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Mulberry Lane #1
Tea for Three
Three women. Three cups of tea. Three new beginnings.
Sarah Gardner's husband went to sleep one night in November and never woke up. At forty-years-old, the new widow is left to care for their three children, all of whom are under the age of five.
Twenty-five-year-old Filipina, Kate Morgan, thought she had met the man of her dreams during what was a perfect summer vacation. Now married to the handsome American who had swept her off her feet, and over 8000 miles away from home, Kate soon realizes that her mother was right: vacations end and people change.
Louise Delaney couldn’t ask for anything more. At fifty-nine, she had enjoyed almost four decades of blissful marriage to Warren—may his soul rest in peace. But Louise’s seemingly perfect world is upended when she gets a visit from a sixteen-year-old who says she is Warren’s daughter.
Three exceptional women—each of whose hearts are broken into a million pieces—come together in this extraordinary tale of life, love, and true friendship.
Read other books by Melissa Crosby:
Willow Oaks Sweet Romance Series
• Book 1: Love Me True ♥ Amy and Sam
• Book 2: Love Me Maybe ♥ Charlotte and Ben
• Book 3: Love Me Again ♥ Jenna and Dave
• Book 4: Love Me Always ♥ Mallory and Ethan
• Book 5: Love Me Timeless ♥ Mick and Carly
Sarah Gardner's husband went to sleep one night in November and never woke up. At forty-years-old, the new widow is left to care for their three children, all of whom are under the age of five.
Twenty-five-year-old Filipina, Kate Morgan, thought she had met the man of her dreams during what was a perfect summer vacation. Now married to the handsome American who had swept her off her feet, and over 8000 miles away from home, Kate soon realizes that her mother was right: vacations end and people change.
Louise Delaney couldn’t ask for anything more. At fifty-nine, she had enjoyed almost four decades of blissful marriage to Warren—may his soul rest in peace. But Louise’s seemingly perfect world is upended when she gets a visit from a sixteen-year-old who says she is Warren’s daughter.
Three exceptional women—each of whose hearts are broken into a million pieces—come together in this extraordinary tale of life, love, and true friendship.
Read other books by Melissa Crosby:
Willow Oaks Sweet Romance Series
• Book 1: Love Me True ♥ Amy and Sam
• Book 2: Love Me Maybe ♥ Charlotte and Ben
• Book 3: Love Me Again ♥ Jenna and Dave
• Book 4: Love Me Always ♥ Mallory and Ethan
• Book 5: Love Me Timeless ♥ Mick and Carly
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2020
676 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Crosby
12 books37 followersMelissa Crosby lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her husband, two children, and their adopted rescue pets, Evie and Zuko. She writes stories about women over forty that will make you smile, laugh, shed a tear (or two), and hopefully remind us all not to sweat the small stuff.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
September 6, 2020
Melissa Crosby has written a really heart warming story of three women who faced tragedy and came out the other side.
Firstly Susan Gardner 40 years of age whose husband Adam had died in his sleep leaving her with three young children.....Susan had never learned to cope.
Secondly 25 year old Kate Morgan a Filipina who had met her handsome American husband on a romantic vacation only to find herself eight hundred miles from home, treated as a trophy wife......until there was an unexpected event.
Thirdly Louise Delaney who at 59 years old has been married to Warren for forty happy years before his death, her memories were happy.....until they weren't.
These three woman lived a stones throw from one another but had never socialised until Adam's funeral brought them together.
They bonded as a threesome, they shared everything, their secrets, their problems, their fears, they laughed together and they cried together, nothing was insurmountable.
Each of them had dalliances with the opposite sex....would they lead anywhere ?
This story underlines the meaning of real friendship and how precious it is and that life can go on even through adversity, it leaves you with a warm feeling of hope for the future.
Firstly Susan Gardner 40 years of age whose husband Adam had died in his sleep leaving her with three young children.....Susan had never learned to cope.
Secondly 25 year old Kate Morgan a Filipina who had met her handsome American husband on a romantic vacation only to find herself eight hundred miles from home, treated as a trophy wife......until there was an unexpected event.
Thirdly Louise Delaney who at 59 years old has been married to Warren for forty happy years before his death, her memories were happy.....until they weren't.
These three woman lived a stones throw from one another but had never socialised until Adam's funeral brought them together.
