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Sweet Tea
Southern traditions, family recipes, history, and hope come together in author Piper Huguley’s heartfelt romance from Hallmark Publishing.
Althea Dailey has succeeded beyond her wildest dreams. So why doesn’t she feel more excited about it? She’s about to become the only woman—and the only Black person—to make partner at her prestigious law firm in New York City. When she has to travel South for a case, she pays a long-overdue visit back home to Milford, Georgia. To her surprise, a white man she’s never met has befriended her grandmother.
Jack Darwent wasn’t interested in the definition of success dictated by his father and Southern high society. His passion for cooking led him to his current project: a documentary and cookbook about authentic Southern food. Althea’s grandmother is famous for her cooking at the historically Black Milford College, especially the annual May feast meal. But Althea suspects Jack of trying to steal her grandmother’s recipes.
Although Althea and Jack don’t have the best first impressions of one another, they discover they have more in common than they’d guessed…and even as they learn about one another’s pasts, they both see glimmers of a better future.
This heartwarming romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe.
Althea Dailey has succeeded beyond her wildest dreams. So why doesn’t she feel more excited about it? She’s about to become the only woman—and the only Black person—to make partner at her prestigious law firm in New York City. When she has to travel South for a case, she pays a long-overdue visit back home to Milford, Georgia. To her surprise, a white man she’s never met has befriended her grandmother.
Jack Darwent wasn’t interested in the definition of success dictated by his father and Southern high society. His passion for cooking led him to his current project: a documentary and cookbook about authentic Southern food. Althea’s grandmother is famous for her cooking at the historically Black Milford College, especially the annual May feast meal. But Althea suspects Jack of trying to steal her grandmother’s recipes.
Although Althea and Jack don’t have the best first impressions of one another, they discover they have more in common than they’d guessed…and even as they learn about one another’s pasts, they both see glimmers of a better future.
This heartwarming romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe.
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2021
70 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
August 3, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up
A sweet Southern romance with amazing food descriptions that really does feel like a Hallmark movie. Althea left her small town Southern roots in search of success in New York. Now she's a perfectly coiffed, sanitized version of herself in order to succeed in the predominately white and male field of law. She's finally made partner and has plenty of money, but something is clearly missing. A case takes her back to the South and she becomes concerned about the young white man spending so much time with her grandmother (a famous chef with secret recipes). She's convinced he's trying to take advantage so she heads home to investigate, for the first time in years.
Jack Darwent is the son of a well known civil rights attorney, but he wants to find his own path cooking food and preserving the treasures of great Southern cooks before they are lost. Althea and Jack butt heads from day 1, but more eventually begins to develop between them.
In complete transparency, I found Jacks quiet version of arrogance to be just as frustrating as Althea did! He's always a gentleman but doesn't give an inch and sidesteps most of Altheas questions and concerns. It would be immensely annoying. I do wonder how much of this is the affected voice the narrator uses for him though since I listened via audio.
But they're interesting together because they've run away from opposite things and both need to find balance and reconnect with their roots. This also explores issues of law and ethics with the idea that lawyers can either work for the wealthy and powerful, or be a force for good and protect the little guy. Like I said, this certainly feels like a Hallmark movie and it can be cheesy at times, but I liked a lot of what it was doing and think many readers will enjoy it. The narrator did a decent job, though at times the accents of side characters....left something to be desired. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
A sweet Southern romance with amazing food descriptions that really does feel like a Hallmark movie. Althea left her small town Southern roots in search of success in New York. Now she's a perfectly coiffed, sanitized version of herself in order to succeed in the predominately white and male field of law. She's finally made partner and has plenty of money, but something is clearly missing. A case takes her back to the South and she becomes concerned about the young white man spending so much time with her grandmother (a famous chef with secret recipes). She's convinced he's trying to take advantage so she heads home to investigate, for the first time in years.
Jack Darwent is the son of a well known civil rights attorney, but he wants to find his own path cooking food and preserving the treasures of great Southern cooks before they are lost. Althea and Jack butt heads from day 1, but more eventually begins to develop between them.
In complete transparency, I found Jacks quiet version of arrogance to be just as frustrating as Althea did! He's always a gentleman but doesn't give an inch and sidesteps most of Altheas questions and concerns. It would be immensely annoying. I do wonder how much of this is the affected voice the narrator uses for him though since I listened via audio.
But they're interesting together because they've run away from opposite things and both need to find balance and reconnect with their roots. This also explores issues of law and ethics with the idea that lawyers can either work for the wealthy and powerful, or be a force for good and protect the little guy. Like I said, this certainly feels like a Hallmark movie and it can be cheesy at times, but I liked a lot of what it was doing and think many readers will enjoy it. The narrator did a decent job, though at times the accents of side characters....left something to be desired. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
April 8, 2022
This book was as sweet as the tea it's named after. And from all the mentions of the tasty drink, I got thirsty and had to get some of it myself.
This is everything I could ever want in a contemporary romance. A lot of them don't work for me, but this one hit all the marks.
There's a cozy, small town setting, SO MUCH FOOD, interesting characters, and a cute romance that never bordered on cringy (yes, this is a jab at certain other books).
I love how the author captured the emotions between the two leads, and how it all felt real.
And I especially loved the Biscuits and Gravy recipe at the end. I'd love a mini cookbook of all the dishes mentioned actually, I think that would be a hit.
And oh, it definitely does read like a Hallmark movie, but dare I say, better? If this was a movie I'd watch the hell out of it. Please Hallmark, make it happen.
This is everything I could ever want in a contemporary romance. A lot of them don't work for me, but this one hit all the marks.
There's a cozy, small town setting, SO MUCH FOOD, interesting characters, and a cute romance that never bordered on cringy (yes, this is a jab at certain other books).
I love how the author captured the emotions between the two leads, and how it all felt real.
And I especially loved the Biscuits and Gravy recipe at the end. I'd love a mini cookbook of all the dishes mentioned actually, I think that would be a hit.
And oh, it definitely does read like a Hallmark movie, but dare I say, better? If this was a movie I'd watch the hell out of it. Please Hallmark, make it happen.
July 13, 2021
Sweet Tea has summer written all over it. From the title, the setting, this book will keep you in that state of mind as you journey through the romance between Jack and Althea.
Hallmark fans will love the way this book marks all the things that make a Hallmark movie great. Small-town atmosphere, secondary characters to add wisdom and fun, and a sweet romance to make your heart fill good.
What I appreciated the most was the diversity, the history of Milford (which if you've read Piper's Milford series you'll really love), and two people who think they're different find out how much they really do have in common.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
Hallmark fans will love the way this book marks all the things that make a Hallmark movie great. Small-town atmosphere, secondary characters to add wisdom and fun, and a sweet romance to make your heart fill good.
What I appreciated the most was the diversity, the history of Milford (which if you've read Piper's Milford series you'll really love), and two people who think they're different find out how much they really do have in common.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
September 12, 2021
I need to approach this review with truth. I’m biased. I am a huge fan of Piper Huguley’s work. I have loved every single thing she as written. I would probably enjoy reading her middle school essays if she gave them to me, but this book…this book was so much more than I expected.
