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A Brewed Awakening
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival?
In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.
After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.
But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.
When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.
Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?
In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.
After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.
But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.
When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.
Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 5, 2026
7548 people want to read
About the author
Pepper Basham
45 books3,149 followersPepper D Basham has been telling tales ever since she was a little girl. When her grandmother called her a “writer” at the age of ten, Pepper took it as gospel and has enjoyed various types of writing styles ever since. A native of the Blue Ridge Mountains, mom of five, speech-language pathologist, and lover of chocolate, Pepper enjoys sprinkling her native Appalachian culture into her fiction wherever she can. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of the New River Valley in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
December 9, 2025
✨🥰☕🥐 Heartwarming, witty and charming! A sweet small-town romance, with a beautiful community of people, and a fun sense of humour. The character's all felt genuine, kind, endearing and wonderful.
💬 The social media posts and conversations at the start of each chapter were highly entertaining, they gave you a glimpse into the whole community, and were one of my favorite sections of the story! They were filled with funny hashtags, gossip and flirty banter that always had me chuckling.
🍵🍺 The story follows Daphne, a local business owner who now has a rival business opening up next to hers - enter the dashing (decadently British) Finn Dashwood (aka Flynn "Smolder" Dashwood). He is new to town and opening a hearty pub restaurant next to Daphne's elegant tea shop and bakery. Suffice it to say that this book made me HUNGRY. It was filled with delightful foodie conversations, dishes, descriptions, and competitions. It honestly made me want to bake and cook all day. 😋
💕 The chemistry between Finn & Daphne was great in this one, I loved the teasing and banter - the romance was endearing and sweet. I loved how they challenged and inspired each other, and sparked creativity in their craft. Also, it was lovely to see their journey of finding hope again - and how they worked through their own fears, grief, and loss based on past experiences.
💞 I love the characters and family dynamics the author writes in her stories - they're always so genuine, kind and engaging. Finn was a single-dad to an adorable little girl, who had medical issues related to speech. Daphne's older brother Jack was protective and caring, and they had a great relationship.
🌀 I was not expecting the plot twist in the last 25% of the book and loved the sense of community it displayed, how everyone came together. It was also a nice change of pace to have an event like that take place instead of a regular third-act breakup or similar scenes. It felt more real and meaningful, and I felt the conclusion was better with the addition of the external crisis (that seemed to be based on experience as it felt very real).
🎧 I would love to hear this as an audiobook, it would be great with the Southern & English accents of the character's! Honestly, I'd love a movie too
One thing that could have been better:
The first 30% or so exaggerated the awkwardness, dialogues and dynamics between the character's. It didn't feel as natural in parts because it felt like it was trying too hard to establish a certain personality and characterization for them. Some scenes were dragged out a little longer than necessary with the internal analysis of the character's thoughts and perceptions about each other that I felt could have had more active dialogues and pacing. I think overall this section could have been more condensed. The rest of the story found it's groove and progressed more naturally.
Concluding Thoughts:
This is the second book I've read by Pepper Basham, the last one I had read was a historical fiction. She infuses many values and traits that bring the character's and communities to life in a well-rounded way. The romance is always delightful, having a charming and witty quality. She also touches upon the human experiences and emotions in a way that lends more weight to the fears and choices of the character's.
Overall, this was a lovely contemporary romance that was lighthearted, sweet and charming.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complementary e-arc of this novel. All opinions expressed here are my own.
💬 The social media posts and conversations at the start of each chapter were highly entertaining, they gave you a glimpse into the whole community, and were one of my favorite sections of the story! They were filled with funny hashtags, gossip and flirty banter that always had me chuckling.
🍵🍺 The story follows Daphne, a local business owner who now has a rival business opening up next to hers - enter the dashing (decadently British) Finn Dashwood (aka Flynn "Smolder" Dashwood). He is new to town and opening a hearty pub restaurant next to Daphne's elegant tea shop and bakery. Suffice it to say that this book made me HUNGRY. It was filled with delightful foodie conversations, dishes, descriptions, and competitions. It honestly made me want to bake and cook all day. 😋
💕 The chemistry between Finn & Daphne was great in this one, I loved the teasing and banter - the romance was endearing and sweet. I loved how they challenged and inspired each other, and sparked creativity in their craft. Also, it was lovely to see their journey of finding hope again - and how they worked through their own fears, grief, and loss based on past experiences.
💞 I love the characters and family dynamics the author writes in her stories - they're always so genuine, kind and engaging. Finn was a single-dad to an adorable little girl, who had medical issues related to speech. Daphne's older brother Jack was protective and caring, and they had a great relationship.
🌀 I was not expecting the plot twist in the last 25% of the book and loved the sense of community it displayed, how everyone came together. It was also a nice change of pace to have an event like that take place instead of a regular third-act breakup or similar scenes. It felt more real and meaningful, and I felt the conclusion was better with the addition of the external crisis (that seemed to be based on experience as it felt very real).
🎧 I would love to hear this as an audiobook, it would be great with the Southern & English accents of the character's! Honestly, I'd love a movie too
One thing that could have been better:
The first 30% or so exaggerated the awkwardness, dialogues and dynamics between the character's. It didn't feel as natural in parts because it felt like it was trying too hard to establish a certain personality and characterization for them. Some scenes were dragged out a little longer than necessary with the internal analysis of the character's thoughts and perceptions about each other that I felt could have had more active dialogues and pacing. I think overall this section could have been more condensed. The rest of the story found it's groove and progressed more naturally.
Concluding Thoughts:
This is the second book I've read by Pepper Basham, the last one I had read was a historical fiction. She infuses many values and traits that bring the character's and communities to life in a well-rounded way. The romance is always delightful, having a charming and witty quality. She also touches upon the human experiences and emotions in a way that lends more weight to the fears and choices of the character's.
Overall, this was a lovely contemporary romance that was lighthearted, sweet and charming.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complementary e-arc of this novel. All opinions expressed here are my own.
November 16, 2025
Pepper Basham writes EVERYTHING so well, and A Brewed Awakening is another winner! Sweet, romantic, with a yummy tea shop setting in a small Carolina town I'd love to live in. Plus characters you really come to care about. Loved it!
November 17, 2025
This romcom was so cute! One hot chef + a neighboring teashop owner = lots of flirtatious foodie banter.
In unique Pepper Basham style, each chapter starts with a social media post and comments that could be from Twitter or Threads. Everyone from the sheriff to the pastor chimes in from time to time, with local gossip, advertising, and #AllTheCreativeHashtags. I got such a kick out of the Wisteria General Store's creative merch!
At the heart of the novel is a single dad looking for a fresh start and a young woman who has loved and lost one too many times, surrounded by a rather colorful community of small-town Appalachian characters--and a celebrity or two. And there's one little girl with a lisp who loves pink and princesses.
But then comes the plot twist I didn't see coming. Written as only someone who has lived it can. That's when the tears came.
It's a romcom but if you look closely, you'll find some topics near and dear to the author's heart, too. And I think that makes this title extra special.
Note: A bit more kissing and flirting than the Skymar series, but still a clean read!
(Disclosure: I received a digital review copy from NetGalley.)
In unique Pepper Basham style, each chapter starts with a social media post and comments that could be from Twitter or Threads. Everyone from the sheriff to the pastor chimes in from time to time, with local gossip, advertising, and #AllTheCreativeHashtags. I got such a kick out of the Wisteria General Store's creative merch!
At the heart of the novel is a single dad looking for a fresh start and a young woman who has loved and lost one too many times, surrounded by a rather colorful community of small-town Appalachian characters--and a celebrity or two. And there's one little girl with a lisp who loves pink and princesses.
But then comes the plot twist I didn't see coming. Written as only someone who has lived it can. That's when the tears came.
It's a romcom but if you look closely, you'll find some topics near and dear to the author's heart, too. And I think that makes this title extra special.
Note: A bit more kissing and flirting than the Skymar series, but still a clean read!
(Disclosure: I received a digital review copy from NetGalley.)
March 23, 2026
5/5
A brewed awakening was a wonderful small town, enemies/rivals to lovers, closed door romance featuring Daphne, a Wisteria native, and Finn, a single dad who recently moved to Wisteria with his young daughter. Daphne is the owner of the tea shop in Wisteria and a lover of all kinds of teas and sweet treats; while Finn is the complete opposite, a coffee lover who loves to cook savory, english dishes. The banter was great in this story, and the interaction of the main characters with each other and the other Wisteria residents was hilarious and sweet. The narrators had great pace and did an amazing job bringing this story to life.
Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for providing this Audio ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
A brewed awakening was a wonderful small town, enemies/rivals to lovers, closed door romance featuring Daphne, a Wisteria native, and Finn, a single dad who recently moved to Wisteria with his young daughter. Daphne is the owner of the tea shop in Wisteria and a lover of all kinds of teas and sweet treats; while Finn is the complete opposite, a coffee lover who loves to cook savory, english dishes. The banter was great in this story, and the interaction of the main characters with each other and the other Wisteria residents was hilarious and sweet. The narrators had great pace and did an amazing job bringing this story to life.
Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for providing this Audio ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 17, 2025
After reading this book I think I found a new favorite romcom author. This book transformed me into a new "hallmark" world with a fun witty story about a chef and a teashop owner. I am a sucker of witty comebacks, banter, and adding in social media posts at the beginning of the chapters. This book was not only a romcom but it also mentioned tops that I believe a lot of readers can related to. Having the relatable topics is something that I appreciate that authors include as it feels more real.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#Netgalley
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#Netgalley
January 17, 2026
A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham is, quite simply, her best work to date. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book gets all the stars, and it kept me smiling the entire way through.
📖 From the very first chapter, this enemies-to-lovers rom-com delivers charm, heart, and laugh-out-loud moments 😂. Daphne Austen, with her Jane Austen devotion, tearoom traditions 🫖, and love of order, is the perfect foil to Finn Dashwood, a pub-owning Brit serving pints 🍺, rock music 🎸, and second chances. Watching these two clash was pure joy.
The setting alone deserves applause. Wisteria, North Carolina has a cozy, Gilmore Girls–style hometown vibe that makes you want to move there immediately. Add in prank wars 🤭, chalkboard battles, and an utterly delightful hashtag rivalry (#BestRomComEver 😉), and the story becomes impossible to put down.
What truly elevates this book is the heart behind it ❤️. The characters are incredibly lovable, especially Finn’s adorable daughter, and the faith elements are woven in naturally and beautifully. This is a clean romance that still sparkles with chemistry, warmth, and emotional depth.
I laughed, I smiled, and I wished it would never end. I honestly wish I could gift this book to everyone. If you love witty banter, cozy settings, heartfelt faith, and rom-com perfection, go grab a copy today. You will not regret it!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
📖 From the very first chapter, this enemies-to-lovers rom-com delivers charm, heart, and laugh-out-loud moments 😂. Daphne Austen, with her Jane Austen devotion, tearoom traditions 🫖, and love of order, is the perfect foil to Finn Dashwood, a pub-owning Brit serving pints 🍺, rock music 🎸, and second chances. Watching these two clash was pure joy.
The setting alone deserves applause. Wisteria, North Carolina has a cozy, Gilmore Girls–style hometown vibe that makes you want to move there immediately. Add in prank wars 🤭, chalkboard battles, and an utterly delightful hashtag rivalry (#BestRomComEver 😉), and the story becomes impossible to put down.
What truly elevates this book is the heart behind it ❤️. The characters are incredibly lovable, especially Finn’s adorable daughter, and the faith elements are woven in naturally and beautifully. This is a clean romance that still sparkles with chemistry, warmth, and emotional depth.
I laughed, I smiled, and I wished it would never end. I honestly wish I could gift this book to everyone. If you love witty banter, cozy settings, heartfelt faith, and rom-com perfection, go grab a copy today. You will not regret it!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is the ultimate slow-burn romance between an English pub owner and a tea shop proprietor, involving two characters who couldn't be more opposite to each other. Despite their differences, sparks fly between Finn and Daphne from the onset, garnering an audience of local townspeople from Wisteria, North Carolina. With heavily hashtagged social media content following their every move (some posts really should be shared privately!), nothing brings a small town out for gossip-fueled drama like the cooking rivalry that heats up between refined food and comfort food. Foodies will appreciate the delectable meals and treats in this book, making it a chef's kiss for drumming up an appetite while reading.
I appreciate that when difficulties arise, Finn and Daphne realize they cannot lean on their own strength and instead trust in God to help them and their community. With several heated moments between the characters, it's a good thing that they are chaperoned by Finn's adorable daughter, Lucy, who is both brave and beautiful like her favourite character of Rapunzel. Readers who enjoy cutting but not cruel repartee amid a community truly coming together will find it worthwhile to see whether tea or coffee wins the day in A Brewed Awakening. Plus, you might be asking yourself, how does Jodie have so much merchandise and who is buying it all?!
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I appreciate that when difficulties arise, Finn and Daphne realize they cannot lean on their own strength and instead trust in God to help them and their community. With several heated moments between the characters, it's a good thing that they are chaperoned by Finn's adorable daughter, Lucy, who is both brave and beautiful like her favourite character of Rapunzel. Readers who enjoy cutting but not cruel repartee amid a community truly coming together will find it worthwhile to see whether tea or coffee wins the day in A Brewed Awakening. Plus, you might be asking yourself, how does Jodie have so much merchandise and who is buying it all?!
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Pepper Basham's books and this one doesn't disappoint. The social media commentary throughout had me in stitches and I would read the to my husband. Definitely recommend. Thanks netgalley for the chance to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh my goodness this book! From about 36% when Lucy had her nosebleed and Daphne helped her and Finn, it just grabbed my heart and did not let go. And the ending! I don't want to say too much about it so as not to spoil anything, but it was a deeply meaningful event that I know was a very personal lived experience for the author.
4.5 stars rounded up - I didn't love Daphne and Finn's dynamic at first, but it was understandable given their life experiences. And at first I didn't love the social media (Twitter/X?) aspect that starts each chapter - although that grew on me! But those are my only small quibbles which are drowned out by the absolutely lovely last two-thirds of this book!! Also, just to put out there that there is no third act breakup.
Highly recommended!
4.5 stars rounded up - I didn't love Daphne and Finn's dynamic at first, but it was understandable given their life experiences. And at first I didn't love the social media (Twitter/X?) aspect that starts each chapter - although that grew on me! But those are my only small quibbles which are drowned out by the absolutely lovely last two-thirds of this book!! Also, just to put out there that there is no third act breakup.
Highly recommended!
February 28, 2026
This was my first Pepper Basham book, and I can tell she’s a really great writer. The plot concept was really cute: sweet, Southern, tea-loving girl and salty, British, coffee-loving pub owner slowly fall in love in a small North Carolina town. I really liked many aspects of it, and I liked the faith based worldview of it, too!
But I think as far romcoms go, this one was middle ground for me. There were a few things about it that weren’t my preference:
- The first 50% was mostly a bickering-flirt hybrid. I know some people really love the rivals/enemies vibes, but I think I’ve learned I get weary of it if it goes on too long.
- Though it picked up for me around the halfway point and I started to really get into it, the last 20% took a turn towards a heavier storyline that I wasn’t anticipating in this kind of romcom. The majority of the book didn’t match that tone, so it didn’t seem to fit well. The story was hopeful, which I appreciated, but when I pick up a romcom, I want something with minimal conflict and light content.
- This book was just a little too long and maybe tried to do too much. If this had been shorter and more consistent emotionally, I think it would have ranked higher for me.
This was still an enjoyable, entertaining read for me, nonetheless. I definitely plan to read more by Pepper, because I really enjoyed her writing and sense of humor!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
But I think as far romcoms go, this one was middle ground for me. There were a few things about it that weren’t my preference:
- The first 50% was mostly a bickering-flirt hybrid. I know some people really love the rivals/enemies vibes, but I think I’ve learned I get weary of it if it goes on too long.
- Though it picked up for me around the halfway point and I started to really get into it, the last 20% took a turn towards a heavier storyline that I wasn’t anticipating in this kind of romcom. The majority of the book didn’t match that tone, so it didn’t seem to fit well. The story was hopeful, which I appreciated, but when I pick up a romcom, I want something with minimal conflict and light content.
- This book was just a little too long and maybe tried to do too much. If this had been shorter and more consistent emotionally, I think it would have ranked higher for me.
This was still an enjoyable, entertaining read for me, nonetheless. I definitely plan to read more by Pepper, because I really enjoyed her writing and sense of humor!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 29, 2025
Charming, funny, and delightful, I loved it! I want to live in Wisteria. You do not want to miss this sweet enemies-to-lovers, and opposites-attract foodie rom-com set in the perfectly endearing small town.
Anglophile Daphne Austen, owner of Tea Thyme, meets the new owner of The Green Dragon Pub, and next door neighbor British Finn Dashwood while she is practically drooling over his English car (a Cabriolet like the one her grandma used to love). "There would come a day when she'd respond like a grown-up around handsome men. This was not that day." She's less than impressed with Finn despite his car.
Oh my goodness, the start of every chapter includes local town social media posts and hashtags that are a hoot!
A Brewed Awakening is about a town full of unforgettable characters, and main characters who have been through difficult losses, an adorable six-year-old daughter Lucy, highly entertaining banter, friendly competition, and lots of great food. Everyone in town pulls together during good times and difficult times. The author has created such a great place, I wasn't kidding when I said I'd like to live here, or spend a vacation here.
I highly recommend A Brewed Awakening for lovers of satisfying romantic comedy! Author Pepper Basham writes completely entertaining and delightful stories, and this latest one is wonderful.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson via Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Anglophile Daphne Austen, owner of Tea Thyme, meets the new owner of The Green Dragon Pub, and next door neighbor British Finn Dashwood while she is practically drooling over his English car (a Cabriolet like the one her grandma used to love). "There would come a day when she'd respond like a grown-up around handsome men. This was not that day." She's less than impressed with Finn despite his car.
Oh my goodness, the start of every chapter includes local town social media posts and hashtags that are a hoot!
A Brewed Awakening is about a town full of unforgettable characters, and main characters who have been through difficult losses, an adorable six-year-old daughter Lucy, highly entertaining banter, friendly competition, and lots of great food. Everyone in town pulls together during good times and difficult times. The author has created such a great place, I wasn't kidding when I said I'd like to live here, or spend a vacation here.
I highly recommend A Brewed Awakening for lovers of satisfying romantic comedy! Author Pepper Basham writes completely entertaining and delightful stories, and this latest one is wonderful.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson via Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
January 4, 2026
A fun romance between two opposites set in a small Appalachian mountain town.
Contemporary romance fans will enjoy this one, full of witty banter between rival owners of eateries. The food references were droolworthy, they all sounded so good. Loved the funny 'tweets' from the community members that punctuated the story. There is a lot more going on beneath the surface of their back and forth escapades. Both main characters have had serious life experiences that they had to overcome and that continue to color their outlook on relationships. The addition of a sweet little girl brought out a tender side of both, complete with Disney princess references and songs. The plot turns a serious corner or two towards the end as a crisis brings the community together. The ending was less predictable than I'd imagined as a result and heartfelt. Definitely worth the wait.
Recommend to readers who enjoy a book with a clean romance and inspirational moments. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Contemporary romance fans will enjoy this one, full of witty banter between rival owners of eateries. The food references were droolworthy, they all sounded so good. Loved the funny 'tweets' from the community members that punctuated the story. There is a lot more going on beneath the surface of their back and forth escapades. Both main characters have had serious life experiences that they had to overcome and that continue to color their outlook on relationships. The addition of a sweet little girl brought out a tender side of both, complete with Disney princess references and songs. The plot turns a serious corner or two towards the end as a crisis brings the community together. The ending was less predictable than I'd imagined as a result and heartfelt. Definitely worth the wait.
Recommend to readers who enjoy a book with a clean romance and inspirational moments. 4.5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
January 9, 2026
Adorable rom-com. Hallmark movie meets British bake-off competition with a small-town twist. And a natural disaster at the end that had me staying up late!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story has such a charming premise: a tea shop owner and a pub owner set up next door to each other in a small American town. He’s British, she’s American, and when they end up competing for the same wedding catering job, their rivalry sparks a series of entertaining encounters — many of which involve delicious-sounding recipes that add to the cosy atmosphere of the story.
Daphne is a genuinely sweet heroine who’s determined not to fall for a player, and her caution gives the romance a tender tension. Finn, meanwhile, is wonderfully endearing, especially in the way he treats his daughter like a little princess. That softer side of him really grounds the story and makes his character especially heartwarming.
I did find the opening a little slow to get into, but once the story reached the midpoint — and the first kiss — the momentum definitely picked up and the relationship started to deepen in a satisfying way.
The final section included a twist I wasn’t quite expecting. It didn’t lead to the kind of dramatic climax I had anticipated, but the resolution still felt authentic to the characters and their journey together.
Overall, this is a cosy, food-filled romance with a gentle enemies-to-lovers vibe and a lot of heart.
Daphne is a genuinely sweet heroine who’s determined not to fall for a player, and her caution gives the romance a tender tension. Finn, meanwhile, is wonderfully endearing, especially in the way he treats his daughter like a little princess. That softer side of him really grounds the story and makes his character especially heartwarming.
I did find the opening a little slow to get into, but once the story reached the midpoint — and the first kiss — the momentum definitely picked up and the relationship started to deepen in a satisfying way.
The final section included a twist I wasn’t quite expecting. It didn’t lead to the kind of dramatic climax I had anticipated, but the resolution still felt authentic to the characters and their journey together.
Overall, this is a cosy, food-filled romance with a gentle enemies-to-lovers vibe and a lot of heart.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was thrilled to get this book as an arc- I have been loving Pepper Basham as an author! This book was pretty good. I like how it picked up near the end the best though! I feel like she could have gone into a little more of the history of the characters a little more so we get to know them better, but you did get to know a lot of people in this little community. This book did make me want to eat a lot of food while reading! If I had a keyword for the book it would definitely be Hope. Hope in family, community, and God.
At the end of the book it didn't quite go the way I had thought it would but as I'm not sure if it's a spoiler or not, I'll just say it was a nice nod to the western North Carolinians.
At the end of the book it didn't quite go the way I had thought it would but as I'm not sure if it's a spoiler or not, I'll just say it was a nice nod to the western North Carolinians.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🤬Language Rating: 0/5
🌶️Spicy Rating: 1.5/5 (a few kisses, lots of flirting)
📖Plot Rating: 4.5/5
⚔️Violence Rating: 0.5/5
😎Christian Worldview: 4/5
⭐️Final Rating: 4.25/5
✨this is a spoiler-free review✨
This was so entertaining! I finished this book in one day! I literally couldn’t put it down! ❤️
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGallery and Pepper Basham!
🎶 Now Playing: Better Man by for King and Country
“I want to be a better man for you.”
This book was so sweet! This is my second book by Pepper Basham, and it did NOT disappoint!
Daphne, a tea house owner and lover of all things British, is running Tea Thyme all on her own after her Grandma passes away. She used to be creative, coming up with new recipes and posting them on social media, but that spark seems to be gone…until Finn comes to town.
“Watch the words traveling down the hall, through your heart”
Finn doesn’t want love. He moved to the small town of Wisteria to start over, without a woman who will just leave him and his precious daughter, Lucy.
That is, until he meets Daphne, his neighbor and fellow business owner. There is something about her, and he just can’t help but fall into easy banter. After all, a tiny bit of flirting is harmless…right?
“Feel my pulse quickenin’. A step away, a world apart.”
The entirety of this book was so sweet and funny! The town was hilarious, I was cracking up at the Wisteria General Store, Lucy was precious, and honestly, I love every single one of the townsfolk. The Jane Austen references were amazing, and I am extremely hungry now 😂
“I know that I let you down, let my pride shut you out.”
Both Finn and Daphne have to learn to let down their guard, to not judge based on first impressions, and to forgive. Additionally, they both learn that past hurts don’t define future relationships, which was really sweet. Faith is integrated throughout the book, but more so in Daphne’s perspective than in Finn’s, which was a little disappointing for me personally. I also wish we learned a little bit more about Daphne’s father.
“That’s not the way it’s meant to be. Sorry for the tears you’ve cried, darling, let me make it right.”
There is quite a bit of flirting between Daphne and Finn, as well as a few kisses sprinkled throughout. Nothing steamy, but definitely leaning towards a Hallmark show in terms of romantic comedy and toe curling moments. I am personally a fan of Hallmark, so I am not complaining! (There is even a reference to Hallmark in A Brewed Awakening). Also, who knew discussing recipes could be so cute? Or arguing over tea or coffee? Aghhhh let me go scream into a pillow now cause CUTENESS OVERLOAD 😂🥰
“Cause you deserve the best of me. I want to be a better man for you.”
I also wasn’t expecting the ending! What an emotional yet beautiful way to end the novel! #WisteriaStrong
I would definitely recommend this! Buy yourself a copy of A Brewed Awakening on May 5, 2026! It won’t disappoint!
Recommended for fans of:
* Pride and Prejudice
* enemies to lovers
* baking, cooking, and sweet treats
* romantic comedy
* small town
* she falls first, he falls harder
* tea or coffee
Also, to the kid who made fun of Lucy and called her ugly: Count. Your. Days. I am coming for you.
🌶️Spicy Rating: 1.5/5 (a few kisses, lots of flirting)
📖Plot Rating: 4.5/5
⚔️Violence Rating: 0.5/5
😎Christian Worldview: 4/5
⭐️Final Rating: 4.25/5
✨this is a spoiler-free review✨
This was so entertaining! I finished this book in one day! I literally couldn’t put it down! ❤️
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGallery and Pepper Basham!
🎶 Now Playing: Better Man by for King and Country
“I want to be a better man for you.”
This book was so sweet! This is my second book by Pepper Basham, and it did NOT disappoint!
Daphne, a tea house owner and lover of all things British, is running Tea Thyme all on her own after her Grandma passes away. She used to be creative, coming up with new recipes and posting them on social media, but that spark seems to be gone…until Finn comes to town.
“Watch the words traveling down the hall, through your heart”
Finn doesn’t want love. He moved to the small town of Wisteria to start over, without a woman who will just leave him and his precious daughter, Lucy.
That is, until he meets Daphne, his neighbor and fellow business owner. There is something about her, and he just can’t help but fall into easy banter. After all, a tiny bit of flirting is harmless…right?
“Feel my pulse quickenin’. A step away, a world apart.”
The entirety of this book was so sweet and funny! The town was hilarious, I was cracking up at the Wisteria General Store, Lucy was precious, and honestly, I love every single one of the townsfolk. The Jane Austen references were amazing, and I am extremely hungry now 😂
“I know that I let you down, let my pride shut you out.”
Both Finn and Daphne have to learn to let down their guard, to not judge based on first impressions, and to forgive. Additionally, they both learn that past hurts don’t define future relationships, which was really sweet. Faith is integrated throughout the book, but more so in Daphne’s perspective than in Finn’s, which was a little disappointing for me personally. I also wish we learned a little bit more about Daphne’s father.
“That’s not the way it’s meant to be. Sorry for the tears you’ve cried, darling, let me make it right.”
There is quite a bit of flirting between Daphne and Finn, as well as a few kisses sprinkled throughout. Nothing steamy, but definitely leaning towards a Hallmark show in terms of romantic comedy and toe curling moments. I am personally a fan of Hallmark, so I am not complaining! (There is even a reference to Hallmark in A Brewed Awakening). Also, who knew discussing recipes could be so cute? Or arguing over tea or coffee? Aghhhh let me go scream into a pillow now cause CUTENESS OVERLOAD 😂🥰
“Cause you deserve the best of me. I want to be a better man for you.”
I also wasn’t expecting the ending! What an emotional yet beautiful way to end the novel! #WisteriaStrong
I would definitely recommend this! Buy yourself a copy of A Brewed Awakening on May 5, 2026! It won’t disappoint!
Recommended for fans of:
* Pride and Prejudice
* enemies to lovers
* baking, cooking, and sweet treats
* romantic comedy
* small town
* she falls first, he falls harder
* tea or coffee
Also, to the kid who made fun of Lucy and called her ugly: Count. Your. Days. I am coming for you.
February 25, 2026
A little sugar and a little spice make A Brewed Awakening a delightful read for coffee lovers, tea enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a sweet, clean romance with a generous dash of Jane Austen flair.
Pepper Basham is known for writing stories that are funny, heartfelt, and swoony—and this book is no exception. Sparks fly from the moment Daphne and Finn meet. Their chemistry is immediate, but one unfortunate encounter turns them into rivals instead of allies. Daphne prefers refined tea service accompanied by classical music, while Finn runs a lively pub filled with rock music and the aroma of strong coffee. Their competition quickly becomes the talk of the town, with everyone from the local pastor to the mayor weighing in on the brewing feud.
When a famous couple suddenly needs a caterer, Daphne and Finn enter into a head-to-head competition for the contract. But things get complicated when you start falling for the person you’re supposed to defeat.
The book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and plenty of swoon. Daphne and Finn are easy to root for, and the charming small-town setting adds warmth and personality. Add in a romance-loving community and a sweet little girl obsessed with dragons and princesses, and the story becomes something genuinely special.
That said, the final portion of the book takes a noticeably heavier turn. The shift in tone felt somewhat disconnected from the earlier lighthearted rivalry, and the pacing slowed considerably. The conclusion could have been tightened—perhaps by twenty pages or so—and the final chapter and epilogue felt slightly repetitive. A bit more subtlety might have made the ending feel stronger.
Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed the book overall. The unexpected blend of tea and coffee, scones and ribs, refinement and rock music makes for a charming and memorable romance. If you love clean romantic comedies with wit, warmth, and plenty of heart, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Pepper Basham is known for writing stories that are funny, heartfelt, and swoony—and this book is no exception. Sparks fly from the moment Daphne and Finn meet. Their chemistry is immediate, but one unfortunate encounter turns them into rivals instead of allies. Daphne prefers refined tea service accompanied by classical music, while Finn runs a lively pub filled with rock music and the aroma of strong coffee. Their competition quickly becomes the talk of the town, with everyone from the local pastor to the mayor weighing in on the brewing feud.
When a famous couple suddenly needs a caterer, Daphne and Finn enter into a head-to-head competition for the contract. But things get complicated when you start falling for the person you’re supposed to defeat.
The book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and plenty of swoon. Daphne and Finn are easy to root for, and the charming small-town setting adds warmth and personality. Add in a romance-loving community and a sweet little girl obsessed with dragons and princesses, and the story becomes something genuinely special.
That said, the final portion of the book takes a noticeably heavier turn. The shift in tone felt somewhat disconnected from the earlier lighthearted rivalry, and the pacing slowed considerably. The conclusion could have been tightened—perhaps by twenty pages or so—and the final chapter and epilogue felt slightly repetitive. A bit more subtlety might have made the ending feel stronger.
Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed the book overall. The unexpected blend of tea and coffee, scones and ribs, refinement and rock music makes for a charming and memorable romance. If you love clean romantic comedies with wit, warmth, and plenty of heart, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 20, 2026
Oh, this one might be my new favorite from Pepper. The banter, the flirting, the rivalry??? I loved every second of it. Also, I was STARVING the entire book because everything the characters’ make sounds so good. I need a cookbook asap. This one had so much heart along with the comedy. I loved little Lucy. She was the perfect addition to the story. And this one took a turn at the end and really tugged at my heart.
This was an all around beautiful, funny, wonderful story and I want to read it again already.
#teampubandtea
*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher. My opinion is all my own.
This was an all around beautiful, funny, wonderful story and I want to read it again already.
#teampubandtea
*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher. My opinion is all my own.
March 25, 2026
This is my first Pepper Basham, a name I’m not unfamiliar with but haven’t had the pleasure of reading yet. And what a start! This book was surprisingly heartfelt and funny, and everything I’d want for a faith-based, clean romantic comedy.
I hope there will be more in this series! I adored the diverse representation of ages and needs. Occasionally, the jokes were a bit hammy, but overall, it kept me smiling.
I enjoyed the audiobook narrators and appreciated the male/female combination. I always worry when narrators are voicing young kids, but I think they both did a fantastic job. Overall, a great read with several chuckles mixed in.
Thank you, you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for my audio arc.
I hope there will be more in this series! I adored the diverse representation of ages and needs. Occasionally, the jokes were a bit hammy, but overall, it kept me smiling.
I enjoyed the audiobook narrators and appreciated the male/female combination. I always worry when narrators are voicing young kids, but I think they both did a fantastic job. Overall, a great read with several chuckles mixed in.
Thank you, you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for my audio arc.
March 13, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy of A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham from NetGalley for an honest review.
This was such a charming and cozy romance! The small-town setting, witty banter, and rivals-to-romance dynamic between Daphne and Finn made this such a fun read. I loved the humor, the heart, and the sweet moments throughout the story. The town of Wisteria and its quirky characters added so much charm.
If you love cozy small-town romances with great chemistry and lots of heart, this one is definitely worth picking up!
This was such a charming and cozy romance! The small-town setting, witty banter, and rivals-to-romance dynamic between Daphne and Finn made this such a fun read. I loved the humor, the heart, and the sweet moments throughout the story. The town of Wisteria and its quirky characters added so much charm.
If you love cozy small-town romances with great chemistry and lots of heart, this one is definitely worth picking up!
November 26, 2025
#culinaryadventures #bashamfifteennotjustforfreshmen
#enemytolover #hashtagsandsocialmedia
#lovelylucy #fetchingfinn
#droolingisntjustforthefood #communityconnections
#neitherteanorcoffee
I'm not as creative as the author with my hashtags but this was such a fun book. The social media conversation at the beginning of each chapter was my favorite. The characters melded so well with each other--Finn, Daphne and Lucy were so memorable. I loved how the community came together throughout the book with love, humor and support. The book made me want to get in the kitchen and cook but I may have gained some weight just from reading this book!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
#enemytolover #hashtagsandsocialmedia
#lovelylucy #fetchingfinn
#droolingisntjustforthefood #communityconnections
#neitherteanorcoffee
I'm not as creative as the author with my hashtags but this was such a fun book. The social media conversation at the beginning of each chapter was my favorite. The characters melded so well with each other--Finn, Daphne and Lucy were so memorable. I loved how the community came together throughout the book with love, humor and support. The book made me want to get in the kitchen and cook but I may have gained some weight just from reading this book!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
December 27, 2025
Review coming closer to release date!
November 18, 2025
A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham is exactly the kind of feel-good, small-town romance that reminds you why her books are such comfort reads. With Basham’s signature blend of humor, heartfelt emotion, and fully lovable characters, this story feels like a warm cup of coffee shared with your best friend.
The chemistry between the leads is both sweet and sparkling, the banter is pitch-perfect, and the community around them adds a rich coziness to the entire narrative. Basham excels at creating characters who feel real: flawed, hopeful, and easy to root for. I especially loved the gentle exploration of second chances, belonging, and finding courage to open your heart again.
If you're looking for a romance that's uplifting without being saccharine, tender without losing its wit, and infused with a dash of Basham’s trademark charm, A Brewed Awakening is a must-read. Perfect for fans of small-town settings, faith-touched narratives, and stories that leave you smiling long after the last page. Highly recommended!
I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.
The chemistry between the leads is both sweet and sparkling, the banter is pitch-perfect, and the community around them adds a rich coziness to the entire narrative. Basham excels at creating characters who feel real: flawed, hopeful, and easy to root for. I especially loved the gentle exploration of second chances, belonging, and finding courage to open your heart again.
If you're looking for a romance that's uplifting without being saccharine, tender without losing its wit, and infused with a dash of Basham’s trademark charm, A Brewed Awakening is a must-read. Perfect for fans of small-town settings, faith-touched narratives, and stories that leave you smiling long after the last page. Highly recommended!
I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.
November 22, 2025
This was such a fun, creative story about a tea shop owner and a single dad who is new to town and opening his own restaurant.
The banter was not just great between the two main characters but the entire town.
It took me a little while to get used to reading the posts in the book but once I did, it quickly became one of the things I enjoyed the most in this book. It just took this from a good rom-com to a great read that has hilarious banter and so much heart. This is the first book I have read from this author but it definitely will not be the last.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the eARC copy of this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The banter was not just great between the two main characters but the entire town.
It took me a little while to get used to reading the posts in the book but once I did, it quickly became one of the things I enjoyed the most in this book. It just took this from a good rom-com to a great read that has hilarious banter and so much heart. This is the first book I have read from this author but it definitely will not be the last.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the eARC copy of this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another beautifully written, fun story that stands out from the crowd! Funny, romantic, reflective, and inspirational with a message of hope. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided by the author and publisher through NetGalley for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.
January 10, 2026
A Brewed Awakening
by Pepper Basham
I absolutely loved A Brewed Awakening. Daphne, the female main character, is incredibly relatable. She runs a tea shop that once belonged to her late grandmother, and her deep love for all things England comes from the stories and memories her Gran shared with her. Still navigating grief, Daphne’s quiet life is turned upside down when a new Englishman moves in next door and opens a pub.
Finn is starting over in North Carolina after being betrayed by his business partner and abandoned by his wife. A longtime family friend invites him and his young daughter to move to a quaint mountain town, where he plans to open a new restaurant. With his charm and playful sense of humor, Finn delights in throwing Daphne off balance—often through pranks and by showing up at the most inconvenient times. But beneath his lighthearted exterior, Finn is guarded. He’s not only protecting his own heart, but his daughter’s as well, determined not to let her be hurt again.
A Brewed Awakening truly hit it out of the park for me. I highly recommend it to romance lovers, especially those who appreciate faith elements woven naturally into the story. The references to Christ and church were beautifully done and added depth without overpowering the romance. The setting also felt authentic and heartfelt.
⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read A Brewed Awakening.
by Pepper Basham
I absolutely loved A Brewed Awakening. Daphne, the female main character, is incredibly relatable. She runs a tea shop that once belonged to her late grandmother, and her deep love for all things England comes from the stories and memories her Gran shared with her. Still navigating grief, Daphne’s quiet life is turned upside down when a new Englishman moves in next door and opens a pub.
Finn is starting over in North Carolina after being betrayed by his business partner and abandoned by his wife. A longtime family friend invites him and his young daughter to move to a quaint mountain town, where he plans to open a new restaurant. With his charm and playful sense of humor, Finn delights in throwing Daphne off balance—often through pranks and by showing up at the most inconvenient times. But beneath his lighthearted exterior, Finn is guarded. He’s not only protecting his own heart, but his daughter’s as well, determined not to let her be hurt again.
A Brewed Awakening truly hit it out of the park for me. I highly recommend it to romance lovers, especially those who appreciate faith elements woven naturally into the story. The references to Christ and church were beautifully done and added depth without overpowering the romance. The setting also felt authentic and heartfelt.
⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read A Brewed Awakening.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was the gift I didn't know I needed. A Brewed Awakening is a story that takes you on an emotional journey; you'll feel the highest of highs, the swooniest of swoons, and the deepest of dejection. Pepper Basham did something truly unique with how she told this story; it was risk, but one I think payed off! Be prepared for a bit of reading whiplash, but know that in the end she was able to marry two very different writing styles into one seamless story that will make you laugh and cry.
The first quarter of the book I could not keep the stupid grin off of my face, while the last quarter my brows were knit together in consternation. It's hard to describe how this book felt, because it was so uniquely different. This review will likely be different than most of my reviews because of that.
In the first 80% of the story, it almost seems as if the author decided to just pack in as many crazy shenanigans, hilarious one-liners, insane moments of heated chemistry between the MCs, and complete ridiculousness of the townspeople's meddling. It's almost like she just tried throwing every possible rom-com trope in there to create complete and utter romantic chaos. I laughed out loud many times (and received many odd looks from people nearby), could not wipe the smile off of my face for more than a paragraph or two before it coming right back, and I may or may not have snorted and chocked on my tea at several points. The humor and silliness was so absurdly excellent, and honestly carried the story along so quickly.
Yet, in the midst of all of the humor, prank wars, and foodie competition, there were also so many genuinely sweet moments tucked in all throughout. Daphne and Finn, the MCs are quickly and intensely attracted to one another, but both have their own trauma-induced reasons to not begin a relationship. They certainly dance around the fine line between rivals-friends-more all throughout the story, while pretending they aren't. The whole town sees their attraction and flirtation, trying to play matchmaker with gusto! Finn's little girl Lucy ends up forming a bond with Daphne, which is the ultimate undoing of Finn's guarded heart. Their flirting is mainly channeled through the rivalry of their neighboring establishments, with Finn cooking British-southern fusion comfort food, and Daphne focusing on beautiful confectionary treats with a twist. Their rivalry ramps up when a catering opportunity forces them to compete for the gig.
At 80% is where the story takes a turn from rom-com glory into dramatic survival fiction. For readers who don't realize this happens, it could make the transition feel very disjointed, however, the turn of the events in the story when a devastating storm hits the town, is the catalyst that ultimately brings the MCs together, and unites the town in a beautiful sense of belonging, and community taking care of their own. The author used a real weather event as inspiration for this segment of the story, and handled it with such care and respect, while tugging at your heartstrings with her writing. The storytelling is so well written that it makes reading the unfolding of events hard to read, because it immerses you deeply. I was pre-warned about the ended, so I was emotionally prepared, and found it to be a really beautiful way to end the story and bring some grit and depth into an otherwise light and witty read.
What I enjoyed about this story:
☕ Can't-stop-smiling humor
☕ Smoldering chemistry 🔥 (kisses only)
☕ Inclusion of social media style epistolary writing
☕ British single dad/chef MMC
☕ Teashop owner, baker extraordinaire FMC
☕ Nosy townspeople
☕ Strong sense of community bond
☕ Emotional depth & grit tying everything together
⚠️ Content Warnings:
- Abandonment by a spouse/parent
- Death of a parent (cancer)
- Grief
- Storm devastation inspired by Helene (2025)
The faith in the story was light. Many of the characters are Christian, we see them go to church on Sundays in the story, but the faith is tucked in more subtly. What we do see as a strong theme throughout the story is characters living out their faith by serving one another generously. I appreciated Pastor Nathan and his light-hearted teasing as he keeps people in check via his posts on social media. His funny little faith reminders when people were getting a little carried away was a cute addition!
My Rating: 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Brewed Awakening is a must-read for Pepper Basham fans, anyone who enjoys a kisses-only romance with some major chemistry, and those who prefer a romance that can be funny while still maintaining depth. This was one of my favorites from this author so far! This book releases on May 5, 2026.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing a free ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.
The first quarter of the book I could not keep the stupid grin off of my face, while the last quarter my brows were knit together in consternation. It's hard to describe how this book felt, because it was so uniquely different. This review will likely be different than most of my reviews because of that.
In the first 80% of the story, it almost seems as if the author decided to just pack in as many crazy shenanigans, hilarious one-liners, insane moments of heated chemistry between the MCs, and complete ridiculousness of the townspeople's meddling. It's almost like she just tried throwing every possible rom-com trope in there to create complete and utter romantic chaos. I laughed out loud many times (and received many odd looks from people nearby), could not wipe the smile off of my face for more than a paragraph or two before it coming right back, and I may or may not have snorted and chocked on my tea at several points. The humor and silliness was so absurdly excellent, and honestly carried the story along so quickly.
Yet, in the midst of all of the humor, prank wars, and foodie competition, there were also so many genuinely sweet moments tucked in all throughout. Daphne and Finn, the MCs are quickly and intensely attracted to one another, but both have their own trauma-induced reasons to not begin a relationship. They certainly dance around the fine line between rivals-friends-more all throughout the story, while pretending they aren't. The whole town sees their attraction and flirtation, trying to play matchmaker with gusto! Finn's little girl Lucy ends up forming a bond with Daphne, which is the ultimate undoing of Finn's guarded heart. Their flirting is mainly channeled through the rivalry of their neighboring establishments, with Finn cooking British-southern fusion comfort food, and Daphne focusing on beautiful confectionary treats with a twist. Their rivalry ramps up when a catering opportunity forces them to compete for the gig.
At 80% is where the story takes a turn from rom-com glory into dramatic survival fiction. For readers who don't realize this happens, it could make the transition feel very disjointed, however, the turn of the events in the story when a devastating storm hits the town, is the catalyst that ultimately brings the MCs together, and unites the town in a beautiful sense of belonging, and community taking care of their own. The author used a real weather event as inspiration for this segment of the story, and handled it with such care and respect, while tugging at your heartstrings with her writing. The storytelling is so well written that it makes reading the unfolding of events hard to read, because it immerses you deeply. I was pre-warned about the ended, so I was emotionally prepared, and found it to be a really beautiful way to end the story and bring some grit and depth into an otherwise light and witty read.
What I enjoyed about this story:
☕ Can't-stop-smiling humor
☕ Smoldering chemistry 🔥 (kisses only)
☕ Inclusion of social media style epistolary writing
☕ British single dad/chef MMC
☕ Teashop owner, baker extraordinaire FMC
☕ Nosy townspeople
☕ Strong sense of community bond
☕ Emotional depth & grit tying everything together
⚠️ Content Warnings:
- Abandonment by a spouse/parent
- Death of a parent (cancer)
- Grief
- Storm devastation inspired by Helene (2025)
The faith in the story was light. Many of the characters are Christian, we see them go to church on Sundays in the story, but the faith is tucked in more subtly. What we do see as a strong theme throughout the story is characters living out their faith by serving one another generously. I appreciated Pastor Nathan and his light-hearted teasing as he keeps people in check via his posts on social media. His funny little faith reminders when people were getting a little carried away was a cute addition!
My Rating: 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Brewed Awakening is a must-read for Pepper Basham fans, anyone who enjoys a kisses-only romance with some major chemistry, and those who prefer a romance that can be funny while still maintaining depth. This was one of my favorites from this author so far! This book releases on May 5, 2026.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing a free ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 rounding to 5
First, thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I was already tearing up before the story even began. The dedication alone hit me hard. As someone from North Carolina, seeing this book dedicated to those affected by Hurricane Helene in the Blue Ridge Mountains made this feel deeply personal right from the start.
Going into this, I expected a fun, small town romcom, and for a while, that is exactly what it is. The banter between the hero and heroine is playful and adorable. This is the kind of story that has you smiling, giggling, and kicking your feet while you listen. I loved the small town charm, especially the rivalry between the hero, who owns an English pub, and the heroine, who runs a cozy tea shop. Watching them compete to cater a big influencer wedding was fun, light, and full of cute tension.
One of my favorite touches was how each chapter begins with a social media style post with comments from the community. It added so much personality and really enhanced that small town feel. There are also subtle nods to Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen that made it even more charming.
The audiobook itself was a bit of a mixed experience. The female narrator was phenomenal and really brought the story to life. The male narrator was fine for the main character, but I struggled with his side character voices, especially the female voices and accents, which pulled me out of the story at times. That said, the story itself was engaging enough that I kept listening.
I also really appreciated the disability representation. The heroine’s brother has prosthetics, and the hero’s daughter has facial scars, possibly from cleft palate surgery. It was meaningful to see this included naturally in the story.
Around the 80 percent mark, everything shifts.
What had been a light, feel good romance suddenly takes on a much heavier emotional weight with the introduction of severe weather, flooding, and a dam breaking. As someone who witnessed the impact of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, this hit way too close to home. It started to mirror real events in a way that felt almost overwhelming.
I started crying around the 80 percent mark and did not stop until the epilogue. I rarely get emotional while reading, but this had me fully ugly sobbing by the end.
And I thought I was finally okay until the author’s note.
Learning that the author is from Asheville and did not originally plan for the hurricane storyline, but chose to incorporate it after Hurricane Helene hit, made everything land even harder. It added another layer of meaning and made the story feel like a tribute to resilience, love, and community.
At just over 13 hours, this is longer than most romcoms, but by the time I finished, that length made complete sense. The story needed that space to build both the charm and the emotional depth, and the payoff was absolutely worth it.
This is a clean romance with strong themes of community and faith woven throughout, which added to the heart of the story without taking away from the romance.
What I thought would be a fun, light romcom ended up hitting so much harder than I ever expected.
First, thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I was already tearing up before the story even began. The dedication alone hit me hard. As someone from North Carolina, seeing this book dedicated to those affected by Hurricane Helene in the Blue Ridge Mountains made this feel deeply personal right from the start.
Going into this, I expected a fun, small town romcom, and for a while, that is exactly what it is. The banter between the hero and heroine is playful and adorable. This is the kind of story that has you smiling, giggling, and kicking your feet while you listen. I loved the small town charm, especially the rivalry between the hero, who owns an English pub, and the heroine, who runs a cozy tea shop. Watching them compete to cater a big influencer wedding was fun, light, and full of cute tension.
One of my favorite touches was how each chapter begins with a social media style post with comments from the community. It added so much personality and really enhanced that small town feel. There are also subtle nods to Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen that made it even more charming.
The audiobook itself was a bit of a mixed experience. The female narrator was phenomenal and really brought the story to life. The male narrator was fine for the main character, but I struggled with his side character voices, especially the female voices and accents, which pulled me out of the story at times. That said, the story itself was engaging enough that I kept listening.
I also really appreciated the disability representation. The heroine’s brother has prosthetics, and the hero’s daughter has facial scars, possibly from cleft palate surgery. It was meaningful to see this included naturally in the story.
Around the 80 percent mark, everything shifts.
What had been a light, feel good romance suddenly takes on a much heavier emotional weight with the introduction of severe weather, flooding, and a dam breaking. As someone who witnessed the impact of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, this hit way too close to home. It started to mirror real events in a way that felt almost overwhelming.
I started crying around the 80 percent mark and did not stop until the epilogue. I rarely get emotional while reading, but this had me fully ugly sobbing by the end.
And I thought I was finally okay until the author’s note.
Learning that the author is from Asheville and did not originally plan for the hurricane storyline, but chose to incorporate it after Hurricane Helene hit, made everything land even harder. It added another layer of meaning and made the story feel like a tribute to resilience, love, and community.
At just over 13 hours, this is longer than most romcoms, but by the time I finished, that length made complete sense. The story needed that space to build both the charm and the emotional depth, and the payoff was absolutely worth it.
This is a clean romance with strong themes of community and faith woven throughout, which added to the heart of the story without taking away from the romance.
What I thought would be a fun, light romcom ended up hitting so much harder than I ever expected.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“’Food can be terribly persuasive, Ms Austen. I might just win you over with it.’”
Thank you NetGalley for this awesome book! My review is in no way influenced by NetGalley or the author and all thoughts contained herein are my own.
There might be a second queen of rom-coms in my heart (so you haven't been dethroned Katherine Center, you're just sharing!) Pepper Basham writes stories of faith, hope and grit that will leave you laughing, crying and believing that the world isn't so bad. And she writes a kiss that will make your knees weak and your face flush, without once entering the bedroom. A Brewed Awakening is classic Pepper Basham.
A Brewed Awakening follows Daphne Austen, who owns a Jane Austen themed teashop and Finn Dashwood, the sexy brit who opened a British style restaurant next door. He catches her ogling his car the first time they meet and it just gets better from there. Daphne loves all things British, Finn is VERY British, and very sexy. What could go wrong? His flirt filter completely malfunctions around her and she's terrified of having her heart broken again. When his young daughter, Lucy, gets attached to Daphne, Finn has no choice but to get closer to the woman, although he too is afraid of having his (and Lucy's) heart broken again.
A prank war ensues, along with soft moments where a concert is thrown, featuring Lucy and Daphne and a lot of Disney songs. Each moment of this book will have your heart in a gooey mess, while also making you believe that true love does exist. Not everybody leaves, and sometimes love stays. And it also shows how much community means, especially when disaster strikes.
After enduring so much loss between them, Daphne and her brother, Jack, are such kind people that you wouldn't say the world has tried to break them. We should all be more like that - leaning more on our faith than on our hurt, finding ways to let the light shine through our brokenness. I love the fact that Pepper Basham has such a soft way of leading her readers and her characters in faith, those quiet prayers we say when we're tired, or panicked or in a mess. The Lord hears them all and that's why we should never stop talking to Him.
Daphne, Lucy, Jack and Finn have my whole heart and this story captivated me in a way that few stories ever do. Nobody writes clean Christian rom-coms quite like Ms Basham!
A Brewed Awakening is perfect for people who love: prank wars between people who love each other and don't know it, perfect food pairings that are complete opposites, opposites attract, cute little girls who are tough and kind and funny, a huge crisis that brings everyone together, flirting and banter (lots of it!) and grace, love and faith. Also, see kisses that render you breathless!
“His grin took a slow journey from one corner to the other. Oh, he liked her. Her humor. Her grit. Her intelligence and kindness. He liked the way she didn’t let him off easy. But also – if he were being honest – liked the way she looked with the sun painting her cheekbones and that wild sparkle in her eyes when she laughed. She was sunlight and spice and everything nice, and she got under his skin that felt part fairy tale, part rom-com, and all permanent.”
Thank you NetGalley for this awesome book! My review is in no way influenced by NetGalley or the author and all thoughts contained herein are my own.
There might be a second queen of rom-coms in my heart (so you haven't been dethroned Katherine Center, you're just sharing!) Pepper Basham writes stories of faith, hope and grit that will leave you laughing, crying and believing that the world isn't so bad. And she writes a kiss that will make your knees weak and your face flush, without once entering the bedroom. A Brewed Awakening is classic Pepper Basham.
A Brewed Awakening follows Daphne Austen, who owns a Jane Austen themed teashop and Finn Dashwood, the sexy brit who opened a British style restaurant next door. He catches her ogling his car the first time they meet and it just gets better from there. Daphne loves all things British, Finn is VERY British, and very sexy. What could go wrong? His flirt filter completely malfunctions around her and she's terrified of having her heart broken again. When his young daughter, Lucy, gets attached to Daphne, Finn has no choice but to get closer to the woman, although he too is afraid of having his (and Lucy's) heart broken again.
A prank war ensues, along with soft moments where a concert is thrown, featuring Lucy and Daphne and a lot of Disney songs. Each moment of this book will have your heart in a gooey mess, while also making you believe that true love does exist. Not everybody leaves, and sometimes love stays. And it also shows how much community means, especially when disaster strikes.
After enduring so much loss between them, Daphne and her brother, Jack, are such kind people that you wouldn't say the world has tried to break them. We should all be more like that - leaning more on our faith than on our hurt, finding ways to let the light shine through our brokenness. I love the fact that Pepper Basham has such a soft way of leading her readers and her characters in faith, those quiet prayers we say when we're tired, or panicked or in a mess. The Lord hears them all and that's why we should never stop talking to Him.
Daphne, Lucy, Jack and Finn have my whole heart and this story captivated me in a way that few stories ever do. Nobody writes clean Christian rom-coms quite like Ms Basham!
A Brewed Awakening is perfect for people who love: prank wars between people who love each other and don't know it, perfect food pairings that are complete opposites, opposites attract, cute little girls who are tough and kind and funny, a huge crisis that brings everyone together, flirting and banter (lots of it!) and grace, love and faith. Also, see kisses that render you breathless!
“His grin took a slow journey from one corner to the other. Oh, he liked her. Her humor. Her grit. Her intelligence and kindness. He liked the way she didn’t let him off easy. But also – if he were being honest – liked the way she looked with the sun painting her cheekbones and that wild sparkle in her eyes when she laughed. She was sunlight and spice and everything nice, and she got under his skin that felt part fairy tale, part rom-com, and all permanent.”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 3.8 rounded up to 4
At the heart of this story is belonging. Both characters have been uprooted in different ways, and the storytelling is masterful as it weaves together heartwarming moments with an exploration of loss. That may sound odd, or maybe it sounds familiar. Whatever the exact circumstances may be, loss and how we carry on is part of our own stories.
Lucy, Finn’s (MMC) daughter, is an inspiring character and is just the sweetest. I won’t spoil it for you, but I will say that the family moments in this novel are something special, as is the way the connection between Daphne (FMC) and Finn is written. This is definitely a story where you can see the development of the relationship, the reader is not just told, and I love that. I felt the moments when Daphne and Finn realized that they could let down their guards.
There are light Faith themes, but personally I feel that they are overshadowed by several (albeit infrequent) references to Daphne’s d*ceased grandmother. Of these references, the most significant for me was when Daphne hopes for an answer from God or her d*ceased grandmother, whoever is faster (the exact word used is “quicker”). It hurt my heart to read that. As a result, I was pulled from the story, and this only improved after the 80% mark. Still, those words stayed with me. While I realize that Daphne is grieving, I would have preferred to see her leaning on God. I feel we can remember what someone taught us, the lasting impression they made, without moving into this territory.
Now, I want to mention the food — I loved that it plays such a big part of this story! It takes talent to make food feel like its own character when you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. 🩷 I also adored what the general store brought to the story alongside the social media comments, which added to the sense of community.
Overall, it’s a sweet story with surprising depth, and there’s definitely much that can be discussed about the book. One particular plot twist develops the themes from a new perspective, making you stop and consider what is important. It is so easy to get caught up in our own lives. Sometimes we need the reminder to step back, take a breath, and serve instead.
🩷Some of my favorite moments:
☕️ Lucy’s wishlist
☕️ The banter
☕️ Biscuits
☕️ Made to create
☕️ Plumbing
☕️ Family moments
Content:
-Grief
-Traumatic event
-Parental loss and abandonment (before the novel starts) | Loss of loved ones (before the novel starts)
-Light Faith themes
-Brief references to the following: the universe; manifesting; talking to their (FMC and her brother) d*ceased grandmother; it seems to be implied that the FMC called on her grandmother for strength at some point; unrelated to her grandmother and no such event takes place, but the word “séance” does appear in the book; about halfway through, the FMC hopes God or her grandmother will answer, whoever is faster.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
At the heart of this story is belonging. Both characters have been uprooted in different ways, and the storytelling is masterful as it weaves together heartwarming moments with an exploration of loss. That may sound odd, or maybe it sounds familiar. Whatever the exact circumstances may be, loss and how we carry on is part of our own stories.
Lucy, Finn’s (MMC) daughter, is an inspiring character and is just the sweetest. I won’t spoil it for you, but I will say that the family moments in this novel are something special, as is the way the connection between Daphne (FMC) and Finn is written. This is definitely a story where you can see the development of the relationship, the reader is not just told, and I love that. I felt the moments when Daphne and Finn realized that they could let down their guards.
There are light Faith themes, but personally I feel that they are overshadowed by several (albeit infrequent) references to Daphne’s d*ceased grandmother. Of these references, the most significant for me was when Daphne hopes for an answer from God or her d*ceased grandmother, whoever is faster (the exact word used is “quicker”). It hurt my heart to read that. As a result, I was pulled from the story, and this only improved after the 80% mark. Still, those words stayed with me. While I realize that Daphne is grieving, I would have preferred to see her leaning on God. I feel we can remember what someone taught us, the lasting impression they made, without moving into this territory.
Now, I want to mention the food — I loved that it plays such a big part of this story! It takes talent to make food feel like its own character when you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. 🩷 I also adored what the general store brought to the story alongside the social media comments, which added to the sense of community.
Overall, it’s a sweet story with surprising depth, and there’s definitely much that can be discussed about the book. One particular plot twist develops the themes from a new perspective, making you stop and consider what is important. It is so easy to get caught up in our own lives. Sometimes we need the reminder to step back, take a breath, and serve instead.
🩷Some of my favorite moments:
☕️ Lucy’s wishlist
☕️ The banter
☕️ Biscuits
☕️ Made to create
☕️ Plumbing
☕️ Family moments
Content:
-Grief
-Traumatic event
-Parental loss and abandonment (before the novel starts) | Loss of loved ones (before the novel starts)
-Light Faith themes
-Brief references to the following: the universe; manifesting; talking to their (FMC and her brother) d*ceased grandmother; it seems to be implied that the FMC called on her grandmother for strength at some point; unrelated to her grandmother and no such event takes place, but the word “séance” does appear in the book; about halfway through, the FMC hopes God or her grandmother will answer, whoever is faster.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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