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Sweet Tea Tuesdays
Three best friends met every Tuesday for twenty-six years. And then they stopped.
From the author of the bestselling Sweeney Sisters Series comes a novel of friendship, family, and hope.
When new next-door neighbors Georgia, Midge, and Lula first assembled on Georgia’s porch in Charleston for sweet tea, they couldn’t have known their gathering was the beginning of a treasured tradition. For twenty-six years they have met on Tuesdays at four o’clock, watching the seasons change and their children grow up, supporting each other in good times and in bad. With their ambitions as different as their personalities, these best friends anticipate many more years of tea time. And then, one Tuesday, Georgia shares news that brings their long-standing social hour to an abrupt halt. And that’s only the beginning as unraveling secrets threaten to alter their friendship forever.
This is a new release of an edition originally published by Leisure Time Books.
From the author of the bestselling Sweeney Sisters Series comes a novel of friendship, family, and hope.
When new next-door neighbors Georgia, Midge, and Lula first assembled on Georgia’s porch in Charleston for sweet tea, they couldn’t have known their gathering was the beginning of a treasured tradition. For twenty-six years they have met on Tuesdays at four o’clock, watching the seasons change and their children grow up, supporting each other in good times and in bad. With their ambitions as different as their personalities, these best friends anticipate many more years of tea time. And then, one Tuesday, Georgia shares news that brings their long-standing social hour to an abrupt halt. And that’s only the beginning as unraveling secrets threaten to alter their friendship forever.
This is a new release of an edition originally published by Leisure Time Books.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2017
6503 people are currently reading
4262 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Farley
56 books2,362 followers⭐️USA Today Bestseller⭐️
Ashley Farley writes heartfelt stories about women navigating life’s challenges. Her characters—mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives—face real-life struggles with resilience and grace. Best known for her Sweeney Sisters series, Ashley’s books have touched the hearts of readers far and wide.
A wife and mother of two young adults, for more than two decades, Ashley has split her time between Richmond and the Northern Neck of Virginia. Yet, a piece of her heart will always belong to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she draws inspiration from the moss-draped oaks, coastal cuisine, and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people.
Ashley loves to hear from her readers.
Visit her website @ http://www.ashleyfarley.com
Sign up for her newsletter @ https://ashleyfarley.com/newsletter-s...
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyFarley...
Ashley Farley writes heartfelt stories about women navigating life’s challenges. Her characters—mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives—face real-life struggles with resilience and grace. Best known for her Sweeney Sisters series, Ashley’s books have touched the hearts of readers far and wide.
A wife and mother of two young adults, for more than two decades, Ashley has split her time between Richmond and the Northern Neck of Virginia. Yet, a piece of her heart will always belong to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she draws inspiration from the moss-draped oaks, coastal cuisine, and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people.
Ashley loves to hear from her readers.
Visit her website @ http://www.ashleyfarley.com
Sign up for her newsletter @ https://ashleyfarley.com/newsletter-s...
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyFarley...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 752 reviews
June 8, 2017
This book was not what I was anticipating. I expected a book about friendship. This isn't really about that. The book starts with the friendship of the three women unraveling because one woman gets a job and asks to change their meeting time. That seems like a reasonable request but it causes a major meltdown in Lulu who then refuses to speak to them anymore.
We come to find out that Lulu is actually a horrible angry woman who hides it behind a mask of gentility. She is thrilled to find out that her favorite daughter who lives in California is coming back for a visit.
We find out that:
She went to California for college
She doesn't visit
She cut her hair short
It is like the Holy Trinity of Lesbian Foreshadowing. /sarcasm
When the prodigal daughter tells her mother that she is gay, the mother starts in on homophobic rants that are absolutely vicious. I certainly didn't expect this level of hatred spilling out of a book that appears to be marketed as a light read. People may attempt to explain this character's hatred away by saying that she is sick and not in her right frame of mind. She may not really mean that. I think that is negated by the fact that the older daughter had stayed away for years because she knew her mother would react poorly to finding out that she was a lesbian.
She's also racist. When she is imaging that her daughter's friend that is coming home with her is a man, she starts to worry about what will happen if she doesn't like him. In her list of concerns is, "What if he was a foreigner or a hog farmer?" Excuse me, what? She also reacts negatively to finding out that the name of the home care nurse she has been recommended is Gladys Guzman.
It is ok to have a horrible character in a book. But this book doesn't limit the tone-deaf narrative to that character. There is repeated use of the phrase "chosen lifestyle" to describe lesbianism from different characters. Lula's younger daughter has just graduated from college and lives in downtown Charleston. Somehow she also doesn't know anything about gay people? "She asked herself if she approved of her sister's chosen lifestyle and was surprised her answer was yes." Well, thank you for bestowing your seal of approval.
She also feels bad about thinking that her mother was bigot. Nope, honey, your mother is a bigot. Go with your gut on this one.
Even though towards the end there is magical reconciliation in the family, you don't see if she changes her mind about gay people or "foreigners". The people around her don't call her out on it much. If fact they use these phrases to describe her:
"Her faith is so strong."
"She was ornery and set in her ways, but she had the kindest heart of them all."
No. This is a woman who told a doctor who called her out on her homophobia that she didn't want to be treated by any LGBT doctors or nurses. She did not have a kind heart.
There are two other women in this story but their narratives took a back seat to Lulu's. They weren't as hateful as she was which is good. I actually liked Georgia who has spent her life as a doctor's wife only to find out that he's been cheating on her for years. She doesn't take his crap (much) when he tries to blame it all on her. Midge is in a new relationship with a man that everyone assures her is rotten. She doesn't listen to her friends or her instincts and yet somehow it is all ok?