I opened this book without reading the back cover copy. I tend to do that with books by authors I love. The blurb is not going to determine whether I buy or read the book. I prefer to let the experience happen organically and because Piper Huguley fits in the category of authors I love to read, I opened Sweet Tea blind. I had no idea I was in for not only a thoroughly satisfying romance, but a southern culinary journey. There was food. Lots of Southern food like fried chicken and homemade biscuits and collard greens. The desserts were not to out down by entrees. I enjoyed fantasizing about Red velvet cake, pecan pie, and pound cake the characters enjoyed. And then there was the pie! Grape pie from one of my very favorite Southern delight–muscadines. Through Huguley’s description, I could smell, feel, and taste the food. My mouth watered on nearly every page as I thought about the sweet tea. I even had a few glasses while I read.
I loved the heroine, Althea Dailey. She uptight and feisty and often right. In contrast, our hero, Jack Darwent was easy going, self-assured, and usually right. Huguley delivered tension, humor, witty banter, more sexual tension than I expected from Hallmark and a range of other emotions as Althea was forced to look at herself, her feelings about the past, and the choices she’d made. The third party in this romance was Althea’s grandmother. Her sass and sage advice were a blessing to my soul.
It was a delicious read.
I opened this book without reading the back cover copy. I tend to do that with books by authors I love. The blurb is not going to determine whether I buy or read the book. I prefer to let the experience happen organically and because Piper Huguley fits in the category of authors I love to read, I opened Sweet Tea blind. I had no idea I was in for not only a thoroughly satisfying romance, but a southern culinary journey. There was food. Lots of Southern food like fried chicken and homemade biscuits and collard greens. The desserts were not to out down by entrees. I enjoyed fantasizing about Red velvet cake, pecan pie, and pound cake the characters enjoyed. And then there was the pie! Grape pie from one of my very favorite Southern delight–muscadines. Through Huguley’s description, I could smell, feel, and taste the food. My mouth watered on nearly every page as I thought about the sweet tea. I even had a few glasses while I read.
I loved the heroine, Althea Dailey. She uptight and feisty and often right. In contrast, our hero, Jack Darwent was easy going, self-assured, and usually right. Huguley delivered tension, humor, witty banter, more sexual tension than I expected from Hallmark and a range of other emotions as Althea was forced to look at herself, her feelings about the past, and the choices she’d made. The third party in this romance was Althea’s grandmother. Her sass and sage advice were a blessing to my soul.
It was a delicious read.
August 19, 2021
I was looking forward to this and just knew I would love it. Sadly, I could not relate to this story. I never connected with the characters or the storyline. At one point I thought about not finishing but pushed through anyway. If this is categorized as a romance, then the romance never took off as the MCs felt more like friends than love interests. There was no intimacy between the characters, either implied or clearly stated.
As for the narration, since the setting is in Georgia, it would have been better to have someone with an authentic southern accent narrate. It's irritating listening to someone not from the south try to portray a southern accent. The voices just come off forced and wrong. In addition, the narrator constantly mispronounced words that a true southern would know (i.e. Muscadine is pronounced like it's spelled, mus ca DINE not mus ca DEAN). I cringed every time she said it. I get I may be picky but I'm a Georgia girl born and raised and there are some things you just can't let go. The attempt at a male voice was no better. Maybe having a male and female duo would have made this more interesting, but only if they come with authentic accents.
As for the narration, since the setting is in Georgia, it would have been better to have someone with an authentic southern accent narrate. It's irritating listening to someone not from the south try to portray a southern accent. The voices just come off forced and wrong. In addition, the narrator constantly mispronounced words that a true southern would know (i.e. Muscadine is pronounced like it's spelled, mus ca DINE not mus ca DEAN). I cringed every time she said it. I get I may be picky but I'm a Georgia girl born and raised and there are some things you just can't let go. The attempt at a male voice was no better. Maybe having a male and female duo would have made this more interesting, but only if they come with authentic accents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2021
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..
Sweet Tea was enjoyable read. This book reminded me of why I like Hallmark movie. I would recommend this book 4 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading 📚
Lisa
Sweet Tea was enjoyable read. This book reminded me of why I like Hallmark movie. I would recommend this book 4 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading 📚
Lisa
March 30, 2024
This book is really good. I've never read a book by this author but this book was good.
August 12, 2021
I was so excited to discover Piper Huguley's first contemporary romance on audible and I have to say I was entranced by Inger Tudor's performance as narrator. Her rich tones and unique interpretation of each character elevated the story. Kudos to the brilliant collaboration of author and narrator! I enjoyed listening to Sweet Tea immensely.
And this story!!! First, loved the tie it has to the author's Milford College series. That was such a fun surprise! Althea is a descendant of those earlier book characters and I got a little thrill every time they were mentioned. No worries if you haven't read that historical series, Sweet Tea is definitely a standalone novel, I just get a bibliophile boost when I find fictional connections like that. Yes, I'm that book nerd. :-)
While this has all the makings of a typical Hallmark movie, Huguley's delivery is anything but. Her approach to the small town girl makes big in the city and returns home to find herself trope fresh and exciting. And a lot of that excitement comes courtesy of Jack. (This is your cue to clear off your fainting couch.)
He's a dream hero. Unflappable, creative, dedicated to living in the moment with zest and enthusiasm. He's learned how to slow down and focus on what's really important and when he sets his sights on Althea...oh my! (Might want to grab a couple of fans too.)
By contrast, Althea is uptight and driven -- out to prove something -- but why and to whom? I was itching to figure her out from the very first chapter. She is so distrustful of Jack even as she fights an attraction to him. And the man is so happy and content it makes her antsy! Such great dynamics between these two. Plenty of opportunities for verbal sparring and teasing banter which brings the romance sizzling to life.
But it's Miss Ada, Althea's grandmother, who steals every scene she's in. I love that woman! Everyone needs a Miss Ada in their life, bossing them around and telling them what's what and reminding them of where they come from and who God made them to be. If I'd had a book in hand I would have underlined a variety of Ada-ism to treasure after the reading glow has dimmed. Might just have to have a re-listen to appreciate Miss Ada some more.
This is a story about finding your place -- in your family, in the world and especially in God's kingdom. Althea' journey of discovery is moving and uplifting and I appreciated the inspirational themes intrinsically woven into the heart of her story.
And I do so love a clever title tie-in and this one is beyond that! All in all a thrilling read (or listen) and I'm hoping the author has more contemporary Milford stories coming out soon!
And this story!!! First, loved the tie it has to the author's Milford College series. That was such a fun surprise! Althea is a descendant of those earlier book characters and I got a little thrill every time they were mentioned. No worries if you haven't read that historical series, Sweet Tea is definitely a standalone novel, I just get a bibliophile boost when I find fictional connections like that. Yes, I'm that book nerd. :-)
While this has all the makings of a typical Hallmark movie, Huguley's delivery is anything but. Her approach to the small town girl makes big in the city and returns home to find herself trope fresh and exciting. And a lot of that excitement comes courtesy of Jack. (This is your cue to clear off your fainting couch.)
He's a dream hero. Unflappable, creative, dedicated to living in the moment with zest and enthusiasm. He's learned how to slow down and focus on what's really important and when he sets his sights on Althea...oh my! (Might want to grab a couple of fans too.)
By contrast, Althea is uptight and driven -- out to prove something -- but why and to whom? I was itching to figure her out from the very first chapter. She is so distrustful of Jack even as she fights an attraction to him. And the man is so happy and content it makes her antsy! Such great dynamics between these two. Plenty of opportunities for verbal sparring and teasing banter which brings the romance sizzling to life.
But it's Miss Ada, Althea's grandmother, who steals every scene she's in. I love that woman! Everyone needs a Miss Ada in their life, bossing them around and telling them what's what and reminding them of where they come from and who God made them to be. If I'd had a book in hand I would have underlined a variety of Ada-ism to treasure after the reading glow has dimmed. Might just have to have a re-listen to appreciate Miss Ada some more.
