What do you think?
Rate this book
The Tea Chest
Kate Fullerton, talented tea designer and now co-owner of The Tea Chest, could never have imagined that she'd be flying from Brisbane to London, risking her young family's future, to save the business she loves from the woman who wants to shut it down.
Meanwhile, Leila Morton has just lost her job; and if Elizabeth Clancy had known today was the day she would appear on the nightly news, she might at least have put on some clothes. Both need to start again.
When the three women's paths unexpectedly cross, they throw themselves into realising Kate's magical vision for London's branch of The Tea Chest. But every time success is within their grasp, increasing tensions damage their trust in each other.
With the very real possibility that The Tea Chest will fail, Kate, Leila and Elizabeth must decide what's important to each of them. Are they willing to walk away or can they learn to believe in themselves?
An enchanting, witty novel about the unexpected situations life throws at us, and how love and friendship help us through. Written with heart and infused with the seductive scents of bergamot, Indian spices, lemon, rose and caramel, it's a world you won't want to leave.
Meanwhile, Leila Morton has just lost her job; and if Elizabeth Clancy had known today was the day she would appear on the nightly news, she might at least have put on some clothes. Both need to start again.
When the three women's paths unexpectedly cross, they throw themselves into realising Kate's magical vision for London's branch of The Tea Chest. But every time success is within their grasp, increasing tensions damage their trust in each other.
With the very real possibility that The Tea Chest will fail, Kate, Leila and Elizabeth must decide what's important to each of them. Are they willing to walk away or can they learn to believe in themselves?
An enchanting, witty novel about the unexpected situations life throws at us, and how love and friendship help us through. Written with heart and infused with the seductive scents of bergamot, Indian spices, lemon, rose and caramel, it's a world you won't want to leave.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
142 people are currently reading
1540 people want to read
About the author
Josephine Moon
13 books372 followersHello! I live in the Noosa hinterland in Australia and now have the great pleasure of writing warm-hearted, feel good, contemporary fiction books for adults and now kids too! I am published in Australia, NZ, UK, Ireland, Norway, Greece and Germany. I'm so grateful to everyone who buys and reads my books. Thank you!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
June 2, 2015
What a sweet story, centred on the visions of Simone and Kate, who meet at a market store where Kate is lovingly selling and creating tea. The story incorporates a group of women who have their own stories to tell, whose lives intermingle with love and disappointment, families and heartbreak. There is so much to know about tea, who'd have known! It was a nice centrepiece to a contemporary novel, it was enjoyable and light, much like your favourite cuppa I guess. Images of Brisbane and London were really enjoyable, with nice bits of romance here and there as well. Possibly there were a few too many back stories, but it didn't alter my enjoyment of the book. All's well that ends well of course, but it was just that kind of book, again, nothing wrong with that either. If you're looking for a sweet easy to read book, you will enjoy this one. I was initially going to give four stars, so I think my true rating for this is 3.5. I think this author is capable of telling a good entertaining story.
February 4, 2014
Being a lover of jacarandas, this book had me on page two when it described the enormous jacaranda outside the shop. It is a lovely description. There are lots of other equally descriptive passages conveyed in a few words. This is a mildly humours book about a group of women, for various reasons pulled out of their comfort zones. I felt a bit pulled around between them all and their individual stories and had a little trouble relating to the attitudes and lifestyle of these young women initially, until the story settled down into the part where the lives of these women cross.
Simone who has been mentor and friend to Kate Fullerton has left her The Tea Chest. Kate is the tea designer always inventing new blends, whereas Simone had been the business person. Judy, Simone’s stepsister is the other one who is part owner of The Tea Chest. Judy wants Kate to sell, without having seen the shop in London, but after a chat with her husband Mark who is supportive, looking after their two young boys, Kate flies off to London to save the business. This was when she meets Leila Morton who has just lost her job, Elizabeth Clancy who was betrayed by the man she thought she knew. We also meet her younger sister Victoria. For me this was when the story started to take off and I became much more involved.
There are fascinating descriptions of making designer teas, not that I am a person who is into such teas, but I know several people who take great delight in tea shops like this with their specialised teas. There is one place in the third last paragraph on Page 79 which reads Kate, when I think it should read Leila, but I assume as this is an uncorrected proof this will be picked up before the final print. It’s not a gripping story, but it is a fun filled tale of friendship, of betrayal and of people pulling together and it’s a good fun read.
Simone who has been mentor and friend to Kate Fullerton has left her The Tea Chest. Kate is the tea designer always inventing new blends, whereas Simone had been the business person. Judy, Simone’s stepsister is the other one who is part owner of The Tea Chest. Judy wants Kate to sell, without having seen the shop in London, but after a chat with her husband Mark who is supportive, looking after their two young boys, Kate flies off to London to save the business. This was when she meets Leila Morton who has just lost her job, Elizabeth Clancy who was betrayed by the man she thought she knew. We also meet her younger sister Victoria. For me this was when the story started to take off and I became much more involved.
There are fascinating descriptions of making designer teas, not that I am a person who is into such teas, but I know several people who take great delight in tea shops like this with their specialised teas. There is one place in the third last paragraph on Page 79 which reads Kate, when I think it should read Leila, but I assume as this is an uncorrected proof this will be picked up before the final print. It’s not a gripping story, but it is a fun filled tale of friendship, of betrayal and of people pulling together and it’s a good fun read.
June 23, 2014
I enjoyed reading this light and easy story about the dynamics and relationships between a group of women business partners and the impacts on their personal lives, while combining to run, maintain and manage two very successful Tea Chest Shops in Sydney and Brisbane...at the same time finding the means to establish a new store in England.
This new Tea Chest Shop was to be a new, daring venture into the overseas market, and was to be fashioned from an old rundown shop which had been previously purchased by one of the two co owners before her untimely death made it become the legacy of Kate...her friend and much valued employee tea designer.
Kate is very skilled in designing and making many versions of flavored teas, but not so skilled in the business and management side of things....
A nice insightful and easy read, especially for a tea/chai lover like myself. I gave it 3.5★s
January 1, 2015
THE TEA CHEST opens with Kate inheriting a half share of ‘The Tea Chest’ from its owner Simone. The other half is owned by Simone’s hateful half-sister Judy and she just wants to sell up and walk away. ‘The Tea Chest’ is a shop that sells specialty teas and associated tea related knick-knacks. There is the branch in Brisbane, where the story opens, another one in Sydney and a third one is scheduled to open up in London. Selling tea to the British is going to be a huge task, but Kate believes in the business and also believes it is her duty to honour Simone’s legacy. It's a huge step for Kate to take and a scary financial risk because Judy is not happy with the decision and will not put any money into the new venture. It also means Kate leaving her husband and young sons behind in Australia for months while she sets the London shop up. Kate and her husband are willing to take the risk, and a chance meeting has her recruiting Leila to handle the financial side of things and flying to London together. There, after another chance meeting in a London pub, Kate also hires Elizabeth and her sister Victoria. Leila is a publicist who needs to prove herself after she was fired for an incident with a fellow worker and management sided with him. Elizabeth had fled to London from Brisbane after she found out her husband was actually married to a woman in another country and had children with her. She and her sister Victoria are drowning Elizabeth’s sorrows at the pub when they meet and bond with Kate and Leila. The four women then have the challenge of turning a run-down dump into a beautiful attractive tea shop. They have to deal with a snooty shop owner in the same street that does not want any competition, negotiate with contractors and council inspectors, tread the murky waters of illegal immigrant workers, then deal with a dodgy financial backer and the face the terror of the London riots. On top of all this they each have to sort out what they want from life and grab it before it disappears.
