The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane

Life in Icicle Falls #5

by Sheila Roberts

When it comes to men, sisters don't share!

After a fake food poisoning incident in L.A., Bailey Sterling's dreams of becoming a caterer to the stars collapse faster than a soufflé. Now Bailey's face is in all the gossip rags and her business is in ruins. But the Sterling women close ranks and bring her back to Icicle Falls, where she'll stay with her sister Cecily.

All goes well between the sisters until Bailey comes up with a new business idea—a tea shop on a charming street called Lavender Lane. She's going into partnership with Todd Black, who—it turns out—is the man Cecily's started dating. It looks to Cecily as if there's more than tea brewing in that cute little shop. And she's not pleased.

Wait! Isn't Cecily seeing Luke Goodman? He's a widower with an adorable little girl, and yes, Cecily does care about him. But Todd's the one who sends her zing-o-meter off the charts. So now what? Should you have to choose between your sister and the man you love (or think you love)?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Fiction, Ebooks

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 24, 2014

About the author

With fifty books to her credit, both fiction and non-fiction, Sheila Roberts is a frequent USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller - and a fan favorite. Her books have sold over three million copies and have been turned into movies for the Hallmark, Lifetime and Great American Family channels. Before settling into her writing career, Sheila owned a singing telegram company and played in band. When she's not traveling, Sheila can be found hanging out with friends, playing tennis, and, of course, writing and reading. Sometimes she even remembers to post books she's read!

Reviews

[Ronna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book free from the author. This is my honest review.


Just how important is family? How important are our hopes and dreams? Is it true that men will come and go but sisters are forever? Is it true that if God closes one door he'll open a window? Sheila Roberts has written a book that explores all these questions in the close knit community of Icicle Falls, where friends and families live and work closely to create a successful community where the tourist trade drives everything.

Sisters, Samantha and Cecily, are doing wonderfully running the family's chocolate business, but their other sister, Bailey, has just returned from LA with a collapsed catering business because of a fake food poisoning stunt by one of her "star" clients. Samantha and her husband are happily expecting their first child, and Cecily has the exciting task of deciding between two suitors. One is charming, the "perfect" husband material, but is the attraction strong enough on Cecily's part? Whereas, "bad boy" Todd, thrills all her nerve endings just marveously. This question gets interesting when Bailey and Todd go into partnership to open a new tea shop on Lavender Street, and sparks seem to be developing there too.

This fun and tender story surrounds these sisters and the experiences they have in exploring these questions. Roberts weaves a story that is at once enthralling and also makes the reader think. A romance that explores serious issues in a uniquely entertaining way. It reads like a bouquet of flowers opening up with the warmth and light of renewing spring sunshine. Great addition to the Icicle Falls series!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always fall in love with all of Sheila's characters and THE TEA SHOP ON LAVENDER LANE does not disappoint. Reading a Life in Icicle Falls book is like visiting with old friends. It's a small town and everyone is in everyone else's business just enough to drive them all crazy. I thought I knew where the story was going and who was going to end up with who, but once again, Sheila throws in a curve ball and I had it all wrong! I can't wait to continue with this series. As an added bonus, there are recipes at the end of the story and who doesn't love new recipes?

I will be leaving a full review on Www.freshfiction.com

Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane had its good moments and bad moments. I liked it, but I didn't love it. There were times when I liked and felt bad for Bailey and Cecily, and there were times when I didn't like either one. I couldn't really understand Cecily and her feelings toward Todd and Luke, and I don't think Cecily understood either. It was quite frustrating. I wish that the author had given us more time with Cecily and Luke. I don't feel as though I got to know them well enough as a couple. There was plenty of Todd and Cecily, and Todd and Bailey, but just not enough Luke and Cecily. I honestly don't know what he saw in her because there wasn't enough in the story about that. Also - I didn't care much for the treatment of Cecily in the last few chapters. I think the others should have been more understanding. This was a good book, but I think it could have been so much better.

*I received my ARC from Netgalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori Siuta · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've liked Sheila Roberts' past books, but this book has put me off her future books. *SPOILER ALER* The book played up the relationship between Cecily and Todd Black, while frequently remarking on the lack of chemistry between Cecily and Luke, yet Cecily and Luke were the ones who ended up together. It didn't make any sense. The build up to Todd and Bailey getting together was too quick, which made it hard to see Bailey as anything but a spoiled little sister who had to get her way and her sister's man. I was also very upset by the way the town and Cecily's friends treated Cecily when she didn't immediately forgive her sister, even though she had stolen her boyfriend. The relationships were not well developed and I had very little interest in any of the characters.