This is a story about finding your place -- in your family, in the world and especially in God's kingdom. Althea' journey of discovery is moving and uplifting and I appreciated the inspirational themes intrinsically woven into the heart of her story.
And I do so love a clever title tie-in and this one is beyond that! All in all a thrilling read (or listen) and I'm hoping the author has more contemporary Milford stories coming out soon!
June 1, 2021
A lovely story by Piper Huguley! This book is a great way to relax on a hot summer day. The characters are relatable and charming, the scene is adorable, the plot is interesting, and the banter is witty, This story has all the makings of a really sweet, traditional Hallmark.
This is not my normal book, and it is not one I will read again. It did feel like reading a Hallmark movie, and I am sure there are loads of people who will absolutely love it.
This is not my normal book, and it is not one I will read again. It did feel like reading a Hallmark movie, and I am sure there are loads of people who will absolutely love it.
February 22, 2022
Even being a contemporary romance, I knew I'd get some history in Sweet Tea and I was not disappointed! What a lovely, lovely book. There is so much great detail here on food and history and a thoughtful approach to the heroine's wounds and struggles. This has light religious Christian elements related to the AME church. This is a book with a lot of substance and yet still doesn't read too heavy if you're not looking for angst.
February 23, 2022
Althea is a Black woman from a small southern town. She is smart and successful and has made partner at a New York law firm, where the three old White men running the place don't value her or see her as much more than a diversity feather in their cap. So she's well-paid but unhappy. But the story really begins when she goes home to check on her beloved grandmother, who she suspects is about to be swindled by a good looking, fast-talking White man. Jack graduated from law school and passed the bar, but rejected the profession because his father shoved it at him. Now Jack is a film maker, going around the South documenting elderly women who've developed certain locally famous recipes. As he and "Tea" work towards the HEA, she discovers how to stop pushing herself so hard and enjoy small town life. I enjoyed the book but Tea was hard to care about for a long time, and then she suddenly switched. So the pacing was off a little, but the ending was so good and joyful it overcame that issue for me.
August 15, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up. I enjoyed this Hallmark story about small town girl makes big in the city and returns home to find what is really important. Althea is driven, she is the first woman, black person to be made partner in her New York legal firm. Her first assignment as partner sends her south dealing with a case of a recipe that is being "stolen" and she is to settle the situation. She ends up heading home to visit her grandmother, who she hasn't seen in years, but sends money to and has other people checking on her, but had not visited herself. She finds Jack, a white man in her grandmother's kitchen. He is making a move and putting together a book about Southern Cooking and recipes that are becoming lost. Althea is sure that he is taking advantage of her grandmother and the other women he is interviewing and working with. As she tried to prove he is up to no good, she gets to know him and oh my goodness, fall for this kind, swoony man.
Jack and Althea are great characters. This is your typical enemies to lovers trope, but it is different from others I have read. The recipes, academic property, personal appearance angle is different. Jack is perfect. He is handsome, kind, creative, enthusiastic and doesn't get upset easily. Althea is uptight, driven, suspicious, and has quite the sarcastic and cutting tongue. She wants to protect her grandmother, but her grandmother. Miss Ada, knows what she wants. I loved her. She is bossy, old fashioned, caring and unfiltered. She says what she thinks! I enjoyed watching Althea fight her attraction to Jack and their verbal sparring was excellent. Jack didn't mince words when it came to what he thought of Althea's love for her grandmother and how she showed it. As they got to know each other, that changed to teasing and banter. This is a story about finding out what you really want and value in life, finding your place in the world and with the people you care about. There is a faith based message, hidden in the story with Ada's beliefs and the importance of church and the church family woven throughout the story. Of course this is a romance and there is a Happily Ever After, but the journey was a good one. I recommend this story to those of you who enjoy a good Hallmark story. I did a read/listen of Sweet Tea and enjoyed both. The audiobook was narrated by Inger Tudor. I had not listened to anything she has done before, but I enjoyed her performance. Her expression and emotion added much to the story. The various voices she gave each character allowed me to picture them even more than I did when reading the story. The publisher provided me with a copy of this audiobook upon my request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
Jack and Althea are great characters. This is your typical enemies to lovers trope, but it is different from others I have read. The recipes, academic property, personal appearance angle is different. Jack is perfect. He is handsome, kind, creative, enthusiastic and doesn't get upset easily. Althea is uptight, driven, suspicious, and has quite the sarcastic and cutting tongue. She wants to protect her grandmother, but her grandmother. Miss Ada, knows what she wants. I loved her. She is bossy, old fashioned, caring and unfiltered. She says what she thinks! I enjoyed watching Althea fight her attraction to Jack and their verbal sparring was excellent. Jack didn't mince words when it came to what he thought of Althea's love for her grandmother and how she showed it. As they got to know each other, that changed to teasing and banter. This is a story about finding out what you really want and value in life, finding your place in the world and with the people you care about. There is a faith based message, hidden in the story with Ada's beliefs and the importance of church and the church family woven throughout the story. Of course this is a romance and there is a Happily Ever After, but the journey was a good one. I recommend this story to those of you who enjoy a good Hallmark story. I did a read/listen of Sweet Tea and enjoyed both. The audiobook was narrated by Inger Tudor. I had not listened to anything she has done before, but I enjoyed her performance. Her expression and emotion added much to the story. The various voices she gave each character allowed me to picture them even more than I did when reading the story. The publisher provided me with a copy of this audiobook upon my request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
August 26, 2021
Perhaps once low man (well, woman) on the totem pole, Althea Dailey is about to make partner at a prestigious law firm. A woman. Black. She'd be the first. Living the good life in New York City, she really had no intention on returning home to the South, even to spend time with her family. However, it only takes one phone call before Althea jumps on a plane.
Althea is home to handle a case, but she will also be spending time with her grandmother. She then meets Jack Darwent and is rather disconcerted when he, a white man, seems far too close to her grandmother. The two have a strong familiarity and that proves to be a serious cause for concern for Althea.
Jack is working on a documentary as well as a cookbook and since Althea's grandmother is famous for her cooking, she is the perfect subject for Jack. Althea is concerned that Jack is piggybacking on her grandmother for his own success. How can Althea stop him from doing that. What is more, how can Althea stop her growing attraction to Jack? All she wants to do is to finish working on her case, see to her grandmother's needs and to get back to New York. Doesn't she? Or is being home more comforting than she imagined it would be?
Whether it is the warm sense of home, the scrumptious food mentioned, the slow burn of romance, or the unburdening of baggage, Sweet Tea proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved this story and the ending was absolutely perfect.
Many thanks to Hallmark Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Althea is home to handle a case, but she will also be spending time with her grandmother. She then meets Jack Darwent and is rather disconcerted when he, a white man, seems far too close to her grandmother. The two have a strong familiarity and that proves to be a serious cause for concern for Althea.
Jack is working on a documentary as well as a cookbook and since Althea's grandmother is famous for her cooking, she is the perfect subject for Jack. Althea is concerned that Jack is piggybacking on her grandmother for his own success. How can Althea stop him from doing that. What is more, how can Althea stop her growing attraction to Jack? All she wants to do is to finish working on her case, see to her grandmother's needs and to get back to New York. Doesn't she? Or is being home more comforting than she imagined it would be?
