Tea with Isabel

by Julie Sneed Womack

It’s been sixteen years since Nina Blake was whisked away from Los Angeles by country boy Brandon McCoy to his remote Oklahoma hometown. Now a nationally acclaimed romance novelist, Nina’s once passionate and loving marriage has evolved into bickering and emotional disconnection. The romance novelist whose life is devoid of romance- it’s the most humiliating form of irony. Once dynamic and fearless, Nina has become a watered-down version of herself. To make matters worse, she is experiencing a disappointing relationship with her mother, and is struggling to connect with her teenage daughter.In a desperate plea for guidance, Nina pours a steamy cup of chamomile tea over her beloved Grandma Isabel’s grave, and a sultry breeze blows across the cemetery. Inexplicably, Nina begins receiving visits from Grandma whenever she makes a cup of the herbaceous tea.With Grandma’s counseling and the championing of her girlfriends, Nina begins a journey of digging deep and remembering who she truly is. As she reflects on her relationships, she begins to chip away at their issues. Before she knows it, Nina is reading about herself in the tabloids, being propositioned by unexpected suitors, and competing with one of Brandon’s old flames. Will Nina and Brandon figure things out before one of them strays too far?Tea with Isabel is a heartfelt story with loads of small-town charm that tests the durability of real-life love. It celebrates the power of female relationships, and with a whisper of mysticism, the poignancy of spending time with a loved one lost.

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2019

About the author

Julie Sneed Womack is a Los Angeles native who lives in Oklahoma with her husband, two children, and cat. She loves watching romantic comedies and Hallmark movies, and taking photos, her favorite subjects most recently being lake sunsets, cows that don't belong to her, and bales of hay.

Reviews

[Patricia Shimmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. Among the other things mentioned in other reviews, it also hits on a man’s ‘mid-life crisis’. This is often experienced in many long term relationships. Well done, Julie.

[Lourdes Conklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this story. I could not put it down. As a Hispanic, I did relate to the references and the drinking of tea, specifically chamomile. It was well written and it had funny and realistic depictions of the area. I definitely recommend this to the ladies out there that like a good read.

[Cindy Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I have read in a very long time. I loved the story line and how the author keeps you tuned in chapter after chapter. A very easy read and very enjoyable. I didn’t want the book to end. I rate this as one of my top ten books. A must read!!! Very well written!

[☮️🌼♥️🪐🙏🏽🪷🫶🏽🌞 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect beach read!
Add to summer book list.

[Margaretj1062 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! The way she addressed how the 'little things' become BIG THINGS when couples don't communicate.....and the connection with her grandmother...so sweet and what we all dream we could do!

[Vicki Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book from cover to cover because it held my interest; provided a colorful respite from any mundane duties I might have felt obligated to fulfill; a successful storyline that moved me to stick with the characters and get to know them and also personalized life with the actual Mexican rice recipe passed down from the author's grandmother! (The rice was very good!).

I enjoy a book based on similar experiences and this one did not disappoint. It is perfect for the reader who does not want a negative, heavy read. It was stimulating, covering real isssues. Kindle was effective although I enjoy having the paperback book.

I look forward to reading this new author's next book!

[tucker. · Rating 5 out of 5]

unapologetically captivating and magical. julie’s words, drenched with sincerity, will leave you longing for those
once-in-a-lifetime connections we so easily take for granted. a must read!

[Chelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet read!

I truly enjoyed reading Tea with Isabel. So much of it seemed realistic, yet magical at the same time. I loved all of the Tulsa and Skiatook references that I could relate to. Julie Womack is a great author, and I look forward to meeting her in person soon. I highly recommend.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love this book!!! It’s a must read!

[Lyndsey Presnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect relaxing read!

[Taylor McNeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and these characters!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fab beach book! Loved it! #humor #beachread #lovestory #bookclub

[Blythe Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tea with Isabell by Julie Sneed Womack is one of the most delightful books I have read in a long time. It’s fun, it’s charming and best of all it carries a lot meaning in terms of both family and romantic relationships. I truly hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Guarantee, you will not be disappointed!!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really good for your soul!

[Alana White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book on a Saturday and couldnt put it down. Finished it Sunday evening. It was an emotional roller coaster that kept me on edge and ready for more. For a romance I was highly pleased with the gripping nature of the story as well as the raw emotions it triggered in me. I found myself easily relating to the characters and other times I caught myself even crying for the main character. I can not wait for more books to enjoy by this talented author!!!

[Becky Blackwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this sweet love story. The narrator's world is turned upside down by her husband's mid-life crisis. She is able to cope with the changes using the help of her girl friends and "advice" from her grandmother. This is a quick read with believable characters. I loved the true to life small town setting.