[Ashley FL · Rating 2 out of 5]

These characters just rubbed me all the wrong way. Yes, sisters are important. Yes, love is important. No, you can't steal your sister's boyfriend and have it be ok because love is important and sisters need to forgive each other. And the boy in question is a serious jerk.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

A huge ICK factor in this book. A waste of time & I have really liked most of the series. What a disappointment.The writing was fine, it was the characters that are such immature & nasty people that I did not want to spend another minute with them. And 2 sister snogging the same man...ICK! Also, I have started & sold 3 different businesses & let me assure you, the business that is created in this book was so ridiculously written that it defied even the most optimistic of business plans. Skip this installment of the series & you will thank me!

[Kellyclarke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Who does that to your sister?

[Arlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane
Author: Sheila Roberts
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Series: Life In Icicle Falls # 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4.5
Review:

"The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane" by Sheila Roberts

Book Description....

"When it comes to men, sisters don't share!

After a fake food poisoning incident in L.A., Bailey Sterling's dreams of becoming a caterer to the stars collapse faster than a soufflé. Now Bailey's face is in all the gossip rags and her business is in ruins. But the Sterling women close ranks and bring her back to Icicle Falls, where she'll stay with her sister Cecily.

All goes well between the sisters until Bailey comes up with a new business idea—a tea shop on a charming street called Lavender Lane. She's going into partnership with Todd Black, who—it turns out—is the man Cecily's started dating. It looks to Cecily as if there's more than tea brewing in that cute little shop. And she's not pleased.

Wait! Isn't Cecily seeing Luke Goodman? He's a widower with an adorable little girl, and yes, Cecily does care about him. But Todd's the one who sends her zing-o-meter off the charts. So now what? Should you have to choose between your sister and the man you love (or think you love)?"


What I liked about this novel....

I liked this story of sisters.. Samantha, Cecily and Bailey which was of how important this family was as they were able to come together in the end in the very close community of Icicle Falls. This author really gives the reader something to think about...not only with the importance of a family but also shows the part of hopes and dreams that will come into the mixture to create a successful trade putting everything front and center of this storyline. This will definitely be a story that when you think you have it all figured out this author manages to throw you a twist that will have you shaking your head and saying I didn't see that coming! Icicle Falls is a small time where it seemed like 'everyone is in everyone else's business' in this fifth installment of this authors contemporary romance series. Be ready for lots of drama... and issues with self esteem especially from one of the sisters, relationships and small town life. Now, Bailey returns home to wallow in self pity...then will there be a game of cat and mouse by ..., a love triangle and the partnership? What is all that all about with Bailey and Cecily? I found all of the characters for the most part well developed, colorful, humorous at times, with friendships, realistic and it was so very believable. Will these sisters be able to make up and not a anyone come between them? I will stop here and say to find out about what all is going on in this storyline you must pick up this read to see for yourself how well written this author presents this detailed description of 'Icicle Falls' story to the reader. I found the story will be very intriguing as well as entertaining that will keep your attention all the way to the happy ending. Be ready for 'love, laughter, friendship, family living a good life' as this read of 'Icicle Falls' as you are presented another good series.

What else I especially liked about the novel....

At the end of the novel you will be given some useful recipes that sounded good to me.....Lavender Cake & Frosting and the Lavender Honey definitely giving this novel a nice addition to this read.

[Cass · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am only giving this book 2 stars because I enjoyed the first half of the book, otherwise it would have about half a star. _Spoilers ahead_
This book just totally went south when Bailey and Todd met each other. I didn't really like Baileys character in the beginning. She didn't seem to live in the real world. But when she meets Todd and goes after her SISTERS boyfriend?? What a disgrace. I don't care how attracted she was to him it is just wrong. She just seemed to get everything she wanted in this book and Ceicly got the leftovers.
Bailey got her dream business ,(while having to put zero money in to it or even coming up with the idea herself!), her dream guy (stolen from her sister who had already been heartbroken and had finally found happiness), and the support of the whole town with both! It was ridiculous. And Todd Black. Wow what a grade A jerk. He spent most of the book trying to convince Ceicly he wasn't a jerk, to then turn around and dump her like a sack of potatoes the minute someone hotter came along. And then had the nerve to get mad at her for not being supportive! This story line was just laughable. Who acts like this? And in the end Ceicly discovers magically the guy she didn't care about the whole book is her soul mate. RIGHT. That is called settling my dear, and it's sad. And Luke was just creepy to be honest. This is the third Icicle Falls story I've read and I think I'm about ready to leave this town.