Whether it is the warm sense of home, the scrumptious food mentioned, the slow burn of romance, or the unburdening of baggage, Sweet Tea proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved this story and the ending was absolutely perfect.
Many thanks to Hallmark Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 11, 2021
4.5 stars
A Hallmark story, nothing else needs to be said. In a situation that started with a fight over Sweet Tea! But the undertones are the impressive part of this story. The knowledge of food and southern culture is spot on.
Jack and Allie are successful professional people, but at a point where success is no longer the goal of happiness. This story is about their journeys to settle their souls.
Allie has just made partner in her New York law firm, but a fight over a sweet tea recipe has her returning to her roots in the south.
Jack is also an attorney in his family's prestigious practice, but gives that up to find his true love of cooking.
Their paths cross with her grandmother, the one and only Ada Dailey. Who calls Allie by the name Al-Tee-A. Tea wants to know why Jack spends so much time with her Granda, and heads home to Milford, GA to find out.
I would have loved to see a little more chemistry between Jack and Allie, but all in all, a great story rich in history and the appreciation of food. Eat before you read and have snacks handy because all the food references make you crave some southern cooking.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing; this is my voluntary review.
A Hallmark story, nothing else needs to be said. In a situation that started with a fight over Sweet Tea! But the undertones are the impressive part of this story. The knowledge of food and southern culture is spot on.
Jack and Allie are successful professional people, but at a point where success is no longer the goal of happiness. This story is about their journeys to settle their souls.
Allie has just made partner in her New York law firm, but a fight over a sweet tea recipe has her returning to her roots in the south.
Jack is also an attorney in his family's prestigious practice, but gives that up to find his true love of cooking.
Their paths cross with her grandmother, the one and only Ada Dailey. Who calls Allie by the name Al-Tee-A. Tea wants to know why Jack spends so much time with her Granda, and heads home to Milford, GA to find out.
I would have loved to see a little more chemistry between Jack and Allie, but all in all, a great story rich in history and the appreciation of food. Eat before you read and have snacks handy because all the food references make you crave some southern cooking.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing; this is my voluntary review.
Read
August 14, 2021Sweet Tea provides all of the satisfying elements of a Hallmark movie in book form, plus so much more. On the surface, Althea “Allie" Dailey has an enviable life: She's young, healthy, successful and living well in New York City. So why is she feeling unfulfilled? Andrew Jack Darwent III also questions his life's purpose. Travelling around the southern U.S. to understand and preserve the legacies of regional cuisines, food histories, and recipes helps him find answers. Together Allie and Jack embody the advantages and challenges of being privileged as experienced from opposite ends of gender and ethnicity. Their story incorporates layers of sociopolitical and economic history without getting bogged down in heaviness. Variations on themes of expectations of assimilation and conformity weave throughout this briskly paced, fun and serious love story that celebrates family, faith, community and all kinds of inheritances. In chapter two Allie ruminates on the legend that “People who come from Milford always return. They can never stay away.” The same is true for readers of this Milford series that began with Preacher's Promise.
July 13, 2021
Sweet Tea by Piper Huguley is being released by Hallmark Publishing. It reminded me of a Hallmark movie and a lot of ladies love Hallmark as much as I do. It was a good book and well worth the time to read it.
There was a lot of angst between the characters and was probably the one thing I wasn’t fond of. Tea goes back to her hometown to make sure her Grandmother was safe from a filmmaker and he wasn’t stealing her recipes. Jack, the filmmaker and Tea as you would expect have a lot in common and a rough time with each other. She also had a rough past with her Grandmother and Jack with his father. So…a lot of angst.
This was a fun book even if it was a little predictable. I’m a softie for these kinds of books and movies. This would make a nice little book to take to the beach or the pool. Sweet Tea was the first book by Piper Huguley that I’ve read and I won’t hesitate to read another of hers.
I received a copy of this book from #Hallmark Publishing/#Netgalley for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
There was a lot of angst between the characters and was probably the one thing I wasn’t fond of. Tea goes back to her hometown to make sure her Grandmother was safe from a filmmaker and he wasn’t stealing her recipes. Jack, the filmmaker and Tea as you would expect have a lot in common and a rough time with each other. She also had a rough past with her Grandmother and Jack with his father. So…a lot of angst.
This was a fun book even if it was a little predictable. I’m a softie for these kinds of books and movies. This would make a nice little book to take to the beach or the pool. Sweet Tea was the first book by Piper Huguley that I’ve read and I won’t hesitate to read another of hers.
I received a copy of this book from #Hallmark Publishing/#Netgalley for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
July 30, 2021
*Actual rating: 4.5*
Firstly a huge thanks to Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for my e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sweet Tea tells the story of thirty something lawyer hold up I meant Partner at a prestigious law firm in New York City who is pretty much hiding from her past in Milford Georgia. However home always has a way of calling you back so she ends up heading back home for a case about iced tea *insert smiley emoji* but ends up home to stop the dashing tall glass of water who is her grandmother’s new acquaintance, Jack Darwent. Jack is a former lawyer who is now a filmmaker making a documentary that Althea’s grandmother is part of. We follow her as she finds her footing back home, rekindles her relationship with her childhood friends, her grandmother and finds out who she is truly. This book was fast paced so do prepare yourself to be hooked and hungry( the cravings will hit). Piper also did a good job giving us baker vibes because I am off to make pie
Firstly a huge thanks to Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for my e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sweet Tea tells the story of thirty something lawyer hold up I meant Partner at a prestigious law firm in New York City who is pretty much hiding from her past in Milford Georgia. However home always has a way of calling you back so she ends up heading back home for a case about iced tea *insert smiley emoji* but ends up home to stop the dashing tall glass of water who is her grandmother’s new acquaintance, Jack Darwent. Jack is a former lawyer who is now a filmmaker making a documentary that Althea’s grandmother is part of. We follow her as she finds her footing back home, rekindles her relationship with her childhood friends, her grandmother and finds out who she is truly. This book was fast paced so do prepare yourself to be hooked and hungry( the cravings will hit). Piper also did a good job giving us baker vibes because I am off to make pie
July 2, 2021
Actual rating: 4.5
Firstly a huge thanks to Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for my e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sweet Tea tells the story of thirty something lawyer hold up I meant Partner at a prestigious law firm in New York City who is pretty much hiding from her past in Milford Georgia. However home always has a way of calling you back so she ends up heading back home for a case about iced tea *insert smiley emoji* but ends up home to stop the dashing tall glass of water who is her grandmother’s new acquaintance, Jack Darwent. Jack is a former lawyer who is now a filmmaker making a documentary that Althea’s grandmother is part of. We follow her as she finds her footing back home, rekindles her relationship with her childhood friends, her grandmother and finds out who she is truly. This book was fast paced so do prepare yourself to be hooked and hungry( the cravings will hit). Piper also did a good job giving us baker vibes because I am off to make pie
Firstly a huge thanks to Hallmark Publishing and NetGalley for my e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sweet Tea tells the story of thirty something lawyer hold up I meant Partner at a prestigious law firm in New York City who is pretty much hiding from her past in Milford Georgia. However home always has a way of calling you back so she ends up heading back home for a case about iced tea *insert smiley emoji* but ends up home to stop the dashing tall glass of water who is her grandmother’s new acquaintance, Jack Darwent. Jack is a former lawyer who is now a filmmaker making a documentary that Althea’s grandmother is part of. We follow her as she finds her footing back home, rekindles her relationship with her childhood friends, her grandmother and finds out who she is truly. This book was fast paced so do prepare yourself to be hooked and hungry( the cravings will hit). Piper also did a good job giving us baker vibes because I am off to make pie
July 7, 2021
I was really looking forward to this one when I saw the cover online, but it unfortunately wasn't that great. Being in the MC head in the beginning, and seeing how judgmental she was towards people, really set the tone for the rest of the book. Everything just felt really forced, even the banter between her co-worker/friend. I just couldn't connect with the way of thinking of the MC and it's difficult to enjoy a book when the main character isn't likeable. A few years ago the Hallmark books were so good, but this past year they all feel forced and have personally been flops to me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hallmark for an eBook copy for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hallmark for an eBook copy for my honest review.