[Michella Melton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed reading this book. Loved the small town Oklahoma descriptions. it was such a fun and easy read that I started and finished it in less than 24 hours. Really enduring theme about marriage and family and getting through some rough patches. If you're looking for a good summer read this is the book for you!

[Terri Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I read it cover to cover in 9 hours. I have only read 2 books that kept me on the couch like that and this is one of them. I am super excited to read her next one. Do not hesitate to buy this book and read it. It made me laugh and cry. What a great book. Thank you for the signed copy Julie. Thank you the time you dedicated to write such a perfect book!

[Cathy Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved Tea with Isabel and I say WE because we read it for our book club and everyone enjoyed it. Not only did our book club read it but we were honored to have Julie join us. Talk about one special book club night!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! If I had the time I would had finished this book in a weekend. Oklahoma writer, her first book. I am so happy I met her and bought her book. I can’t wait for her next book!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book about a marriage that just doesn’t feel the same as it did when it started. It was very relatable. Can’t wait for her next book!

[Carrie King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

What a wonderful story! It is beautifully written and grabbed at all my emotions. I could not put it down. Strongly recommend for anyone wishing to read a heartfelt book.

[Dana Tindell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, caught my interest right at the start! Funny, suspenseful & relatable!

[Dorothy Minor]

As a reader, I am open to supernatural occurrences in stories. For example, in Henderson House by Caren Simpson McVicker, Mrs. Henderson can hear houses talking, particularly her own. When I began reading Tea With Isabel by Julie Sneed Womack on a friend’s recommendation, I quickly learned that Nina, the narrator, meets on occasion over tea with her deceased grandmother. These meetings depend upon Nina brewing the special tea her grandmother loved. With the tea in hand, Nina can converse with her beloved grandmother and get advice on her problems. At the same time, the meetings with her grandmother remind Nina of good times and of pleasures in life.

Nina, born and raised in LA, meets Brandon from Skiatook, OK at a bar. The two of them have an instant connection. Nina, a travel journalist, has her dream job of traveling the world and writing about the places she visits. When Brandon goes with Nina to Rome on one of her assignments, they decide to marry there and tell their families after the fact. After they are married, Nina and Brandon move to Skiatook, a small OK town.

For a time, Nina continues to work her job as a travel writer even after her first daughter arrives. Then she decides the travel with a baby is too much to handle, and she has more duties at home. To nourish her creative writing side, Nina begins writing romance novels which garner her a great deal of attention and success.

Fast forward to sixteen years and two daughters later, Brandon tells Nina their marriage is not working and that he needs some space that old watchword! Before Nina can discover what Brandon thinks is wrong with the marriage, he moves into the apartment above a friend’s garage, leaving Nina and the two girls in their home.

Since they live in a small town, news travels fast, particularly gossip. Sadly, people do love to gossip, especially about a couple who appeared to have it all: love, beautiful children, and success. One particularly mean-spirited person even alerts the tabloids that Nina McCoy, a successful romance novelist, can’t keep her own husband.

During this nightmare, Nina remembers the tea her grandmother loved and reaches for the rooster canister that holds a few of the precious tea bags. As soon as Nina sips the tea, her grandmother appears. Nina turns to her beloved grandmother for advice and comfort.

The story moves back and forth with Nina and Brandon taking small steps in the right direction until they finally discuss what their problems are and how to resolve them.

Julie Sneed Womack herself is a Los Angeles native who now lives in OK. Tea with Isabel is her debut novel. She has since published a second novel: Taking Her to Mykonos.

[Vicki K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down. Loved the characters. She has a way of bringing them to life. Story about the love for her grandmother and the challenges of finding yourself, connecting with your children and getting your marriage back to the way it use to be. Read half the book before I could put it down!

[Laura Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful story of everyday life in marriage, parenthood and friendships filled with every emotion including laugh-out-loud humor. Descriptions light up the way with spot-on pictoral images and the characters come to life as well. A fun and enjoyable read!

[Kristen Lauffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opened this book and couldn’t put it down. The author really is a great storyteller and it was like you were there living Nina’s experience with her. You felt every emotion and I even laughed out loud a couple times. Great find!

[Mackenzie Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

sweet, small town setting with a real life plot line. Didn’t love the lengths Brandon went to stay away for 10 months and didn’t love that Nina only was able to have the tales turned for a month. Happy endings, especially for marriages, is always a nice thing to read though!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book in a couple days. I became captivated with the story and wanted to know how it ended. I enjoyed the ride and the plausible ending.

[Carol A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes we just need a book to take us into another's life. This book did that. Makes me think of all my blessings.