THE TEA CHEST was an enjoyable and light read –not totally fluffy – just easy to read and I will happily read more books by Josephine Moon – she is in the throws of creating a new one right now. Then there are the teas, and not only are there the different teas, but the reader learns how they are created (and I have to say the idea of rose petals in tea fills me with horror). Kate, Leila and Elizabeth are all very believable characters and none of their journeys are smooth. The narrative switches between the women, each taking it in turns to propel the story forward and tell the reader how the different obstacles, both personal and professional, are faced and surmounted. All of them had a steep learning curve to climb and worked through the problems with the enthusiasm and support for each other. Then there is this odd little back story of Simone and Judy from their childhood through to the Simone’s death which I found a little off-putting and disjointed and is my only gripe with the story as it just seemed – well not necessary. I am a tea drinker – although not a very adventurous one. I enjoy other people making me tea but just can’t seem to get it right when I make it for myself. The trick I learned when using tea bags to make your cuppa (from Josephine Moon’s web page - http://josephinemoon.com/tea-tasting/ ) is not to squeeze the bag because this releases more tannin, and makes the tea taste bitter. I tried this today at work – I popped the bag in the mug, left it alone for a few minutes, took it out, didn’t squeeze the bag at all – and what a great cuppa it was!!! I just about moaned with delight. Maybe I SHOULD try rose petals?
With thanks to Allen & Unwin and the author for this copy to read and review.
THE TEA CHEST was an enjoyable and light read –not totally fluffy – just easy to read and I will happily read more books by Josephine Moon – she is in the throws of creating a new one right now. Then there are the teas, and not only are there the different teas, but the reader learns how they are created (and I have to say the idea of rose petals in tea fills me with horror). Kate, Leila and Elizabeth are all very believable characters and none of their journeys are smooth. The narrative switches between the women, each taking it in turns to propel the story forward and tell the reader how the different obstacles, both personal and professional, are faced and surmounted. All of them had a steep learning curve to climb and worked through the problems with the enthusiasm and support for each other. Then there is this odd little back story of Simone and Judy from their childhood through to the Simone’s death which I found a little off-putting and disjointed and is my only gripe with the story as it just seemed – well not necessary. I am a tea drinker – although not a very adventurous one. I enjoy other people making me tea but just can’t seem to get it right when I make it for myself. The trick I learned when using tea bags to make your cuppa (from Josephine Moon’s web page - http://josephinemoon.com/tea-tasting/ ) is not to squeeze the bag because this releases more tannin, and makes the tea taste bitter. I tried this today at work – I popped the bag in the mug, left it alone for a few minutes, took it out, didn’t squeeze the bag at all – and what a great cuppa it was!!! I just about moaned with delight. Maybe I SHOULD try rose petals?
With thanks to Allen & Unwin and the author for this copy to read and review.
September 15, 2016
The Tea Chest is the first novel by Australian author, Josephine Moon. Kate Fullerton is a happily married mum of two boys, and a tea artisan at an exclusive Brisbane tea boutique. When her patron, Simone Taylor, half-owner of The Tea Chest franchise, dies, Kate is surprised to learn that she has inherited Simone’s half share. The pressure is immediately on from the other half-owner, Judy Masters, to sell up, but Kate is determined to fulfil Simone’s dream of a Tea Chest shop in London.
Kate is the first to admit she will need practical organisational help in London, so Leila Morton’s immediate availability and excellent reference are like a godsend. Leila is enthusiastic about the project, and rationalises her economy with the true facts of her previous employment as saving Kate added stress.
Elizabeth Clancy’s world has fallen apart: dreams of becoming a mother are unlikely to come true with a bigamist husband who’s had a vasectomy. She beats a retreat to her parents in London. Her younger sister, Victoria is determined to raise her out of the doldrums, and a chance meeting in a pub sees the sisters working with Kate and Leila to meet a looming deadline for the grand opening.
Moon uses four narrators to tell her story: Kate, Leila and Elizabeth relate various aspects of the present day and recent past, while Judy’s short and infrequent parts provide background about the relationship between Simone and Judy. Short text messages from Kate’s husband Mark add humour, as does some of the dialogue. There’s a bit of intrigue, a bit of romance and quite a lot of tea.
This is a fairly light read. Even though the characters face problems and ultimately learn to believe in themselves, some problems seem to be just a bit too easily solved; other aspects that ought to have been addressed seem glossed over; and would you really hand over a quarter of a million dollars so easily? Inclusion of the London riots and their personal effects is certainly topical. A promising debut novel that make a pleasant read.
Kate is the first to admit she will need practical organisational help in London, so Leila Morton’s immediate availability and excellent reference are like a godsend. Leila is enthusiastic about the project, and rationalises her economy with the true facts of her previous employment as saving Kate added stress.
Elizabeth Clancy’s world has fallen apart: dreams of becoming a mother are unlikely to come true with a bigamist husband who’s had a vasectomy. She beats a retreat to her parents in London. Her younger sister, Victoria is determined to raise her out of the doldrums, and a chance meeting in a pub sees the sisters working with Kate and Leila to meet a looming deadline for the grand opening.
Moon uses four narrators to tell her story: Kate, Leila and Elizabeth relate various aspects of the present day and recent past, while Judy’s short and infrequent parts provide background about the relationship between Simone and Judy. Short text messages from Kate’s husband Mark add humour, as does some of the dialogue. There’s a bit of intrigue, a bit of romance and quite a lot of tea.
This is a fairly light read. Even though the characters face problems and ultimately learn to believe in themselves, some problems seem to be just a bit too easily solved; other aspects that ought to have been addressed seem glossed over; and would you really hand over a quarter of a million dollars so easily? Inclusion of the London riots and their personal effects is certainly topical. A promising debut novel that make a pleasant read.
December 22, 2014
I am struggling to review this book - trying to think of something to say! It was a light, mildly entertaining book, probably described best as a beach read, that is no concentration necessary. Oh except when it suddenly pops back in time which does make the reader jerk to attention. The characters are all smart and beautiful and whenever something bad happens there is always a feeling that it will get better very quickly. Just an okay read - nothing memorable.