March 31, 2023
This was cute. I loved the majority of the characters, the setting, the storyline of the HBCU, and Jack’s project of documenting and creating a cookbook of authentic Southern food. I do however, wish we had gotten a little more in regards to the Sweet Tea case that originally had Althea going back to the south in the first place. The ending was enjoyable, but I still am suspicious of Jack!
July 13, 2021
Content notes:
This book is exactly as sweet as the title suggests! It’s an interracial romance between an intellectual property lawyer and the filmmaker who’s trying to preserve old southern recipes. It does lean heavily on the “big city person returns to her small town roots” Hallmark premise, so be warned if that’s not your thing.
After a tragic accident upended her life as a young teen, Althea left Milford and her remaining family behind her. Years of boarding school, college and hard work later, she’s just made partner at her NYC law firm and is finally ready to set her sights on the next item on her check list… whatever that may be. When she hears some aspiring film maker is cozying up to her grandma, she decides to take advantage of another case bringing her back to the south to roll in like an avenging angel – but Jack isn’t what she expected. And to his surprise, Tea – her childhood nickname – isn’t at all what Miss Ada described her granddaughter as, either. She’s prickly, antagonistic and convinced he’s out to swindle her grandmother. But there’s something about Tea that Jack can’t get out of his mind. And maybe, with a little reminder of her family’s roots, Tea can find what she’s been looking for all along.
Althea – Allie as she prefers to be called now ��� is a complicated character. Her entire life has revolved around making partner, with the result that her only friend in NYC is her executive assistant Connie. She cares deeply about her grandmother, but consoles herself by paying people to keep tabs on her rather than going back to Milford herself. But when she hears about Jack, wow. As an intellectual property lawyer, she knows how people can be screwed out of things – she’s handling one of those cases in fact, as she’s slowly coming to realize – and she’s prickly and disinclined to trust Jack, especially when she sees how much everyone in the community, including her “Granda,” seems to like him. Jack’s poor little handsome rich boy background raised my eyebrows at first, but it only took a few chapters from his perspective to realize that while he may be a bit spoiled, he’s got a good heart. He’s not sure he could say the same about Tea – at one point he muses she’s more like Iced Tea towards him – but he still sets out to reassure her that his intentions aren’t as nefarious as she fears. And while on the surface Jack and Althea are quite different, they both rejected following in their families’ footsteps. For Tea, that would’ve been staying in Milford, attending and then helping out with the college her ancestors founded. For Jack, that would’ve been following in his civil rights lawyer father’s footsteps. But Jack, trust fund and all, figured out something important quickly – he didn’t want to be a lawyer, he wanted to cook and share his love of food. Tea’s not sure she even knows that, but she takes Jack’s lesson to heart. That it’s one that her grandma has been trying to teach her as well… well, I’m sure it helped that it was coming from a handsome guy!
I don’t feel very qualified to talk about this, but there’s quite a bit of colorism ingrained in Tea’s thoughts. She wears foundation several shades too light, and after someone recognizes her because of her nose (apparently all Smithsons have the same nose) she resolves to finally get a nose job and have it narrowed. She’s removed all traces of her southern accent from her speech. It feels like she’s trying to distance herself as far as possible from her roots – reject all traces of her family, especially her dead parents – and it’s heartbreaking to read. But all of this comes to a head with her first case as partner. All of the other partners at her law firm are old white guys (she’s dubbed them the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, which absolutely killed me), and when her first case is representing a case about sweet tea between a white woman’s restaurant chain and the Black owner of a rundown restaurant, well… you can see where this is going.
There is so much delicious food in this book. Muscadine pie, cinnamon rolls, Coca Cola ham, biscuits… I could just go on about all the different biscuits for hours. Miss Ada is famous for running a year-end fundraiser meal for Milford College, which is how Jack originally hears about her. She’s an amazing cook and does it with so much love, nearly as much love as she has for the town of Milford and its history. I loved the bits and pieces about their ancestors and how alive they still felt to Miss Ada and the other Milford residents. Milford was practically a character in its own right! As for other side characters, I loved Sherry, the aforementioned sweet tea cook, and Tea’s NYC friend Connie (I want to know what happened with her baby!). But the character who really stole the show was Miss Ada. It was evident on every page how much she loved Tea and how much she regretted whatever forced her to leave Milford. Her quiet belief that she would come back eventually was heartwarming. Which brings me to another point…
There is a decidedly Christian flavor to the book, bordering on inspie. From prayers before meals to attending the historic AME church, religion’s an important part of Milford and an integral piece of Miss Ada’s life. Not so much for Tea, who ran out after her parents’ funeral service and has basically ignored religion – much like she’s ignored Milford – ever since. There’s a reason Tea’s compared to the prodigal son! The tone isn’t particularly evangelical, but it’s pervasive, and I’m not sure how a firmly secular reader would react to it. It does lead to some extremely touching moments, though. Tea’s first time back at church (accompanied by an emotional speech from her grandmother) leads to a revelation for her, and suddenly the text switches from referring to her as “Allie” to calling her “Tea.” It was a very poignant moment and well-written, and Tea’s coming back to the church is as much of her coming back to Milford as anything else. Much as you’d expect from the religious content, there’s no sexual content besides handholding and sweet kisses.
Overall, this was sweet and heartwarming, and if this isn’t made into a Hallmark movie pronto, I will be highly disappointed. I’ve already added the author’s Milford historical to my TBR and look forward to reading more about the Smithsons!
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This book is exactly as sweet as the title suggests! It’s an interracial romance between an intellectual property lawyer and the filmmaker who’s trying to preserve old southern recipes. It does lean heavily on the “big city person returns to her small town roots” Hallmark premise, so be warned if that’s not your thing.
After a tragic accident upended her life as a young teen, Althea left Milford and her remaining family behind her. Years of boarding school, college and hard work later, she’s just made partner at her NYC law firm and is finally ready to set her sights on the next item on her check list… whatever that may be. When she hears some aspiring film maker is cozying up to her grandma, she decides to take advantage of another case bringing her back to the south to roll in like an avenging angel – but Jack isn’t what she expected. And to his surprise, Tea – her childhood nickname – isn’t at all what Miss Ada described her granddaughter as, either. She’s prickly, antagonistic and convinced he’s out to swindle her grandmother. But there’s something about Tea that Jack can’t get out of his mind. And maybe, with a little reminder of her family’s roots, Tea can find what she’s been looking for all along.
“I’ve got to keep an eye on him.” Allie looked over Monique’s shoulder instead of into her eyes.
“On him?”
“Yes. He might swindle my grandmother. Why is no one concerned about that?”
Monique folded her own arms. “He might.” Her face was a mask of everything serious, but then she broke out into a radiant smile. “But what a way to go!”
