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The Tearoom on the Bay
It's time for Ellie to return home and rediscover the past she left behind... After a tough break-up, Ellie returns to the only place she's ever really felt at home – the coastal town of Sanderson Bay. A year later, she's living her dream, brewing delicious artisan teas and selling them at her very own café. And when the mysterious and brooding Ben walks into her tearoom, Ellie finally dares to dream of true love. But then her ex shows up in the Bay, and just as Ellie discovers some tragic truths about her family's past, she learns Ben might be hiding an unwelcome secret of his own... Can Ellie let go of her past and brave a future with Ben? Praise for The Tearoom on the 'Captivating and moving right from the very start' NetGalley 5* Review 'A beautifully written book!' NetGalley 5* Review'This story was really sweet from start to finish. I loved every character. I also just adore quaint English settings, and Christmas... So this one was a definite winner all-around' NetGalley 5* Review'It's guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and content' NetGalley 5* Review'The romance is a beautifully written, the artisan cafe is brought to life so well you find yourself feeling like you are sat at a table listening and watching' NetGalley 5* Review'I have absolutely loved this book, this has definitely been the escapist read that I have been looking for!' NetGalley 5* Review'This book was just the ticket to settle my nerves and comfort me in to the seasons ahead' NetGalley 5* Review
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2020
441 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Burton
17 books301 followersRachel Burton is the bestselling author of historical timeslip novels and has previously written romantic comedies.
Rachel was born in Cambridge and grew up in a house full of books and records. She has read obsessively since she first realised those black squiggles on the pages that lined her parents’ bookshelves were actually words and it has gone down in family history that any time something interesting happened, she missed it because she had her nose in a book.
After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law but her love of books prevailed as she realised that she wanted to slip into imaginary worlds of her own making. She eventually managed to write her first novel on her lunch breaks.
She is obsessed with old houses and the secrets they keep, with abandoned gardens and locked gates, with family histories and surprising revelations, and with the outcomes of those surprises many generations later.
She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books. By writing novels she now has an excuse for her head being forever in the clouds.
Find her on Instagram as @RachelBWriter, subscribe to her newsletter rachelburton.substack.com or website rachelburtonwrites.com
Rachel was born in Cambridge and grew up in a house full of books and records. She has read obsessively since she first realised those black squiggles on the pages that lined her parents’ bookshelves were actually words and it has gone down in family history that any time something interesting happened, she missed it because she had her nose in a book.
After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law but her love of books prevailed as she realised that she wanted to slip into imaginary worlds of her own making. She eventually managed to write her first novel on her lunch breaks.
She is obsessed with old houses and the secrets they keep, with abandoned gardens and locked gates, with family histories and surprising revelations, and with the outcomes of those surprises many generations later.
She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books. By writing novels she now has an excuse for her head being forever in the clouds.
Find her on Instagram as @RachelBWriter, subscribe to her newsletter rachelburton.substack.com or website rachelburtonwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
February 19, 2022
A light and enjoyable book. Ellie returns to Sanderson Bay, the only place that has ever felt like home. After a break up with Marcus that left her heartbroken,nshe has bought her aunt and uncle’s business and turned it into a tea shop. She is enjoying brewing her own teas and selling them at her cafe. When Ben walks into her cafe she is attracted. But dare she risk her heart again? For it seems he is hiding something. Then Marcus unexpectedly turns up at her cafe, complicating matters. What could he want? Or is he just there to cause trouble? Worse is yet to come as Ellie discovers truths from her family’s past that have coloured her life. What will all these things mean for Ellie and her future?
I really liked Ellie and her best friend Sascha is a delight. Also liked Ben, Aunt Miranda and Uncle James as well as all of the Knitting Club. An entertaining read that was just the change of pace I needed. Recommended.
I really liked Ellie and her best friend Sascha is a delight. Also liked Ben, Aunt Miranda and Uncle James as well as all of the Knitting Club. An entertaining read that was just the change of pace I needed. Recommended.