April 14, 2014
The future of the 'The Tea Chest', a boutique chain offering gourmet and custom tea blends, is in doubt after Simone Taylor's sudden death. Judy, Simone's step-sister and part owner, is desperate to sell but Kate Fullerton, who inherited Simone's share of the business, is determined to follow through on her mentor's vision and launch a new store in London. It's a huge undertaking, a scary financial risk, and means leaving her husband and young sons behind in Australia for months, but if it succeeds, Kate's wildest dreams could come true.
A charming debut novel from Josephine Moon, The Tea Chest is a story about self belief, friendship, love and tea.
As a tea designer, with no experience in running a business, Kate knows she needs help and during the process of readying the store recruits Leila Morton, and sisters Elizabeth Clancy and Victoria Plimsworth. All four women, have something to prove, to themselves and others, and need to work together to launch The Tea Chest on time, and on budget, but their path is strewn with obstacles, both personal and professional.
A third person narrative shifts between the perspectives of the four women, providing individual back story while moving the story forward, and an additional narrative begins about a third of the way into the book to share Judy's story. To be honest I found this thread a bit distracting as it seems so removed from the main action, though ultimately it explains Judy's motivation for selling.
The technicalities of tea making didn't really interest me, as I don't drink tea (or coffee) but Moon infuses Kate's passion for blending with a romanticism and glamour that is appealing, and I'd certainly be tempted to stop and browse in The Tea Chest should I pass it on the street.
I thought The Tea Chest was a light, easy read with a lovely message about trusting yourself and reaching for a happy ending.
April 6, 2014
First a big thank you to good reads for giving me the opportunity to read this book pre release. Was looking forward to this book as had been likened to authors such as cathy Kelly etc. This debut novel was a huge letdown from the beginning to the end. Had to force myself to finish the book it seemed to me to have no substance whatsoever and the characters in the story didn't seem to gell together. This book jumped from one character to another with really nothing binding them together
November 9, 2015
You know how there are some books that you just know from the opening lines that you are going to love them? Admittedly this instinct is often a bit askew in me…but it wasn’t this time.
The story is told in the present day with the main character, Kate, inheriting a tea-making business called The Tea Chest from Simone. She heads to London to open a branch of the tea shop there, aided and abetted by 3 other women and her very supportive husband, Mark.
As well as the present day story, there are flashbacks to Simone and her half-sister, Judy, who is an unsympathetic partner in The Tea Chest. I normally love flashbacks to other times, but in this case, they did irritate me as they didn’t actually seem to serve a purpose. They were often placed right after some bombshell had been dropped in the present day story, and that frustrated me when I wanted to keep reading the main story. So Simone is dead from the beginning of the story. We knew Judy was a partner, and was obstructive and unhelpful when Kate wanted to do new and innovative things, but the flashbacks didn’t really explain why she was like that. Nor did they explain anything toward the bits of the story immediately either side - at least not that I could see. They felt rather extraneous.
But I enjoyed the references to Brisbane, being a Brisbaneite myself. I also loved the descriptions of the scents of tea blends, of the English countryside, of The Tea Chest in London. Josephine Moon has some lovely passages. Some of my favourites are below:
“Kate turned the key and opened the white French doors, letting the river breezes enter the shop, pick up the scents of bergamot, Indian spices, lemons, rose and caramel and swirl them towards her in a morning greeting she would never tire of.”
“White picket-fence palings had been glued to the walls in among the flower beds and plants. A huge water feature dominated the centre of the room, with two white entwined doves topping the piece. A small wooden wheelbarrow with rusted metal wheels sat overflowing with bright purple, pink, white and yellow petunias. Scooped wooden gates with iron hinges acted as shelves and partitions.”
This description continues on, but I’ll stop there - but I can just see all that and wish I was there!!
”Kate and Leila booked into a bed-and-breakfast in a small village of charming stone cottages with shingle roofs. Mighty willow trees hung over a river crossed by arched stone bridges; wooden coach wheels lay against the buildings; leafy green vines wound their way up walls; and window boxes overflowed with bright flowers. It was like walking through the set of an English country drama."
It was a little predictable at times, but that didn’t affect my pleasure in reading it. It was an easy read - I read it in just over a day and it was just what I needed after some recent reads that were a little more challenging!
The story is told in the present day with the main character, Kate, inheriting a tea-making business called The Tea Chest from Simone. She heads to London to open a branch of the tea shop there, aided and abetted by 3 other women and her very supportive husband, Mark.
As well as the present day story, there are flashbacks to Simone and her half-sister, Judy, who is an unsympathetic partner in The Tea Chest. I normally love flashbacks to other times, but in this case, they did irritate me as they didn’t actually seem to serve a purpose. They were often placed right after some bombshell had been dropped in the present day story, and that frustrated me when I wanted to keep reading the main story. So Simone is dead from the beginning of the story. We knew Judy was a partner, and was obstructive and unhelpful when Kate wanted to do new and innovative things, but the flashbacks didn’t really explain why she was like that. Nor did they explain anything toward the bits of the story immediately either side - at least not that I could see. They felt rather extraneous.
But I enjoyed the references to Brisbane, being a Brisbaneite myself. I also loved the descriptions of the scents of tea blends, of the English countryside, of The Tea Chest in London. Josephine Moon has some lovely passages. Some of my favourites are below:
“Kate turned the key and opened the white French doors, letting the river breezes enter the shop, pick up the scents of bergamot, Indian spices, lemons, rose and caramel and swirl them towards her in a morning greeting she would never tire of.”
“White picket-fence palings had been glued to the walls in among the flower beds and plants. A huge water feature dominated the centre of the room, with two white entwined doves topping the piece. A small wooden wheelbarrow with rusted metal wheels sat overflowing with bright purple, pink, white and yellow petunias. Scooped wooden gates with iron hinges acted as shelves and partitions.”
This description continues on, but I’ll stop there - but I can just see all that and wish I was there!!
”Kate and Leila booked into a bed-and-breakfast in a small village of charming stone cottages with shingle roofs. Mighty willow trees hung over a river crossed by arched stone bridges; wooden coach wheels lay against the buildings; leafy green vines wound their way up walls; and window boxes overflowed with bright flowers. It was like walking through the set of an English country drama."
It was a little predictable at times, but that didn’t affect my pleasure in reading it. It was an easy read - I read it in just over a day and it was just what I needed after some recent reads that were a little more challenging!
May 22, 2014
I gave up at 37%. too many flashbacks, very confusing and disjointed. We do not stay long enough with any character to care about them or frankly to care at all.
April 13, 2014
***SPOILERS*** I have added a few of my favourite lines and comments at the end of this review
'Kate Fullerton, talented tea designer and now co-owner of The Tea Chest, could never have imagined that she'd be flying from Brisbane to London, risking her young families future, to save the business she loves from the woman who wants to shut it down.
Meanwhile, Leila Morton has just lost her job; and if Elizabeth Clancy had know today was the day she would appear on the nightly news, she might at least have put on some clothes. Both need to move on.
