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Tea & Alchemy
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
7 days and 20:02:16
100 copies available
U.S. only
A tea leaf reader in nineteenth-century England falls in love—and in danger—with a reclusive alchemist in an enthralling historical fantasy by the author of Salt & Broom and Grimm Curiosities.
Cornwall, 1854. The people of Roche have always whispered about the recluse in the black granite tower that looms above the moorland. But one young woman is driven to discover the truth behind the old tales.
Her life overshadowed by family tragedy, Mina Penrose escapes her lonely days by working at The Magpie, a cozy tearoom on the village’s edge. Lately she’s been seeing shapes in the sodden leaves that hint at the future. After one such omen, Mina stumbles upon a murdered man on the heath. Villagers immediately suspect Harker Tregarrick, a living, breathing mystery who never ventures beyond the bounds of his centuries-old estate.
Until the day after the murder, when the handsome and compelling recluse visits The Magpie…leading to a meeting that will change both their fates. Captivated by a man around whom danger and rumors of death swirl, Mina has never felt more alive. Can she uncover Harker’s heartbreaking history—and the truth about the murder—before tragedy strikes again?
Cornwall, 1854. The people of Roche have always whispered about the recluse in the black granite tower that looms above the moorland. But one young woman is driven to discover the truth behind the old tales.
Her life overshadowed by family tragedy, Mina Penrose escapes her lonely days by working at The Magpie, a cozy tearoom on the village’s edge. Lately she’s been seeing shapes in the sodden leaves that hint at the future. After one such omen, Mina stumbles upon a murdered man on the heath. Villagers immediately suspect Harker Tregarrick, a living, breathing mystery who never ventures beyond the bounds of his centuries-old estate.
Until the day after the murder, when the handsome and compelling recluse visits The Magpie…leading to a meeting that will change both their fates. Captivated by a man around whom danger and rumors of death swirl, Mina has never felt more alive. Can she uncover Harker’s heartbreaking history—and the truth about the murder—before tragedy strikes again?
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2026
6022 people are currently reading
23524 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lynn Fisher
15 books641 followersSharon Lynn Fisher writes mash-ups of fantasy, mystery, and slow-burn romance set in lush and atmospheric worlds. Her current series of stand-alone novels (which began with Salt & Broom) features cozy gothic fantasies set in Victorian England.
Sharon's books have been published by Tor, Random House, Blackstone, and 47North. They've been praised and recommended by Booklist, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, the Historical Novel Society, and RT Book Reviews, among others.
Sharon's witchy Jane Eyre retelling, Salt & Broom (47North), was selected as an Amazon First Read in November 2023 and became a Top 25 Kindle Store Bestseller. Grimm Curiosities, about a young woman who inherits her father's haunted curiosity shop in York, England, was a New York Times pick for holiday reads. Her next book, Tea & Alchemy, is scheduled for release Oct. 7, 2025.
When Sharon's not writing, you'll mostly find her wandering the Pacific Northwest woods looking for fairies and mushrooms.
For more information about Sharon and her writing, visit www.sharonlynnfisher.com.
Sharon's books have been published by Tor, Random House, Blackstone, and 47North. They've been praised and recommended by Booklist, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, the Historical Novel Society, and RT Book Reviews, among others.
Sharon's witchy Jane Eyre retelling, Salt & Broom (47North), was selected as an Amazon First Read in November 2023 and became a Top 25 Kindle Store Bestseller. Grimm Curiosities, about a young woman who inherits her father's haunted curiosity shop in York, England, was a New York Times pick for holiday reads. Her next book, Tea & Alchemy, is scheduled for release Oct. 7, 2025.
When Sharon's not writing, you'll mostly find her wandering the Pacific Northwest woods looking for fairies and mushrooms.
For more information about Sharon and her writing, visit www.sharonlynnfisher.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 604 reviews
September 12, 2025
Tea & Alchemy is outside my preferred genre of HORROR--this is a cozy paranormal fantasy with a lot of folklore and fairytale elements BUT, I first fell in love with Sharon's storytelling with Salt & Broom (a Jane Eyre retelling) and so I'm a fan for life, now. Tea & Alchemy is perfect for horror readers like me, who grew up reading a lot of fantasy. There's enough of the spooky (murder, suspense, family curses, vampire lore, folklore, "don't go in the woods", tea leaf reading & alchemy) to scratch the horror itch while infusing it with ALL THE VIBES (cozy tea shop, quaint village, romance, food descriptions, tea, magic, and Autumn aesthetics).
Sharon knows her audience and plays all the right notes for us.
xo
(Salt & Broom is still the reigning champion of my reader's heart but I do love Mina and Harker too)
This drops January 2026--perfect for your cozy, spooky Wintery vibes)
Sharon knows her audience and plays all the right notes for us.
xo
(Salt & Broom is still the reigning champion of my reader's heart but I do love Mina and Harker too)
This drops January 2026--perfect for your cozy, spooky Wintery vibes)
October 8, 2025
3 Stars
One Liner: Not bad
1854 Cornwall
The people of Roche always whisper about the recluse in the black granite tower. Mina Penrose seems to be the only one who wants to discover the secrets and find out more.
Mina works at a cozy tearoom, The Magpie, feeling lonely after dealing with a family tragedy and seeing predictions for her future in tea leaves. Soon, she stumbles upon a dead man, the villagers claim was killed by Harker Tregarrick, the recluse from the tower.
When Harker visits the tearoom the next day, Mina is intrigued. Can she help him clear his name, or will she become a victim?
The story comes in Mina and (more %) and Harker’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
So, first things first – this is a vampire story. This part is not mentioned anywhere in the blurb, but it is revealed in the dedication at the beginning. Think of it as a Twilight during the mid-19th century (with some changes, of course).
The beginning was interesting, with the description of the setting and the introduction of the main characters. The atmosphere is the strength of the book. Even when everything feels slow and boring, the setting manages to stand out.
The FMC is Bellaish, so she borders on being TSTL, which is portrayed as determination, et al. Still, she does seem to care genuinely, so we’ll forgive her for wanting some excitement in her monotonous life.
The MMC starts tropey, but he does get better. Still, I feel like I don’t know him much, except that he is a good person. Maybe that is enough!
Mrs. Moyle had a good presence until she was pushed to the sidelines for the love track to become center stage. I don’t mind romance, NGL. However, this one didn’t really give the chills and tingles as it should. Maybe because this is cozy fantasy.
Of course, there’s a mystery too. It is not scary, which may have made it a bit boring. The tension didn’t hold despite having such a magnificent creature in a crucial role. It felt underdeveloped and limited to a plot device for the lead couple to unite. The uneven pacing doesn’t help either.
At least, the ending and epilogue made me happy (very romance-typical ending).
To summarize, Tea & Alchemy certainly has good bare bones and a very atmospheric setting. I feel it could have been fleshed out a bit more plot-wise and narration tightened (to prevent oversharing the details) for a more compelling read.
Thank you, NetGalley and 47North, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TeaAndAlchemy
One Liner: Not bad
1854 Cornwall
The people of Roche always whisper about the recluse in the black granite tower. Mina Penrose seems to be the only one who wants to discover the secrets and find out more.
Mina works at a cozy tearoom, The Magpie, feeling lonely after dealing with a family tragedy and seeing predictions for her future in tea leaves. Soon, she stumbles upon a dead man, the villagers claim was killed by Harker Tregarrick, the recluse from the tower.