I've never been a big proponent of trigger warnings but this book might change my mind. The anti-homosexual hatred in this book is so intense and there is no mention of any discussion of homosexuality in the blurb so people would be unaware of it coming. A mention in the description of conflict between a mother and her lesbian daughter might help people not be blindsided.
We come to find out that Lulu is actually a horrible angry woman who hides it behind a mask of gentility. She is thrilled to find out that her favorite daughter who lives in California is coming back for a visit.
We find out that:
She went to California for college
She doesn't visit
She cut her hair short
It is like the Holy Trinity of Lesbian Foreshadowing. /sarcasm
When the prodigal daughter tells her mother that she is gay, the mother starts in on homophobic rants that are absolutely vicious. I certainly didn't expect this level of hatred spilling out of a book that appears to be marketed as a light read. People may attempt to explain this character's hatred away by saying that she is sick and not in her right frame of mind. She may not really mean that. I think that is negated by the fact that the older daughter had stayed away for years because she knew her mother would react poorly to finding out that she was a lesbian.
She's also racist. When she is imaging that her daughter's friend that is coming home with her is a man, she starts to worry about what will happen if she doesn't like him. In her list of concerns is, "What if he was a foreigner or a hog farmer?" Excuse me, what? She also reacts negatively to finding out that the name of the home care nurse she has been recommended is Gladys Guzman.
It is ok to have a horrible character in a book. But this book doesn't limit the tone-deaf narrative to that character. There is repeated use of the phrase "chosen lifestyle" to describe lesbianism from different characters. Lula's younger daughter has just graduated from college and lives in downtown Charleston. Somehow she also doesn't know anything about gay people? "She asked herself if she approved of her sister's chosen lifestyle and was surprised her answer was yes." Well, thank you for bestowing your seal of approval.
She also feels bad about thinking that her mother was bigot. Nope, honey, your mother is a bigot. Go with your gut on this one.
Even though towards the end there is magical reconciliation in the family, you don't see if she changes her mind about gay people or "foreigners". The people around her don't call her out on it much. If fact they use these phrases to describe her:
"Her faith is so strong."
"She was ornery and set in her ways, but she had the kindest heart of them all."
No. This is a woman who told a doctor who called her out on her homophobia that she didn't want to be treated by any LGBT doctors or nurses. She did not have a kind heart.
There are two other women in this story but their narratives took a back seat to Lulu's. They weren't as hateful as she was which is good. I actually liked Georgia who has spent her life as a doctor's wife only to find out that he's been cheating on her for years. She doesn't take his crap (much) when he tries to blame it all on her. Midge is in a new relationship with a man that everyone assures her is rotten. She doesn't listen to her friends or her instincts and yet somehow it is all ok?
I've never been a big proponent of trigger warnings but this book might change my mind. The anti-homosexual hatred in this book is so intense and there is no mention of any discussion of homosexuality in the blurb so people would be unaware of it coming. A mention in the description of conflict between a mother and her lesbian daughter might help people not be blindsided.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2017
I love Southern fiction, books about friendships between women and books with main characters over 50. This novel by Ashley Farley had all three and I loved it.
Three friends had been meeting every Tuesday afternoon for over 25 years to drink sweet tea (a staple of Southern girl talk sessions) and talk about their lives and their problems. Lula was a stay at home Mom who tried to take care of everyone - especially her family; Georgia was the wife of a surgeon who was never home and Midge was a divorcee who was maybe finding love again. Life changes and their long standing social hour had to come to a halt just when they all needed it the most.
It is so refreshing to read a book with main characters over 50. It isn't just the 20 and 30 year olds who have life problems. These three women are wonderful and they all have characteristics of people that I know in my Southern life. I laughed with them and cried with them and cheered them on throughout the book. I hope that we see them again in future books by Ashley. This is a fantastic book about the importance of female friendships.
I received an early copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Three friends had been meeting every Tuesday afternoon for over 25 years to drink sweet tea (a staple of Southern girl talk sessions) and talk about their lives and their problems. Lula was a stay at home Mom who tried to take care of everyone - especially her family; Georgia was the wife of a surgeon who was never home and Midge was a divorcee who was maybe finding love again. Life changes and their long standing social hour had to come to a halt just when they all needed it the most.
It is so refreshing to read a book with main characters over 50. It isn't just the 20 and 30 year olds who have life problems. These three women are wonderful and they all have characteristics of people that I know in my Southern life. I laughed with them and cried with them and cheered them on throughout the book. I hope that we see them again in future books by Ashley. This is a fantastic book about the importance of female friendships.
I received an early copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 23, 2018
I'm really debating if this book should be 3 or 4 stars right now. Maybe a 3.5 if half stars would finally be an option!
Sweet Tea Tuesdays is filled with some sweet southern loving fiction. It's a story that dives into love, friendship, and families.
For 26 years, Lula, Georgia, and Midge have met for sweet tea and some wild conversations. They are a very loving and supportive group of friends. However, if it's me and my friends change that sweet tea to some wine (or any type of alcohol) and shits and giggles all day every day. However, friendships change and grow throughout the years and these three are no strangers to this situation.
Things in their every day lives start to put a strain on their Tuesday gatherings. Of course after a couple of times of this happening to these ladies, they start to actually really need these Tuesday's, sweet tea, and conversations.
Again, if it were me.. alcohol.
There were things that I liked about this book (like the heartstrings being pulled ever so slightly from time to time) and then there were things that I didn't really understand. I get it, people can be petty at times. However, for some wild ass reason I didn't agree with some of the things these ladies were holding grudges for. Like hot damn, drop it like it's hot, build a bridge, and get the fuck over it already.
For example, Georgia having this stupid grudge against Midge for her husbands infidelity!?!? Like why do you care so much about it? Didn't think this was a threesome kind of marriage.