When Kate, Leila and Elizabeth's paths cross, they throw themselves into realising Kate's vision of the newest and most delectable tea shop in London, The Tea Chest. But with the very real possibility that The Tea Chest may fail, the three women are forced to decide what's important to each of them.
An enchanting, witty novel about the unexpected situations life throws at us, and how love and friendship help us through. Written with heart and infused with the seductive scents of bergamot, Indian spices, lemon, rose and caramel, it's a world you won't want to leave.'
The Tea Chest is a truly amazing story. If it were released as a movie in cinemas tomorrow, I'd be first in line for a ticket!
Josephine Moon has a wonderfully descriptive way of writing. I could see the images, and almost smell the scents within this story. I found myself wanting to track down this store and indulge myself in their wonderful products.
There was a beautiful underlying feeling of faith, honesty, friendship and possibility.
As the blurb says 'it's a world you won't want to leave.' This was certainly my feeling upon finishing the story. That, and the urge to find my nearest tea store and buy some amazing blends. Chai anyone?
***The following are some of my favourite comments and lines from The Tea Chest***
~ It was a pity her fathers' hearing wasn't as sharp as his mind. It wasn't the coeliac killer at all. It was the steely-eyed killer. (Ch 3, pg 40)
~ Simone had detested the term 'chain' store - the McDonaldisation of tea. She preferred to think of the collection of locations as a charm bracelet - everything connected but each piece an individual with a story. (Ch 11, pg 126)
~ She might not be pestering her to borrow makeup or to tag along to Elizabeth's friends' houses, but inside, she was still the little girl who looked up to her. Elizabeth made a mental note to remember that. (Ch 15, pg 181)
~ "You never know, my darling girl. You just never know what will happen if you believe in yourself. No matter what your clothes say or how much money is in the bread tin. Your time to shine will come. Happy birthday." (Ch 26, pg 341)
'Kate Fullerton, talented tea designer and now co-owner of The Tea Chest, could never have imagined that she'd be flying from Brisbane to London, risking her young families future, to save the business she loves from the woman who wants to shut it down.
Meanwhile, Leila Morton has just lost her job; and if Elizabeth Clancy had know today was the day she would appear on the nightly news, she might at least have put on some clothes. Both need to move on.
When Kate, Leila and Elizabeth's paths cross, they throw themselves into realising Kate's vision of the newest and most delectable tea shop in London, The Tea Chest. But with the very real possibility that The Tea Chest may fail, the three women are forced to decide what's important to each of them.
An enchanting, witty novel about the unexpected situations life throws at us, and how love and friendship help us through. Written with heart and infused with the seductive scents of bergamot, Indian spices, lemon, rose and caramel, it's a world you won't want to leave.'
The Tea Chest is a truly amazing story. If it were released as a movie in cinemas tomorrow, I'd be first in line for a ticket!
Josephine Moon has a wonderfully descriptive way of writing. I could see the images, and almost smell the scents within this story. I found myself wanting to track down this store and indulge myself in their wonderful products.
There was a beautiful underlying feeling of faith, honesty, friendship and possibility.
As the blurb says 'it's a world you won't want to leave.' This was certainly my feeling upon finishing the story. That, and the urge to find my nearest tea store and buy some amazing blends. Chai anyone?
***The following are some of my favourite comments and lines from The Tea Chest***
~ It was a pity her fathers' hearing wasn't as sharp as his mind. It wasn't the coeliac killer at all. It was the steely-eyed killer. (Ch 3, pg 40)
~ Simone had detested the term 'chain' store - the McDonaldisation of tea. She preferred to think of the collection of locations as a charm bracelet - everything connected but each piece an individual with a story. (Ch 11, pg 126)
~ She might not be pestering her to borrow makeup or to tag along to Elizabeth's friends' houses, but inside, she was still the little girl who looked up to her. Elizabeth made a mental note to remember that. (Ch 15, pg 181)
~ "You never know, my darling girl. You just never know what will happen if you believe in yourself. No matter what your clothes say or how much money is in the bread tin. Your time to shine will come. Happy birthday." (Ch 26, pg 341)
June 21, 2018
3.5 stars
I have a few top favourite genres and this is one of them. I’m always left feeling happy after an easy, fun and light chick lit read. And Josephine Moon did a wonderful job of pasting a huge smile on my face as this was thoroughly delightful. This is my first book by this author and it certainly won’t be my last.
Josephine Moon created an excellent cast of characters, the three women working for Kate were extremely likeable and a bunch of women that are easy to relate to.
I found the idea of a tea themed book interesting, I’m not a big tea drinker but I do enjoy trying different types of tea blends - always fun to walk into a shop and spot an unusual blend. The author did a fabulous job of describing the beautiful Tea Chest shop and variety of tea blends.
Although a bit slow it picked up half way through and the last 100 pages were suspenseful with unexpected twists which was choice and had me flipping the pages lickety-split.
Very happy this book was written by an Australian as for some reason I thought Josephine Moon was American. (Must state though, I do love American authors too). Recommended.
*Book ‘m’ of the a-z author challenge 2018
I have a few top favourite genres and this is one of them. I’m always left feeling happy after an easy, fun and light chick lit read. And Josephine Moon did a wonderful job of pasting a huge smile on my face as this was thoroughly delightful. This is my first book by this author and it certainly won’t be my last.
Josephine Moon created an excellent cast of characters, the three women working for Kate were extremely likeable and a bunch of women that are easy to relate to.
I found the idea of a tea themed book interesting, I’m not a big tea drinker but I do enjoy trying different types of tea blends - always fun to walk into a shop and spot an unusual blend. The author did a fabulous job of describing the beautiful Tea Chest shop and variety of tea blends.
Although a bit slow it picked up half way through and the last 100 pages were suspenseful with unexpected twists which was choice and had me flipping the pages lickety-split.
Very happy this book was written by an Australian as for some reason I thought Josephine Moon was American. (Must state though, I do love American authors too). Recommended.
*Book ‘m’ of the a-z author challenge 2018
March 2, 2016
The Tea Chest by Josephine Moon is a delightful, easy-to-read adventure of dreams of owning and setting up a Tea Shop in London naming it The Tea Chest.
It is an enchanting and witty novel of real-life situations.
I'm a Tea Addict so I naturally loved this book!
Rose petal tea, lavender, lemon myrtle, chai, bergamot just to name a few. Of course, there are many other varieties and concoctions to delight your taste buds!
I won't tell you what they all are as you must read and savour this all for yourself when you read the book.
I am myself now, going to pull out from the pantry my rosebud, lavender and lemon myrtle teas I have stashed away. Instead of saving them for a rainy day, I'm going to drink them now!
The other thing I loved about this book was hearing all about some of the areas in and around London like The Cotswolds where countryside can be found and some lavender blooming.
I could also picture English flowery teacups and teapots while I had scones and jam and cream with my favourite blend of tea.