Althea – Allie as she prefers to be called now ��� is a complicated character. Her entire life has revolved around making partner, with the result that her only friend in NYC is her executive assistant Connie. She cares deeply about her grandmother, but consoles herself by paying people to keep tabs on her rather than going back to Milford herself. But when she hears about Jack, wow. As an intellectual property lawyer, she knows how people can be screwed out of things – she’s handling one of those cases in fact, as she’s slowly coming to realize – and she’s prickly and disinclined to trust Jack, especially when she sees how much everyone in the community, including her “Granda,” seems to like him. Jack’s poor little handsome rich boy background raised my eyebrows at first, but it only took a few chapters from his perspective to realize that while he may be a bit spoiled, he’s got a good heart. He’s not sure he could say the same about Tea – at one point he muses she’s more like Iced Tea towards him – but he still sets out to reassure her that his intentions aren’t as nefarious as she fears. And while on the surface Jack and Althea are quite different, they both rejected following in their families’ footsteps. For Tea, that would’ve been staying in Milford, attending and then helping out with the college her ancestors founded. For Jack, that would’ve been following in his civil rights lawyer father’s footsteps. But Jack, trust fund and all, figured out something important quickly – he didn’t want to be a lawyer, he wanted to cook and share his love of food. Tea’s not sure she even knows that, but she takes Jack’s lesson to heart. That it’s one that her grandma has been trying to teach her as well… well, I’m sure it helped that it was coming from a handsome guy!
I don’t feel very qualified to talk about this, but there’s quite a bit of colorism ingrained in Tea’s thoughts. She wears foundation several shades too light, and after someone recognizes her because of her nose (apparently all Smithsons have the same nose) she resolves to finally get a nose job and have it narrowed. She’s removed all traces of her southern accent from her speech. It feels like she’s trying to distance herself as far as possible from her roots – reject all traces of her family, especially her dead parents – and it’s heartbreaking to read. But all of this comes to a head with her first case as partner. All of the other partners at her law firm are old white guys (she’s dubbed them the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, which absolutely killed me), and when her first case is representing a case about sweet tea between a white woman’s restaurant chain and the Black owner of a rundown restaurant, well… you can see where this is going.
“We got her strength. We’ve got her resilience and love. All we need is to know our purpose, Tea.”
There is so much delicious food in this book. Muscadine pie, cinnamon rolls, Coca Cola ham, biscuits… I could just go on about all the different biscuits for hours. Miss Ada is famous for running a year-end fundraiser meal for Milford College, which is how Jack originally hears about her. She’s an amazing cook and does it with so much love, nearly as much love as she has for the town of Milford and its history. I loved the bits and pieces about their ancestors and how alive they still felt to Miss Ada and the other Milford residents. Milford was practically a character in its own right! As for other side characters, I loved Sherry, the aforementioned sweet tea cook, and Tea’s NYC friend Connie (I want to know what happened with her baby!). But the character who really stole the show was Miss Ada. It was evident on every page how much she loved Tea and how much she regretted whatever forced her to leave Milford. Her quiet belief that she would come back eventually was heartwarming. Which brings me to another point…
“You’re with others who understand your pain and you’re all there for the same reason. To have God, and the knowledge that there will be a better day ahead to heal you.”
There is a decidedly Christian flavor to the book, bordering on inspie. From prayers before meals to attending the historic AME church, religion’s an important part of Milford and an integral piece of Miss Ada’s life. Not so much for Tea, who ran out after her parents’ funeral service and has basically ignored religion – much like she’s ignored Milford – ever since. There’s a reason Tea’s compared to the prodigal son! The tone isn’t particularly evangelical, but it’s pervasive, and I’m not sure how a firmly secular reader would react to it. It does lead to some extremely touching moments, though. Tea’s first time back at church (accompanied by an emotional speech from her grandmother) leads to a revelation for her, and suddenly the text switches from referring to her as “Allie” to calling her “Tea.” It was a very poignant moment and well-written, and Tea’s coming back to the church is as much of her coming back to Milford as anything else. Much as you’d expect from the religious content, there’s no sexual content besides handholding and sweet kisses.
Overall, this was sweet and heartwarming, and if this isn’t made into a Hallmark movie pronto, I will be highly disappointed. I’ve already added the author’s Milford historical to my TBR and look forward to reading more about the Smithsons!
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 10, 2025
This book was short and sweet. The main character was stubborn but came around. I loved the references of “living Ancestors wildest dreams”, “black lives matter”, and HBCU founding. I enjoyed her reason for for being sentimental, and sensitive in church with hurting people looking healing. This story is familiar with black folks leaving the south and never looking back with small traumatic experiences they run away from.. I love the touch of recipes in this book. Also the author is not too big to follow me back on instagram. I rated this book a 4 because it had a steady plot and each storyline had closure. This was not the best book I’ve read but it was really good and summer ready
I was definitely craving sweet tea to drink while reading this. I am going to try the recipe in the back of this book. I also wonder if there is a hallmark movie based off this cute story.
I was definitely craving sweet tea to drink while reading this. I am going to try the recipe in the back of this book. I also wonder if there is a hallmark movie based off this cute story.
November 30, 2023
Such a sweet read and it made me cry at the end. I love happy endings and this one was just right. Not too mushy and not too harsh.
March 18, 2025
This was a sweet, fluffy story. I needed a good palette cleanse from the darker books I was reading and this was definitely fitting. The vibes of the town gave summertime, love vibes.
July 13, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up.
This is a sheer delight of a clean romance novel, one that touches on getting comfortable with your roots but still being open to love when it shows up to surprise you. Althea Dailey has finally made partner at her intellectual property law firm in New York City but, now that she's achieved her life goal at the ripe old age of thirty-two, is starting to wonder whether there's more to life than money and career success. Being sent south to North Carolina on her first big case as partner also has her feeling guilty about not doing more to stay in touch with her beloved Granda down in Milford, Georgia. But when Granda starts enthusing over the young man who's been such a help to her with her cooking, who wants to make a documentary and cookbook of her recipes, Althea finally has an excuse to overcome her reluctance to head home, booking the first plane back to make sure her Granda isn't being scammed by some crook.
Jack Darwent is a trust fund baby who found himself chafing at the life that his father, a civil rights lawyer, had mapped out for him. Eschewing law school for culinary school, he now travels the country gathering material for a documentary he wants to make celebrating the too-swiftly vanishing art of authentic Southern cooking. One of his subjects is the legendary Ada Dailey, whose endearing manner is at stark odds with the attitude of her high-powered attorney granddaughter who suddenly shows up in Milford with an entirely skeptical view of Jack's efforts and intentions.
The way that Althea and Jack eventually come to understand and fall for each other while making peace with their own pasts and present is charmingly depicted in this low-heat, almost-Christian romance. I say almost-Christian because while the AME church plays a significant part in the proceedings, it's clear that religion is seen as an intensely personal matter -- while Piper Huguley clearly has a lot of Christian faith, she's not about to force it on her readers. As a Muslim, I felt very comfortable reading this book, which gives a joyful impression of a Christianity that accepts and heals, but also makes it clear that you don't have to go to church every Sunday to be considered a good person. I do wish that the book had been a little less heteronormative but that is an extremely minor quibble in an otherwise affirming, modern tale of interracial romance.
What I do really wish this book had done better was put the same amount of care it had used in the first three-quarters or so into building out the last quarter of the story. Things went by way too quickly after the May dinner. How exactly had Althea discerned the connection between Sherri's grandma and Cassie? What is she planning to do to rescue Milford College beyond funding one scholarship? What's up with Jack showing up at her office? I also didn't really understand what was happening on Decoration Day -- I get the basics, but the attitude of the other ladies is still unclear to me. I felt that there was so much story still to build out there in the last quarter, instead of the brief series of sketches that it felt like the narrative had dwindled down to post-May-dinner. I know that Ms Huguley is capable of telling a terrific tale, so it was mystifying why the last part felt so rushed and underdone.