Overall, it was an okay, enjoyable, and somewhat emotional kind of book. I mostly picked it up for a challenge task. Then I really liked the cover and the title. I'm still not a fan of sweet tea - but hey, nobody's perfect!
Sweet Tea Tuesdays is filled with some sweet southern loving fiction. It's a story that dives into love, friendship, and families.
For 26 years, Lula, Georgia, and Midge have met for sweet tea and some wild conversations. They are a very loving and supportive group of friends. However, if it's me and my friends change that sweet tea to some wine (or any type of alcohol) and shits and giggles all day every day. However, friendships change and grow throughout the years and these three are no strangers to this situation.
Things in their every day lives start to put a strain on their Tuesday gatherings. Of course after a couple of times of this happening to these ladies, they start to actually really need these Tuesday's, sweet tea, and conversations.
Again, if it were me.. alcohol.
There were things that I liked about this book (like the heartstrings being pulled ever so slightly from time to time) and then there were things that I didn't really understand. I get it, people can be petty at times. However, for some wild ass reason I didn't agree with some of the things these ladies were holding grudges for. Like hot damn, drop it like it's hot, build a bridge, and get the fuck over it already.
For example, Georgia having this stupid grudge against Midge for her husbands infidelity!?!? Like why do you care so much about it? Didn't think this was a threesome kind of marriage.
Overall, it was an okay, enjoyable, and somewhat emotional kind of book. I mostly picked it up for a challenge task. Then I really liked the cover and the title. I'm still not a fan of sweet tea - but hey, nobody's perfect!
August 15, 2017
I always enjoy books written by Ashley Farley. Her stories and characters are realistic and believable and I like her style of writing.
Below are my two favourite quotes from SWEET TEA TUESDAYS.
"But now I will spend eternity rolling over and over in my grave. All the more reason to be cremated."
"Let this be a lesson for you sweetheart. It's true what they say. Make the most of every minute, and don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today."
Sweet Tea Tuesdays is set in Charleston and introduces the reader to three fictional ladies who have been meeting for sweet tea at four every Tuesday afternoon since they became next-door neighbours twenty-six years ago. Although they have different personalities and come from different social backgrounds, Georgia, Midge and Lula have supported each other over the years through life's milestones - celebrations and hardships. And then, one Tuesday, Georgia shares news that brings their longstanding social hour to an abrupt halt.
Secrets!
Will the unraveling of secrets destroy their friendship? their families? their hope?
All the characters have likeable traits. Georgia, Midge and Lula and their families seem real to me and when life throws them "curve balls", I want to help them get "home runs."
I really enjoyed this novel about love, friendship and families and could not stop reading until I finished the book. If you like women's fiction, you need to read SWEET TEA TUESDAYS!
5*****
Thanks to Ashley Farley for an advanced copy of SWEET TEA TUESDAYS. This review is my own honest opinion of the book.
Below are my two favourite quotes from SWEET TEA TUESDAYS.
"But now I will spend eternity rolling over and over in my grave. All the more reason to be cremated."
"Let this be a lesson for you sweetheart. It's true what they say. Make the most of every minute, and don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today."
Sweet Tea Tuesdays is set in Charleston and introduces the reader to three fictional ladies who have been meeting for sweet tea at four every Tuesday afternoon since they became next-door neighbours twenty-six years ago. Although they have different personalities and come from different social backgrounds, Georgia, Midge and Lula have supported each other over the years through life's milestones - celebrations and hardships. And then, one Tuesday, Georgia shares news that brings their longstanding social hour to an abrupt halt.
Secrets!
Will the unraveling of secrets destroy their friendship? their families? their hope?
All the characters have likeable traits. Georgia, Midge and Lula and their families seem real to me and when life throws them "curve balls", I want to help them get "home runs."
I really enjoyed this novel about love, friendship and families and could not stop reading until I finished the book. If you like women's fiction, you need to read SWEET TEA TUESDAYS!
5*****
Thanks to Ashley Farley for an advanced copy of SWEET TEA TUESDAYS. This review is my own honest opinion of the book.
May 3, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
Honey, paradise is so far in my rearview mirror, I wouldn’t know what it looked like if it smacked me in the face.
You know how she is. When she gets a bee in her bonnet, she expects everyone around her to make honey.
Listen to me, honey. Marriage is a journey filled with peaks and valleys and tidal waves. If you’re having problems now, tying the knot will only make them worse down the road.
It’s like you have a split personality or something. I don’t understand how you can be so considerate and attentive one minute and such a jackass the next.
Blame it on the cancer. It’s eating away the stubborn and selfish part of my brain that makes me act like a shrew.
My Review:
Sweet Tea Tuesdays was a bit close to home for me; I had a sense of déjà vu as several threads in the storyline felt as if Ms. Farley had been hidden behind a wall and secretly collecting data from my childhood. The similarities were rather eerie; although her characters were actually far more considerate and better behaved than the people I share genetic material with. Three vastly different women had forged a friendship while living in neighboring homes for over twenty-six years. Their bond allowed them to overlook each other’s quirks and weaknesses, and revel in their strengths instead. While one was extremely conventional to the point of being an obnoxious bigot and an arrogant and difficult diva, her friends were somehow able to still see her good heart and otherwise kind nature. The women had supported and nurtured each other through child-rearing, infertility, infidelity, divorce, and empty nest syndrome, yet the latest developments were the worst tragedies of all and strained their bond to the point of snapping. For the first time in all those years, the Tuesday Teas were abandoned. The plot was relevant and entertaining, and Ms. Farley’s writing, as always, was poignant, insightful, and emotive. Her descriptive writing easily placed me right along with them as they drank tea, chatted, argued, struggled, and lashed out at each other. I felt the heat of the summer, smelled the flowers in their garden, cringed and felt annoyance at their insensitivities and narrow-mindedness, smiled at their humor, and remained steadfastly engaged in their story throughout, although I was periodically holding my breath for each one of them in turn.