Josephine Moon is a talented, aspiring writer with an excellent future.
The Tea Chest was her first novel and since then she has written The Chocolate Promise which I've also read and thoroughly enjoyed.
I am now looking forward to reading her latest novel soon to be released called The Beekeeper's Secret.
It is an enchanting and witty novel of real-life situations.
I'm a Tea Addict so I naturally loved this book!
Rose petal tea, lavender, lemon myrtle, chai, bergamot just to name a few. Of course, there are many other varieties and concoctions to delight your taste buds!
I won't tell you what they all are as you must read and savour this all for yourself when you read the book.
I am myself now, going to pull out from the pantry my rosebud, lavender and lemon myrtle teas I have stashed away. Instead of saving them for a rainy day, I'm going to drink them now!
The other thing I loved about this book was hearing all about some of the areas in and around London like The Cotswolds where countryside can be found and some lavender blooming.
I could also picture English flowery teacups and teapots while I had scones and jam and cream with my favourite blend of tea.
Josephine Moon is a talented, aspiring writer with an excellent future.
The Tea Chest was her first novel and since then she has written The Chocolate Promise which I've also read and thoroughly enjoyed.
I am now looking forward to reading her latest novel soon to be released called The Beekeeper's Secret.
November 27, 2013
I received an advance copy of this book and fell in love with the concept immediately. I loved the cover, which drew me straight away. Then when I read the blurb I was hooked. I love tea and the different flavours you can find and create for yourself. Elizabeth was a great character, strong yet insecure. I liked how the author wove the friendship of the three women and linked them all into a fantastic group. The difficulties in opening up another tea shop and the risk of trusting your money to strangers is all to familiar to people and I think this book will resonate with a lot of people.
I really want to try making my own tea blends after reading this novel, the author made it sound like so much fun.
A light easy read that will make you want to keep going until you get right to the very end and leave you wanting more.
Keep an eye out for it in April 2014
I really want to try making my own tea blends after reading this novel, the author made it sound like so much fun.
A light easy read that will make you want to keep going until you get right to the very end and leave you wanting more.
Keep an eye out for it in April 2014
May 4, 2014
What a fantastic story! I was absorbed from the first page, enjoying the characters and storyline, and the events that brought them together. The story flowed so well, with flashbacks that were informative and easy to understand and follow. I thoroughly enjoyed that there were unexpected twists and could not put the book down. As with all books, the time it took to read was a gift I give myself...but now I am left to mourn the end of the book, and to miss the wonderful characters. A beautiful book, well worth reading!
Review provided by avid reader and book buyer Tracey Hay (and mother of sales assistant Stephanie)
Review provided by avid reader and book buyer Tracey Hay (and mother of sales assistant Stephanie)
February 1, 2015
Need more books like this. The Tea Chest was absolutely lovely. As a tea fanatic and someone who has an interest in design this book spoke perfectly to me (and my business background too). I loved Moon's style of writing, her imagery was stunning and everything was depicted in such a picturesque manner. Her characters all had very distinctive and unique personalities which made it easy to distinguish between who I was reading.
I really want to visit England now and, more than ever, I wish The Tea Chest was a real shop!
I really want to visit England now and, more than ever, I wish The Tea Chest was a real shop!
August 3, 2022
I had low expectations for this book , but it was reasonably enjoyable. A good audio book to listen to while I'm sick and can't fully concentrate
July 27, 2014
was offered a copy of this book by Sam Redman at Allen & Unwin the publishers for The Tea Chest in exchange for an honest review which I'm more than happy to give. Firstly, I have to mention the marketing for this book - it is the best I've seen in years. I received my copy of The Tea Chest along with a beautiful t-towel, t-bag to make my own brew and a hand written post card hoping I'd enjoy the book.
Simone part owner of the Tea Chest, met Kate at the market where she had a successful stall, blending and mixing teas - she made her an offer she couldn't refuse and a beautiful friendship was formed. For six years they worked alongside each other building upon and growing the already successful Tea Chest. The only fly in the ointment was Judy, Simones silent investor, who didn't seem to share in the joy of the business. It was a shock to both to discover upon Simone's sudden death that she had left her half not to her backer Judy but to her friend Kate.
It's fair to say both were shocked. Judy was pushing Kate to sell up, Kate wanted to fulfil hers and Simones dreams of opening the proposed London store. Something she forges ahead with despite the fact it could destroy her family in the process.
Kate is joined in her battle by three women she meets along the way. Leila, in answer to a job ad, Elizabeth and Victoria after a 'drowning their sorrows session' in the pub. Each of the women are very different, bringing different qualities to the team. Each having their own problems and stories to tell.
I loved the way they latched on to each other, drawing strength from the project - working tirelessly towards the store opening. With every set back and problem encountered a layer was lifted, revealing four, raw, emotional characters that needed a purpose and each other to re-build themselves - using The Tea Chest as an anchor as their characters evolved.
I laughed and groaned, had many 'OMG no' moments and generally smiled throughout the whole of this book. I can't describe just quite how much I loved it. Josephine captured a bit of my heart in the telling of this story. The descriptions given to everything are so vivid. The store, the flowers, the outfits they chose and in particular the contents of the shop - my mouth literally watered the whole way through the book, I could smell and taste the flavours so strongly.
Whilst I sat in the sunshine, sipping my tea, Josephine through The Tea Chest mixed and blended a delightful tale allowing a front row seat to watch the four women grow, to discover things about themselves and each other - to observe the selfless acts of kindness each displayed to each other, putting others before themselves. The supporting cast, husbands, boyfriends, friends, family and neighbouring shop keepers actively enhanced the story as they dipped in and out. But, for me, I particularly loved the parts where we got to know and understand Simone and Judy, as the current story moved forward, Simone and Judy's went backwards - leaving a clearer understanding of their relationship and why Judy was the character she was.
I can't tell you how much I loved this book and highly recommend it - when the chips are down, support is found in unlikely places, showing we all need to accept help and friendship not just give it to grow and understand what we as individuals are capable of if we put our minds to it.
Simone part owner of the Tea Chest, met Kate at the market where she had a successful stall, blending and mixing teas - she made her an offer she couldn't refuse and a beautiful friendship was formed. For six years they worked alongside each other building upon and growing the already successful Tea Chest. The only fly in the ointment was Judy, Simones silent investor, who didn't seem to share in the joy of the business. It was a shock to both to discover upon Simone's sudden death that she had left her half not to her backer Judy but to her friend Kate.
It's fair to say both were shocked. Judy was pushing Kate to sell up, Kate wanted to fulfil hers and Simones dreams of opening the proposed London store. Something she forges ahead with despite the fact it could destroy her family in the process.
Kate is joined in her battle by three women she meets along the way. Leila, in answer to a job ad, Elizabeth and Victoria after a 'drowning their sorrows session' in the pub. Each of the women are very different, bringing different qualities to the team. Each having their own problems and stories to tell.