[Harlequin Books]

miniseries: Life in Icicle Falls #5

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to men, sisters don't share!

After a fake food poisoning incident in L.A., Bailey Sterling's dreams of becoming a caterer to the stars collapse faster than a soufflé. Now Bailey's face is in all the gossip rags and her business is in ruins. But the Sterling women close ranks and bring her back to Icicle Falls, where she'll stay with her sister Cecily.

All goes well between the sisters until Bailey comes up with a new business idea—a tea shop on a charming street called Lavender Lane. She's going into partnership with Todd Black, who—it turns out—is the man Cecily's started dating. It looks to Cecily as if there's more than tea brewing in that cute little shop. And she's not pleased.

Wait! Isn't Cecily seeing Luke Goodman? He's a widower with an adorable little girl, and yes, Cecily does care about him. But Todd's the one who sends her zing-o-meter off the charts. So now what? Should you have to choose between your sister and the man you love (or think you love)?

[Dawn ♥ romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was more like chick-lit yet it drew me in. There were a couple romances going on and I wasn't quite sure who was going to end up with who. The characters behavior felt realistic even when someone was bratty. When Bailey's business fails, she returns to her hometown and moves in with her sister Cecily. Eventually she goes into a business partnership with her sisters boyfriend Todd.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot....

Oh, sisters… They always find a way to create so much drama – which Sheila Roberts captures in her novel, The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane. Icicle Falls’ Sterling sisters are as close-knit as sisters come – but throw in a couple men and the claws come out. As their story progresses, Roberts certainly explores the roller-coaster highs and lows experienced in family relationships. At times, I smiled and laughed. At others, I groaned and cringed. And sometimes I just wanted to shake some common sense back into these characters (– but that would too easy, and where’s the fun in that?). As a whole, The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane is a lovely story about love and family – and navigating the challenges of both.

I should note that most of the plot points mentioned in the back-of-the-book blurb do not happen until halfway into the storyline. In the first half, Roberts focuses on developing Cecily’s relationships with her men, Todd and Luke, and Bailey’s attempts to get back on her feet. Admittedly, I spent much of my reading time wondering, “Where is the tea shop and the man-stealing? When does that start?” But this in no way diminished my enjoyment of The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane. Instead, the wondering just kept me on my toes, my anticipation high for the upcoming character interactions and squabbles.

All in all, Sheila Roberts’ The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane is a delightfully fun, heartwarming read – one I would recommend to any lover of romance novels. Lovers of Roberts’ Life in Icicle Falls series will relish the return trip to Icicle Falls, seeing many familiar and beloved faces. However, it is not necessary to have read any or all of the previous novels to understand and love The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane. This novel was the first I have read by Sheila Roberts – and I’m sure glad I picked it up.

Thanks to Sheila Roberts and Pump Up Your Book, I received a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Dean Frech · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane once again takes us to Icicle Falls, an idyllic town in the mountains of Washington State. This is the fourth or fifth book that take takes place there, part of Sheila’s life in Icicle Falls series. I was first introduced to the town and it’s inhabitants after reading Better than Chocolate. This story is also about the Sterling sisters and Bailey’s return to life in Icicle Falls after a horrible publicity stunt left her practically bankrupt in Los Angeles.

When Bailey returns, her and her sister Cecily, become interested in the same man for the different reasons. What is so wonderful about Sheila’s stories and writing is that Cecily and Bailey could be any two sisters, siblings, cousins, best friends, fighting over the same person. I think deep down inside we’re all looking for love and that’s what makes us so crazy in that dating stage. We’ve all been afraid someone was going to take our man. But the great thing about The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane is that it begs the question, so if someone did take your man, is he the one meant for me?