They bonded as a threesome, they shared everything, their secrets, their problems, their fears, they laughed together and they cried together, nothing was insurmountable.
Each of them had dalliances with the opposite sex....would they lead anywhere ?
This story underlines the meaning of real friendship and how precious it is and that life can go on even through adversity, it leaves you with a warm feeling of hope for the future.
September 25, 2020
Tea for Three was a beautiful, heartbreaking, yet heart-warming story.
Louise, Sarah and Kate all come from totally different walks of life, with their ages, their backgrounds and their current situations, but they band together when things get tough and help each other out.
I think every woman will be able to relate to at least one of these characters in one way or another, and find some sense of comfort and maybe even peace in knowing that you are not alone in this world with what you are going through.
This may only be a story, but it hits on so many points of real life.
I loved seeing how they banned together and helped each other through, even when they were struggling with their own stuff. That's true friendship. And it helped them to become stronger women, friends and mothers in the end.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my voluntary and honest opinion.
Louise, Sarah and Kate all come from totally different walks of life, with their ages, their backgrounds and their current situations, but they band together when things get tough and help each other out.
I think every woman will be able to relate to at least one of these characters in one way or another, and find some sense of comfort and maybe even peace in knowing that you are not alone in this world with what you are going through.
This may only be a story, but it hits on so many points of real life.
I loved seeing how they banned together and helped each other through, even when they were struggling with their own stuff. That's true friendship. And it helped them to become stronger women, friends and mothers in the end.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my voluntary and honest opinion.
September 14, 2020
Melissa Crosby has written a 5 + star book. It is the story of three ladies becoming friends and helping each other out in their time of need. Sarah has just lost her husband Adam and she has three children all under the age of 5. Louise and Kate come to help her when she needs them the most. The three ladies become fast friends and help the others when needed whether by just someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on.
If you have ever lost a husband or partner then this book will get to you, you will feel what Sarah and Louise have felt.
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book for my voluntarily and honest review.
If you have ever lost a husband or partner then this book will get to you, you will feel what Sarah and Louise have felt.
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book for my voluntarily and honest review.
October 1, 2020
You can never go wrong when you pick up a book by Ms. Crosby. I can always count on a sweet, clean and heartwarming story that will leave me with a nice warm feeling afterwards. This book surely did not disappoint. This is a very touching story about three women, brought together due to a tragic event, who ended forming a very special friendship. These ladies share a special bond and experience not only grief and sorrow, but happiness and love together. A touching and emotional book that I really enjoyed. I would definitely recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2021
Loved this book, loved the characters and their journey - each woman is so easy to relate to and their friendship is warming
September 16, 2020
Wow! Just Wow! This book was absolutely nothing like I was expecting. It is loaded with touching moments and the storyline is so authentic it grabs you and believe me, it won't let go. Questions and decisions that these 3 women face almost have you holding your breath and crying multiple times. However, not to be undermined, the beauty of new and very strong friendships that will carry you through so much in life is central in this story.
The reality these 3 women face is familiar to more women than we can probably imagine, but I would hope that if it happened to me or a friend of mine, that I could handle it with the grace, compassion and love that is so vitally portrayed in this book. The Lord is alive and present in this lovely story!
I received an ARC copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
The reality these 3 women face is familiar to more women than we can probably imagine, but I would hope that if it happened to me or a friend of mine, that I could handle it with the grace, compassion and love that is so vitally portrayed in this book. The Lord is alive and present in this lovely story!
I received an ARC copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
VICKI FROM WYOMING
September 11, 2020
A Family Of Strangers -
Sarah, Louise and Kate were three women brought together by circumstance, but stayed together because of friendship, love and support. This Christian romance shows us how these three women journeyed through grief, betrayal, depression, angst and pain, but with the support of each other, they found a true friendship with one another, happiness, love, family, strength, determination, forgiveness and solidified their faith in God.
Reading this story reminds us of Psalm 16: 8 “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”. It teaches us that God has a plan for each of our lives and he will reveal it when the time is right. Reading this book took me through a myriad of emotions, but left me with joy and peace in my heart at the end.
I received a copy of this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sarah, Louise and Kate were three women brought together by circumstance, but stayed together because of friendship, love and support. This Christian romance shows us how these three women journeyed through grief, betrayal, depression, angst and pain, but with the support of each other, they found a true friendship with one another, happiness, love, family, strength, determination, forgiveness and solidified their faith in God.