When Harker visits the tearoom the next day, Mina is intrigued. Can she help him clear his name, or will she become a victim?
The story comes in Mina and (more %) and Harker’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
So, first things first – this is a vampire story. This part is not mentioned anywhere in the blurb, but it is revealed in the dedication at the beginning. Think of it as a Twilight during the mid-19th century (with some changes, of course).
The beginning was interesting, with the description of the setting and the introduction of the main characters. The atmosphere is the strength of the book. Even when everything feels slow and boring, the setting manages to stand out.
The FMC is Bellaish, so she borders on being TSTL, which is portrayed as determination, et al. Still, she does seem to care genuinely, so we’ll forgive her for wanting some excitement in her monotonous life.
The MMC starts tropey, but he does get better. Still, I feel like I don’t know him much, except that he is a good person. Maybe that is enough!
Mrs. Moyle had a good presence until she was pushed to the sidelines for the love track to become center stage. I don’t mind romance, NGL. However, this one didn’t really give the chills and tingles as it should. Maybe because this is cozy fantasy.
Of course, there’s a mystery too. It is not scary, which may have made it a bit boring. The tension didn’t hold despite having such a magnificent creature in a crucial role. It felt underdeveloped and limited to a plot device for the lead couple to unite. The uneven pacing doesn’t help either.
At least, the ending and epilogue made me happy (very romance-typical ending).
To summarize, Tea & Alchemy certainly has good bare bones and a very atmospheric setting. I feel it could have been fleshed out a bit more plot-wise and narration tightened (to prevent oversharing the details) for a more compelling read.
Thank you, NetGalley and 47North, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TeaAndAlchemy
December 7, 2025
4☆
Mina, the female main character.
Harker, the male main character.
Put those two names together and who do you have? But, instead of Stoker's femme fatal, we have two fate bonded characters.
Mina Penrose is a young woman who works in a teahouse. She has the ability to read the tea leaves, an ability that she has not been trained to understand. Like Stoker's Mina Harker, Mina Penrose is determined, possesses a sharp mind and believes in finding the truth.
Harker Tregarrick is the reclusive master of Roche Rock. He is a vampire but dedicated to not slaking his hunger for blood through the use of alchemy. Harker and his forefathers are entwined with an ancient being, Goosevar, as well as the legend of St. Gomonda.
The story is a unique take on the vampire: the origin, life and struggles of the Tregarrick line of vampires is refreshing. I enjoyed how Fisher wove local folklore into the story.
I would recommend Tea & Alchemy to readers who enjoy vampire stories but are tired of the usual form most have taken.
A quick, fun read.
Mina, the female main character.
Harker, the male main character.
Put those two names together and who do you have? But, instead of Stoker's femme fatal, we have two fate bonded characters.
Mina Penrose is a young woman who works in a teahouse. She has the ability to read the tea leaves, an ability that she has not been trained to understand. Like Stoker's Mina Harker, Mina Penrose is determined, possesses a sharp mind and believes in finding the truth.
Harker Tregarrick is the reclusive master of Roche Rock. He is a vampire but dedicated to not slaking his hunger for blood through the use of alchemy. Harker and his forefathers are entwined with an ancient being, Goosevar, as well as the legend of St. Gomonda.
The story is a unique take on the vampire: the origin, life and struggles of the Tregarrick line of vampires is refreshing. I enjoyed how Fisher wove local folklore into the story.
I would recommend Tea & Alchemy to readers who enjoy vampire stories but are tired of the usual form most have taken.
A quick, fun read.
January 16, 2026
I love English folklore, so this story set on the heath outside of a mining town sounded up my alley. Roche Rock is a real landmark in Cornwall and I was all about those vibes!
It took me awhile to get into Tea & Alchemy though. From the outside, in the synopsis, there is no way to tell that this is a vampire novel, and I was not expecting that. It just threw me off because unless the vampire is a big huge secret (like The Phlebotomist), I like to know what big topic I’m reading about. We do learn as soon as we read the introduction but 🤷🏻♀️
Otherwise we get a story of a young woman trying to work in a tea house despite her over protective brother’s wishes. How can you blame him though when the siblings already lost their parents, and there are murders happening on the heath? Add in a reclusive vampire, a figure from local legend, plenty of foggy heath vibes, tea leaf reading, and alchemy, and you get the bulk of this shorter book.
I like the blend of English folklore. It isn’t your typical vampire story and I did like the scientific approach they took to discovering who or what was committing the crimes. It’s more character based, cozy at times, and we get some good character arcs as the twins work through their grief to understand each other and as Mina realizes that Harker is a lot more than just a monster.
I would recommend Tea & Alchemy to anyone looking for a quick, moody read, with everything from vampires to a mystery to a little romance 🙌🏻
**Of note: the book is free to Read & Listen with Kindle Unlimited if anyone has that! The author also includes notes on the actual Roche Rock landmark**
It took me awhile to get into Tea & Alchemy though. From the outside, in the synopsis, there is no way to tell that this is a vampire novel, and I was not expecting that. It just threw me off because unless the vampire is a big huge secret (like The Phlebotomist), I like to know what big topic I’m reading about. We do learn as soon as we read the introduction but 🤷🏻♀️
Otherwise we get a story of a young woman trying to work in a tea house despite her over protective brother’s wishes. How can you blame him though when the siblings already lost their parents, and there are murders happening on the heath? Add in a reclusive vampire, a figure from local legend, plenty of foggy heath vibes, tea leaf reading, and alchemy, and you get the bulk of this shorter book.
I like the blend of English folklore. It isn’t your typical vampire story and I did like the scientific approach they took to discovering who or what was committing the crimes. It’s more character based, cozy at times, and we get some good character arcs as the twins work through their grief to understand each other and as Mina realizes that Harker is a lot more than just a monster.
I would recommend Tea & Alchemy to anyone looking for a quick, moody read, with everything from vampires to a mystery to a little romance 🙌🏻
**Of note: the book is free to Read & Listen with Kindle Unlimited if anyone has that! The author also includes notes on the actual Roche Rock landmark**
January 10, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐ FOUR STARS
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. WE HAVE MINA PINROSE, WHO HAPPENS TO READ TEA LEAVES. SEES SOMETHING GRIM IN HER TEA AT WORK. WHILE SHE IS WALKING HOME SHE FINDS A DEAD BODY. WHILE AT WORK AFTER THIS SHE MEETS THE TOWN RECLUSE HARKER HEMLOCK. THERE ARE RUMORS IN THE VILLAGE HE IS THE MURDER THEN MORE BODIES END UP. WITH HARKERS HELP MINA IS DETERMINED TO SOLVE THE MYSTERY OF THESE DEATHS TO CLEAR HARKERS NAME.
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. WE HAVE MINA PINROSE, WHO HAPPENS TO READ TEA LEAVES. SEES SOMETHING GRIM IN HER TEA AT WORK. WHILE SHE IS WALKING HOME SHE FINDS A DEAD BODY. WHILE AT WORK AFTER THIS SHE MEETS THE TOWN RECLUSE HARKER HEMLOCK. THERE ARE RUMORS IN THE VILLAGE HE IS THE MURDER THEN MORE BODIES END UP. WITH HARKERS HELP MINA IS DETERMINED TO SOLVE THE MYSTERY OF THESE DEATHS TO CLEAR HARKERS NAME.