I loved the way they latched on to each other, drawing strength from the project - working tirelessly towards the store opening. With every set back and problem encountered a layer was lifted, revealing four, raw, emotional characters that needed a purpose and each other to re-build themselves - using The Tea Chest as an anchor as their characters evolved.
I laughed and groaned, had many 'OMG no' moments and generally smiled throughout the whole of this book. I can't describe just quite how much I loved it. Josephine captured a bit of my heart in the telling of this story. The descriptions given to everything are so vivid. The store, the flowers, the outfits they chose and in particular the contents of the shop - my mouth literally watered the whole way through the book, I could smell and taste the flavours so strongly.
Whilst I sat in the sunshine, sipping my tea, Josephine through The Tea Chest mixed and blended a delightful tale allowing a front row seat to watch the four women grow, to discover things about themselves and each other - to observe the selfless acts of kindness each displayed to each other, putting others before themselves. The supporting cast, husbands, boyfriends, friends, family and neighbouring shop keepers actively enhanced the story as they dipped in and out. But, for me, I particularly loved the parts where we got to know and understand Simone and Judy, as the current story moved forward, Simone and Judy's went backwards - leaving a clearer understanding of their relationship and why Judy was the character she was.
I can't tell you how much I loved this book and highly recommend it - when the chips are down, support is found in unlikely places, showing we all need to accept help and friendship not just give it to grow and understand what we as individuals are capable of if we put our minds to it.
October 3, 2016
Josephine Moon's The Tea Chest is a pleasant, deeply satisfying, sweet read.
When Simone Taylor leaves her half of the Tea Chest (which sells high-end exotic tea blends) to her tea designer Kate Fullerton, rather than to her step-sister, financial backer and co-owner, Judy Masters, Kate is faced with the biggest decision of her life. Should she play safe and sell her share as Judy urges her to do (for her own reasons) or should she risk all she and her husband Mark have achieved, her home, and family life to pursue Simone's dream of opening another store in uptown London? Kate faces big challenges and is assisted in her quest by Leila Morton (who just lost her job in a moment of unbridled frustration) and Elizabeth Clancy (who has discovered her husband's deceit and betrayal).
The Tea Chest is well written, plenty of laughs and tears, a build up to a huge climax and a satisfying if somewhat extended ending (as it ties up every loose end conceivable). It explores relationships, friendship, the nature of love and marriage and family, taking risks, being yourself and fighting for your dreams. I loved the depth of relationship in between friends and family even when those relationships were complicated and conflicted (especially between Simone and Judy). Mark (Kate's husband) is a keeper, especially supportive, wise and loving & Kate's love for her two young boys is endearing. I enjoyed both the Brisbane and London settings - and the there are some truly humourous moments. Even the tragic moments had a hint of comedy (perhaps because some of the characters, such as Elizabeth's parents, the shopkeepers or the contractors were comic characters).
I did think her gag of the contractor company called The Holy Trinity (consisting of a stereotypical Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim) had the potential of putting off four major faiths (or at least two - as the Trinity is anathema to Muslims & a core belief for Christians). Also the use of illegal immigrants as almost keystone cops or fawlty towers comic figures was a little forced (though other non-Caucasians were portrayed with more sensitivity). But I think the main thing for me was that 1) she threw so many major disasters at Kate in the lead up to the climax that it became hard to take them all seriously, 2) it was very obvious where the business-type mistakes that led to one of those disasters was going which was quite frustrating.
However, these are small clouds in an otherwise blue sky. I did really enjoy reading The Tea Chest and think that Josephine Moon's own words are an apt description of her book.
"I like to think of my books as being like a good chocolate brownie--rich, comforting, uplifting, but with a few chunky nuts to chew on. " https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
When Simone Taylor leaves her half of the Tea Chest (which sells high-end exotic tea blends) to her tea designer Kate Fullerton, rather than to her step-sister, financial backer and co-owner, Judy Masters, Kate is faced with the biggest decision of her life. Should she play safe and sell her share as Judy urges her to do (for her own reasons) or should she risk all she and her husband Mark have achieved, her home, and family life to pursue Simone's dream of opening another store in uptown London? Kate faces big challenges and is assisted in her quest by Leila Morton (who just lost her job in a moment of unbridled frustration) and Elizabeth Clancy (who has discovered her husband's deceit and betrayal).
The Tea Chest is well written, plenty of laughs and tears, a build up to a huge climax and a satisfying if somewhat extended ending (as it ties up every loose end conceivable). It explores relationships, friendship, the nature of love and marriage and family, taking risks, being yourself and fighting for your dreams. I loved the depth of relationship in between friends and family even when those relationships were complicated and conflicted (especially between Simone and Judy). Mark (Kate's husband) is a keeper, especially supportive, wise and loving & Kate's love for her two young boys is endearing. I enjoyed both the Brisbane and London settings - and the there are some truly humourous moments. Even the tragic moments had a hint of comedy (perhaps because some of the characters, such as Elizabeth's parents, the shopkeepers or the contractors were comic characters).
I did think her gag of the contractor company called The Holy Trinity (consisting of a stereotypical Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim) had the potential of putting off four major faiths (or at least two - as the Trinity is anathema to Muslims & a core belief for Christians). Also the use of illegal immigrants as almost keystone cops or fawlty towers comic figures was a little forced (though other non-Caucasians were portrayed with more sensitivity). But I think the main thing for me was that 1) she threw so many major disasters at Kate in the lead up to the climax that it became hard to take them all seriously, 2) it was very obvious where the business-type mistakes that led to one of those disasters was going which was quite frustrating.
However, these are small clouds in an otherwise blue sky. I did really enjoy reading The Tea Chest and think that Josephine Moon's own words are an apt description of her book.
"I like to think of my books as being like a good chocolate brownie--rich, comforting, uplifting, but with a few chunky nuts to chew on. " https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
July 28, 2014
As a tea drinker—and a coffee fiend—I really appreciated the attention to detail which author Josephine Moon pays to the timeless brew in this debut novel. The fictional chain store ‘The Tea Chest’ in not unlike some of the wonderful boutique tea shops that I have frequented, and for me, it’s like visiting a magical place. Naff I know, but it must have something to do with all of those heady aromas. To her credit, Moon manages to capture this to a tee (pun intended).
Kate Fullerton is the heroine of this novel and is responsible for the design of the blends sold in the tea store. When she inherits a share in the chain after the tragic death of her boss Simone Taylor, Kate is determined to follow through on Simone’s dream to set up a store in London and sell tea to the Brits.
This is the story of three women whose paths cross by sheer accident and who work together to overcome their own problems, along with all the issues of setting up a business in a new city with no one and nothing to rely on except pure determination. On the fringe of this story is a fourth woman, the other part-owner in the business. Her connection to Simone and the history they shared was one of the more interested sub plots in the novel.