Reading this story reminds us of Psalm 16: 8 “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”. It teaches us that God has a plan for each of our lives and he will reveal it when the time is right. Reading this book took me through a myriad of emotions, but left me with joy and peace in my heart at the end.
I received a copy of this ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2020
This book will touch your heart and fill you with inspiration as three women, who are so very different in age and other ways meet and form their Tea for Three group as they help each other through a very trying time. What is so unlikely about their friendship is their ages. One is in her twenties, one in her forties, and one is in her fifties. The support and strength they each have for each other can be very rare as they search to find themselves, understand their pasts and forge into their futures, a future they did not see coming, but with God's help and their faith they have each chosen to embrace it and their life with their children. This is one of the best books I have read this year. It was so different and inspiring. I like when a book makes me think about my life. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
September 13, 2020
Three women's live come together after the death of one of their husbands not realizing that this is a turning point in all of their lives, they hardly knew each other before Adam past away however as soon as they meet it's as if they have been friends for ever. These women go through utter heartbreak, betrayal, shock, joy, laughter, love and so much more as we see Sarah try and pull herself together after Adams death, Louise learning Warren wasn't always faithful during their almost forty decades and Kate learning her mother was right about her haste to marry and move away. I am soo stoked there is a book two and can not wait to see what happens next for the Tea for Three ladies!!! 😍
September 13, 2020
Sarah, Kate and Louise became friends after the sudden death of Sarah's husband. Three women with different backgrounds and of different ages banded together to help each other through their various struggles as they each dealt with the challenges of their individual lives. This book follows each of them as they negotiate a year of change and grow personally as individuals. This book is filled with courage and hope and personal fulfillment. It will grab your interest from the very beginning.
I received an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 14, 2020
I've read several books written by Melissa Crosby; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2020
The first book in the A Mulberry Lane series a well written story that held my interest until the end. I want to read the next book. This is Twenty-five-year-old Filipina, Kate Morgan, widow Sarah Gardner, and widow Louise Delaney,s story. I am quoting part of the blurb here.
Three exceptional women—each of whose hearts are broken into a million pieces—come together in this extraordinary tale of life, love, and true friendship. That is exactly what this story is about. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Three exceptional women—each of whose hearts are broken into a million pieces—come together in this extraordinary tale of life, love, and true friendship. That is exactly what this story is about. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2020
Three women who each are grieving in a different way bond as "sisters," and help each other. They each grow and change through their struggles. Their stories are at times heart breaking and humorous, but always unforgettable!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2020
Love a good feel good story about women and friendship. Each of the characters has drama and issues to go through but because of their friendship they can do it together. Good read of love and friendship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
April 13, 2021It has been a true joy for me to write the stories of Sarah, Kate, and Louise. I love how, even in their darkest moments, they lifted each other up; never failing to share their own strength, hope, and faith. As I explored the issues and hidden burdens that many women carry as daughters, mothers, wives, and partners; I found myself drawing a lot from my own experiences. Life can be tough, but I believe that with unwavering faith in God, and family and friends like Sarah, Kate, and Louise by our sides, we can overcome anything.
Start reading yours > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HDD92ZS
Start reading yours > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HDD92ZS
September 11, 2020
Well written story about 3 women who come together and become friends after one of the three experiences a tragedy. Each woman has had a life experience to bring to the table. It is an inspirational story about friendship, support and growth.
It is a moving story.
It is a moving story.
August 20, 2021
The editor of this book, or the proofreader, should have taken more time to fix the errors--spelling errors, missing words and at one point a change to first person narration without a clue as to which person it was.
And then the story telling was repetitive and preachy.
Not my "cup of tea".
And then the story telling was repetitive and preachy.
Not my "cup of tea".
February 6, 2022
Review could contain some minor spoilers.
Although I never hold too many hopes that books I download for free from Amazon will be much good, I am occasionally pleasantly surprised. Unfortunately, this wasn't one of those times.
A few pages in, I knew this wasn't going to be a read that'd wow me, but I stuck with it to see how bad it could get. Quite bad, it turned out.
The main problem here is that the writing just isn't good. Sure, there are quite a few grammatical errors and at one point the narration changes from second to first person unexpectedly - but those aren't the main issues - the story-telling itself is.