Honey, paradise is so far in my rearview mirror, I wouldn’t know what it looked like if it smacked me in the face.
You know how she is. When she gets a bee in her bonnet, she expects everyone around her to make honey.
Listen to me, honey. Marriage is a journey filled with peaks and valleys and tidal waves. If you’re having problems now, tying the knot will only make them worse down the road.
It’s like you have a split personality or something. I don’t understand how you can be so considerate and attentive one minute and such a jackass the next.
Blame it on the cancer. It’s eating away the stubborn and selfish part of my brain that makes me act like a shrew.
My Review:
Sweet Tea Tuesdays was a bit close to home for me; I had a sense of déjà vu as several threads in the storyline felt as if Ms. Farley had been hidden behind a wall and secretly collecting data from my childhood. The similarities were rather eerie; although her characters were actually far more considerate and better behaved than the people I share genetic material with. Three vastly different women had forged a friendship while living in neighboring homes for over twenty-six years. Their bond allowed them to overlook each other’s quirks and weaknesses, and revel in their strengths instead. While one was extremely conventional to the point of being an obnoxious bigot and an arrogant and difficult diva, her friends were somehow able to still see her good heart and otherwise kind nature. The women had supported and nurtured each other through child-rearing, infertility, infidelity, divorce, and empty nest syndrome, yet the latest developments were the worst tragedies of all and strained their bond to the point of snapping. For the first time in all those years, the Tuesday Teas were abandoned. The plot was relevant and entertaining, and Ms. Farley’s writing, as always, was poignant, insightful, and emotive. Her descriptive writing easily placed me right along with them as they drank tea, chatted, argued, struggled, and lashed out at each other. I felt the heat of the summer, smelled the flowers in their garden, cringed and felt annoyance at their insensitivities and narrow-mindedness, smiled at their humor, and remained steadfastly engaged in their story throughout, although I was periodically holding my breath for each one of them in turn.
May 3, 2017
Sweet Tea Tuesdays embodies Southern fiction, a tender hearted story of love, friendship and families. For 26 years, Lula, Georgia and Midge have met for sweet tea and conversation, supporting and loving each other as only true friends can. But times are changing for all three women as their friendships with each other, their relationships with their families, and changes in careers have put their Tuesday gatherings on hold. Suddenly torn apart at a time when they need each other more than ever, the three women find themselves facing the biggest challenges of their lives alone. There is so much love on each page of this book, pulling on your heartstrings, cheering these women on.
June 12, 2017
Ashley Farley is one of my go-to authors for southern fiction. Her words grace the pages with warmth and life, and her stories emphasize the bond of family. I love that her novels focus on older main characters who are living life and all that comes with it. She’s not afraid to tackle tough issues but it’s always done with grace, dignity, and discretion.
In Sweet Tea Tuesdays, friendship is explored alongside family and the ways the two worlds intersect. Lula, Georgia, and Midge are in their fifties and have been meeting every Tuesday on Georgia’s front porch for sweet tea and conversation. They consider themselves to be best friends. And then life begins to change for all three of them, and when it comes to a head one summer evening, all the sweet tea in the world can’t make it better.
Tough questions are raised on these pages. What do you do when you know something that would shatter a friend’s world? Do you tell her? Or do you keep it to yourself to cause her less pain? What do you do when a friend shuts you out just when they need you most? Do you respect her wishes or do you march back into her life and stand your ground? What do you do when life turns out differently (and shorter) than you planned?
Bottom Line: Sweet Tea Tuesdays is warmly written with a drawl of the south and a bouquet of freshly cut hydrangeas set for Sunday brunch. This novel is a bit of a spinoff from the author’s popular Sweeney Sisters series, and I loved seeing Heidi and Annie throughout this story. (It’s not necessary to have read the other series to enjoy this book.) Sweet Tea Tuesdays is simultaneously inspiring and heartwrenching, so make sure you have a tissue box close at hand! Lean in close and you’ll come away with an important life lesson too.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
In Sweet Tea Tuesdays, friendship is explored alongside family and the ways the two worlds intersect. Lula, Georgia, and Midge are in their fifties and have been meeting every Tuesday on Georgia’s front porch for sweet tea and conversation. They consider themselves to be best friends. And then life begins to change for all three of them, and when it comes to a head one summer evening, all the sweet tea in the world can’t make it better.
Tough questions are raised on these pages. What do you do when you know something that would shatter a friend’s world? Do you tell her? Or do you keep it to yourself to cause her less pain? What do you do when a friend shuts you out just when they need you most? Do you respect her wishes or do you march back into her life and stand your ground? What do you do when life turns out differently (and shorter) than you planned?
Bottom Line: Sweet Tea Tuesdays is warmly written with a drawl of the south and a bouquet of freshly cut hydrangeas set for Sunday brunch. This novel is a bit of a spinoff from the author’s popular Sweeney Sisters series, and I loved seeing Heidi and Annie throughout this story. (It’s not necessary to have read the other series to enjoy this book.) Sweet Tea Tuesdays is simultaneously inspiring and heartwrenching, so make sure you have a tissue box close at hand! Lean in close and you’ll come away with an important life lesson too.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
September 24, 2018
Contemporary fiction about a group of women that meet weekly on Tuesdays for sweet tea and conversation. These meetings are halted when one of the women develops a standing conflict. I was hoping this book would explore the nature of female friendships, but after finishing this book, I feel like I just watched a soap opera or one of those old detectives shows where everything wraps up neatly in a half hour. It might surprise anyone reading the synopsis that the book contains sad and depressing subject matter. It also contains an extremely bigoted character that spews vitriol. One the positive side, a few of the characters were well-developed and I wanted to continue reading to find out what happens to them; however, overall, I found it filled with melodrama and stereotyping. I read this for one of my book clubs. Unfortunately, this book was just not my cup of sweet tea.