Unfortunately, for me, the interaction of the characters sometimes seemed confusing and although we are given back stories and current catastrophes for each of them to overcome, it is a shame that we don’t get to delve deeper into their lives. I was left feeling like I only got to know them on a small-chat level and as a consequence didn’t really care enough about what happened to them.
This is a bright and breezy read which will definitely have you reaching for the teapot.
Kate Fullerton is the heroine of this novel and is responsible for the design of the blends sold in the tea store. When she inherits a share in the chain after the tragic death of her boss Simone Taylor, Kate is determined to follow through on Simone’s dream to set up a store in London and sell tea to the Brits.
This is the story of three women whose paths cross by sheer accident and who work together to overcome their own problems, along with all the issues of setting up a business in a new city with no one and nothing to rely on except pure determination. On the fringe of this story is a fourth woman, the other part-owner in the business. Her connection to Simone and the history they shared was one of the more interested sub plots in the novel.
Unfortunately, for me, the interaction of the characters sometimes seemed confusing and although we are given back stories and current catastrophes for each of them to overcome, it is a shame that we don’t get to delve deeper into their lives. I was left feeling like I only got to know them on a small-chat level and as a consequence didn’t really care enough about what happened to them.
This is a bright and breezy read which will definitely have you reaching for the teapot.
February 15, 2014
I was fortunate to receive a free advance copy of this book from Good Reads, and enjoyed it very much. It explored a variety of themes: romance, betrayal, trust, self belief, familial love, women's struggles to "have it all", and the comforts of food and drink (tea, of course, in particular). The writing was engaging, and the story contained enough twists and turns to keep the reader anticipating the next page. I did, however, find the flashbacks inserted here and there rather disjointed, and they slowed the story's momentum somewhat. As a means to provide back story I found it a little clumsy. But overall it was a great book to curl up and get lost in.
September 14, 2019
Chick-lit isn't usually my cup of tea (pun intended!), but the promised aesthetic of a tea shop drew me in, and the feminism kept me there. This book is a lovely comfort read and absolutely delivered on the tea vibe. I loved how the women dealt with their own issues but also built a safety net among themselves over the course of the story. (I do wish Leila had come clean with Lucas about the email, though.) There was more depth and complexity than I expected, and Moon did a great job of promoting healthy relationships and demonstrating what they do and don't look like.
February 8, 2018
Every woman should read this book. It talks about how much women have capability to build up their strength & follow their ambitions. It was my second book by the author Josephine Moon. She is into foods. All in all you will like tea especially herbal teas more after reading this book.
December 12, 2018
Who are these people? What are they doing? How do they know each other? Will someone PLEASE explain to me what's going on?!
These were my first thoughts reading The Tea Chest. I feel like I've picked up a book halfway through and I'm expected to know who all these people are and what they are doing. So eventually that confusion is cleared up slightly, and you're left with a woman trying to sell tea to the English. A joke that is replayed a number of times. It wasn't funny the first time, we get it.
All four women have things happening in their lives that they are trying to understand, overcome, push through etc, and we explore these individual journeys through the context of making Chai tea. Well sort of, it might be giving the book too much credit to describe the narrative as a metaphor of tea making.
These were my first thoughts reading The Tea Chest. I feel like I've picked up a book halfway through and I'm expected to know who all these people are and what they are doing. So eventually that confusion is cleared up slightly, and you're left with a woman trying to sell tea to the English. A joke that is replayed a number of times. It wasn't funny the first time, we get it.
All four women have things happening in their lives that they are trying to understand, overcome, push through etc, and we explore these individual journeys through the context of making Chai tea. Well sort of, it might be giving the book too much credit to describe the narrative as a metaphor of tea making.
April 9, 2014
For Kate Fullerton, working at The Tea Chest in Brisbane was her dream job. It came along at an inconvenient time but with some co-operation from her husband they were able to really make it work. A few years down the track Kate suddenly finds herself a part owner in the business she loves so much and she feels the responsibility to leave Brisbane and fly to London and overtake the opening of a store there. It’s going to be a very difficult job – the shop they’re leasing is hemorrhaging money from the business, it needs extensive renovations, they have a very tight schedule and Kate needs to organise staff…and figure out how to sell tea to the English.
Leila Morton has lost her job and there’s not much around for people who physically assault their co-workers. She gets a job helping to put together the opening of the London store of The Tea Chest and finds herself travelling with Kate to England to supervise everything and help get the finance they need together. Leila is invigorated, she’s certain that they can pull this off despite everything going against them. When she makes a crucial mistake, will she be cast out to start all over from scratch yet again?
Elizabeth Clancy has had her world torn apart by a personal revelation that led to her appearing on the news in her underwear and wrap. Fleeing back to London and her family to lick her wounds, she and her sister cross paths with Kate and Leila on a night out and suddenly find themselves with jobs in helping bring the dream of the London shop of The Tea Chest to reality. And the possibilities of new beginnings, if only she’ll reach out and grasp them.
For each of them, The Tea Chest is a way to bring back their faith and self-belief. But there’s a very real chance that the store will fail if they can’t all pull together and work to eliminate the problems. It requires trust – in themselves and each other.
I’m a tea drinker but I’m quite a conservative one. Just teabags and a good strong black tea because I’m lazy. But I love the idea of loose leaf flavoured tea. I think it’d be so fun to have so many varieties of tea, or tea blended just for you personally based on your tastes and feelings at the time, which is what Kate does at The Tea Chest. She blends tea, both for sale in the shop and also at the personal request of clients. It’s something she’s very passionate about and she grows things at home to use in her tea, so she can experiment there and then whenever the urge takes her.
But then she goes from being employee to part owner and immediately her role begins to change. The other partner wants to wind up the business and sell but Kate cannot do that. She knows she can make a go of it, turn it into a success. And so she finds herself flying to London with a very tight timeframe to get the London store up and running and prove to the other owner that she can do this. That she has what it takes because she and her husband have changed their entire lives for her to have the opportunity to pursue her dream and she doesn’t want to let them down or herself down either.
She meets Leila, a publicist and Elizabeth, and together with Elizabeth’s sister Victoria (I didn’t realise how precisely English those two names were together in the one family until I was typing this review) the four of them take on almost every aspect of putting the store together. They have to deal with a difficult shop proprietor in the same street who would like to see off their competition before they even start, negotiate contractors and council inspectors and visit local suppliers in order to tell their customers that they are only using the best local produce in their tea. They also need a marketing plan and possibly some financial backing to make the dream come together into a beautiful reality.