Throughout, the author is telling us rather than showing us how the relationships between the characters are progressing. Although it's obvious from the get-go that two characters will eventually end up together, we are never shown exactly how they reach they conclusion they want to be together, or indeed why they should be. All of the sudden, one has developed feelings for the other, and we're supposed to root for them.
In fact, this also applies to the relationship between the three main characters. They don't behave as I would expect living, breathing real people to behave. Why were two women who didn't know Sarah's husband at his funeral? Why do they volunteer to help a woman they don't know in such a forceful manner? It isn't just a suggestion that they're there to help, they invite themselves into Sarah's life without giving her much of a say. We get very little indication of how much time has passed, but by the second meet up, these women are acting like they've known each other their whole lives and are completely committed to each other - as lonely as they all may be, I find this extremely hard to believe.
This is a main problem with the book as a whole - it seems like the author is trying to cram so much into the book that the story is rushed. Everything happens right away. There is no character growth, but rather immediate character change. It removes any sense of realism that remains within this story. Here, again, the author tells us what's happening rather than shows us.
Regarding a particular character u-turn in this story, someone who's been adamant to the point of violence that they want their life a certain way suddenly changes their mind at the drop of a hat. Is it impossible? No, but it's definitely implausible, particularly when you consider what the character is going through in their life.
Louise's relationship with Abby is to me another facet to this story that I don't buy whatsoever. This woman giving up her life to take care of a child who isn't hers without reason, while dealing with life-shattering news, extremely few people would be that saint-like.
It also seems the author isn't paying attention to her writing in some places. A character's pregnancy is discussed in front of her love interest, only for two characters to later wonder if he's aware of the pregnancy. Yes, he is! You discussed it in front of him!
I also found the preachiness about abortion quite tedious. I understand this book has Christian overtures, and it does make sense in the context of the pregnancy, but to have another character have experienced abortion without it adding anything to the story was gratuitous and completely unnecessary.
All in all, this book had a lot of issues and would have benefitted greatly from an experienced proof reader and editor.
Although I never hold too many hopes that books I download for free from Amazon will be much good, I am occasionally pleasantly surprised. Unfortunately, this wasn't one of those times.
A few pages in, I knew this wasn't going to be a read that'd wow me, but I stuck with it to see how bad it could get. Quite bad, it turned out.
The main problem here is that the writing just isn't good. Sure, there are quite a few grammatical errors and at one point the narration changes from second to first person unexpectedly - but those aren't the main issues - the story-telling itself is.
Throughout, the author is telling us rather than showing us how the relationships between the characters are progressing. Although it's obvious from the get-go that two characters will eventually end up together, we are never shown exactly how they reach they conclusion they want to be together, or indeed why they should be. All of the sudden, one has developed feelings for the other, and we're supposed to root for them.
In fact, this also applies to the relationship between the three main characters. They don't behave as I would expect living, breathing real people to behave. Why were two women who didn't know Sarah's husband at his funeral? Why do they volunteer to help a woman they don't know in such a forceful manner? It isn't just a suggestion that they're there to help, they invite themselves into Sarah's life without giving her much of a say. We get very little indication of how much time has passed, but by the second meet up, these women are acting like they've known each other their whole lives and are completely committed to each other - as lonely as they all may be, I find this extremely hard to believe.
This is a main problem with the book as a whole - it seems like the author is trying to cram so much into the book that the story is rushed. Everything happens right away. There is no character growth, but rather immediate character change. It removes any sense of realism that remains within this story. Here, again, the author tells us what's happening rather than shows us.
Regarding a particular character u-turn in this story, someone who's been adamant to the point of violence that they want their life a certain way suddenly changes their mind at the drop of a hat. Is it impossible? No, but it's definitely implausible, particularly when you consider what the character is going through in their life.
Louise's relationship with Abby is to me another facet to this story that I don't buy whatsoever. This woman giving up her life to take care of a child who isn't hers without reason, while dealing with life-shattering news, extremely few people would be that saint-like.
It also seems the author isn't paying attention to her writing in some places. A character's pregnancy is discussed in front of her love interest, only for two characters to later wonder if he's aware of the pregnancy. Yes, he is! You discussed it in front of him!
I also found the preachiness about abortion quite tedious. I understand this book has Christian overtures, and it does make sense in the context of the pregnancy, but to have another character have experienced abortion without it adding anything to the story was gratuitous and completely unnecessary.