December 4, 2025
Whelp... glad I got this for free on Kindle First Reads. It was a quick and easy read but it was just... weird. I felt like there were holes all over the plot and the pacing was fast then slow then fast then weird. I don't know, I just didn't enjoy it.
January 16, 2026
A tea leaf reader in nineteenth-century England falls in love—and in danger—with a reclusive alchemist in an enthralling historical fantasy by the author of Salt & Broom and Grimm Curiosities.
First, I want to thank Haly Hoards Books for her review which captured my attention and put this book on my radar and TBR shelf. In a wide departure from the norm, this is the first Vampire story that I've read since 'Interview with a Vampire' by Anne Rice and we all know how long ago that was released. Surprisingly, Tea & Alchemy resonated with me, and I found it delightfully readable and entertaining. I'm not saying that this will change my reading habits going forward, but I will certainly be open to broadening the field from which my future choices will be made. Recommended and fully deserving my 4-star rating. [Of note] - my mother (1915-2009) was a tea leaf reader.
First, I want to thank Haly Hoards Books for her review which captured my attention and put this book on my radar and TBR shelf. In a wide departure from the norm, this is the first Vampire story that I've read since 'Interview with a Vampire' by Anne Rice and we all know how long ago that was released. Surprisingly, Tea & Alchemy resonated with me, and I found it delightfully readable and entertaining. I'm not saying that this will change my reading habits going forward, but I will certainly be open to broadening the field from which my future choices will be made. Recommended and fully deserving my 4-star rating. [Of note] - my mother (1915-2009) was a tea leaf reader.
June 21, 2025
I loved Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher and wanted to read more of her work. Tea & Alchemy did not disappoint!
Set in 1854 Cornwall, Mina Penrose escapes her grief by working at a village tearoom called The Magpie, until an eerie omen leads her to a murdered man on the heath. The villagers blame Harker Tregarrick, the reclusive lord of a crumbling estate. And when he unexpectedly appears at The Magpie, Mina is drawn into his haunted past. As danger looms, she must uncover the truth behind the murder—and the man the village fears.
Okay, okay, can I just say how much I loved Harker? The little glimpses we get into his point of view were so satisfying. The way he thinks about Mina is so tender. He’s practically obsessed with her (in a good way, I swear), but also deeply aware that he might not be good for her, so he tries to keep his distance. The yearning, the tension (so much tension!), it was unreal. Exactly the kind of romance I live for. And even though their connection develops quickly, it felt natural in this world. Mina was a delight to read, too! She’s not a damsel in distress, though she stays soft and kind. Unmarried, the daughter of a miner, with few options in life, she knows her path won’t be easy, but she just wants to spend her life doing something she loves, and she'd do anything for the people she loves. I was cheering for her the entire time!
The writing style is beautiful, and I especially loved how grounded it was in the era. The setting, dialogue, and vocabulary all felt true to the time, and I could tell a lot of research went into the worldbuilding. Even simple scenes of Mina’s daily life were compelling because of how vivid the writing is.
I was also really into the mystery! It hooked me early, and I genuinely didn’t know where it was headed. When the threads began to come together, I was fully on board with where it was going. But the resolution came a little fast, I wouldn’t have minded a bit more time spent unraveling it. And there was a dip in urgency about two-thirds in, after a major plot point shifts the focus more toward the romance. I didn’t mind too much because I’m a sucker for romance, and the emotional payoff was worth it. Still, the ending wrapped up a little too neatly. I would’ve liked to see Harker and Mina struggle a bit more for their happy ending. It felt like things just fell into place too easily.
Overall, Tea & Alchemy is a beautifully crafted blend of historical fantasy, romance, and mystery, wrapped in a richly atmospheric setting. If you enjoy stories with a touch of the gothic, heartfelt romance, and a hint of the uncanny, this one is definitely worth diving into!
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest opinion!
Set in 1854 Cornwall, Mina Penrose escapes her grief by working at a village tearoom called The Magpie, until an eerie omen leads her to a murdered man on the heath. The villagers blame Harker Tregarrick, the reclusive lord of a crumbling estate. And when he unexpectedly appears at The Magpie, Mina is drawn into his haunted past. As danger looms, she must uncover the truth behind the murder—and the man the village fears.
Okay, okay, can I just say how much I loved Harker? The little glimpses we get into his point of view were so satisfying. The way he thinks about Mina is so tender. He’s practically obsessed with her (in a good way, I swear), but also deeply aware that he might not be good for her, so he tries to keep his distance. The yearning, the tension (so much tension!), it was unreal. Exactly the kind of romance I live for. And even though their connection develops quickly, it felt natural in this world. Mina was a delight to read, too! She’s not a damsel in distress, though she stays soft and kind. Unmarried, the daughter of a miner, with few options in life, she knows her path won’t be easy, but she just wants to spend her life doing something she loves, and she'd do anything for the people she loves. I was cheering for her the entire time!
The writing style is beautiful, and I especially loved how grounded it was in the era. The setting, dialogue, and vocabulary all felt true to the time, and I could tell a lot of research went into the worldbuilding. Even simple scenes of Mina’s daily life were compelling because of how vivid the writing is.
I was also really into the mystery! It hooked me early, and I genuinely didn’t know where it was headed. When the threads began to come together, I was fully on board with where it was going. But the resolution came a little fast, I wouldn’t have minded a bit more time spent unraveling it. And there was a dip in urgency about two-thirds in, after a major plot point shifts the focus more toward the romance. I didn’t mind too much because I’m a sucker for romance, and the emotional payoff was worth it. Still, the ending wrapped up a little too neatly. I would’ve liked to see Harker and Mina struggle a bit more for their happy ending. It felt like things just fell into place too easily.
Overall, Tea & Alchemy is a beautifully crafted blend of historical fantasy, romance, and mystery, wrapped in a richly atmospheric setting. If you enjoy stories with a touch of the gothic, heartfelt romance, and a hint of the uncanny, this one is definitely worth diving into!
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest opinion!
January 10, 2026
“I had never felt so alive as when I was dying in his arms.”
Another beautiful story by Sharon Lynn Fisher. Like her previous books, Tea & Alchemy was the perfect blend of gothic romance, the paranormal, cosy fantasy, folklore and history.
I loved the characters and the writing and found myself completely immersed in the story, to the point that I didn’t want it to end.
Another beautiful story by Sharon Lynn Fisher. Like her previous books, Tea & Alchemy was the perfect blend of gothic romance, the paranormal, cosy fantasy, folklore and history.
I loved the characters and the writing and found myself completely immersed in the story, to the point that I didn’t want it to end.
December 9, 2025
Thank you Netgalley, publisher A7North and the author for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was a short-ish gem of a revelation. I'm usually someone that prefers longer novels, but this? this 299 page retelling of the love story between our vampire Dracula (here called Harker, aka Mina's name after marriage in the original book) and Mina, a young woman with the ability of tasseography and a heart of gold.
I absolutely loved the setting, the cozy yet when haunted eerie heath and Roche Rock along with the chapel. The village too with The Magpie, how the which I now want to visit as a tea lover and with a newfound need to know personally Mrs Moyle as she's probably if not my favourite my second one inside this novel, even if I know it's impossible. The church too, along with the tavern and the cottage where Mina lives with her twin brother Jack.