September 11, 2020
I really surprised myself with really liking this book. It had a lot of the subjects my little heart craved, it was a sweet romance, it was about finding the place where you belong. It was about taking chances and following your dreams. The list can go on and on. But i Will recommend this book to you. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest review
October 4, 2020
The Tea Shop on the Bay
Ellie own a tea shop in Sanderson Bay after a break up a year ago. She buys her aunt and uncles shop after they were relentlessly pursued by a company called Moby’s. In steps Ben who charms her, even after she finds out that he works for the coffee shop that tried to buy her uncles tea shop. Out of the blue Marcus, the man who broke up with her a year ago shows up one evening pounding on the door needing a place to stay. Can she resist the sting of all her past and keep moving towards the future?
.
.
This book is written well, it’s a quick little read. It has a typical holiday Hallmark movie feeling to it which makes it perfect for a read on a snowy Christmas day in front of the fire. It has enough mystery to keep you interested in what is going to happen next. Thank you for allowing me to read. This is a definite recommend.
Ellie own a tea shop in Sanderson Bay after a break up a year ago. She buys her aunt and uncles shop after they were relentlessly pursued by a company called Moby’s. In steps Ben who charms her, even after she finds out that he works for the coffee shop that tried to buy her uncles tea shop. Out of the blue Marcus, the man who broke up with her a year ago shows up one evening pounding on the door needing a place to stay. Can she resist the sting of all her past and keep moving towards the future?
.
.
This book is written well, it’s a quick little read. It has a typical holiday Hallmark movie feeling to it which makes it perfect for a read on a snowy Christmas day in front of the fire. It has enough mystery to keep you interested in what is going to happen next. Thank you for allowing me to read. This is a definite recommend.
December 27, 2020
This was a cute read which took me away from the realities of my life. Romance and relationships in the tearoom were the core where Ellie had to decide between her new romance and her ex. Secrets too abounded in the story which added to the mystery in the plot.
With feel-good characters and a loving atmosphere, the book was a quick read.
With feel-good characters and a loving atmosphere, the book was a quick read.
November 29, 2020
Let me begin by saying thank you to Rachel Burton for introducing me to the delights of a Christmas song called "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas" which is a song mentioned a few times in the book and that I had to google and listen to. It's rather charming, completely bizarre and I'm surprised never appears on any Christmas compilation albums!
So now you are back from looking that up too, sorry, but who could resist - I'd like to say what an enjoyable story this really was.
If you are a fan of tea in all its varieties, you will love Ellie's gift of being able to meet a person and work exactly what sort of tea blend they would be, and she seems to have a good success rate with it. And the tearoom in Sanderson Bay is rather quaint sounding, warm, cosy and in a year of being open has become a hub of the community.
From the moment Ellie meets Ben there is something between them even if its not entirely obvious what, they can recognise things in each other, but its also clear Ben is hiding various things. I found there were more than enough clues to get the gist of what Ben may reveal, but I had to keep reading to check I was correct.
Then there is Marcus, Ellie's ex, who has turned up out of the blue, and well is he a changed man, will he get her back, or just cause chaos?
I loved the whole vibe of Sanderson Bay, and especially the knitting group ladies, who were always good to listen to their gossip. And then there is the weekly pub quiz with its incredibly tricky final questions which had me scratching my head!
It's the second book I've read by Rachel Burton and I'm already eyeing up her next book out next year, so will definitely be happy to read more. I really enjoyed the whole book, and now won't be happy unless I get a Hippopotamus for Christmas.
Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
So now you are back from looking that up too, sorry, but who could resist - I'd like to say what an enjoyable story this really was.
If you are a fan of tea in all its varieties, you will love Ellie's gift of being able to meet a person and work exactly what sort of tea blend they would be, and she seems to have a good success rate with it. And the tearoom in Sanderson Bay is rather quaint sounding, warm, cosy and in a year of being open has become a hub of the community.
From the moment Ellie meets Ben there is something between them even if its not entirely obvious what, they can recognise things in each other, but its also clear Ben is hiding various things. I found there were more than enough clues to get the gist of what Ben may reveal, but I had to keep reading to check I was correct.
Then there is Marcus, Ellie's ex, who has turned up out of the blue, and well is he a changed man, will he get her back, or just cause chaos?
I loved the whole vibe of Sanderson Bay, and especially the knitting group ladies, who were always good to listen to their gossip. And then there is the weekly pub quiz with its incredibly tricky final questions which had me scratching my head!
It's the second book I've read by Rachel Burton and I'm already eyeing up her next book out next year, so will definitely be happy to read more. I really enjoyed the whole book, and now won't be happy unless I get a Hippopotamus for Christmas.
Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
November 18, 2020
As soon as I heard that author Rachel Burton has written a book about tea I pre-ordered my ebook. What can I say I loved this book from start to finish and could read it all over again. I feel as if the author has got into my head and wrote down a story about my favourite things. If you follow my Instagram page you will know my love of loose-leaf tea and what Rachel Burton has created is a leading lady that loves tea!
Ellie left her academic life in York a year ago following the abrupt ending of her relationship. Heartbroken she flees to the places she’s felt most safe and at home and that is to the Yorkshire coast and to her Aunt and Uncle’s cafe. A cafe that they can no longer run due to her aunt’s declining health so Ellie takes the first step to fulfilling her dream of having her own tea room and selling her own bespoke loose-leaf tea.
A year down the line and Ellie’s tea room feels like the hub of the community with locals and holiday makers flocking to find comfort in her teas and sit amongst the ambience of the tearoom. When a stranger turns up Ellie is left feeling a little confused with the conflicting emotions she is feeling. Who is this stranger and what are his secrets? Ellie senses that Ben is holding something back and she feels there is a vulnerability about him. A friendship soon develops between the pair but when another unexpected visitor turns up Ellie’s life is about to become a whole lot more complicated.
The Tea Room on the Bay is a wonderful, feelgood story that touches on the difficult hurdles in life we have to face. It also emphasises the strength of community spirit and of finding your own happiness and fulfilment by stepping out of your comfort-zone. I wanted to be one of Ellie’s friends and be a regular customer of her tea room. I wonder what blend of tea Ellie would make for me?
Ellie left her academic life in York a year ago following the abrupt ending of her relationship. Heartbroken she flees to the places she’s felt most safe and at home and that is to the Yorkshire coast and to her Aunt and Uncle’s cafe. A cafe that they can no longer run due to her aunt’s declining health so Ellie takes the first step to fulfilling her dream of having her own tea room and selling her own bespoke loose-leaf tea.
A year down the line and Ellie’s tea room feels like the hub of the community with locals and holiday makers flocking to find comfort in her teas and sit amongst the ambience of the tearoom. When a stranger turns up Ellie is left feeling a little confused with the conflicting emotions she is feeling. Who is this stranger and what are his secrets? Ellie senses that Ben is holding something back and she feels there is a vulnerability about him. A friendship soon develops between the pair but when another unexpected visitor turns up Ellie’s life is about to become a whole lot more complicated.
The Tea Room on the Bay is a wonderful, feelgood story that touches on the difficult hurdles in life we have to face. It also emphasises the strength of community spirit and of finding your own happiness and fulfilment by stepping out of your comfort-zone. I wanted to be one of Ellie’s friends and be a regular customer of her tea room. I wonder what blend of tea Ellie would make for me?
February 25, 2021
4.5 out of 5
February 8, 2021
As this is the first time, I have read this author, I saw the cover, I read the blurb, expected a lite weekend read. I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. Her voice is fresh, her characters are complex and layered with baggage, just like real life. It is easy to get lost in the imagery as her words become pictures in my mind. I would love to visit Sanderson Bay during the holidays, the setting of the story.
Packing up and moving home was not an option for Ellie after her relationship falls apart, so she goes where she is comfortable. Putting the pieces of her life back together, in a subject she loves, tea. After a successful year with her café, life begins to unravel, with insecurities and doubt beginning to take over. With the help of family by choice, she finds her strength to start over, forgive, trust herself and others to begin again.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity of an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
ETA: I read this back in Aug of 2020, for some reason the review never made it to GoodReads. I figured this out this morning as I begin the next book by Rachel Burton.
Packing up and moving home was not an option for Ellie after her relationship falls apart, so she goes where she is comfortable. Putting the pieces of her life back together, in a subject she loves, tea. After a successful year with her café, life begins to unravel, with insecurities and doubt beginning to take over. With the help of family by choice, she finds her strength to start over, forgive, trust herself and others to begin again.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity of an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
ETA: I read this back in Aug of 2020, for some reason the review never made it to GoodReads. I figured this out this morning as I begin the next book by Rachel Burton.
January 20, 2021
Refreshing story
I liked this book for several reasons. One, except kisses, it was a clean book. Not that I don't enjoy the steamy scenes. But it just reiterated my belief that excellent stories can be written even without them. So thank to Rachel for that. But that's not the only reason. I liked the small-town story where everyone takes care of each other. It's a story of growing up, being true to yourself, facing the truth, making the right choices, trusting people, forgiving others, and giving a second chance to everyone.
Having said that, I think Eloise is too accepting, forgiving, and self-doubting. Marcus is pathetic and has had it too easy for him and I would have not talked to him at all when he turned up again.
Ben is good, but too secretive. I would have liked to read Eloise tell him to trust her more and never keep secrets.
Despite that I enjoyed the book. There's a calm, quiet nature to the story that pulled me in and kept my interest alive. A good one.
I liked this book for several reasons. One, except kisses, it was a clean book. Not that I don't enjoy the steamy scenes. But it just reiterated my belief that excellent stories can be written even without them. So thank to Rachel for that. But that's not the only reason. I liked the small-town story where everyone takes care of each other. It's a story of growing up, being true to yourself, facing the truth, making the right choices, trusting people, forgiving others, and giving a second chance to everyone.
Having said that, I think Eloise is too accepting, forgiving, and self-doubting. Marcus is pathetic and has had it too easy for him and I would have not talked to him at all when he turned up again.
Ben is good, but too secretive. I would have liked to read Eloise tell him to trust her more and never keep secrets.
Despite that I enjoyed the book. There's a calm, quiet nature to the story that pulled me in and kept my interest alive. A good one.
August 17, 2020
This story was really sweet from start to finish. I loved every character. I also just adore quaint English settings... and Christmas... and a good growth & love story. So this one was a definite winner all-around.
March 7, 2021
A really pleasant read. I loved the northern seaside setting and the cosy community of Sanderson bay plus I feel I've learnt a lot more about tea now, which was a very interesting part of the book.
October 8, 2020
Welcome to Sanderson Bay. You may arrive a stranger, but I can guarantee you’ll leave as a friend.
I’m a firm believer that a good cuppa cures all ills and if there’s cake, even better! Who’s with me?!
Have you ever been a tad jealous of a book character? Come on, admit it! I can’t be the only one this has ever happened to, lol.
*sighs* I’d love to run my own tea shop. Don’t laugh! I’m being serious. The only difference is I want to have a tea shop/book shop combo. Although, my friend Margaret says all the books would be for display purposes only as I wouldn’t be able to part with any. I have absolutely no idea *shrugs* what she means *whistles*.
Sanderson Bay has always been Ellie Caron’s safe place. It’s been her shelter from the storm ever since she was a teen. So, it stands to reason it’s the first place she’d escape to when life throws her a curveball.
Fast forward twelve months and sometimes the worst of times can turn out to be the best of times, but this is just the beginning...
I thoroughly enjoyed Ellie’s story. It was like I got to pick a selection of my favourite genres all in the one book. Family saga, romance, rom-com, suspense with a sprinkling of Christmas-themes to lift the spirits.
I loved the feeling of community in this story. They may be a nosy bunch (well, when you wanna know, you wanna know!) all up in your business but their hearts are in the right place.
The Ellie we meet at the start of the story is very different to the Ellie at the end. As cliched as it may sound (I love a good cliché), she became like a friend as I joined Ellie on her journey of self-reflection and self-discovery. I was a virtual cheerleader supporting Ellie to find her happy!
I really ‘felt’ the author echoing off the pages in this book – from the love of tea, York etc. Does that make sense? Ack, I know what I mean *snorts*.
I do have one final question... I wonder what kind of tea Ellie would say I was? *taps chin*
I’m a firm believer that a good cuppa cures all ills and if there’s cake, even better! Who’s with me?!
Have you ever been a tad jealous of a book character? Come on, admit it! I can’t be the only one this has ever happened to, lol.
*sighs* I’d love to run my own tea shop. Don’t laugh! I’m being serious. The only difference is I want to have a tea shop/book shop combo. Although, my friend Margaret says all the books would be for display purposes only as I wouldn’t be able to part with any. I have absolutely no idea *shrugs* what she means *whistles*.
Sanderson Bay has always been Ellie Caron’s safe place. It’s been her shelter from the storm ever since she was a teen. So, it stands to reason it’s the first place she’d escape to when life throws her a curveball.
Fast forward twelve months and sometimes the worst of times can turn out to be the best of times, but this is just the beginning...
I thoroughly enjoyed Ellie’s story. It was like I got to pick a selection of my favourite genres all in the one book. Family saga, romance, rom-com, suspense with a sprinkling of Christmas-themes to lift the spirits.
I loved the feeling of community in this story. They may be a nosy bunch (well, when you wanna know, you wanna know!) all up in your business but their hearts are in the right place.
The Ellie we meet at the start of the story is very different to the Ellie at the end. As cliched as it may sound (I love a good cliché), she became like a friend as I joined Ellie on her journey of self-reflection and self-discovery. I was a virtual cheerleader supporting Ellie to find her happy!
I really ‘felt’ the author echoing off the pages in this book – from the love of tea, York etc. Does that make sense? Ack, I know what I mean *snorts*.
I do have one final question... I wonder what kind of tea Ellie would say I was? *taps chin*
March 31, 2021
This was one of my favourite reads of 2020. Ellie returns to Sanderson Bay after a troubled time. She takes over her relatives cafe and runs a wonderful artisan tea shop. She can judge a customer and create a special blend of tea just for them. My wonderful friend Adele bought me some Russian Caravan tea because I was so enamoured with this idea.
There are secrets and you wonder how everything will pan out.
I absolutely loved this book.
There are secrets and you wonder how everything will pan out.
I absolutely loved this book.
January 28, 2021
A great read with a warm, cosy café setting, I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining read. You sense early on that Ellie has hidden vulnerabilities and that someone in her past is responsible for her guarded attitude to taking a risk. She has returned to her childhood village and it exudes safety and community. You sense that Ben has something to hide from the beginning. I enjoyed the characters who visit the tearoom and Ellie’s care in matching them with a tea. How I wish the café was there to be visited! A delightful read as Ellie finds her confidence again.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book.
October 26, 2020
The Tearoom on the Bay by Rachel Burton is a sweet romance that I really enjoyed. This book made me relax and visualize sitting on the beach, listening to the sounds of the water, while drinking tea of course. I found this book to be a quick and fun read, and look forward to reading this author again. I highly recommend this book, it is a perfect escape, as I watch the snow fall outside my window.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 22, 2020
A lovely, cosy read about returning to your roots to discover that everything you thought you knew was not what it seemed.
I really enjoyed getting to know Ellie and the rest of the gang, especially the Monday night knitting group, and quickly became invested in their lives. Developed a real soft spot for the enigmatic Ben, too.
A tea shop book with a difference that's sure to lift your spirits.
I really enjoyed getting to know Ellie and the rest of the gang, especially the Monday night knitting group, and quickly became invested in their lives. Developed a real soft spot for the enigmatic Ben, too.
A tea shop book with a difference that's sure to lift your spirits.
September 28, 2020
this was so, so, so sweet.
the first thing i liked about this book was the cover. are you kidding me? it's so cute!
i went into it expecting a light fluffy romance, which it is, but it's also deep and moving and inspiring. it has that remember-who-you-are-and-follow-your-dreams thing at it's core and that is what makes this an amazing read. also, the setting was the perfect autumnal, getting-cozy vibe.
the first thing i liked about this book was the cover. are you kidding me? it's so cute!
i went into it expecting a light fluffy romance, which it is, but it's also deep and moving and inspiring. it has that remember-who-you-are-and-follow-your-dreams thing at it's core and that is what makes this an amazing read. also, the setting was the perfect autumnal, getting-cozy vibe.
October 5, 2020
A heartwarming and uplifting story that made me smile and root for the characters.
It's well written, the plot is highly entertaining, the characters are well developed and likable.
An excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's well written, the plot is highly entertaining, the characters are well developed and likable.
An excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 11, 2023
So I didn’t realise this book is set around Christmas as there was no clue from the blurb however saying that I still really enjoyed this book. It’s a very easy read about the highs and lows of Ellie’s life and how far she’s has come in a short space of time since moving to Sanderson bay.
January 7, 2021
The Tearoom on the Bay is the first book I have read by Rachel Burton. It was a quick, light and pleasant read following Ellie as she returns to Sanderson Bay after a nasty break up and in doing so she will rediscover all that she left behind and perhaps come to an understanding that maybe she should have never left in the first place. That all she had ever wanted was really there all along, or maybe things will just prove too challenging and she will flee once again? Who knows but the journey to discovering the answer was an interesting one and the plot kept my attention at a time when I needed to switch off and relax. It’s not my favourite book that I read around the Christmas season but I still enjoyed it. The gorgeous cover suggests this is a full on Christmas book with the candy canes and the gingerbread man but it’s not at all as it’s merely mentioned towards the end of the book so if you want full on Christmas perhaps this is not the read for you but if you want an easy escapist read than it certainly is.
Sanderson Bay is a close knit community where people love to be part of other people’s business, in a good way for the most part, but sometimes it can be a bit intrusive. It’s a year since Ellie returned to seek shelter and comfort when her partner Marcus left her. Since moving to the bay she is less stressed and feels that she has room to breathe, the walls don’t always feel as if they are closing in. Running her grandparents café, The Two Teas Café, but her name is now on the deeds has given her a chance to indulge in her love of teas. She associates people with a certain tea and loves to find the right one that work wonders for individuals. The cafe sells a variety of loose leaf teas, teapots and tea drinking accessories and Ellie has been enjoying every moment of her time there. Yet there is a part of Ellie that still feels she has not put herself back together following the hurt caused by Marcus. Something is missing in her life and there is still a little niggle remaining that despite how far she has come in the last 365 days that there is a little void in her life. She dislikes this feeling and is desperate to call Sanderson Bay her forever home. But what is stopping her from fully embracing the new and wonderful opportunities she has been afforded so far since her return?
There was a wonderful cast of support characters who were stalwarts alongside Ellie. The ladies of the Knitting Club who meet weekly at the café were a varied bunch. Miranda, Clara, Lisa, Bessie and Sascha alongside Ellie form a good strong bond of friendship. Sascha perhaps is the closest to Ellie, she makes Ellie feel grounded and stops her feeling like a strong wind could blow her away. We got to know a little of her story as she too gave up her old corporate way of life and came to the bay to run the hotel with her husband. She is desperate to have a child and hopes the slower pace of life will help her to fall pregnant. I thought Sascha was a great support system to Ellie and her own personal storyline was written with empathy and love and I was rooting for a positive and happy outcome for her.
The knitting ladies are a devious little bunch and I mean that tongue in cheek and in a positive light. They are determined to set Ellie up with a man as they can see that is the one thing she is lacking in life. They know that Ellie enjoys running the café and by doing this you have to put yourself out there but deep down she is shy, introverted, private and anxious. But will the arrival of newcomer Ben who says he is in the bay on business and to take a little break open up a whole new conundrum for Ellie or will a little spark ignite to create a bigger flame?
Ellie has spent a long time worrying about what others think and years living up to expectations but now she is trying to do her own thing to make herself happy and healthy. Ben offers to help her with the social media side of the business and to inspire some more events to be held at the café but initially he came across as being very secretive. On a work level he was hiding something big from Ellie but also on a personal level too. I think he came to the bay with a work goal in mind. Maybe goal is not the right word perhaps mission would be better suited and he kept this secret from Ellie. But I understood why he did because he came expecting to get his business done and to move on to the next thing he didn’t bargain on feeling a connection with Ellie. He was torn between a rock and a hard place as to whether to come out with it and say why he was really there. As for his own personal demons maybe coming to the bay will force him to confront those too? I liked Ben as a character, I could see the frustrations he was grappling with that he was trying to keep quashed but surely he needed to allow them to come to the surface to deal with what he has been storing away for so long.
The plot overall was very easy to follow and I enjoyed observing Ellie go through some strife and angst in her life because I was hoping it would make her a better and stronger person when she could emerge out the other side. There is a face from the past set to cause more upset for her and it challenges her in many ways. On a personal and work level she has an awful lot to deal with and as we get a deeper insight in how she is feeling and all the thoughts and memories rushing through her mind you become more sympathetic to her stance and just wish that she doesn’t cave under the pressure and can find the correct path to resolve her problems and make her life complete. All in all The Tearoom on the Bay is a nice story with enough to keep you entertained and reading on and to give you a distraction from the endless stress we are experiencing in the world today.
Sanderson Bay is a close knit community where people love to be part of other people’s business, in a good way for the most part, but sometimes it can be a bit intrusive. It’s a year since Ellie returned to seek shelter and comfort when her partner Marcus left her. Since moving to the bay she is less stressed and feels that she has room to breathe, the walls don’t always feel as if they are closing in. Running her grandparents café, The Two Teas Café, but her name is now on the deeds has given her a chance to indulge in her love of teas. She associates people with a certain tea and loves to find the right one that work wonders for individuals. The cafe sells a variety of loose leaf teas, teapots and tea drinking accessories and Ellie has been enjoying every moment of her time there. Yet there is a part of Ellie that still feels she has not put herself back together following the hurt caused by Marcus. Something is missing in her life and there is still a little niggle remaining that despite how far she has come in the last 365 days that there is a little void in her life. She dislikes this feeling and is desperate to call Sanderson Bay her forever home. But what is stopping her from fully embracing the new and wonderful opportunities she has been afforded so far since her return?
There was a wonderful cast of support characters who were stalwarts alongside Ellie. The ladies of the Knitting Club who meet weekly at the café were a varied bunch. Miranda, Clara, Lisa, Bessie and Sascha alongside Ellie form a good strong bond of friendship. Sascha perhaps is the closest to Ellie, she makes Ellie feel grounded and stops her feeling like a strong wind could blow her away. We got to know a little of her story as she too gave up her old corporate way of life and came to the bay to run the hotel with her husband. She is desperate to have a child and hopes the slower pace of life will help her to fall pregnant. I thought Sascha was a great support system to Ellie and her own personal storyline was written with empathy and love and I was rooting for a positive and happy outcome for her.
The knitting ladies are a devious little bunch and I mean that tongue in cheek and in a positive light. They are determined to set Ellie up with a man as they can see that is the one thing she is lacking in life. They know that Ellie enjoys running the café and by doing this you have to put yourself out there but deep down she is shy, introverted, private and anxious. But will the arrival of newcomer Ben who says he is in the bay on business and to take a little break open up a whole new conundrum for Ellie or will a little spark ignite to create a bigger flame?
Ellie has spent a long time worrying about what others think and years living up to expectations but now she is trying to do her own thing to make herself happy and healthy. Ben offers to help her with the social media side of the business and to inspire some more events to be held at the café but initially he came across as being very secretive. On a work level he was hiding something big from Ellie but also on a personal level too. I think he came to the bay with a work goal in mind. Maybe goal is not the right word perhaps mission would be better suited and he kept this secret from Ellie. But I understood why he did because he came expecting to get his business done and to move on to the next thing he didn’t bargain on feeling a connection with Ellie. He was torn between a rock and a hard place as to whether to come out with it and say why he was really there. As for his own personal demons maybe coming to the bay will force him to confront those too? I liked Ben as a character, I could see the frustrations he was grappling with that he was trying to keep quashed but surely he needed to allow them to come to the surface to deal with what he has been storing away for so long.