All in all, this book had a lot of issues and would have benefitted greatly from an experienced proof reader and editor.
January 24, 2022
This was a freebie on Amazon that I got last year. Finally decided to give it a read.
We follow three women who have gone through a lot but they have found each other. They meet up and have some tea and talked about their issues. There is Sarah who's husband went to bed one night and never woke up. At forty she is left alone to care for her three children. We also have twenty-five-year-old Filipina, Kate, who thought she had met the man of her dreams. He married her and brought her home to America, but she soon realizes that he is completely different. Lastly, we have Louise who has been a widow for a few years. They had been married for nearly four decades. However, everything is about to upended when she gets a visits from a sixteen-year-old who says she is Louise's late-husband's daughter.
Am I the only one who struggled with this? *scrolls through Goodreads* It looks like the average is over 4 stars. SOOOO many 5 stars. Eeee. I seem to be in the minority here.
Okay. I didn't hate this. I did like this, but I did have my struggles.
My main issue was that I had a hard time really connecting with ANY of the characters. Not that they are bad. I did feel so bad for them and I wanted them happy....but I just couldn't connect. The POV would change at the end of every chapters...maybe if we got more time with each of the characters? I'm not sure. Don't get me wrong I loved the whole 3 women...3 cups of tea....etc, but I would've loved more time with each character or something.
Another issue I had was that the story-telling did feel a little repetitive at points. Things would be repeated multiple times. Made me want to skim especially near the end.
Besides for those two big things...I did enjoy it overall. It was beautiful watching these women become unlikely friends and get each other through these tough times over a nice cup of tea. Of course it gave me a hunkering for drinking tea so I did find myself brewing some tea while reading this in the morning. ;) But yes, it was for sure a good chick lit and would make a great Hallmark or Netflix movie.
In the end, I had some big issues with this and I found myself wanting to skim here and there. However....I did think this was a beautiful story of friendship and love. Sad things happen but having good friends can make all the difference. I'll give this 3 stars.
We follow three women who have gone through a lot but they have found each other. They meet up and have some tea and talked about their issues. There is Sarah who's husband went to bed one night and never woke up. At forty she is left alone to care for her three children. We also have twenty-five-year-old Filipina, Kate, who thought she had met the man of her dreams. He married her and brought her home to America, but she soon realizes that he is completely different. Lastly, we have Louise who has been a widow for a few years. They had been married for nearly four decades. However, everything is about to upended when she gets a visits from a sixteen-year-old who says she is Louise's late-husband's daughter.
Am I the only one who struggled with this? *scrolls through Goodreads* It looks like the average is over 4 stars. SOOOO many 5 stars. Eeee. I seem to be in the minority here.
Okay. I didn't hate this. I did like this, but I did have my struggles.
My main issue was that I had a hard time really connecting with ANY of the characters. Not that they are bad. I did feel so bad for them and I wanted them happy....but I just couldn't connect. The POV would change at the end of every chapters...maybe if we got more time with each of the characters? I'm not sure. Don't get me wrong I loved the whole 3 women...3 cups of tea....etc, but I would've loved more time with each character or something.
Another issue I had was that the story-telling did feel a little repetitive at points. Things would be repeated multiple times. Made me want to skim especially near the end.
Besides for those two big things...I did enjoy it overall. It was beautiful watching these women become unlikely friends and get each other through these tough times over a nice cup of tea. Of course it gave me a hunkering for drinking tea so I did find myself brewing some tea while reading this in the morning. ;) But yes, it was for sure a good chick lit and would make a great Hallmark or Netflix movie.
In the end, I had some big issues with this and I found myself wanting to skim here and there. However....I did think this was a beautiful story of friendship and love. Sad things happen but having good friends can make all the difference. I'll give this 3 stars.
February 13, 2021
NOT Christian Fiction
I have given this book 2 stars because the author has writing skills that make for a good story; however, when a book is placed in a Christian genre (and more than one for this particular book), there should be some thread of conviction, redemption and/or life lessons that draw from Biblical beliefs. This storyline had all of the makings of a great redemption story but none was offered. The three women who become close is a great theme. Each was finding their own way while being supported by the others...yet, they were so worldly that they acted as immature as their seeking children. The only Christian values were cliche, such as, We are lucky....God looks out for us.