January 26, 2019
Set in the South, one expects the usual stereotypes. But this was going a tad bit too far.
Not what I expected about a friendship between friends. Went in a different direction and I wasn't impressed.
Not what I expected about a friendship between friends. Went in a different direction and I wasn't impressed.
December 3, 2017
A quick afternoon and/or evening read about 4 Charleston, SC women who have meet on each other's porches for sweet tea on Tuesdays at 4 pm for twenty-six years. Lula begins preparing for a July 4th party for her daughter Brooke, who lives in San Francisco and hasn't been home in three years. Events take a turn for the worse for several characters and it is really how they face these adversities, together and with their families, that carries the book.
February 5, 2019
I appreciate it when an author can tell a story without filling my mind with swear words and graphic pictures that I wish I could unsee. I found myself thinking about the characters when I wasn't reading.
I kind of longed for a little more depth of purpose and I was surprised, I would even say disappointed, by one character's storyline, but it was an enjoyable read.
I kind of longed for a little more depth of purpose and I was surprised, I would even say disappointed, by one character's storyline, but it was an enjoyable read.
May 13, 2017
There is nothing like having close friends to keep you going. And that is what happens in this book.. 3 friends (Midge, Lula and Georgia) meet on Tuesdays to have tea and talk over what is happening in their life. But that stops one day when one hesitates to tell the other her husband is cheating on her; and then Lula stops because of her brain tumor - the story is intermingled with Lula's 3 daughters and their lives.....but the families find a way to put the bad things on the side and bond their friendship even more....
A heartwarming story of love, friendship and family that will make you cry and laugh and give thought to your own life and family.
A heartwarming story of love, friendship and family that will make you cry and laugh and give thought to your own life and family.
January 16, 2021
What a nice read. I always award a book three stars before I start it , and go up or down from there. Throughout the better part of Sweet Tea, I was set on three. However, as I neared the ending, I found myself falling in love with the story line.
Three friends have been meeting for sweet tea on Tuesdays for years. One day that all changes as the women face challenging problems. What I liked about Farley's writing is that, as the story unfolded, she easily moved forward in time without resorting to a lot of unnecessary detail as to what might have been happening. This could have been a much longer book but that was not necessary. Farley handled it beautifully and I will look for more books by her.
Three friends have been meeting for sweet tea on Tuesdays for years. One day that all changes as the women face challenging problems. What I liked about Farley's writing is that, as the story unfolded, she easily moved forward in time without resorting to a lot of unnecessary detail as to what might have been happening. This could have been a much longer book but that was not necessary. Farley handled it beautifully and I will look for more books by her.
August 16, 2021
3 stars. This was a quick read for me, and wrapped up my vacation reading. Taking place in charming Charleston, South Carolina, we are taken into the lives of Midge, Lula, and Georgia. Neighbors and best friends for years, they have a standing tradition of meeting every Tuesday at 4:00 for some sweet tea and a visit. This tradition and their friendship is put to the test as they each battle conflicts and issues in their lives. Characters are all fairly two-dimensional, and the others that we meet- Bennett, Phillip, Langdon are ones we don’t get to know well.
Great for a vacation read.
Great for a vacation read.
April 10, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Having to end thier weekly gathering of sweet tea on Tuesdays comes during a time when the three friends are all struggling with a variety of issues in their lives. I truly enjoyed getting to know each woman and their families. This story was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I highly recommend this enjoyable read.
March 18, 2017
Heartwarming, heartbreaking and full of events that tug at the heart of the reader. This story touched me in a special wonderful way. The author gives each character depth and real life emotions. The story line kept me reading from front to back and not wanting the story to end. Great story. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest opinion of the story.
January 3, 2018
Well, that was depressing. I received a free copy of this through a Kindle trial app and had a few spare hours.
The premise is three middle aged friends and neighbors who meet every Tuesday for tea to catch up on each other's lives. The blurb mentions that one Tuesday, Georgia shares news that brings their routine tea to a fault. Predictably there are bad boyfriends, trouble with children, a cheating spouse and new careers. This is great -- normal chick lit stuff. And then. Oy vey.
The narrative is told through the three main characters and one child, altering voices per chapter. None of the characters are particularly likeable. The three neighbors are tolerable, but their husbands are all one note. One of the children also gets some chapters to narrate and she's fine. The other daughter opts to come out to her mother at a Fourth of July party the mother is hosting in her honor after not seeing her for 3 years by introducing the 'significant other' in person. Obnoxious.
Spoiler piece -- there is a serious health concern. Rather than see if treatment is an option, that friend opts to not seek treatment and dies. Additionally the questionable boyfriend -- caught checking bank statements and logging into a banking app on a computer -- is on the up and up.
These two things annoy me greatly! The phrase 'once a cheater, always a cheater' is tossed around for the cheating spouse, but the boyfriend is suddenly a squeaky clean success? And when given a challenging diagnosis, you can try and fight a terminal outcome. I have a family member with the same health concern who was given 5 years to live; that was 15 years ago. She's able to see her children grow because of her choices.
The premise is three middle aged friends and neighbors who meet every Tuesday for tea to catch up on each other's lives. The blurb mentions that one Tuesday, Georgia shares news that brings their routine tea to a fault. Predictably there are bad boyfriends, trouble with children, a cheating spouse and new careers. This is great -- normal chick lit stuff. And then. Oy vey.