The pacing? Excellent. I enjoyed how not every part of the mystery was dumped upon us like a grocery list at the end of a shopping spree to see if everything has been accounted for. No, the pacing here was just right, with us discovering parts of the mystery as the invstiation progressed and the relationship between our two tormented but extremely cute characters slowly grew both in love and trust.
The only reason it's not a 5 star read it's more of a personal preference. We saw a lot of tea reading from Mina but barely anything expect a few mentions of alchemy from Harker's side. Taking this small preference of mine this is a must read for the autumn season, with a warm cup of tea in hand while overlooking the English moors as the fog quickly laps like a hungry hound. Just make sure you're not in a half-cursed chapel and that you don't see s pair oh horns on something looking different from a normal deer, albeit a big one.
4.2⭐️ 0.5 🌶️
This was a short-ish gem of a revelation. I'm usually someone that prefers longer novels, but this? this 299 page retelling of the love story between our vampire Dracula (here called Harker, aka Mina's name after marriage in the original book) and Mina, a young woman with the ability of tasseography and a heart of gold.
I absolutely loved the setting, the cozy yet when haunted eerie heath and Roche Rock along with the chapel. The village too with The Magpie, how the which I now want to visit as a tea lover and with a newfound need to know personally Mrs Moyle as she's probably if not my favourite my second one inside this novel, even if I know it's impossible. The church too, along with the tavern and the cottage where Mina lives with her twin brother Jack.
The pacing? Excellent. I enjoyed how not every part of the mystery was dumped upon us like a grocery list at the end of a shopping spree to see if everything has been accounted for. No, the pacing here was just right, with us discovering parts of the mystery as the invstiation progressed and the relationship between our two tormented but extremely cute characters slowly grew both in love and trust.
The only reason it's not a 5 star read it's more of a personal preference. We saw a lot of tea reading from Mina but barely anything expect a few mentions of alchemy from Harker's side. Taking this small preference of mine this is a must read for the autumn season, with a warm cup of tea in hand while overlooking the English moors as the fog quickly laps like a hungry hound. Just make sure you're not in a half-cursed chapel and that you don't see s pair oh horns on something looking different from a normal deer, albeit a big one.
4.2⭐️ 0.5 🌶️
January 18, 2026
I had such high hopes! I expected all the cosy mystical vibes and a comforting witchy atmosphere. What I got was basically Twilight fanfic. I was half expecting someone to start sparkling aggressively ✨️
Some of the dark, broody lines are unintentionally hilarious and straight out of an MSN status in my emo days. I rolled my eyes more than I turned pages 👀
There are parts I enjoyed. The concept is genuinely cute, the writing's actually really good, the ending's adorable, and the tea reading angle had potential. It just didn't click for me (but I'd defo read other books by this author!)
Initial thoughts: "Here I grew up, half orphaned from the day I emerged from my mother’s womb." stfu edgy MMC 😒
Half orphaned's got me thinking about that Seinfeld scene: 'You can't have a little grace. You either have grace or you don't.'
This is going to be a struggle not to dnf isn't it? 🫠
Some of the dark, broody lines are unintentionally hilarious and straight out of an MSN status in my emo days. I rolled my eyes more than I turned pages 👀
There are parts I enjoyed. The concept is genuinely cute, the writing's actually really good, the ending's adorable, and the tea reading angle had potential. It just didn't click for me (but I'd defo read other books by this author!)
Initial thoughts: "Here I grew up, half orphaned from the day I emerged from my mother’s womb." stfu edgy MMC 😒
Half orphaned's got me thinking about that Seinfeld scene: 'You can't have a little grace. You either have grace or you don't.'
This is going to be a struggle not to dnf isn't it? 🫠
Review of advance copy
I picked this one up as part of Amazon's first reads program after falling in love with one of her other books, Grim Curiosities (which is a perfectread for December). This has similar vibes and touches on both the cozy and the spooky side of things like folklore and religion, quaint village murder mystery, tea shop/bakery, forbidden romance, and vampires and monsters. If not for the pacing and some repetitive plot structure near the middle of the book I probably would have rated this higher. But overall I found this to be enjoyable. It does a great job being both cute and a little dark, and the writing is descriptive and whimsical, offering just the right amount of world building.
January 18, 2026
This was a great read! The writing style was unlike what I've ever read. In all the books I've read, I've never been pulled in different directions emotionally like that, ever. One moment I hated a character, suddenly I loved them LOL. The characters were so unique yet I could empathize with many of them. The subtle flirting between Harker and Mina was perfect, had me kicking my feet and giggling multiple times. Man. This was just great. Which says alot bc I never care to read vampire books 🦇
December 30, 2025
Boy, they did not give a FUCK about her brother lol
December 16, 2025
Nothing really wrong with it just boring, and undercooked, reads like very young adult reading level
September 12, 2025
Just like the author's Jane Eyre retelling Salt & Broom, Tea & Alchemy is also a gentle pleasant read. The vibes is cozy and the romance is sweet, eventhough there's murder happening in this rural country in Victorian Cornwall. Moreover our byronic hero who live secluded in a chapel high above a rock outcropping is apparently a vampire. I didn't expect that and i should've known when i saw that quote from John Polidori's The Vampyre in the beginning. Albeit it's quite a unique take on vampirism which leans more toward the scientific. On that scientific basis also the hero manages to become a true "vegetarian" which means he doesn't have to satiate his lust for human's blood with an animal's like Edward Cullen & family. It's very clever of the author to be honest.
Overall it's a nice palate cleanser of a book where it isn't too slowburn in cozy fantasy way nor it isn't too romance heavy in a romantasy way.
Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall it's a nice palate cleanser of a book where it isn't too slowburn in cozy fantasy way nor it isn't too romance heavy in a romantasy way.
Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2025
~ARC REVIEW~
First of all thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
I have to say, it’s been a while since an ARC has surprised me so much. I knew this was going to make it to my favorite reads of the year within the first 5 chapters. It’s safe to say this book delivered!!!!
From the first chapter, I was completely hooked and could barely put it down. It had everything I love in a gothic fantasy, moody landscapes, a strong and curious heroine, and just the right amount of magic and romance.
The setting was so atmospheric, and the blend of history and myth felt effortless. Mina and Harker’s connection had so much depth, and I loved how their relationship unfolded against the backdrop of secrets, whispers, and danger. Even though it’s a shorter book, the story felt full and complete, with a beautifully wrapped-up ending.
It’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea on a rainy day. The plot, the characters, the lore, I loved every bit of it. A perfect fall (or gloomy day) read.
First of all thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance.
I have to say, it’s been a while since an ARC has surprised me so much. I knew this was going to make it to my favorite reads of the year within the first 5 chapters. It’s safe to say this book delivered!!!!
From the first chapter, I was completely hooked and could barely put it down. It had everything I love in a gothic fantasy, moody landscapes, a strong and curious heroine, and just the right amount of magic and romance.
The setting was so atmospheric, and the blend of history and myth felt effortless. Mina and Harker’s connection had so much depth, and I loved how their relationship unfolded against the backdrop of secrets, whispers, and danger. Even though it’s a shorter book, the story felt full and complete, with a beautifully wrapped-up ending.
It’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea on a rainy day. The plot, the characters, the lore, I loved every bit of it. A perfect fall (or gloomy day) read.
January 20, 2026
Alright, I liked this, but I didn’t love it. 3.25⭐️ is the sweet spot for me...not bad by any means, I liked the tea, but it needed a stronger brew.