Or next to last part, I should say, as there was a recipe for Biscuits And Gravy included at the very end! I'm really tempted to try it out even tho I barely have time to do all my regular cooking as is, that's how good the recipe as well as all the wonderful food descriptions in this book sound. Ooh, maybe using beef bacon instead of sausage for the gravy, tho that might be far more decadent than finding a suitable non-pork sausage. Anyway, don't read this book hungry: I had chicken and rice for dinner and still couldn't stop salivating over how good the fried chicken here sounds as I read afterward, despite being quite full already!
Sweet Tea by Piper Huguley was published today July 13 2021 by Hallmark Publishing and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
This is a sheer delight of a clean romance novel, one that touches on getting comfortable with your roots but still being open to love when it shows up to surprise you. Althea Dailey has finally made partner at her intellectual property law firm in New York City but, now that she's achieved her life goal at the ripe old age of thirty-two, is starting to wonder whether there's more to life than money and career success. Being sent south to North Carolina on her first big case as partner also has her feeling guilty about not doing more to stay in touch with her beloved Granda down in Milford, Georgia. But when Granda starts enthusing over the young man who's been such a help to her with her cooking, who wants to make a documentary and cookbook of her recipes, Althea finally has an excuse to overcome her reluctance to head home, booking the first plane back to make sure her Granda isn't being scammed by some crook.
Jack Darwent is a trust fund baby who found himself chafing at the life that his father, a civil rights lawyer, had mapped out for him. Eschewing law school for culinary school, he now travels the country gathering material for a documentary he wants to make celebrating the too-swiftly vanishing art of authentic Southern cooking. One of his subjects is the legendary Ada Dailey, whose endearing manner is at stark odds with the attitude of her high-powered attorney granddaughter who suddenly shows up in Milford with an entirely skeptical view of Jack's efforts and intentions.
The way that Althea and Jack eventually come to understand and fall for each other while making peace with their own pasts and present is charmingly depicted in this low-heat, almost-Christian romance. I say almost-Christian because while the AME church plays a significant part in the proceedings, it's clear that religion is seen as an intensely personal matter -- while Piper Huguley clearly has a lot of Christian faith, she's not about to force it on her readers. As a Muslim, I felt very comfortable reading this book, which gives a joyful impression of a Christianity that accepts and heals, but also makes it clear that you don't have to go to church every Sunday to be considered a good person. I do wish that the book had been a little less heteronormative but that is an extremely minor quibble in an otherwise affirming, modern tale of interracial romance.
What I do really wish this book had done better was put the same amount of care it had used in the first three-quarters or so into building out the last quarter of the story. Things went by way too quickly after the May dinner. How exactly had Althea discerned the connection between Sherri's grandma and Cassie? What is she planning to do to rescue Milford College beyond funding one scholarship? What's up with Jack showing up at her office? I also didn't really understand what was happening on Decoration Day -- I get the basics, but the attitude of the other ladies is still unclear to me. I felt that there was so much story still to build out there in the last quarter, instead of the brief series of sketches that it felt like the narrative had dwindled down to post-May-dinner. I know that Ms Huguley is capable of telling a terrific tale, so it was mystifying why the last part felt so rushed and underdone.
Or next to last part, I should say, as there was a recipe for Biscuits And Gravy included at the very end! I'm really tempted to try it out even tho I barely have time to do all my regular cooking as is, that's how good the recipe as well as all the wonderful food descriptions in this book sound. Ooh, maybe using beef bacon instead of sausage for the gravy, tho that might be far more decadent than finding a suitable non-pork sausage. Anyway, don't read this book hungry: I had chicken and rice for dinner and still couldn't stop salivating over how good the fried chicken here sounds as I read afterward, despite being quite full already!
Sweet Tea by Piper Huguley was published today July 13 2021 by Hallmark Publishing and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
July 14, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary romance. Althea -Tea - has left the small town where she grew up and become an intellectual property attorney in NYC. Jack is from Tennessee, with a father who was a civil rights attorney. But Jack doesn't want to use his law degree, he wants to make films and great food and celebrate the women who were/are the backbone to southern cuisine. And one of women those is Tea's grandmother. Tea comes home to protect her from Jack, only Jack isn't a swindler.
This is a heartwarming story about family and ancestors and history, growing to be yourself while not forgetting those who came before. Tea and Jack are impossible not to root for. Southern traditions and food are celebrated. Family is celebrated, including the family of your community. I could hear my own grandmother speaking in this book. And I loved the larger community and how family grew when Tea met Sherry. Sherry was welcomed to Milford, to the traditions, bringing her own traditions.
At the same time, we also see real issues addressed. Tea is a black woman in her law firm, who just made partner, with all that goes with that. Jack is a white man who is helping cook and is collecting stories for a fundraising lunch at an HBCU. Tea struggles with her history, the history of her ancestors, and trying to put that history in context in the present. Jack's father was a civil rights attorney but he and his sister note how hard that was for his family in their own small southern town. By not ignoring these realities of the world, presenting them as the facts they are and what the characters experience, the story is well rooted in place and time, and not some fantasy world. Tea is a stronger character and firmly claims her space. When she stands up to Jack's dad and to her law firm partners, I was cheering her on. Jack is simply charming. He is in conflict with his father but he doesn't let go of his dreams. And in the end, he knows how to make the big gesture to show his love.
Tea's grandmother, Granda, is the greatest character, I love her. She's a take no prisoners grandmother with her granddaughter, while being a teaching matriarch for students at Milford College. She's the one you want to hear all the stories from, and hope she makes you some biscuits, but oh boy, watch out if you mess up. I can see her in her chef's coat and her Chuck Taylor's, as easily as I can see her in a dress and matching hat for church on Sunday.
This is a no-heat romance, all about the journey and the characters arcs of both Tea and Jack. The black moment is realistic and one that's more easily rectified, than most of the manufactured conflicts we see in a lot of romance today. I can easily see this on the screen and I hope Hallmark Publishing does it without editing out anything. It will be a joy to watch..
I highly recommend this for fans of small town contemporary romances and those looking for a no-heat romance. And fingers crossed for the Hallmark movie!
I read an e-ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
CW: loss of parents, loss of parent figure, racism in employment
This is a heartwarming story about family and ancestors and history, growing to be yourself while not forgetting those who came before. Tea and Jack are impossible not to root for. Southern traditions and food are celebrated. Family is celebrated, including the family of your community. I could hear my own grandmother speaking in this book. And I loved the larger community and how family grew when Tea met Sherry. Sherry was welcomed to Milford, to the traditions, bringing her own traditions.
At the same time, we also see real issues addressed. Tea is a black woman in her law firm, who just made partner, with all that goes with that. Jack is a white man who is helping cook and is collecting stories for a fundraising lunch at an HBCU. Tea struggles with her history, the history of her ancestors, and trying to put that history in context in the present. Jack's father was a civil rights attorney but he and his sister note how hard that was for his family in their own small southern town. By not ignoring these realities of the world, presenting them as the facts they are and what the characters experience, the story is well rooted in place and time, and not some fantasy world. Tea is a stronger character and firmly claims her space. When she stands up to Jack's dad and to her law firm partners, I was cheering her on. Jack is simply charming. He is in conflict with his father but he doesn't let go of his dreams. And in the end, he knows how to make the big gesture to show his love.