I really enjoyed this book and felt that the strengths were really in the way the four women came together and developed a working relationship and friendship as they put everything they had into getting the London shop up and running. They faced a lot of difficulties but they worked through them – several of the women had no experience really and yet they developed enthusiasm and worked to improve their knowledge. The concept is so fabulous and I loved all the beautiful descriptions of the tea and the different types you could have. Honestly, I had never considered some of these ingredients as being useful in the blending and making of tea, especially when Kate sets Leila, Elizabeth and Victoria the task to blend their own tea. Some of the results sounded truly wonderful and I began to think more about finding a proper tea shop and seeing what was on offer there and what sorts of different teas I might be able to try. The core story about the shop and getting it up and running was all this book really needed – I feel as though some of the added complications, such as the riots, distracted from this and the same with the drama with Elizabeth’s parents and some of the love interest stories which felt a little bit like a diversion from the main story line but weren’t developed enough to really contribute much. Especially Elizabeth’s – I’d have like more there, maybe the inclusion of the plane ride going over from Australia to England. I felt as though it needed a bit extra.
Despite that small (tiny really) criticism I really enjoyed the story and the passionate devotion to its subject. It’s a lovely read, something you can get through very easily in one sitting.
Leila Morton has lost her job and there’s not much around for people who physically assault their co-workers. She gets a job helping to put together the opening of the London store of The Tea Chest and finds herself travelling with Kate to England to supervise everything and help get the finance they need together. Leila is invigorated, she’s certain that they can pull this off despite everything going against them. When she makes a crucial mistake, will she be cast out to start all over from scratch yet again?
Elizabeth Clancy has had her world torn apart by a personal revelation that led to her appearing on the news in her underwear and wrap. Fleeing back to London and her family to lick her wounds, she and her sister cross paths with Kate and Leila on a night out and suddenly find themselves with jobs in helping bring the dream of the London shop of The Tea Chest to reality. And the possibilities of new beginnings, if only she’ll reach out and grasp them.
For each of them, The Tea Chest is a way to bring back their faith and self-belief. But there’s a very real chance that the store will fail if they can’t all pull together and work to eliminate the problems. It requires trust – in themselves and each other.
I’m a tea drinker but I’m quite a conservative one. Just teabags and a good strong black tea because I’m lazy. But I love the idea of loose leaf flavoured tea. I think it’d be so fun to have so many varieties of tea, or tea blended just for you personally based on your tastes and feelings at the time, which is what Kate does at The Tea Chest. She blends tea, both for sale in the shop and also at the personal request of clients. It’s something she’s very passionate about and she grows things at home to use in her tea, so she can experiment there and then whenever the urge takes her.
But then she goes from being employee to part owner and immediately her role begins to change. The other partner wants to wind up the business and sell but Kate cannot do that. She knows she can make a go of it, turn it into a success. And so she finds herself flying to London with a very tight timeframe to get the London store up and running and prove to the other owner that she can do this. That she has what it takes because she and her husband have changed their entire lives for her to have the opportunity to pursue her dream and she doesn’t want to let them down or herself down either.
She meets Leila, a publicist and Elizabeth, and together with Elizabeth’s sister Victoria (I didn’t realise how precisely English those two names were together in the one family until I was typing this review) the four of them take on almost every aspect of putting the store together. They have to deal with a difficult shop proprietor in the same street who would like to see off their competition before they even start, negotiate contractors and council inspectors and visit local suppliers in order to tell their customers that they are only using the best local produce in their tea. They also need a marketing plan and possibly some financial backing to make the dream come together into a beautiful reality.
I really enjoyed this book and felt that the strengths were really in the way the four women came together and developed a working relationship and friendship as they put everything they had into getting the London shop up and running. They faced a lot of difficulties but they worked through them – several of the women had no experience really and yet they developed enthusiasm and worked to improve their knowledge. The concept is so fabulous and I loved all the beautiful descriptions of the tea and the different types you could have. Honestly, I had never considered some of these ingredients as being useful in the blending and making of tea, especially when Kate sets Leila, Elizabeth and Victoria the task to blend their own tea. Some of the results sounded truly wonderful and I began to think more about finding a proper tea shop and seeing what was on offer there and what sorts of different teas I might be able to try. The core story about the shop and getting it up and running was all this book really needed – I feel as though some of the added complications, such as the riots, distracted from this and the same with the drama with Elizabeth’s parents and some of the love interest stories which felt a little bit like a diversion from the main story line but weren’t developed enough to really contribute much. Especially Elizabeth’s – I’d have like more there, maybe the inclusion of the plane ride going over from Australia to England. I felt as though it needed a bit extra.
Despite that small (tiny really) criticism I really enjoyed the story and the passionate devotion to its subject. It’s a lovely read, something you can get through very easily in one sitting.
January 31, 2019
What a pleasant and entertaining book. I picked this book up from my local library for 50 cents as I knew it was a book my sister wanted (she is a Josephine Moon fan) and decided to read it before I pass it on to her.
The title drew me in firstly as I am such a lover of tea. I just loved the story, the way it moved through the lives of three women (plus one sister) who all had there own life dramas. They came together as strangers to become not only work mates but good friends and confidants!
It was an easy to read book with just enough there to keep me reading and wanting more, wanting to find out what happened. Some parts were a little predictable but for the most part it was a book to enjoy and read over a good cup of tea!
The title drew me in firstly as I am such a lover of tea. I just loved the story, the way it moved through the lives of three women (plus one sister) who all had there own life dramas. They came together as strangers to become not only work mates but good friends and confidants!
It was an easy to read book with just enough there to keep me reading and wanting more, wanting to find out what happened. Some parts were a little predictable but for the most part it was a book to enjoy and read over a good cup of tea!
April 3, 2023
I struggled with this book - there was so much drama and issue with each of the women I started to get annoyed picking up the book so it took me much longer to read than expected. Luckily when I picked it up the last time it wasn't too bad and everything tied up nicely.
If you like a story about a group of women with their own dramas all coming together to try an make a business work - with all the drama that also has - then this is the book for you!
If you like a story about a group of women with their own dramas all coming together to try an make a business work - with all the drama that also has - then this is the book for you!
September 8, 2023
Wife and mother, Kate Fullerton is a tea designer at The Tea Chest, a high-end boutique selling exotic tea blends. When owner Simone Taylor dies and leaves her share of the business to Kate, she has to make some of the biggest decisions of her life. She decides to fulfil Simone’s dream of expanding the business and opening a shop in London. The novel includes some interesting background information on tea so if you are a tea addict this is definitely a book for you. As satisfying as a pleasant cup of tea, The Tea Chest is an enjoyable read from Australian author Josephine Moon.
January 16, 2024
The Tea Chest is a lovely read with characters that you will want to succeed.
I loved that the book started off with Australia as the setting anf that there were references to Australia and things we do (shortening names of things )
Leila did annoy me a bit however when she was discussing Lucas and Quentin.
I loved that the book started off with Australia as the setting anf that there were references to Australia and things we do (shortening names of things )
Leila did annoy me a bit however when she was discussing Lucas and Quentin.
May 19, 2017
Quite disappointed with The Tea Chest, as I absolutely loved The Chocolate Promise and had great expectations for this one. It did pick up a bit towards the end, but I had to push myself to keep reading throughout the first half of the novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews