Tea Cups and Turning Points: A Collection of Short Stories

by Naina More

A swapped groom. A letter never sent. A divorce signed at 35,000 feet. In Tea Cups and Turning Points, Naina More brews a collection of short stories that swirl with unspoken truths, quiet rebellions and the aching beauty of quotidian lives. ☕ Inside These Pages You Will Find Women and Men at the Edge of Lives poised on the cusp of decisions that will alter everything. The Loudness of Families bound together—and sometimes undone—by what remains unsaid. Resilience in the Smallest Everyday courage, from walking away to daring to stay. With a voice unafraid to sit with discomfort and a gaze that finds tenderness even in rupture, Naina invites you to lean in—to sip, to pause, to feel. Because sometimes, the most stirring stories are the ones steeped slow, in tea cups we hold close.

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 20, 2025

Reviews

[a_geminireader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't just a book of short stories; it's a beautifully crafted invitation to pause and reflect on the very human experience of change. Naina More's collection, "Tea Cups and Turning Points," feels like a conversation with a wise friend, delivered over a perpetually warm beverage. It holds space for the reader to recognize their own history in the subtle, yet powerful, shifts that define the characters’ lives.

​More has a gift for making the ordinary sacred. Each of the sixteen narratives focuses on a character standing at a crossroads not necessarily a dramatic, life-altering fork in the road, but the quieter, more insidious moments of realization. It might be the sudden understanding that a career path no longer fits, the unexpected grace found in letting go of an old grudge, or the simple courage required to speak a truth that has long been silent. These are the "turning points" that reshape us from the inside out, and Marie captures their complexity with profound empathy.

​The recurring motif of the "Cup" anchors these journeys, often representing a moment of stillness: a steaming mug of tea on a rainy day, a shared coffee with a stranger, or a lonely breakfast. These moments of pause are where the truth surfaces, acting as a gentle anchor against the rushing current of modern life. The characters themselves are exquisitely drawn. They are perfectly imperfect, relatable because they stumble, doubt, and find strength in unexpected places. You won't just read about them; you will feel like you know them, recognizing pieces of your own family, friends, and even yourself reflected in their struggles and triumphs.

​More's prose is wonderfully accessible, flowing like a comforting narrative stream. It’s elegant without being showy, allowing the emotional core of the stories to shine through unhindered. This collection doesn't shout; it whispers important truths about resilience, connection, and the quiet dignity of simply being human. It leaves a lasting, warm impression, urging you to look closer at your own life and appreciate the small, significant moments that guide your way. It is, quite simply, a heartfelt and highly recommended treasure.

[Fictionandme · Rating 5 out of 5]

tea cups and turning points by naina more

genre : short story collection

My 💭:
[26/11/25 6.03 PM]

It's been so long since I really enjoyed a short story collection. I totally kept craving for one more story. Thank you so much rupa and team for sending this book to me!

This book is a collection of 16 stories, each having a life and warmth of their own and leaving us with unique lessons and truths. Yesterday, I had started reading this around evening time. I read and read through my office calls and dinner, unable to put it down. The author's writing style has so much simplicity and openness that her characters leave a lasting impression, despite the few pages story length. I am feeling so weirdly optimistic about life in general after reading all the stories.

The first story starts with a very positive topic - choosing to falling in love again and finally finding someone worth giving your inherent trust, after being crushed. Anu showed to me that those VERY few good men are worth all the trust. In contrast, or maybe in similarity, the last story teaches us that maybe in some lives, peace is the goal, after being forced to survive and fight tooth and nail. My favourite story among all was about school reunion and how healing it is to reconcile and meet with our child selves. And another story follows a close second by teaching that realising one's mistakes isn't enough - they have to have the courage to make a change and follow through. There were couple of stories also dealing with self reflecations and what we hide beneath the surface in plain sight. Like how that married couple understood each other after their first fight, after being locked indoors during covid. There were stories about family and relationships too - how cruel Durga's family was to her and even worse, their unkindness was veiled in concern! And one story totally made me grateful not to have a sibling omg - it is far far better to rely only on one's own self, than your most trusted person.
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This book has beautifully imparted upon me some invaluable lessons like God is found within - not outside, trust is constantly practised - not a one time thing, best education can be received from life - not degrees or certificates, it is fear that keeps us stuck and misjudge situations entirely, what's immediately painful may not be so in the long run - it's about choosing more rights and finally, love - it does not demand compromises, no, it requires patience, acceptance and the ability surrender and give in without losing yourself.
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This book and its stories are going to stay with me for a long long time!

[Shruti k · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where every single story touched me so deeply. This is a collection of sixteen short stories that feel like little windows into the lives of ordinary people at extraordinary moments. Each story taught me something, and I can’t forget any of them. From small choices to life-altering decisions, from quiet courage to moments of self-reflection, every narrative left a mark on me. The way the author uses tea as a symbol of pause, thought, and reflection is just beautiful — it makes you slow down and really feel.

The characters feel so real, so human, that I couldn’t help but connect with them. Their struggles, fears, doubts, and small triumphs felt so familiar that I kept thinking about them long after finishing the book. Some stories made me smile, some made me pause and reflect, and a few even brought tears to my eyes. There’s a quiet strength in the way these stories unfold, and it’s that subtlety that makes them unforgettable.

Every story taught me something new — about courage, forgiveness, letting go, embracing change, and finding beauty in ordinary moments. The author doesn’t just tell stories; she leaves little life lessons hidden in the folds of her narratives. The writing is simple, warm, and heartfelt, flowing naturally like a quiet conversation over a cup of tea. Every emotion feels real, every moment resonates, and every story stays with you.

Overall, this is a book I’ll never forget. I loved every story, every character, and every lesson tucked inside these pages. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause, reflect, and carry its gentle lessons with you long after you’ve closed it. This is a book for anyone who wants stories that touch the heart, leave a mark, and make life feel a little more meaningful.

[Anirban · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tea Cups and Turning Points by Naina More is a collection of heartfelt, diverse short stories that illuminate little, seemingly unimportant but very real issues often ignored in daily life.

The stories beautifully captured fragile moments of decision, resilience, and rediscovery, especially for women navigating subtle rebellions and unspoken truths. Most of the stories evoked nostalgia and life lessons, making them perfect for reflective reading with "Kinship in Exile", "Stumble, Fall, Rise" and "Better than Perfect" amongst my favorites. I would commend the author for using such lucid language in the book, making it a soothing read even while touching upon some complex emotions.

I did feel that a few stories like "Destiny, as You May Call" ended abruptly just as I was getting intrigued. That said, most stories felt complete in every sense and left me with a sense of hope.

This debut glimpses into human tenderness and would be ideal for readers seeking comfort in little things. Highly recommended for cozy evenings, with a cup of tea to unwind after a tiring day.

[Enakshi J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naina More’s Tea Cups and Turning Points feels like an intimate evening spent nursing a cup of chai — the kind where silences speak louder than words and reflections linger long after the last sip. Her collection of short stories dives into the quiet storms of everyday lives, especially of women who stand at emotional crossroads — not with dramatic declarations, but with quiet courage.

More’s strength lies in her sensitivity. She captures those fragile, often-overlooked moments of decision and despair with a poet’s restraint. There’s a delicate touch in her prose, and the themes — silence, resilience, and rediscovery — flow naturally without ever feeling forced. The writing is gentle, reflective, and, at times, heartbreakingly real.

Read the full review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...

[Mahi Aggarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cups and Turning Points” by Naina More is a collection of short stories that captures the delicate emotions, choices, and moments that change people’s lives. Each story in this book focuses on a turning point , a small event, a decision, or a realization that shifts the way the characters see themselves and the world around them.

The author beautifully blends simplicity and depth, creating stories that feel real, relatable, and heartfelt. From stories of love and loss to hope and rediscovery, every piece reflects how life’s ordinary moments often hold extraordinary meaning.

Written with warmth and empathy, Cups and Turning Points is a reflection on life, relationships, and the emotions that shape who we become. It’s the kind of book you read slowly one story at a time and carry a bit of it with you after every page.

[DIPTISHA SARKAR · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Tea Cups and Turning Points' by Naina More is definitely one of the best books I have read last year. It's a collection of 16 short stories, each written with a different essence. It was a different kind of experience reading this one, as every story stirred something deep in me. The writing style of the author is really impressive, it's written in very simple words, easy to read, but deeply moving. The stories are eye-opening and reflective.

The stories have various themes and focus on topics like affection, love, second chances and life in general. The book is appropriately named according to me, as this is one of the books that you might like reading while sipping a warm cup of tea.

A few stories stayed with me- 'Hues of awakening,' 'Better than perfect' and of course 'The long flight.'

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Naina More's "Tea Cups and Turning Points" presents sixteen short stories that explore everyday lives and emotional crossroads. Using tea as a symbol of pause, the stories invite readers to reflect on meaningful moments. More's simple, calming writing makes the characters relatable, particularly the women whose experiences of doubt, hope, and strength resonate. While the stories evoke a range of emotions and sometimes leave a desire for more depth, they impart thoughtful lessons on change, courage, and the significance of life's small moments. Overall, the collection offers a soothing, reflective reading experience best savored slowly.

[Mahi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tea Cups and Turning Points is a gentle, thoughtful read that stays with you long after you close the book. Each short story captures a small moment where something shifts, nothing dramatic, yet deeply meaningful. The emotions feel real and unforced, and the writing is calm and simple, trusting the reader to feel rather than be told. It’s the kind of book you read slowly, letting it sit with you like a warm cup of tea on a quiet evening.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being human is a bewildering experience, and some books do help you find answers , I recently read on substack , there are years that ask you questions and then there are years that give answers . This book was so many years.

[Dr Rashmi Karaniya(PT) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me fall in love with the short stories. Each tale has beauty of its own and narrative of its own . It’s written in beautiful way Loved it ❤️

[Sanjana Senapati · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a collection of short stories and a very easy and speedy read.
I got to learn alot of things which we often neglect in daily basis.

[Foghorn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Clichéd, lacklustre stories.