The narrative is told through the three main characters and one child, altering voices per chapter. None of the characters are particularly likeable. The three neighbors are tolerable, but their husbands are all one note. One of the children also gets some chapters to narrate and she's fine. The other daughter opts to come out to her mother at a Fourth of July party the mother is hosting in her honor after not seeing her for 3 years by introducing the 'significant other' in person. Obnoxious.
Spoiler piece -- there is a serious health concern. Rather than see if treatment is an option, that friend opts to not seek treatment and dies. Additionally the questionable boyfriend -- caught checking bank statements and logging into a banking app on a computer -- is on the up and up.
These two things annoy me greatly! The phrase 'once a cheater, always a cheater' is tossed around for the cheating spouse, but the boyfriend is suddenly a squeaky clean success? And when given a challenging diagnosis, you can try and fight a terminal outcome. I have a family member with the same health concern who was given 5 years to live; that was 15 years ago. She's able to see her children grow because of her choices.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2017
Many will love this book. I'm just not one of them.
I thought I would like this book more than I did. It's about three middle-aged ladies who've lived next to each other in Charleston for 26 years. And for 26 years, Lula, Georgia, and Midge have gotten together every Tuesday to drink tea and shoot the bull. And then it all seems to go haywire.
This book is about friendships, family relationships, and infidelity. It's about dealing (or not dealing) with a medical prognosis. It's about accepting (or not accepting) that one's child is gay. (I hereby disclose that I have little patience with parents who reject their child because of their sexuality.)
This was an easy read...easy, bordering on ho-hum. The ending is very predictable... not necessarily a bad thing, particularly if the story is well-written, with vivid descriptions and relatable characters. But the characters were flat. They never transferred from two-dimensional words in a book to three-dimensional people in my brain. When the protagonist is dying, and I don't shed a single tear, that's not a good sign. And I'm a crier.
Many will love this book. I'm just not one of them. Three stars.
I thought I would like this book more than I did. It's about three middle-aged ladies who've lived next to each other in Charleston for 26 years. And for 26 years, Lula, Georgia, and Midge have gotten together every Tuesday to drink tea and shoot the bull. And then it all seems to go haywire.
This book is about friendships, family relationships, and infidelity. It's about dealing (or not dealing) with a medical prognosis. It's about accepting (or not accepting) that one's child is gay. (I hereby disclose that I have little patience with parents who reject their child because of their sexuality.)
This was an easy read...easy, bordering on ho-hum. The ending is very predictable... not necessarily a bad thing, particularly if the story is well-written, with vivid descriptions and relatable characters. But the characters were flat. They never transferred from two-dimensional words in a book to three-dimensional people in my brain. When the protagonist is dying, and I don't shed a single tear, that's not a good sign. And I'm a crier.
Many will love this book. I'm just not one of them. Three stars.
March 6, 2018
The best thing I can say about this book is it is a quick read. It is a Southern soap opera with so many plot lines you would need to take notes to keep them all straight. The good thing was, I didn't care enough about the characters to go to that much trouble. The author seems convinced that people can change: the guy who has been a sleazebag all his life is cured by the love of a good woman, the woman who is a bigot makes a 180-degree turn
I can't even recommend this as a lighthearted read, since it deals with some pretty serious issues. But since it doesn't delve deep, it is very much an on-the-surface type of story, it probably won't bring most readers down.
I can't even recommend this as a lighthearted read, since it deals with some pretty serious issues. But since it doesn't delve deep, it is very much an on-the-surface type of story, it probably won't bring most readers down.
September 4, 2017
I loved this book. It was my first book by author Ashely Farely. It won't be my last. She takes us to Charleston SC, where three woman have had Tea on a Tuesday for 26 yrs and have shared their lives which each other. But on one Tuesday in June that all changes and they could not have predicated what would happen to upset the balance of their lives. This book takes you on a journey of love, laughter and true friendship of these three woman and how powerful their friendship really is. It also takes us into the lives of mother's and daughters and husbands and wives.
This book made me feel many emotions while reading it, but it also made me very grateful and lucky for the women in my life that I call Friends.
This book made me feel many emotions while reading it, but it also made me very grateful and lucky for the women in my life that I call Friends.
January 24, 2018
2.5 -3 stars. A pretty good book, although I found the characters difficult to relate to. Three neighbors and friends for 26 years met weekly to sit, chat and have sweet tea together. Very nice tradition, but I found their interactions somewhat judgmental, sharp, and critical. One wants to change the timing of the get togethers because of getting a job, and that's enough to tank the whole weekly tradition altogether. Huh?
It seems to me that such intimate friends would be closer, have more laughter and sharing. It just didn't ring true to my own circle of friends. Maybe it's just me.
I won't go further to avoid spoilers. As I said, pretty good book. Enjoy.
It seems to me that such intimate friends would be closer, have more laughter and sharing. It just didn't ring true to my own circle of friends. Maybe it's just me.
I won't go further to avoid spoilers. As I said, pretty good book. Enjoy.
March 17, 2018
Such mixed feelings! This isn't your typical Southern friendship book. Some parts I struggled with, specifically the women talking about being old and it being suggested they are in their late 40s. Maybe I misunderstood (I believe Lula is in her 50s). It just didn't ring true. But overall, the characters were pretty well fleshed out and the story good.
May 17, 2019
Sweet Tea Tuesdays is a definite page tuner. It tells the story of three women who meet for tea then suddenly stop. When reading that story line, one might assume that the three women experienced a big argument and that is the reason, however, it's simply a subtle moving away from having tea together. When I first stated reading the first three chapters I thought the book was written by a woman in her late 20's or early 30's because of the manner in which she portrayed the women in the story who are in their late 40's early 50's. Their behaviors and dialogue was a tad juvenile, very immature. It was written as if the author was assuming that this is how people in that age bracket appear and act, not from an author who is in that age bracket or close to it. Other than that it was a good read.