The other disheartening thing about this book is that you read about 2/3 of it and all of the sudden a high school male who wants to identify as a girl and be called Shelby is introduced. Again, there is no conversation that explores the Biblical principles in this situation. Instead, the book changes gender from he to “she” for this character. A step daughter of one of the main characters spends the night with “Shelby” without the mom even knowing who “she” is. She doesn’t find out that “she” is a boy until the police bring her step daughter home the next morning...what if he had identified as a boy during the night?
I will not read another book in this series. I finished this one only to make sure that I didn’t miss any Christian discussions or Biblical lessons. In reading the description of one of the other books in the series, one of the moms moves in with her boyfriend so while this is true to life, this is not what Christian readers want to read. We purchase books in this genre to read storylines that hold to our values and that should be our choice. This book should be reclassified because, in my opinion, it is definitely NOT Christian fiction just because it has several cliche lines in it.
I have given this book 2 stars because the author has writing skills that make for a good story; however, when a book is placed in a Christian genre (and more than one for this particular book), there should be some thread of conviction, redemption and/or life lessons that draw from Biblical beliefs. This storyline had all of the makings of a great redemption story but none was offered. The three women who become close is a great theme. Each was finding their own way while being supported by the others...yet, they were so worldly that they acted as immature as their seeking children. The only Christian values were cliche, such as, We are lucky....God looks out for us.
The other disheartening thing about this book is that you read about 2/3 of it and all of the sudden a high school male who wants to identify as a girl and be called Shelby is introduced. Again, there is no conversation that explores the Biblical principles in this situation. Instead, the book changes gender from he to “she” for this character. A step daughter of one of the main characters spends the night with “Shelby” without the mom even knowing who “she” is. She doesn’t find out that “she” is a boy until the police bring her step daughter home the next morning...what if he had identified as a boy during the night?
I will not read another book in this series. I finished this one only to make sure that I didn’t miss any Christian discussions or Biblical lessons. In reading the description of one of the other books in the series, one of the moms moves in with her boyfriend so while this is true to life, this is not what Christian readers want to read. We purchase books in this genre to read storylines that hold to our values and that should be our choice. This book should be reclassified because, in my opinion, it is definitely NOT Christian fiction just because it has several cliche lines in it.
April 13, 2022
When I picked up this book on Kindle a while ago, I was reeled in by the blurb.
3 women, of different ages and different life circumstances come together by chance in a sisterhood where they help each other deal with things, in a small town in Northern California.
Sarah, who has just lost her beloved husband, is a 40 year old widow with 3 kids under 5. Louise is her older, 53 year old neighbour, who has been a widow for 3 years now, after 37 long years of a happy marriage. Her adult daughter is married, and stays in New Zealand. Kate is a 25 year old Filipino woman, who has come to this town after marrying her older White husband after a whirlwind romance in his Philippines vacation.
They meet for the first time at the wake of Sarah's husband Adam's funeral. What happens next is sisterhood in action.
Sounds like something right down my alley, right? Not quite, as I found out as I read it. Yet I stuck to it, didn't abandon it, read it to the bitter end.
You know that junk we often eat? Kurkure, crisps or some such stuff? Yum, right? And you just can't stop with one, like that ad says? You know it's not supposed to be a substitute for dinner, for example, but when you have a stock of it, you can't stop yourself from finishing right to the bottom of the pack where you clean out even the tiny specks of masala? That.
I was saying WTF as I read the book through its sometimes crazy twists and turns (though I'll say there was good stuff too) and its two-dimensional characters and things happening out of the blue sometimes, but I stuck with it, and finished it in 3 days straight. Phew.
I'd say it's good to have junk once in a while. But too much of it can give you indigestion. I read it for the sisterhood themes, and as a possible palate cleanser between richer books. Pick it up if you think you can, too.
The author, Melissa Crosby, ethnically of Filipino origin and a US citizen, brings authenticity to her characters in those terms. That's a plus.
3 women, of different ages and different life circumstances come together by chance in a sisterhood where they help each other deal with things, in a small town in Northern California.
Sarah, who has just lost her beloved husband, is a 40 year old widow with 3 kids under 5. Louise is her older, 53 year old neighbour, who has been a widow for 3 years now, after 37 long years of a happy marriage. Her adult daughter is married, and stays in New Zealand. Kate is a 25 year old Filipino woman, who has come to this town after marrying her older White husband after a whirlwind romance in his Philippines vacation.