Another thing I love about The Life in Icicle Falls series is the wisdom provided by town author and Sterling family matriarch, Muriel Sterling. The theme with this book is starting over, which is why Bailey returns to Icicle Falls to begin with.

For writers: Every book I read, I always try to glean a lesson for my own writing. Sheila is the master of point of view, so if you’re trying to hone your POV skills, read Sheila’s books. She even wrote an m/f romance from the guy’s point of view, and did it beautifully. That’s what makes Tea Shop so good, you get to see the situation from everyone’s point of view and that creates tension and heightens the ebbs and flows of the plot.

I am a member of Sheila’s street team, so I received a copy of the book well before it was released. But I still have one question for Sheila, when are we going to see Muriel Sterling’s books available????

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to a phony scare at a party, Bailey Sterling knows she's in trouble. The hostess at the party is doubled over from a phony case of food poisoning. Bailey wants to make it big in the catering circle but is so disappointed when Samba Barrett pretends to get sick on her food. That was the END of her business-Sterling Catering. While she is heartbroken she decides to pick up and move to Icycle Falls where she will stay with her older sister, Cecily. Cecily is stringing along two men, Todd and Luke. Bailey and Todd decide to become business partners and buy Tina's Lace and Lovelies together. Cecily spots them having lunch together and is not happy. They rename the business Tea Time. Cecily becomes very jealous of her little sister and her boyfriend having lunch and spending way to much time together. Cecily and Todd break up and Todd starts dating Bailey while Luke and Cecily stay together and things start heating up with the two of them. Bailey makes her Tea Shop on Lavender Lane a big success and invites her sister to the grand opening. When she doesn't show, Bailey is sooo heartbroken. The party is just about over and there is Cecily. The two sisters embrace and promise each other they will never let anyone or anything come between them, not even a man. This was a wonderful book by Sheila Roberts!! I loved the ending. I am going to send this book to MY sister for her to read. I know she will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delight in iconic Icicle Falls (think Leavenworth, WA in the north Cascades). This time, baby sister Bailey Sterling comes home after a catering disaster not of her own making in Movietown (L.A., CA). Unsure what to do with herself, she is finally convinced to get back into the kitchen with breakfasts at the local B&B, which results in rave reviews that convince her that cooking remains in her future, but how is the big question.

That question receives an intriguing answer when Todd Black, owner of the Man Cave tavern offers his newly-purchased, in-need-of-renovation, Victorian house. Both Todd and his house capture Bailey's imagination and they partner up to create the new business.

But angst raises its head in the guise of middle sister Cecily, who is convinced she loves Todd and wants wants wants him. No matter that Luke Goodman has been in love with her since high school.

When Bailey makes her claim, at the expense of her relationship with Cecily, she leaves town to lick her wounds in LA, and comes back too late to attend the Grand Opening of the Tea Time Tea Shop, but just in time to realize her mistake with both Todd and Luke, thus setting up the tear-inducing happily-ever-after conclusion, along with some great recipes.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Amazing Sheila Roberts book. I did not put this one down. It was such a fun romance. Oh how I would LOVE to move to Icicle Falls. I want to be one of those women, living their lives in such a quaint town. Sheila has a way to bring you into the book, relate to the characters and make you fall right in love along with them. Each story can stand alone but as you read the this book series, every person in Icicle falls comes to life to blend each book into one great story of a small town. I still havent read What She Wants, the 3rd in the Icicle Falls series, but Im not missing any of the story because of it. I cant wait to read it though while waiting for Sheilas next book, The Lodge on Holly Road. This book follows Cecily and Bailey Sterling. Two sister falling for the same man, Todd Black, or so they think they are. When cecily discovers the attraction between her "man" and her sister, who just happens to be Todds business partner, sparks fly. In more ways then one. The two sisters must find a way to work out their differences and their love lives in such a small town...

[Dani C. (Polly's Place) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story started out with a bang and then it just seemed to taper off until near the end. I think while I felt bad for what Bailey went through I did not like how she treated her sister about Todd. I lost what little respect during this time. I ended up just feeling really sorry for Cecily.

Yes this does have a widower romance in it. Why anyone finds this romantic I will never understand. Luke still thinks about his dead wife but he doesn’t want to be alone and he wants to give his daughter a new mom. Then when he gets married his best man congratulates him in his speech for being able to find another good woman. Let me just tell you I don’t know of a bride who wants the dead wife even hinted about during her wedding.