This novel is definitely a book that can be made for television. The author writes like a screenwriter; she does more telling than showing, yet she delivers quite well but if you are a person who likes a descriptive story that will enhance the imagination this is not the novel for you. Yet what the novel will do if you have friends whom you are close with, it reminds you of happy times with them. Even though she tells and not shows it's as though you're a participant in the novel as well, leaving no room for surprises.
Some reviewers had an issue with the daughter of one of the characters being a lesbian; however, the novel was going in that direction; therefore, it really should not have been a surprise for the reader. But it's not the theme of the novel. I didn't perceive this as being a hidden agenda for the LGBT community but rather as this being a way of life for some that the author wanted to discreetly write in her novel.
I would recommend this book it's a page turner with a unique delivery. I gave it four stars because of the style in which the women are portrayed. Their actions, attitude and mannerisms are that of younger, immature women, not married women in their early 50's.
This novel is definitely a book that can be made for television. The author writes like a screenwriter; she does more telling than showing, yet she delivers quite well but if you are a person who likes a descriptive story that will enhance the imagination this is not the novel for you. Yet what the novel will do if you have friends whom you are close with, it reminds you of happy times with them. Even though she tells and not shows it's as though you're a participant in the novel as well, leaving no room for surprises.
Some reviewers had an issue with the daughter of one of the characters being a lesbian; however, the novel was going in that direction; therefore, it really should not have been a surprise for the reader. But it's not the theme of the novel. I didn't perceive this as being a hidden agenda for the LGBT community but rather as this being a way of life for some that the author wanted to discreetly write in her novel.
I would recommend this book it's a page turner with a unique delivery. I gave it four stars because of the style in which the women are portrayed. Their actions, attitude and mannerisms are that of younger, immature women, not married women in their early 50's.
October 8, 2017
Sweet Tea Tuesdays is by Ashley Farley. This is a fantastic book that deals with friendships between women and the love between mothers and daughters. A true friend loves you in spite of your faults and is there to prop you up in the worst of times. This friendship isn’t without its flaws but will continue despite them. The love between a mother and daughter is complicated and yet simple. A mother can criticize a daughter but heaven help anyone else who does. A Mother’s love is limitless and true. Ashley Farley does an excellent job of portraying these types of love.
Lula, Midge, and Georgia have been friends for over twenty-five years. They have met every Tuesday for tea and talked over their problems and joys. They raised their children together and commiserated with Midge for her inability to have children. There didn’t seem to be anything they could not discuss and solve when they got together. Now, it seems they are going to have to stop their teas as Georgia has taken a full-time job. What will happen to their friendship?
Lula is over the moon with happiness. Her daughter Brooke is coming home for the Fourth of July. She begins to plan the perfect Fourth of July party which is reminiscent of those they had been involved in for years. Her daughter, Lizbeth, is a little upset. How can her Mother be so partial to Brooke when she has been home all the time? However, with her job, Lizbeth will get through it. However, Brooke has a surprise for them which may just cut the family in half. Then, Lula is diagnosed with cancer.
Lula, Midge, and Georgia have been friends for over twenty-five years. They have met every Tuesday for tea and talked over their problems and joys. They raised their children together and commiserated with Midge for her inability to have children. There didn’t seem to be anything they could not discuss and solve when they got together. Now, it seems they are going to have to stop their teas as Georgia has taken a full-time job. What will happen to their friendship?
Lula is over the moon with happiness. Her daughter Brooke is coming home for the Fourth of July. She begins to plan the perfect Fourth of July party which is reminiscent of those they had been involved in for years. Her daughter, Lizbeth, is a little upset. How can her Mother be so partial to Brooke when she has been home all the time? However, with her job, Lizbeth will get through it. However, Brooke has a surprise for them which may just cut the family in half. Then, Lula is diagnosed with cancer.
June 16, 2017
Sweet Tea Tuesdays tells the story of three friends named Lula, Georgia, and Midge who met on Georgia's front porch every Tuesday for 26 years for sweet tea and a visit. When life changes suddenly one summer, their friendship is tested. This novel tells the story of their friendship as well as their individual stories.
There is so much that I enjoyed about this book. It is set in Charleston during the summer, and Ashley Farley captures summer in the south perfectly. (I will admit that the constant mention of sweet tea made me make crave - and drink - more sweet tea than usual!)
At its heart, this is a book about friendship. Lula, Georgia, and Midge have been great friends for many years. They have been together through ups and downs in their marriages, through watching children grow up, and finding their own place in the world with work and life passions. I really liked these three women. The author did a beautiful job at delineating the characters and giving them each a unique voice. The book is told from different viewpoints -- each of these women, as well as Lula's youngest daughter.
There is warm and unexpected kindness and some heartbreak in Sweet Tea Tuesdays. I would recommend it for fans of books like Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe or movies like Steel Magnolias. It was a wonderful summer read that found me reaching for the tissue box a few times. Put this one on your summer reading list!
There is so much that I enjoyed about this book. It is set in Charleston during the summer, and Ashley Farley captures summer in the south perfectly. (I will admit that the constant mention of sweet tea made me make crave - and drink - more sweet tea than usual!)
At its heart, this is a book about friendship. Lula, Georgia, and Midge have been great friends for many years. They have been together through ups and downs in their marriages, through watching children grow up, and finding their own place in the world with work and life passions. I really liked these three women. The author did a beautiful job at delineating the characters and giving them each a unique voice. The book is told from different viewpoints -- each of these women, as well as Lula's youngest daughter.