They meet for the first time at the wake of Sarah's husband Adam's funeral. What happens next is sisterhood in action.
Sounds like something right down my alley, right? Not quite, as I found out as I read it. Yet I stuck to it, didn't abandon it, read it to the bitter end.
You know that junk we often eat? Kurkure, crisps or some such stuff? Yum, right? And you just can't stop with one, like that ad says? You know it's not supposed to be a substitute for dinner, for example, but when you have a stock of it, you can't stop yourself from finishing right to the bottom of the pack where you clean out even the tiny specks of masala? That.
I was saying WTF as I read the book through its sometimes crazy twists and turns (though I'll say there was good stuff too) and its two-dimensional characters and things happening out of the blue sometimes, but I stuck with it, and finished it in 3 days straight. Phew.
I'd say it's good to have junk once in a while. But too much of it can give you indigestion. I read it for the sisterhood themes, and as a possible palate cleanser between richer books. Pick it up if you think you can, too.
The author, Melissa Crosby, ethnically of Filipino origin and a US citizen, brings authenticity to her characters in those terms. That's a plus.
August 13, 2021
Friendships - No Matter The Ages
Louise, Sarah, & Kate become good friends. Louise is the oldest, a widow of many years. Sarah, also a widow, but a very recent widow with 3 children 5 & under. Kate is 25 & married to someone she met while working in the Philippines. Because Louise is older, she recognizes Sarah needs a break from her children. Sarah calls her husband’s cousins who take the children for a while. Caleb, one of their relatives is staying with them & becomes attached to Sarah’s children. When the children return home, he becomes Sarah’s “manny”. Kate’s husband is a controlling alcoholic. When Kate finds out she is pregnant, her husband insists she abort the baby & she refuses & moves in with Louise. Louise answers her door one day & finds a stepdaughter she didn’t she had! 16 yr. old Abby moves in with Louise as her birth mother is unfit as a parent. Ms. Crosby writes a wonderful, poignant story about friendships that work well despite the age! I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a great book!
Louise, Sarah, & Kate become good friends. Louise is the oldest, a widow of many years. Sarah, also a widow, but a very recent widow with 3 children 5 & under. Kate is 25 & married to someone she met while working in the Philippines. Because Louise is older, she recognizes Sarah needs a break from her children. Sarah calls her husband’s cousins who take the children for a while. Caleb, one of their relatives is staying with them & becomes attached to Sarah’s children. When the children return home, he becomes Sarah’s “manny”. Kate’s husband is a controlling alcoholic. When Kate finds out she is pregnant, her husband insists she abort the baby & she refuses & moves in with Louise. Louise answers her door one day & finds a stepdaughter she didn’t she had! 16 yr. old Abby moves in with Louise as her birth mother is unfit as a parent. Ms. Crosby writes a wonderful, poignant story about friendships that work well despite the age! I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a great book!
August 26, 2021
A breathtaking rollercoaster ride. Louise, Sarah and Kate make such a splendid trio. They took friendship to a whole new level where it only knew purity. It is an adorable tale celebrating the journey of three women through womanhood, friendship, motherhood, tears, smiles, little achievements, big losses- only to find strength in each other and sail through the ocean called life. Abby has to be one of my favourite character too for she dealt with such difficult situations at such a young age and always stood for herself. My favourite piece is when Louise and Abby finally get along as mother-daughter. Lovely read.
"‘Darling, life is too short for regrets. You, my dear friend, are very lucky. Not many people experience true love in one lifetime."
"‘Darling, life is too short for regrets. You, my dear friend, are very lucky. Not many people experience true love in one lifetime."
November 7, 2021
Tea for Three: A heartwarming story about life, love, and true friendship (A Numbered Lane Novel Book 1)
I loved this story. The development of the friendship which developed out of a tragedy among three strangers. This is a heartwarming story everyone should read. It showed how death can lead to depression as well as loneliness. It showed how everyone lives with their own secrets and how to maintain a friendship. This story focused on three women who developed a friendship which helped all of them to lead better lives and to deal with the problems life sometimes throws at us. I truly enjoyed this Writer's style of writing. Thank you for a wonderful reading experience.