While I was a bit disappointed in The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane I did enjoy reading it. The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane is number five in the Life in Icicle Falls series. I do think you need to read the first four books before reading this one to understand the Sterling family dynamic as well as those who live in this small town.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to live in Icicle Falls! I want to go to Zelda's and try a chocolate kiss! I love reading Sheila Robert's books period but I'm enthralled with the little town of Icicle Falls and all the people that live there. The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane focuses mainly on the three Sterling sisters, especially Cecily and Bailey. Bailey works in Hollywood as a caterer and unfortunately an actress that hires her wants publicity more than to help a struggling young girl in business. She fakes food poisoning and Bailey eventually heads back home to Icicle Falls. Her sister Cecily tries to help her until they both set their caps for the same man. Todd is dating Cecily but is going in business with Bailey to start a tea shop. An all out sister war ensues when they both want Todd as a boyfriend. With each subsequent book I read of Sheila's, I can't imagine her writing one any better until I get my hands on the newest one! This book is no exception. She writes clean books with no blatant sex scenes or bad language. I like that!

[DAISY READS HORROR · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Spoilers ahead**

I want to be a resident of Icicle Falls! OMG. It is such a cozy little town! I loved this book and I am super excited to read other Icicle Falls books and meet more of the residents there. I loved Todd at first. He made my heart flutter a few times but then I grew to despise him and Bailey towards the end of the book. I hated that they ended up together and that they crossed the line. Todd well he is a man so I really wasn't too surprised but Bailey being Cecily's sister WOW shame on her! Plenty of other men like Devin for her to set her eyes on. I found Luke to be so boring and I was surprised that at the end he turned into some lover boy all of a sudden towards Cecily. I hated way the characters ended up with each other. BUT I loved the story and town overall. I also loved Bailer's little history lesson on Tea at the end of the book.

Publisher provided copy of book in exchange for an honest review

[Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did this review by receive my advanced copy on Netgalley

Shelia Roberts is a new author to me and I must say I truly enjoyed this book.
Her writing style reminds me of authors such as Debbie Macomber, Marie Force, Barbara Freethy and Bella Andre.

Bailey, Samantha and Cecily are 3 loving sisters who support one another in every way until. Luke, Blake, Todd are three men who are important in the sisters lives. With 2 of those men both wanting Cecily for his woman it is a wonderful story of how they both try to woo her until Bailey returns to town and the story becomes very interesting. I love the way the author makes this story about more than a happy ending, she gives you also the story of family, trust, love and loyalty. I cannot wait to go and purchase the previous for stories in this series. This an excellent book and I suggest that romance readers give this author a chance to be added to their must read list.

[Angela Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the rest of this series I absolutely loved this book. When I start reading any of Sheila's book I want to savor each of them so I find myself reading even slower so that it will last me. I felt so bad for Bailey when the start faked the food poisoning - I don't know if I would have been as nice as Bailey was - I think I would have sued her for slander. It was so nice that the sisters stepped in and brought Bailey home to help her get through this tough time. As for Cecily - I also felt bad for her as it seems she just can't get a break when it comes to love. I don't want to spoil the story by telling you what happens but you will be happy with the ending. I would love to live in Icicle Falls as it is such a quaint little town with such good people.

[Maria Proctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when you start to have feelings for the man that your sister has been seeing? Back in her hometown of Icicle Falls, Bailey Sterling is licking her wounds after her a failed attempt as a caterer for the rich & famous out in L.A. She loves her sister, Cecily, but can't resist or deny her growing attraction to Todd Black. Cecily works for the family's chocolate company, & can find the perfect match for everyone but herself. This beautiful book reminds us to follow our hearts's true desire, & that things always do work themselves out in the end!

[(;Missy.Lala;) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good sisters book :)
It helped me learn what you would do if you fell in love with your sisters or even best friends BF :)

So, now I know :)

It's not necessary to read this series in order, because it really tells the same story as the other books, but the relationships between the characters are different in each book, and the setting changes a lot in each book :)

Which is why I wasn't freaking out when I was reading the 5th book.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Tea Shop on Lavender Lane ..by Sheila Roberts ..I received this FREE book from Goodreads first reads. Bailey loved to cook, she opened a catering business In L.A. . When a starlet faked food poisoning from her event, the bad publicity did Bailey in. She goes back home to be with her family and her two sisters. There is so much competition between them. She opens a tea shop and finds the love of her life.