There is warm and unexpected kindness and some heartbreak in Sweet Tea Tuesdays. I would recommend it for fans of books like Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe or movies like Steel Magnolias. It was a wonderful summer read that found me reaching for the tissue box a few times. Put this one on your summer reading list!
April 27, 2017
I received a free copy of this book with no obligation to review it. Sweet Tea Tuesdays is set in Charleston, and the streets, shops, and weather could only be written from the perspective of someone who's intimately familiar with that rich locale. The main characters, three women all over 50, are facing life challenges. Each woman undergoes a development arc, something I really look for in a story. They change and grow as a result of the challenges, and in so doing, show us that we can, too.
I see more and more books featuring people over 50, and I'm thrilled! I want to read about people my age. How are they dealing with the unique challenges of the second half of life? So in Sweet Tea Tuesdays, I found the maturity of the main characters refreshing. (There are also youthful characters in the book.)
The only ding on the story is that I thought it was a bit unrealistic when the three friends became unhappy with each other and took extreme action (I'm trying to avoid spoilers!) considering how long they'd known each other, but I'm grateful to Ms. Farley for writing this book, and I hope to see many more in this age group.
I see more and more books featuring people over 50, and I'm thrilled! I want to read about people my age. How are they dealing with the unique challenges of the second half of life? So in Sweet Tea Tuesdays, I found the maturity of the main characters refreshing. (There are also youthful characters in the book.)
The only ding on the story is that I thought it was a bit unrealistic when the three friends became unhappy with each other and took extreme action (I'm trying to avoid spoilers!) considering how long they'd known each other, but I'm grateful to Ms. Farley for writing this book, and I hope to see many more in this age group.
May 3, 2017
Ashley Farley is one of my must read authors. I just love everything she writes. Sweet Tea Tuesdays is a wonderful, emotional story of three women who have been meeting once a week for years, enjoying sweet tea and friendship. The three have such love for each other and share a strong support system that they all have come to count on.
Then things start to fall apart. Tuesdays don't work any more and their relationships suffer for it. We watch as the women struggle with their lives and as they face both emotional and physical challenges.
I loved all of these women and wished I could have been sitting on their porches, sharing some tea and companionship. Ashley has written another great story of strong, caring, devoted women, a story that just carried me away for a delightful weekend of reading.
Then things start to fall apart. Tuesdays don't work any more and their relationships suffer for it. We watch as the women struggle with their lives and as they face both emotional and physical challenges.
I loved all of these women and wished I could have been sitting on their porches, sharing some tea and companionship. Ashley has written another great story of strong, caring, devoted women, a story that just carried me away for a delightful weekend of reading.
June 10, 2019
**5 Salty-Sweet, Stars**
I can honestly say, I went into this book blind...and I didn’t expect it to really be anything worth noting about.
I am happy to report, I WAS SO WRONG.
Unlike stubborn Lula, I can admit that tidbit. I can also say that this book will stick with me for years...the love between friends is one that people seldom experience in real life. This book is proof of that love.
Three women, the same, but very different...neighbors, friends, sisters of the heart. I felt everything they experienced to my very soul. And when it ended, I cried...I cried for the love, for the loss, for the legacy these women leave behind.
If you love stories about real women with real-life issues and a love that spans decades, pick up this book. It is amazing.
I can honestly say, I went into this book blind...and I didn’t expect it to really be anything worth noting about.
I am happy to report, I WAS SO WRONG.
Unlike stubborn Lula, I can admit that tidbit. I can also say that this book will stick with me for years...the love between friends is one that people seldom experience in real life. This book is proof of that love.
Three women, the same, but very different...neighbors, friends, sisters of the heart. I felt everything they experienced to my very soul. And when it ended, I cried...I cried for the love, for the loss, for the legacy these women leave behind.
If you love stories about real women with real-life issues and a love that spans decades, pick up this book. It is amazing.
April 15, 2018
Life as it happens - not according to our plans most of the time, but time indeed heals and just moves forward, as we all should.
Lula, Georgia and Midge have been friends for twenty six years. They meet every Tuesday for tea to keep up with each other. Like all close friendships, theirs have their own ups and downs, but their love and honesty with each other have sustained them. Faced with the harsh realities of life - infidelity, loneliness, even death, their bond took a beating, and yet they recovered through their own stubborn resolve to not give up on their friendship.
The author has a captured women audience with this book: mothers, wives, and daughters can all relate to a character or situation. A great read!
Lula, Georgia and Midge have been friends for twenty six years. They meet every Tuesday for tea to keep up with each other. Like all close friendships, theirs have their own ups and downs, but their love and honesty with each other have sustained them. Faced with the harsh realities of life - infidelity, loneliness, even death, their bond took a beating, and yet they recovered through their own stubborn resolve to not give up on their friendship.
The author has a captured women audience with this book: mothers, wives, and daughters can all relate to a character or situation. A great read!
October 23, 2017
I found it unbalanced
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. I was reading it on a plane and it definitely engaged me. But the middle got very depressing and the ending seemed very rushed, a chapter to tie up all the loose ends. I felt the male characters were really just a bunch of stereotypes. I realize the novel was written for women, but still. The "rascal" was miraculously every women's dream. Lol. Anyway, I bought the Kindle version so I was fine with it but if I'd paid full price for a paperback I would have felt a little cheated.
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book. I was reading it on a plane and it definitely engaged me. But the middle got very depressing and the ending seemed very rushed, a chapter to tie up all the loose ends. I felt the male characters were really just a bunch of stereotypes. I realize the novel was written for women, but still. The "rascal" was miraculously every women's dream. Lol. Anyway, I bought the Kindle version so I was fine with it but if I'd paid full price for a paperback I would have felt a little cheated.
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