Let’s start with the good: the premise of Tea and Alchemy had so much promise. Mina is a tea-leaf reader living in a Cornish mining town in the 1800s; her parents are dead, her brother Jack is emotionally constipated and often drunk, and she works in a cosy little tearoom where omens in the dregs of someone’s cuppa might tell you who’s going to die next (a less ominous version of Prof Trelawney, tbh). And her eventual love interest, Harker, lives alone in a crumbling gothic estate called Roche Rock, is brooding, cursed, and possibly immortal. It’s giving Beauty and the Beast. It’s giving fog and candlelight and maybe a bit of blood. I was absolutely up for it.
But oh boy, the first 40% of this book moves like treacle. You’d think with all the tea and blood omens and secretive men, we’d be flung straight into a bloody mystery, but somehow the author never stopped pumping the brakes. There’s atmosphere, sure, but it never feels like the setting fully comes alive. There’s no heat or texture to the village, no sense of being drawn in. It’s just... a lot of vibes.
Eventually, the plot does pick up, and once it does, the pacing actually becomes quite good for a while. Harker gets more page time, there’s some actual danger, and Mina’s feelings become more complicated. I was into that middle stretch; it had urgency, the stakes started to feel real, and the romance had some lovely moments. But then, just as you think we’re building up to something really solid, the ending gets rather rushed, and everything wraps up in this very sudden, tidy way.
Harker himself is actually quite well drawn. His arc, from cursed loner to man slowly reclaiming his humanity, is one of the better parts of the book. The idea that vampirism is a kind of inherited disease and that he treats it with alchemical concoctions is weirdly grounded and compelling. There’s a whole metaphor about addiction and shame and isolation that’s handled quite well. And I loved the concept of “memoirism” as a sort of illness — the idea that dwelling on one’s past becomes pathological. It’s subtle but sharp, and it really underlines how trauma is treated in this story.
That said, Mina’s tea-reading felt underused. For something that sets her apart and ties into the title, I expected more. We never really get an explanation of how it works, why she has it, or what it means in the larger scope of the world. It’s like it was just there to push the plot, not shape it.
More broadly, I think my main problem is that this book just doesn’t take many risks. It plays safe. It’s got all the classic Gothic elements: the decaying estate, the tragic family curse, the beastly man with a heart of gold, the wary townsfolk, the girl with a gift who doesn’t quite fit in. It’s familiar in a comforting way, but it never pushes those tropes into new territory. It’s all a little same-same but slightly different. And considering the story is about breaking curses and defying societal expectations, I do find it slightly ironic that the book itself is so reluctant to stray from the well-trodden path.
Still, I don’t want to sound too harsh. I had a decent time reading it. It’s a short book, under 300 pages, and it does manage to land the emotional core of its characters by the end. It’s just that I kept waiting for it to surprise me...dunno to lean into its weirdness, or its danger, or its intimacy... and it never quite did.
Let’s start with the good: the premise of Tea and Alchemy had so much promise. Mina is a tea-leaf reader living in a Cornish mining town in the 1800s; her parents are dead, her brother Jack is emotionally constipated and often drunk, and she works in a cosy little tearoom where omens in the dregs of someone’s cuppa might tell you who’s going to die next (a less ominous version of Prof Trelawney, tbh). And her eventual love interest, Harker, lives alone in a crumbling gothic estate called Roche Rock, is brooding, cursed, and possibly immortal. It’s giving Beauty and the Beast. It’s giving fog and candlelight and maybe a bit of blood. I was absolutely up for it.
But oh boy, the first 40% of this book moves like treacle. You’d think with all the tea and blood omens and secretive men, we’d be flung straight into a bloody mystery, but somehow the author never stopped pumping the brakes. There’s atmosphere, sure, but it never feels like the setting fully comes alive. There’s no heat or texture to the village, no sense of being drawn in. It’s just... a lot of vibes.
Eventually, the plot does pick up, and once it does, the pacing actually becomes quite good for a while. Harker gets more page time, there’s some actual danger, and Mina’s feelings become more complicated. I was into that middle stretch; it had urgency, the stakes started to feel real, and the romance had some lovely moments. But then, just as you think we’re building up to something really solid, the ending gets rather rushed, and everything wraps up in this very sudden, tidy way.
Harker himself is actually quite well drawn. His arc, from cursed loner to man slowly reclaiming his humanity, is one of the better parts of the book. The idea that vampirism is a kind of inherited disease and that he treats it with alchemical concoctions is weirdly grounded and compelling. There’s a whole metaphor about addiction and shame and isolation that’s handled quite well. And I loved the concept of “memoirism” as a sort of illness — the idea that dwelling on one’s past becomes pathological. It’s subtle but sharp, and it really underlines how trauma is treated in this story.
That said, Mina’s tea-reading felt underused. For something that sets her apart and ties into the title, I expected more. We never really get an explanation of how it works, why she has it, or what it means in the larger scope of the world. It’s like it was just there to push the plot, not shape it.
More broadly, I think my main problem is that this book just doesn’t take many risks. It plays safe. It’s got all the classic Gothic elements: the decaying estate, the tragic family curse, the beastly man with a heart of gold, the wary townsfolk, the girl with a gift who doesn’t quite fit in. It’s familiar in a comforting way, but it never pushes those tropes into new territory. It’s all a little same-same but slightly different. And considering the story is about breaking curses and defying societal expectations, I do find it slightly ironic that the book itself is so reluctant to stray from the well-trodden path.
Still, I don’t want to sound too harsh. I had a decent time reading it. It’s a short book, under 300 pages, and it does manage to land the emotional core of its characters by the end. It’s just that I kept waiting for it to surprise me...dunno to lean into its weirdness, or its danger, or its intimacy... and it never quite did.
January 17, 2026
Hate to leave a 1 star review but this was not my cup of tea 😉. Spoilers ahead (not using the spoiler alert feature because I want to save you the time it takes to read this) - the plot of this book is basically “what if I married the the vampire that attacked me and gave me Stockholm syndrome so that the werewolf monster bound to his life force (that he didn’t know about somehow??) stops killing the villagers?”
At one point her brother also shoots the vampire cuz he doesn’t like her being with him and then the werewolf attacks her brother and she basically doesn’t care. She’s like “oh well he’s done for” and then feeds the vampire her blood to heal him and doesn’t look for her brother until the next day.
After they defeat the monster the vampire man is a vampire no more and him and the main woman can get married for real. The ex-vampire tells the woman’s brother to stop drinking because it upsets her and an actual line in the story is “He hasn’t drank since the day he shot me.” I do not recommend this story.
At one point her brother also shoots the vampire cuz he doesn’t like her being with him and then the werewolf attacks her brother and she basically doesn’t care. She’s like “oh well he’s done for” and then feeds the vampire her blood to heal him and doesn’t look for her brother until the next day.
After they defeat the monster the vampire man is a vampire no more and him and the main woman can get married for real. The ex-vampire tells the woman’s brother to stop drinking because it upsets her and an actual line in the story is “He hasn’t drank since the day he shot me.” I do not recommend this story.
January 5, 2026
4.25⭐️
Tea & Alchemy is an atmospheric, unique historical fantasy, with forbidden romance, and an intriguing mystery. I loved the different magical elements from family curses, to reading tea leaves, and the creatures lurking in the woods. This book was a slow burn that kept me engaged and curious from beginning to end.
I love Sharon Fisher’s writing and the way she is able to create worlds you can see and feel.
If Tea & Alchemy sounds like something you would like, I also recommend her other books, Grimm Curiosities and Salt & Broom! (I really love the audios too!)
((A big thank you to the author, NetGalley, and 47North Publishing for the advanced copy.))
Tea & Alchemy is an atmospheric, unique historical fantasy, with forbidden romance, and an intriguing mystery. I loved the different magical elements from family curses, to reading tea leaves, and the creatures lurking in the woods. This book was a slow burn that kept me engaged and curious from beginning to end.
I love Sharon Fisher’s writing and the way she is able to create worlds you can see and feel.
If Tea & Alchemy sounds like something you would like, I also recommend her other books, Grimm Curiosities and Salt & Broom! (I really love the audios too!)
((A big thank you to the author, NetGalley, and 47North Publishing for the advanced copy.))
January 19, 2026
Not sure how I feel rn....ending was kind of anticlimactic??? Thought defeating Goosevar would be a lot more dramatic. It was interesting that he was able to stop being a vampire after, and I like that they wrapped up the story with Ruby, but Mina just got very blah toward the end. I also feel like they never really explained the tea reading stuff, maybe it's just me!! Overall liked the writing though
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
Cute ending, no idea how to feel rn
January 6, 2026
Tea leaves don’t lie - This is a wannabe Victorian era Twilight
Arc from NetGalley
Arc from NetGalley
January 5, 2026
Sharon Lynn Fisher has carved out a distinctive niche in historical fantasy romance, and with Tea & Alchemy, she delivers perhaps her most atmospheric work yet. Set against the brooding moorlands of 1854 Cornwall, this novel weaves together murder mystery, supernatural intrigue, and achingly tender romance in a narrative that feels both freshly imaginative and steeped in gothic tradition.
A Heroine Who Sees Beyond the Veil
Mina Penrose serves as our window into this fog-draped world, and Fisher has crafted a protagonist who defies the passive maiden archetype so common in Victorian-set romances. Working at The Magpie tearoom in the village of Roche, Mina has recently discovered she's inherited her late mother's gift for tasseography—reading tea leaves. What begins as curious shapes in spent tea quickly becomes omens she cannot ignore, especially after a murdered solicitor is found on the heath.
Fisher develops Mina's character with remarkable nuance. She's neither helplessly naive nor unrealistically bold; instead, she exhibits a practical courage born from genuine loss and hardship. Her relationship with her troubled twin brother Jack adds emotional depth, grounding the fantastical elements in authentic family dynamics. When Mina sees wolves in the tea leaves and then encounters danger on the moor, her determination to uncover the truth stems not from recklessness but from a fierce protective instinct for those she loves.
The author's portrayal of Mina's evolving abilities feels organic rather than convenient. As Mina studies In the Leaves: A Primer on Tasseography by Mrs. Jane Rochester (a delightful callback to Fisher's previous novel Salt & Broom), we witness her growth from uncertain beginner to confident interpreter of symbols. This progression mirrors her emotional journey from isolated grief to renewed hope.
The Alchemist in the Tower
Harker Tregarrick emerges as one of the more compelling vampire characters in recent romantasy fiction. Fisher's decision to give him chapters told in first person creates an intimate portrait of centuries-old suffering. Unlike brooding immortals who revel in their darkness, Harker is a scientist desperately seeking a cure for his condition through alchemical experimentation. His laboratory, perched in the ruins of a medieval chapel atop Roche Rock, becomes both sanctuary and prison.
The author excels in depicting Harker's internal struggle between his intellectual pursuits and his monstrous nature. His creation of a "vital essence" to suppress his bloodlust speaks to themes of self-control and the lengths one will go to maintain humanity. When he ventures into the village for the first time in decades, drawn by both necessity and a pull he cannot name, Fisher captures his vulnerability with poignant precision. His observations of the modern world through centuries-old eyes provide moments of both humor and melancholy.
What sets Harker apart from typical vampire love interests is his genuine moral wrestling. He doesn't view his condition as making him special or powerful; he sees it as a curse that has cost him everything—family, freedom, and the simple pleasures of human connection. This perspective makes his attraction to Mina all the more dangerous and heartrending.
Cornwall as Character
Fisher's rendering of mid-Victorian Cornwall deserves particular praise. The landscape becomes a character unto itself, from the haunting beauty of Goss Moor to the imposing white conical hills of quartz waste from the china clay operations. The author has clearly done her research, weaving historical details seamlessly into the narrative. References to the mining industry, parish churches, and rural life never feel like heavy-handed exposition but emerge naturally through Mina's observations and experiences.
The real Roche Rock, which Fisher visited and felt compelled to immortalize in fiction, provides an evocative setting that grounds the supernatural elements. The black granite tower jutting from the moorland, wreathed in mist and mystery, becomes a perfect metaphor for Harker himself—ancient, imposing, yet somehow vulnerable. Fisher's use of fog and atmospheric conditions to heighten tension shows sophisticated understanding of gothic conventions.
Where Magic Meets Science
One of the novel's most intriguing aspects is Fisher's treatment of the supernatural through multiple lenses. Mina's tea leaf reading represents intuitive, feminine mysticism passed down through generations. Harker's alchemy embodies rational, masculine pursuit of knowledge through experimentation. The revelation of an older, more primal magic woven through the landscape adds another layer entirely. Fisher doesn't position these systems in opposition but shows how they can complement and illuminate one another.
The murder mystery that propels the plot forward is well-constructed, with genuine tension and misdirection. As bodies appear on the heath and suspicion falls on Harker, Fisher explores themes of prejudice, fear of the other, and how easily communities turn against outsiders. The constable's investigation provides a grounding procedural element that balances the fantastical aspects.
Romance That Earns Its Intensity
The slow-burn romance between Mina and Harker crackles with both danger and tenderness. Fisher understands that true chemistry stems from more than physical attraction; it requires intellectual connection and mutual respect. Their conversations over cups of smoky Lapsang Souchong tea become intimate exchanges where two lonely souls recognize kindred spirits.
The obstacles to their union feel genuinely insurmountable rather than artificially imposed. How can Mina love a creature who craves her blood? How can Harker allow himself to care for someone so fragile and mortal? Fisher doesn't rush past these questions but explores them with emotional honesty. The moments when Harker's control wavers are terrifying precisely because we've come to care for both characters.
When they finally come together, the scenes pulse with hard-won passion. Fisher writes intimacy with a deft hand—sensual without being gratuitous, conveying both the physical and emotional dimensions of their connection.
Critical Considerations
While Tea & Alchemy excels in many areas, it's not without minor stumbles. Some readers may find the pacing uneven, particularly in the middle section where investigation and revelation slow the momentum. A few plot points rely on convenient timing, and the resolution of certain threads feels slightly rushed given the careful buildup.
The dual perspective, while generally effective, occasionally creates jarring tonal shifts. Harker's formal, introspective voice contrasts sharply with Mina's more immediate, earthy narration. This stylistic choice serves the characters well but may challenge readers who prefer more consistency.
Additionally, while Fisher's research into tea reading and alchemy enriches the narrative, there are moments when the exposition becomes slightly heavy-handed. Readers already immersed in the story might wish for less explanation and more action during these passages.
Verdict: A Gothic Romance with Substance
Tea & Alchemy succeeds in doing what the best historical fantasy romance should: it transports readers to a fully realized world while exploring timeless questions about love, identity, and redemption. Fisher has created a vampire novel that feels fresh despite working within well-established conventions, primarily because she focuses on character and atmosphere over shock value or melodrama.
The novel works beautifully as a standalone while rewarding those familiar with Fisher's previous Cornwall-set romance, Salt & Broom. Her ability to blend historical detail, supernatural elements, and emotional depth marks her as a distinctive voice in the romantasy genre.
This is a book for readers who savor atmospheric world-building, complex characters wrestling with moral questions, and romance that feels earned rather than inevitable. It's perfect for autumn nights with a cup of tea at hand, ready to lose yourself in the mists of Cornwall and the mysteries of the human heart.
A Heroine Who Sees Beyond the Veil
Mina Penrose serves as our window into this fog-draped world, and Fisher has crafted a protagonist who defies the passive maiden archetype so common in Victorian-set romances. Working at The Magpie tearoom in the village of Roche, Mina has recently discovered she's inherited her late mother's gift for tasseography—reading tea leaves. What begins as curious shapes in spent tea quickly becomes omens she cannot ignore, especially after a murdered solicitor is found on the heath.
Fisher develops Mina's character with remarkable nuance. She's neither helplessly naive nor unrealistically bold; instead, she exhibits a practical courage born from genuine loss and hardship. Her relationship with her troubled twin brother Jack adds emotional depth, grounding the fantastical elements in authentic family dynamics. When Mina sees wolves in the tea leaves and then encounters danger on the moor, her determination to uncover the truth stems not from recklessness but from a fierce protective instinct for those she loves.
The author's portrayal of Mina's evolving abilities feels organic rather than convenient. As Mina studies In the Leaves: A Primer on Tasseography by Mrs. Jane Rochester (a delightful callback to Fisher's previous novel Salt & Broom), we witness her growth from uncertain beginner to confident interpreter of symbols. This progression mirrors her emotional journey from isolated grief to renewed hope.
The Alchemist in the Tower
Harker Tregarrick emerges as one of the more compelling vampire characters in recent romantasy fiction. Fisher's decision to give him chapters told in first person creates an intimate portrait of centuries-old suffering. Unlike brooding immortals who revel in their darkness, Harker is a scientist desperately seeking a cure for his condition through alchemical experimentation. His laboratory, perched in the ruins of a medieval chapel atop Roche Rock, becomes both sanctuary and prison.
The author excels in depicting Harker's internal struggle between his intellectual pursuits and his monstrous nature. His creation of a "vital essence" to suppress his bloodlust speaks to themes of self-control and the lengths one will go to maintain humanity. When he ventures into the village for the first time in decades, drawn by both necessity and a pull he cannot name, Fisher captures his vulnerability with poignant precision. His observations of the modern world through centuries-old eyes provide moments of both humor and melancholy.
What sets Harker apart from typical vampire love interests is his genuine moral wrestling. He doesn't view his condition as making him special or powerful; he sees it as a curse that has cost him everything—family, freedom, and the simple pleasures of human connection. This perspective makes his attraction to Mina all the more dangerous and heartrending.
Cornwall as Character
Fisher's rendering of mid-Victorian Cornwall deserves particular praise. The landscape becomes a character unto itself, from the haunting beauty of Goss Moor to the imposing white conical hills of quartz waste from the china clay operations. The author has clearly done her research, weaving historical details seamlessly into the narrative. References to the mining industry, parish churches, and rural life never feel like heavy-handed exposition but emerge naturally through Mina's observations and experiences.
The real Roche Rock, which Fisher visited and felt compelled to immortalize in fiction, provides an evocative setting that grounds the supernatural elements. The black granite tower jutting from the moorland, wreathed in mist and mystery, becomes a perfect metaphor for Harker himself—ancient, imposing, yet somehow vulnerable. Fisher's use of fog and atmospheric conditions to heighten tension shows sophisticated understanding of gothic conventions.
Where Magic Meets Science
One of the novel's most intriguing aspects is Fisher's treatment of the supernatural through multiple lenses. Mina's tea leaf reading represents intuitive, feminine mysticism passed down through generations. Harker's alchemy embodies rational, masculine pursuit of knowledge through experimentation. The revelation of an older, more primal magic woven through the landscape adds another layer entirely. Fisher doesn't position these systems in opposition but shows how they can complement and illuminate one another.
The murder mystery that propels the plot forward is well-constructed, with genuine tension and misdirection. As bodies appear on the heath and suspicion falls on Harker, Fisher explores themes of prejudice, fear of the other, and how easily communities turn against outsiders. The constable's investigation provides a grounding procedural element that balances the fantastical aspects.
Romance That Earns Its Intensity
The slow-burn romance between Mina and Harker crackles with both danger and tenderness. Fisher understands that true chemistry stems from more than physical attraction; it requires intellectual connection and mutual respect. Their conversations over cups of smoky Lapsang Souchong tea become intimate exchanges where two lonely souls recognize kindred spirits.
The obstacles to their union feel genuinely insurmountable rather than artificially imposed. How can Mina love a creature who craves her blood? How can Harker allow himself to care for someone so fragile and mortal? Fisher doesn't rush past these questions but explores them with emotional honesty. The moments when Harker's control wavers are terrifying precisely because we've come to care for both characters.
When they finally come together, the scenes pulse with hard-won passion. Fisher writes intimacy with a deft hand—sensual without being gratuitous, conveying both the physical and emotional dimensions of their connection.
Critical Considerations
While Tea & Alchemy excels in many areas, it's not without minor stumbles. Some readers may find the pacing uneven, particularly in the middle section where investigation and revelation slow the momentum. A few plot points rely on convenient timing, and the resolution of certain threads feels slightly rushed given the careful buildup.
The dual perspective, while generally effective, occasionally creates jarring tonal shifts. Harker's formal, introspective voice contrasts sharply with Mina's more immediate, earthy narration. This stylistic choice serves the characters well but may challenge readers who prefer more consistency.
Additionally, while Fisher's research into tea reading and alchemy enriches the narrative, there are moments when the exposition becomes slightly heavy-handed. Readers already immersed in the story might wish for less explanation and more action during these passages.
Verdict: A Gothic Romance with Substance
Tea & Alchemy succeeds in doing what the best historical fantasy romance should: it transports readers to a fully realized world while exploring timeless questions about love, identity, and redemption. Fisher has created a vampire novel that feels fresh despite working within well-established conventions, primarily because she focuses on character and atmosphere over shock value or melodrama.
The novel works beautifully as a standalone while rewarding those familiar with Fisher's previous Cornwall-set romance, Salt & Broom. Her ability to blend historical detail, supernatural elements, and emotional depth marks her as a distinctive voice in the romantasy genre.
This is a book for readers who savor atmospheric world-building, complex characters wrestling with moral questions, and romance that feels earned rather than inevitable. It's perfect for autumn nights with a cup of tea at hand, ready to lose yourself in the mists of Cornwall and the mysteries of the human heart.
December 21, 2025
This started so strong. First 60% I felt really invested. Cosy, gothic, mysterious. A whole lot of yearning.
The last 40% felt rushed and conflicting. It became a lot more tell instead of show. The dialogue became very amateurish where it hadn’t been in the first two-thirds.
Why throw in a marriage of convenience that late in a book? Why did it feel like she wasn’t particularly emotional about her brother being kidnapped? Why add spice in the last two pages?
Jacks character development was probably the most interesting only to shoot someone then be really quickly forgiven for it?
Started a 4 and ended a 2. Bit of a shame.
The last 40% felt rushed and conflicting. It became a lot more tell instead of show. The dialogue became very amateurish where it hadn’t been in the first two-thirds.
Why throw in a marriage of convenience that late in a book? Why did it feel like she wasn’t particularly emotional about her brother being kidnapped? Why add spice in the last two pages?
Jacks character development was probably the most interesting only to shoot someone then be really quickly forgiven for it?
Started a 4 and ended a 2. Bit of a shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
Tea & Alchemy is a delightful, cosy read that blends historical romance with paranormal mystery. Mina and Harker were both great characters whose stories interested me and whose romance felt natural and not forced or too sudden. The story was nicely paced throughout, emotional moments interspersed with action scenes, and the world building was well done. Regarding the latter, this story offered an intriguing, fresh take on the idea of vampires and their origins, and I thought it worked well. It certainly held my interest as the truth was slowly unraveled. I am giving this book 4.5 stars and I recommend it for fans of historical paranormal romance and fans of vampire tales looking for something a little different from the usual fare.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2025
welcome back twilight
June 14, 2025
Mina Penrose has been working for a small tearoom to combat her loneliness and grief. It's how she learns that she's a tasseographer—someone who can tell people's fortunes based on residue patterns left inside teacups.
While washing the dishes, Mina finds a cup that foretells danger. Then that same evening, she stumbles on a dead body. The victim appears to have been attacked by a vicious animal.
Rumours ignite around town when Harker Tregarrick leaves his estate for the first time in recent memory. Mina can't help but feel drawn to the strange alchemist, in the same way that her blood also calls to him. She refuses to stay away, even as a dark shadow conspires against them.
☕Adult Fiction
🌿Gothic Fantasy
☕Historical England, 1854
🌿Mystery & Romance
☕Tasseographer x Vampire
🌿Atmospheric
'Tea & Alchemy' is a beautiful and ominous gothic fantasy about two people who can't stay away from each other. At times, the characters and the paranormal elements made this feel like a re-imagining of 'Little Red Riding Hood' combined with 'Dracula'. It features detailed descriptions of nature that evoke imagery reminiscent of vintage botanical illustrations.
This book's pacing could be frustrating. It starts off strong, slows to the point of stagnation in the middle, and then picks back up again. The romance claimed a lot more of the plot than I expected, given that the main characters don't spend much time together in the first half. In some chapters, Harker came across as a gothic Edward Cullen-esque character. The story is partially told from his perspective, so we’re given too much information for suspense to build up.
I found the tea reading element fascinating, and it contributed to the moody atmosphere. The setting is where this book shined the most, with an interesting location and a dreary village. Due to their circumstances, the characters have a certain lost hopelessness to them that's oftentimes eerier than the monsters. They live in a place where everyone works until it kills their spirits, then their bodies. So, fear, grief, and loneliness are interwoven into their daily lives. In this town, no one is allowed to dream or aspire for anything more, and that's a terrifying thing to settle into.
Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
While washing the dishes, Mina finds a cup that foretells danger. Then that same evening, she stumbles on a dead body. The victim appears to have been attacked by a vicious animal.
Rumours ignite around town when Harker Tregarrick leaves his estate for the first time in recent memory. Mina can't help but feel drawn to the strange alchemist, in the same way that her blood also calls to him. She refuses to stay away, even as a dark shadow conspires against them.
☕Adult Fiction
🌿Gothic Fantasy
☕Historical England, 1854
🌿Mystery & Romance
☕Tasseographer x Vampire
🌿Atmospheric
'Tea & Alchemy' is a beautiful and ominous gothic fantasy about two people who can't stay away from each other. At times, the characters and the paranormal elements made this feel like a re-imagining of 'Little Red Riding Hood' combined with 'Dracula'. It features detailed descriptions of nature that evoke imagery reminiscent of vintage botanical illustrations.
This book's pacing could be frustrating. It starts off strong, slows to the point of stagnation in the middle, and then picks back up again. The romance claimed a lot more of the plot than I expected, given that the main characters don't spend much time together in the first half. In some chapters, Harker came across as a gothic Edward Cullen-esque character. The story is partially told from his perspective, so we’re given too much information for suspense to build up.
I found the tea reading element fascinating, and it contributed to the moody atmosphere. The setting is where this book shined the most, with an interesting location and a dreary village. Due to their circumstances, the characters have a certain lost hopelessness to them that's oftentimes eerier than the monsters. They live in a place where everyone works until it kills their spirits, then their bodies. So, fear, grief, and loneliness are interwoven into their daily lives. In this town, no one is allowed to dream or aspire for anything more, and that's a terrifying thing to settle into.
Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2026
Set in the 19th century, the tragic and lonely life of Mina Penrose takes a turn when she discovers she can read tea leaves and soon after finds a body on the heath. One thing leads to another, and she is pulled into a trail of events that includes an encounter with the town’s reclusive and handsome man. With danger lurking around them, a person who is an alchemical mystery in himself, and the strange charm of defying expectations, Mina finds herself tangled in something formidable. She is never quite sure if she is hunting the killer or being hunted herself.
The book carries a supernatural touch. The mystical elements blend ancient lore and curses, while also tying them together with science. Even though the timeline is historical, chemistry plays an important role in certain parts of the story, which adds an interesting layer. I honestly do not have many complaints. This was an entertaining read and perfectly suited my soft fantasy mood, without the drama of multiple realms or wars.
I listened to the audiobook version, though I am sure the physical copy would be just as enjoyable, if not more. The narrators handled the pacing well, and because of that, I felt completely locked in and carried through the story.
The book carries a supernatural touch. The mystical elements blend ancient lore and curses, while also tying them together with science. Even though the timeline is historical, chemistry plays an important role in certain parts of the story, which adds an interesting layer. I honestly do not have many complaints. This was an entertaining read and perfectly suited my soft fantasy mood, without the drama of multiple realms or wars.
I listened to the audiobook version, though I am sure the physical copy would be just as enjoyable, if not more. The narrators handled the pacing well, and because of that, I felt completely locked in and carried through the story.
January 2, 2026
Cozy vampires and murder? Who knew it would work so well?!
The new take on vampirism and its roots was refreshing and interesting! It’s always fun when an author takes well known lore and changes the game. The added bits of folklore were a welcome addition as well.
I really enjoyed this atmospheric read and it is such a perfect pairing to Salt & Broom if you want find you want to continue Sharon Lynn Fisher’s work! The historical aspect feels well researched and well lived-in. This version of Cornwall is alive within the pages!
It’s cozy, romantic and a little bit terrifying. The perfect historical cozy fantasy for a cold January day!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available January 1, 2025
Thank you to 47North for a free advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The new take on vampirism and its roots was refreshing and interesting! It’s always fun when an author takes well known lore and changes the game. The added bits of folklore were a welcome addition as well.
I really enjoyed this atmospheric read and it is such a perfect pairing to Salt & Broom if you want find you want to continue Sharon Lynn Fisher’s work! The historical aspect feels well researched and well lived-in. This version of Cornwall is alive within the pages!
It’s cozy, romantic and a little bit terrifying. The perfect historical cozy fantasy for a cold January day!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available January 1, 2025
Thank you to 47North for a free advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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