishing it but I wanted to.)
This was a book I got free from amazon.com...But even if it's no longer free, it shouldn't cost too much...I believe there are at least two other books in this 'Series'.
The next book in this series is:
And the 3rd and final book (that I know of) is:
I probably won't get to these other books for a while, just to give myself a break from them. If I try to read them now, I'd probably end up hating the series because they are not typically what I read and totally outside the box for me. I just wanted to read something different and not my normal YA Fantasy/Paranormal genre.
But they are cute none-the-less...:-)
Happy Reading!
January 30, 2015
Next up?!
Austen in August at the Roof Beam Reader's JA Challenge ~
lite and deliteful! an inside look at a writer w/ writer's block , what brings her back on course and the writing gift that treats us to the contemporary retelling of Jane Austen's Emma.
After a Jane Austen tour of England, gifted by her Nana, Maddie returns to Austin driven to create an English tea house a la Jane's Chawton Cottage. Besides the gifted provision for everything needed to get the tea house up and running, Maddie believes she's gifted for matchmaking everyone around her! resulting with the like consequences revealed in Jane's Emma.. Not everyone is enamored with Maddie's 'capabilities'! The havoc she wreaks in other's lives soon comes back on her own, leaving her with dire situations she's unprepared to live with. She hasn't counted on loss of friendships and life interrupted. But Nana has more to offer than just the finances to make Maddie's dreams come true. She has some golden nuggets of insight for Maddie...
Great concept.. a pleasure to read leaving us with the attention grabbing beginnings to her next in the Teacup Novella Series.
TY, Diane, for sharing your gift and inspiration with us!
Austen in August at the Roof Beam Reader's JA Challenge ~
lite and deliteful! an inside look at a writer w/ writer's block , what brings her back on course and the writing gift that treats us to the contemporary retelling of Jane Austen's Emma.
After a Jane Austen tour of England, gifted by her Nana, Maddie returns to Austin driven to create an English tea house a la Jane's Chawton Cottage. Besides the gifted provision for everything needed to get the tea house up and running, Maddie believes she's gifted for matchmaking everyone around her! resulting with the like consequences revealed in Jane's Emma.. Not everyone is enamored with Maddie's 'capabilities'! The havoc she wreaks in other's lives soon comes back on her own, leaving her with dire situations she's unprepared to live with. She hasn't counted on loss of friendships and life interrupted. But Nana has more to offer than just the finances to make Maddie's dreams come true. She has some golden nuggets of insight for Maddie...
Great concept.. a pleasure to read leaving us with the attention grabbing beginnings to her next in the Teacup Novella Series.
TY, Diane, for sharing your gift and inspiration with us!
February 1, 2014
Fresh from a Jane Austen tour in England, Maddie Cooper returns home to Texas, determined to bring a touch of "Austen to Austin." She dreams of opening an authentic English tea room and, like Austen's Emma, put into practice her self-proclaimed gift as a matchmaker. But an airport mishap with a cranky Englishman gets her off on the wrong foot (quite literally), especially when he moves into the university guest house across the street. Can Maddie find a love for her unapproachable new neighbor, or has she finally met her match? Will Maddie finally find true love?
My Thoughts....
I am always drawn to books that have a Jane Austen theme. Some I love and some I hate, however, this one had a fun twist on Ms. Austen's Emma, which is my favorite Jane Austen book. I love the cover and the fact that it is about tea, tea parties and tea rooms. I love anything about Austen and Tea things.
This was such a cute story, not only was it cute, but it was a fun quick story to read in an afternoon or evening. The book is "G" rated, a light romance, a few hugs and kisses. I'm not sure this book would be for everyone, but it was my cup of tea.
I got this book free on Bookbub.com today and it is now a part of my Kindle library. I liked it enough to award it 3 star shaped sugar cubes.
My Thoughts....
I am always drawn to books that have a Jane Austen theme. Some I love and some I hate, however, this one had a fun twist on Ms. Austen's Emma, which is my favorite Jane Austen book. I love the cover and the fact that it is about tea, tea parties and tea rooms. I love anything about Austen and Tea things.
This was such a cute story, not only was it cute, but it was a fun quick story to read in an afternoon or evening. The book is "G" rated, a light romance, a few hugs and kisses. I'm not sure this book would be for everyone, but it was my cup of tea.