The plot overall was very easy to follow and I enjoyed observing Ellie go through some strife and angst in her life because I was hoping it would make her a better and stronger person when she could emerge out the other side. There is a face from the past set to cause more upset for her and it challenges her in many ways. On a personal and work level she has an awful lot to deal with and as we get a deeper insight in how she is feeling and all the thoughts and memories rushing through her mind you become more sympathetic to her stance and just wish that she doesn’t cave under the pressure and can find the correct path to resolve her problems and make her life complete. All in all The Tearoom on the Bay is a nice story with enough to keep you entertained and reading on and to give you a distraction from the endless stress we are experiencing in the world today.
April 28, 2023
A bad break up and the realisation that her life isn't what she wants, Ellie returns to Sanderson's bay, the only place that has felt like home to her in a long time.
A year after arriving, things are finally starting to go right for her, she has an amazing cafe, great albeit nosy friends and when a brooding Ben walks in through her door one evening, it looks like love could be back in her life again. But as much luck and happiness has appeared, the arrival of Ellie's ex seems to throw a spanner in the works and things start going wrong quickly.
The Tearoom on the Bay is a sweet and fun read, filled with funny, happy moments and times where your heart aches for Ellie, but like most books, you get pulled in tot he story and fall in love with everything the happens and the locations.
A year after arriving, things are finally starting to go right for her, she has an amazing cafe, great albeit nosy friends and when a brooding Ben walks in through her door one evening, it looks like love could be back in her life again. But as much luck and happiness has appeared, the arrival of Ellie's ex seems to throw a spanner in the works and things start going wrong quickly.
The Tearoom on the Bay is a sweet and fun read, filled with funny, happy moments and times where your heart aches for Ellie, but like most books, you get pulled in tot he story and fall in love with everything the happens and the locations.
August 22, 2021
The story of Ellie and her tea shop, secrets are uncovered, new relationships made, old ones renewed. It’s a lovely read. It was very Christmassy and I wish I had been reading it at Christmas. I think it may have got another star then! It’s well written and has a lovely story if a little predictable. But sometimes predictable is good. I have one major issue with the book and it’s about infertility and how it is handled. Not every couple who can’t have children allow it to run (yes run and not ruin) their lives and take over everything. Lots of us are stronger than that and I would really love a to read a book where that is portrayed.
September 3, 2022
Listened to audiobook through Libby. I enjoyed this sweet, lighthearted story, which I listened to very quickly. As a loose leaf tea fan, I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the various teas and tea blends that Ellie chose for different characters. The tea room sounded like a delightful place to visit, with a good book such as this one in tow.
August 14, 2022
Ellie runs the tea room in Sanderson Bay. She went there after her break up with Marcus and has never looked back. Then the mysterious Ben appears with something hidden about his past. Ellie finds herself falling for him, but then Marcus turns up.
This was a lovely, delightful read. I really liked Ellie's character and the friendship she had with Sasha. I guessed quite quickly why Ben was there, but it didn't ruin the story.
I also learned about teas I'd not even heard of and I'm now quite eager to try them.
This was a lovely, delightful read. I really liked Ellie's character and the friendship she had with Sasha. I guessed quite quickly why Ben was there, but it didn't ruin the story.
I also learned about teas I'd not even heard of and I'm now quite eager to try them.
September 15, 2024
Not a bad book. Well written, just not particularly my cup of tea.
July 24, 2025
finished this in one sitting. it was such a nice book, so easy to read bc it's well written. i appreciate the knowledge for tea and how this book emphasizes on chances and possibilities
January 25, 2021
Tea or Coffee or just good friends?
Great story - enjoyed the ups and downs. Like how the community all helped one another,in good times, sad times, troubled times. Highly recommend to read.
Great story - enjoyed the ups and downs. Like how the community all helped one another,in good times, sad times, troubled times. Highly recommend to read.
November 14, 2020
Loved this book so uplifting and positive. Will enjoy reading more of her books.
August 6, 2021
ellie, im stealing your man. <3
January 23, 2023
Whenever I hear the phrase ‘my stomach is fizzing’ I will think of this book! I got it in a mystery book sale where it was wrapped up and I didn’t know what I was going to get and I’m so glad I got this one! It’s not something I would have brought for myself but it was so adorable and was a great quick read!
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