I loved this story. The development of the friendship which developed out of a tragedy among three strangers. This is a heartwarming story everyone should read. It showed how death can lead to depression as well as loneliness. It showed how everyone lives with their own secrets and how to maintain a friendship. This story focused on three women who developed a friendship which helped all of them to lead better lives and to deal with the problems life sometimes throws at us. I truly enjoyed this Writer's style of writing. Thank you for a wonderful reading experience.
January 3, 2022
It was okay. Three woman hook up for friday afternoon "tea time" and every week one of them has a personal problem to solve while the other 2 keep saying "It's okay, everything's going to be fine". Each chapter was about one of the woman's problems and it bounces around back and forth through the book. Kind of exhausting to have to keep each of the women's prospective problems in your mind throughout the whole book as it was written where each woman had a "chapter" then went back to the first woman and repeat. Then in the end they bring in a "new person" that had absolutely nothing to do with the entire story! I was disappointed at the ending.. no specific ending for any of them. It was just insinuated that each woman had a happy ending for themselves.
August 16, 2021
Yea for Three
This definitely was a heartwarming story! I related to it in many ways. I too had a couple of dear girlfriends that shared their lives with me. We experienced lives ups and downs through school and then dating, finally falling in love and getting married. We stayed in touch and had children, that we spoke about to each other often. Our husband's were the love of our lives. We still try to keep in touch as often as we can. Some have lost their husbands, so we share stories about our own. We all have grown children now, with kids of their own. How time flies! This book just came alive for me and I so enjoyed reading it!
Terrie Stamey
This definitely was a heartwarming story! I related to it in many ways. I too had a couple of dear girlfriends that shared their lives with me. We experienced lives ups and downs through school and then dating, finally falling in love and getting married. We stayed in touch and had children, that we spoke about to each other often. Our husband's were the love of our lives. We still try to keep in touch as often as we can. Some have lost their husbands, so we share stories about our own. We all have grown children now, with kids of their own. How time flies! This book just came alive for me and I so enjoyed reading it!
Terrie Stamey
September 7, 2021
As is evident from the fact that I took less than 3 days to read the book (my average is about a week), this is an easy read and what I would also describe as a light one. It's sweet, the story flows easily and the characters are likeable. I think what put me off was the writing. There were lots of typos in the edition I read but that apart, the author has a way of making a point by repeating it a little later, as if the reader may not have paid attention the first time and not colouring the peripheral characters and scenes sufficiently. What I did like was the ambiguity in the characters themselves - that felt real.
April 6, 2022
It was an easy read book with short chapters which I like as it always entices me to read the next one. I enjoyed the strong friendship created through circumstance which lead to the friends being so very supportive towards one another. They highlighted the qualities that true friendship has, loyalty, support, encouragement, understanding, companionship, fun loving and simply being there. The storyline was realistic and true to life while we don’t come across true friends that often as these people are there through thick and thin for life and never taken for granted, but valued. Thank you for this book, I will look for more by this author.
December 14, 2020
Enjoyed
Bounced back and forth between the characters as it told the story from their different perspectives. Showed the strength of friendship between women and how important that bond became as they each struggled through different experiences in life.
I didn't care for the "mail-order bride" references" and how much emphasis was put on the bullying of Kate because she was from the Philippines. Personally I have not seen that in my area, maybe where the author is from, things are different.
Bounced back and forth between the characters as it told the story from their different perspectives. Showed the strength of friendship between women and how important that bond became as they each struggled through different experiences in life.
I didn't care for the "mail-order bride" references" and how much emphasis was put on the bullying of Kate because she was from the Philippines. Personally I have not seen that in my area, maybe where the author is from, things are different.
August 10, 2021
So poignant and beautiful
The characters, the story and the emotion this first in series evokes will keep you engrossed! Join three women in different seasons of life as they forge a priceless circle of friendship while facing truly difficult situations with their humanity and grace intact. I dislike reading books that leave untidy endings but I want to continue visiting for tea with a circle of three. The love of this series has the potential to grow in my esteem like Mitford.
The characters, the story and the emotion this first in series evokes will keep you engrossed! Join three women in different seasons of life as they forge a priceless circle of friendship while facing truly difficult situations with their humanity and grace intact. I dislike reading books that leave untidy endings but I want to continue visiting for tea with a circle of three. The love of this series has the potential to grow in my esteem like Mitford.
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