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a free copy from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway Program and think that it interesting. I would recommend it to everyone.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed with this book. Given the title, I expected it to be more about a tea shop than it was. (I think I confused it with another series that also has a tea shop that specializes in lavender based products set in a small town--though I can't think of the book's title right now.) I think I've read at least one other book in the series so when I saw this one at the library book sale, I put it in one of the bags I filled for $2 each.

I guess I would put Sheila Roberts in the same genre as Debbie Macomber. Like Macomber, Roberts lets her characters go a bit further than I would like in their passion before she reels them in (to keep it in the somewhat clean romance genre). In this book, particularly with Cecily and Todd. That and the jealousy keep me from rating it any higher than average. It's probably actually slightly less than a 3 star read for me.

Book cover: I thought when Bailey and Todd were discussing the house/tea shop that Bailey said the house should be painted white with lavender trim. The house on the front cover is green with lavender trim.

There are some tea tips and recipes at the end of the book.

WARNING: SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW: READ ON AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION

*****

Bailey dreams of being "caterer to the stars" and perhaps parlaying that into a star culinary career. Her business comes crashing down when a starlet, craving publicity, pretends to fall ill at an event Bailey catered for her. It's a bit sad that a publicity stunt can ruin someone's business. Then again, this author seems to portray all Los Angelites as shallow. Bailey supposedly has a friend or two who moved to LA and encouraged her to join them--yet we see neither of them stick up for Bailey or book her for an event or even try to support her while all this is going on around her. Cecily's friend Margo also seems pretty self-centered in the one or two scenes we see her in.

We're not told why Cecily's matchmaking business failed (at least not in this book). She still seems to have some insights into who fits well together (at least for her friends). Two failed relationships have her a bit wary on the dating side of things though, yet she yearns for a husband and family. Cecily has two men after her: Luke (who's a widower with a young daughter. Someone who's proven he can be a family man) and Todd (a seeming playboy type who doesn't seem inclined to marry and be a family man). Cecily seems to be thinking with her hormones rather than rationally. Because she gets a bigger "tingle" from Todd, that's who she thinks is meant to be her soulmate. Though I'm sure both men would like to be exclusive with her, she kind of strings both along for a while.

It's a little convenient that Todd's mother mentions a tea room in a conversation with him and then someone (who doesn't know Todd's mother) mentions Icicle Falls needing one at the chamber meeting. It's at that meeting that Todd and Bailey first meet.

I can understand Cecily's insecurity about Todd, given her history and Todd's apparent effect on women. The fact that he doesn't change for her had me suspecting early on that Cecily and Todd would not be ending up married later in the book. I can also understand Cecily being hurt that Todd chose Bailey over her. I give Todd props that he went to Cecily and told her he was breaking up with her and admitted that he liked Bailey better. I'm sure it wasn't easy for him to do that, but at least he was being honest with her and not stringing her along or cheating on her with her sister.

I'm surprised Bailey took his word for the break up between himself and Cecily. Then again, maybe Cecily's treatment of Bailey made her more likely to believe what Todd said. I'll give Bailey a bit of credit in worrying about dating the man her sister wanted--but she sure didn't resist very hard or for very long.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've been enjoying the Life in Icicle Falls series until this book. I was livid with the way the author ended this one. I realize that when reading romance stories, at times you are expected to suspend reality but this was beyond believable. There were so many things wrong with this entry in the series (some spoilers included):
* I was looking forward to Cecily's story but the author spent way too much time having her vacillate between the 2 guys after showing us again & again that there was no chemistry between Luke and Cecily. Then she made her choice & hardly ever spent any time with Todd.
* Bailey is a spineless, whiny, untrustworthy brat. She did nothing to save her catering business - once the dr's rpt came back all she had to do was leak it to the press & they'd have been happy to shown a starlet was nothing more than a liar (tabloids love that stuff). She couldn't even inspire loyalty from her one employee which says a lot about who she is. So she goes home & leeches off her family and cries & whines about her life. Briefly I thought the author might put Eric & Bailey together which I would have gone for but instead, Bailey had to go after her sister's man. And even after she knew about it did nothing but continue to do so but then complain to her family that her sister was being mean to her. To show her at any time in this horrible book as the victim was laughable and insulting to the reader.
* Todd was all into Cecily for over a year then finally got time with her & didn't open up or really even talk to her. And in a blink of an eye, switched to being interested in her sister while still with Cecily. So Todd & Bailey (at least emotionally) cheated on Cecily during their "romance". Todd was beyond an ass when he dumped Cecily and then paraded around her sister on a date the very next day. And the biggest insult to the reader was when Todd led the charge in calling Cecily a selfish bitch bc she didn't forgive them within 2 weeks & show up to support Bailey at the shop opening.
* Cecily's friends were loyal to her at the 4th of July event & let the cheaters know how horrible they were. However then without so much as a conversation with Cecily or any time at all that passed they happily showed up the Tea Shop's opening. Not what would have occurred, esp in a small town. The cheaters & their new business would have (& should have) been boycotted and ultimately failed (besides who goes to a tea shop now?).
* For a family that is supposedly so close as the Sterlings, there is no way that the family would have been as accepting of a man who jumped from sister to sister. Muriel and Samantha were pathetic in not placing any blame on Bailey. The entire family was superficial and complete bitches to then turn on Cecily & force her to show up at the opening then criticize her when she was late. In reality she shouldn't have shown up at all.
* And the ending was rushed and forced - no one believes that Cecily or her devoted friends would show up to support the cheaters & their Tea Shop. The fact that the group all turned on Cecily for not being there after a few weeks to forgive the cheaters & wish them well was infuriating! Even more insulting to the reader was that Cecily did show up and forgive them; what BS!! And the final insult was to all of a sudden pair her off with Luke - who we all agreed showed no chemistry at all with Cecily.
We were forced into a maddening, horrible, unrealistic, and completely unsatisfying ending to the story. I was so disappointed with the entire story and really hope we see very little of the family in future installments of the series or I'll skip thru those sections or just give up on the series. This book was beyond awful.

[Shelly Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is around the 5th book in the Icicle Falls series so if you haven't read the others, you might want to do that first. You don't have to if you want to jump right in because it will still make sense that way but by reading the others first you have a better feel for the characters and the town.
This book centers mainly around Cecily and Bailey Sterling. It also has a few men thrown in there to make a big ol' mess! Cecily is sort of seeing these two guys Luke and Todd. Todd is the bad boy type and Luke the sweet family man type. Although Cecily feels like Luke may be the better choice for her she chooses Todd because he just makes her all flustered! After a year or two of chasing her, shes finally ready to choose and take her chances with Todd. She just doesn't want to get hurt again. In walks baby sister Bailey. When a food poisoning mishap sends her home from L.A., Cecily takes her in. All is well until Todd and Bailey meet and decide to start a tea shop together. Jealousy and feelings get all crazy and things happen. What things I won't tell you but it does test bonds and trust.
There are other storylines going on in the background of this main story as well. Not as many as sometimes but oldest sister Samantha has a bit of one going on.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to moving on to the next in the series.

[Gina Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beautiful cover of the book to the story inside, The Tea Shop on Lavendar Lane is another delightful installment to the Icicle Falls series. Filled with all of SR’s trademarks - humor, heart, small-town charm and sweetness.
We are immersed in the lives of the Sterling sisters, mainly Bailey and Cecily, now that they are together in Icicle Falls. Bailey has an unfortunate experience regarding her catering business in LA and flees to her hometown where she knows she’ll be wrapped in love and understanding. Things are going well and Bailey even decides to go into a business partnership in Icicle Falls opening a tea shop; until the sisters find themselves in a quandary - falling for the same man! Todd Black is the sexy tavern owner who has had an eye for the prim and proper Cecily until Bailey comes along with her lively spirit and it becomes clear that Bailey and Todd make a lot more sense together than Cecily and Todd. The funny thing is, Cecily knows it too! She has a thing for Luke Goodman, but because he doesn’t fall into her usual “type” she keeps dismissing her feelings even though when he kisses her she can’t deny the desire to be with him. It becomes increasingly difficult for Bailey and Todd to put their feelings aside as they become business partners and prepare for the opening of the Tea Shop. Can the sisterly bond be saved and will everyone end up with the right person and live happily ever after? Taking in the advice of family and friends and performing a little soul searching, anything is possible, especially in Icicle Falls. Happy Reading!