Tea For Two: A Short Story

by H.S. Matthews

This is a love story that may or may not have a happy ending, but it is one that will endure for a lifetime.

Elizabeth and John had known each other for many years, they met in early childhood, and attended the same school in the East End of London. The two of them have an inseparable bond leading to a love that would last a lifetime.

However, the war swept in, altering not only their lives but reshaping the world entirely.

A paranormal short story of enduring love.

44 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2024

Reviews

[Julia Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tea for Two is a bittersweet and touching short story of an enduring love. The perfect coffee or lunch break length, it’s for readers who like their tales simple and uncluttered. It’s the story of a wartime romance between Lizzie and John who only have each other and so cling to their love as the bombs fall on London.

The story is all tell and no show, and rather than being told about the couple’s heartbreaks and happiness, I would have preferred to experience it — and that is my only quibble about this story and the reason I have marked it down to four stars. I am a reader who likes to immerse myself in the emotional journey of the characters, not be told about it. However, that is just my personal opinion and in no way detracts from this sweet and uncomplicated tale that will be many people's cup of tea.

[Ian Hornett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like a short story to mix in with my longer reads and I’m pleased I read Tea for Two. It’s a charming love story; straightforward, engaging, and touching, with a paranormal twist.

Set originally in World War Two, it tells the story of a man and woman in love who, inevitably, I guess, have to be separated when war breaks out. Told mainly from Elizabeth’s perspective, we see the effect that separation and worry has on her as she tries to carry on life as normal. Normal means clinging onto the little things, the important things, that help people cope. But there is that paranormal twist I mentioned which brings something extra to the narrative.

A very enjoyable read.

[Joanie Lunsford · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can finish a strong cup of tea, but love has no end.

War parted many a devoted couple. And Lizzie and John were no different. In absence, Tea For Two was a sweet means to unite the two through fond recollections.

H.S. Matthews writes a touching short story depicting the level of comfort long memories provide.

[Lisa Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read. A tale of hope, war and love that spans a whole lifetime.
It brought a tear to my eye.
Such beautiful characters and such a wonderful story.

[Rachel Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tea for Two is a wonderfully sweet short love story. It could have been expanded into a full-length novel, although potentially at the expense of what made it so wonderful. It was beautifully written and brought a tear to my eye.

[Violet Schofield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I really enjoyed Tea for Two. It was a beautiful story of love during wartime. I definitely needed a tissue or two while reading. Loved it.

[Rowena Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, tragic love story. The type of love Lizzie and John share is the type most people could only hope to find a fraction of. Seeing Lizzie do the couples teashop ritual every Saturday brought a smile to my face as well as tears to my eyes.

The patient Lizzie looked after in chapter 2 had me transported back to being in the hospital room with my granddad, watching him talking to the empty space next to me before he passed away. Remembering how it gave me comfort to know there were people waiting to welcome him on the other side. Knowing that other people have experienced what we experienced is also a comfort.

This is such a lovely short story. I highly recommend reading it.

[Bruce Spydar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreak with a twist
Having enjoyed her Lottie Jones children’s fantasy series, I was intrigued to see what H.S. Matthews would make of a war time love story in under 40 pages. I was impressed.
The premise, based on the heartbreak of those separated by war, is a familiar one. However, there’s an interesting twist to this story, with a different type of ‘happy?’ ending.
A quick and easy read … I enjoyed it.

[N. Dune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I caught all the feels with this short read. I literally finished it in one sitting. It's a short but poignant romance that transported me back in time to my Nan and Grandad's era, reminding me so much of them and the stories they told of the war. It was such a lovely glimpse into the possibility of love during wartime when people knew what real struggle was but still carried on with a smile on their faces. This story is heartbreakingly beautiful, and you definitely need to read it.

[Nannette Kreitzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and bittersweet

Tea For Two is one of those stories that melts your heart as it’s breaking it. A young woman’s loving devotion sustains her during the ravages and aftermath of war, proving that true love can indeed conquer all. A brief and bittersweet tale.

[T.A. Rosewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute little story.
Very touching and delicately written.
The ending was perfect. X

[Sophie Bowns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book!

It’s a lovely book, and an ideal fast paced read. The characters are great and well rounded and I love the front cover too.