I got this book free on Bookbub.com today and it is now a part of my Kindle library. I liked it enough to award it 3 star shaped sugar cubes.
December 3, 2013
Age Appropriate For: 13 and up (for mild romance and reading level)
Best for Ages: 13 and up
I wasn’t feeling good, so I decided to take the day off and read some books that I had been wanting to read on my Kindle – some short books. First I read a Christmas book, and then I decided to read a book by an author I have come to love – Diane Moody.
Tea with Emma was perfect. Short, sweet, tea, and Jane Austen. It wasn’t super deep, but there was a nice faith element as well as some awesome lines. The characters were fun, quirky and flawed, even if there wasn’t a huge amount of character development.
For those who have read Jane Austen’s books, none of the plot twists will come as a shock. However, I think it only added to the charm of this book. It was one of those books that is a relaxing break from the serious 400+ page novels I am used to reading.
Overall, this is the perfect book to curl up with for an evening when you need a light, happy read. The kind when you want a sweet but not overwhelming romance (two kisses toward the end of the book). In short, a charming little novella. I can’t wait to start the next one! (Which is probably why it is already opened on my Kindle.)
Best for Ages: 13 and up
I wasn’t feeling good, so I decided to take the day off and read some books that I had been wanting to read on my Kindle – some short books. First I read a Christmas book, and then I decided to read a book by an author I have come to love – Diane Moody.
Tea with Emma was perfect. Short, sweet, tea, and Jane Austen. It wasn’t super deep, but there was a nice faith element as well as some awesome lines. The characters were fun, quirky and flawed, even if there wasn’t a huge amount of character development.
For those who have read Jane Austen’s books, none of the plot twists will come as a shock. However, I think it only added to the charm of this book. It was one of those books that is a relaxing break from the serious 400+ page novels I am used to reading.
Overall, this is the perfect book to curl up with for an evening when you need a light, happy read. The kind when you want a sweet but not overwhelming romance (two kisses toward the end of the book). In short, a charming little novella. I can’t wait to start the next one! (Which is probably why it is already opened on my Kindle.)
December 6, 2019
Touching and sweet.
This is now the third of Diane Moody's Teacup Novellas that I've read. (I started with 4, then read 5...definitely backwards!) A few chapters in, I thought, "Nice, but a little dull and predictable." I was wrong. Although the expected romance did occur between the expected characters, there were unexpected twists to the plot. I cried for poor Maddie and her heartache...and if you haven't read the book, the reason isn't at all what you are thinking!
The framework of these novellas is that of an author, Lucy, finding her inspiration for a series of books from a collection of teacups inherited from her aunt. As this series progresses, we follow Lucy and her growing relationship with the UPS guy who delivers her books. In the fifth book, we spend a lot more time with Lucy, rather than the story she is writing.
These stories are light and fun; a guaranteed pleasant time. I hope you enjoy them, as I have. I'm now going to look into acquiring books 2 and 3!
This is now the third of Diane Moody's Teacup Novellas that I've read. (I started with 4, then read 5...definitely backwards!) A few chapters in, I thought, "Nice, but a little dull and predictable." I was wrong. Although the expected romance did occur between the expected characters, there were unexpected twists to the plot. I cried for poor Maddie and her heartache...and if you haven't read the book, the reason isn't at all what you are thinking!
The framework of these novellas is that of an author, Lucy, finding her inspiration for a series of books from a collection of teacups inherited from her aunt. As this series progresses, we follow Lucy and her growing relationship with the UPS guy who delivers her books. In the fifth book, we spend a lot more time with Lucy, rather than the story she is writing.
These stories are light and fun; a guaranteed pleasant time. I hope you enjoy them, as I have. I'm now going to look into acquiring books 2 and 3!
January 14, 2013
I read this book because of my sickness (I just can't stop reading books inspired by Jane Austen). This novella is a rough version of Emma by Austen, that takes place in Austin. Only after I finished the book and thought about it could I see the parallels. The main character, Maddie (Emma) is a wannabe matchmaker who takes care of her ailing grandmother (Mr. Woodhouse), and has a friend called Lanie (Harriet) who she tries to fix up with Brad (Mr. Elton) who actually has a thing for Maddie. Then there is Ian Grant who lives across the street and who is a bit curmudgeonly, but who is the Mr. Knightley character. I thought that the ending was just too pat, things wrapped up too quickly.
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