Tea's grandmother, Granda, is the greatest character, I love her. She's a take no prisoners grandmother with her granddaughter, while being a teaching matriarch for students at Milford College. She's the one you want to hear all the stories from, and hope she makes you some biscuits, but oh boy, watch out if you mess up. I can see her in her chef's coat and her Chuck Taylor's, as easily as I can see her in a dress and matching hat for church on Sunday.
This is a no-heat romance, all about the journey and the characters arcs of both Tea and Jack. The black moment is realistic and one that's more easily rectified, than most of the manufactured conflicts we see in a lot of romance today. I can easily see this on the screen and I hope Hallmark Publishing does it without editing out anything. It will be a joy to watch..
I highly recommend this for fans of small town contemporary romances and those looking for a no-heat romance. And fingers crossed for the Hallmark movie!
I read an e-ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
CW: loss of parents, loss of parent figure, racism in employment
August 7, 2021
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *
This was my first novel from Hallmark Publishing and while I have seen tons of Hallmark movies, I had never read one of their books. Sweet Tea by Piper Huguley was so much more than I thought it would be, I fell in love with Althea and her fierceness from page one. A woman who seemingly had it all but didn't realize exactly what she was missing until she came home.
Althea Dailey has more success than she could have ever hoped for. She just made partner and has landed her first big case as partner. Now, Althea must head back down south for the case involving sweet tea and notices that she will only be a few hours from home. She decides to head to Milford, Georgia to see her grandmother but finds out she has befriended a white man and that doesn't bode well with her. What kind of man would want to befriend a woman in her 80's for anything other than to get something out of her?
Jack Darwent didn't do what was expected of him and become a lawyer, he wanted to become a chef. Eventually he did finish his law degree but, on his terms, not on his fathers and having been able to follow his dreams and become a chef has left Jack more fulfilled than he ever thought possible. Working on his recent documentary and cookbook has brought him to Milford, Georgia where he has started to feel as if this little town could be a home that never knew he was looking for.
Jack & Althea don't have the greatest first encounter of one another but as each of them circle one another wondering what the other is up to they start to realize that they might have more in common than either of them originally thought.
Inger Tudor did a beautiful job at narration for each character. There were severe distinctions between each of them, so I never had to worry about who was talking and her interpretation of Jack was pure southern gentleman. The real show stopping voice was Althea though, I can't imagine her character as any other voice other than Inger Tudor.
A story drenched in southern history, sweet tea and family recipes Sweet Tea by Piper Huguley will give you all the warm feelings of home (if you are a southerner like me) while enticing you with its beautiful history of a small town in Georgia.
This was my first novel from Hallmark Publishing and while I have seen tons of Hallmark movies, I had never read one of their books. Sweet Tea by Piper Huguley was so much more than I thought it would be, I fell in love with Althea and her fierceness from page one. A woman who seemingly had it all but didn't realize exactly what she was missing until she came home.
Althea Dailey has more success than she could have ever hoped for. She just made partner and has landed her first big case as partner. Now, Althea must head back down south for the case involving sweet tea and notices that she will only be a few hours from home. She decides to head to Milford, Georgia to see her grandmother but finds out she has befriended a white man and that doesn't bode well with her. What kind of man would want to befriend a woman in her 80's for anything other than to get something out of her?
Jack Darwent didn't do what was expected of him and become a lawyer, he wanted to become a chef. Eventually he did finish his law degree but, on his terms, not on his fathers and having been able to follow his dreams and become a chef has left Jack more fulfilled than he ever thought possible. Working on his recent documentary and cookbook has brought him to Milford, Georgia where he has started to feel as if this little town could be a home that never knew he was looking for.
Jack & Althea don't have the greatest first encounter of one another but as each of them circle one another wondering what the other is up to they start to realize that they might have more in common than either of them originally thought.
Inger Tudor did a beautiful job at narration for each character. There were severe distinctions between each of them, so I never had to worry about who was talking and her interpretation of Jack was pure southern gentleman. The real show stopping voice was Althea though, I can't imagine her character as any other voice other than Inger Tudor.
A story drenched in southern history, sweet tea and family recipes Sweet Tea by Piper Huguley will give you all the warm feelings of home (if you are a southerner like me) while enticing you with its beautiful history of a small town in Georgia.
August 21, 2025
I nibbled on this book the way I nibble on a Lindor truffle to try to make it last longer. It kinda surprised me because I'd been having trouble getting into romances that didn't have some kind of mystery angle, but I immediately gravitated toward Althea, the overachiever, and Jack, the charmer. Of course, the star of the book is Miss Ada. Sorry not sorry. I know it's a romance, but Miss Ada reminded me entirely too much of my own Granny for me not to love her most.
The greatest strength in the book is character, of which setting is a significant part. I loved that we were in present day Milford College after having read several of Huguley's historical works.
I was utterly won over by the mention of muscadines, chiggers, and hefffas (heifers for you West Tennessee people like me who've never met an -r they didn't want to tarry on). If Miss Ada had said anything about Tea's going to pick muscadines with those "naked legs" then I would've thought Huguley had been eavesdropping on my childhood.
A couple of other genius things about this book:
1. The play on words with Tea. It's a name. It's a beverage. It's a part of Althea's career and her heritage.
2. Mythology. I truly loved Althea as Atalanta.
Anyhoo, this is the book for you to relax with. You'll definitely find yourself thinking about the characters later on, wondering if Milford College is going to make it and wondering what other Southern Treasures Jack is going to find. Oh, and you will come away hungry. I am telling you right now that I would put on an apron and go bus some tables for a chance to get a plate from Miss Ada's feast. In a heartbeat.
The greatest strength in the book is character, of which setting is a significant part. I loved that we were in present day Milford College after having read several of Huguley's historical works.
I was utterly won over by the mention of muscadines, chiggers, and hefffas (heifers for you West Tennessee people like me who've never met an -r they didn't want to tarry on). If Miss Ada had said anything about Tea's going to pick muscadines with those "naked legs" then I would've thought Huguley had been eavesdropping on my childhood.
A couple of other genius things about this book:
1. The play on words with Tea. It's a name. It's a beverage. It's a part of Althea's career and her heritage.
2. Mythology. I truly loved Althea as Atalanta.
Anyhoo, this is the book for you to relax with. You'll definitely find yourself thinking about the characters later on, wondering if Milford College is going to make it and wondering what other Southern Treasures Jack is going to find. Oh, and you will come away hungry. I am telling you right now that I would put on an apron and go bus some tables for a chance to get a plate from Miss Ada's feast. In a heartbeat.
July 26, 2021
Althea Dailey just made partner with her New York law firm and now her partners give her a case of a client who claims there sweet Tea recipe is being used by someone else to sell without their permission. So Althea decides to go to North Carolina to investigate the case she decides to take a trip to her home town of Milford, Georgia after she finds out this man is filming a documentary of her Granda (grandmother) recipes she has cooked for the family historical black college.
Jack Derwent comes from a southern family where his father wanted him to follow in his foot steps of being a lawyer. When Jack decides to not practice law at his father’s firm he decides to go into the culinary field because of his love for cooking.
When Althea comes home she feels that Jack is trying take advantage of her Ganda’s recipes to use for his own and not pay any compensation to Ganda for participating in the documentary.
The characters are well developed and the storyline kept me going to see if the sparks between Althea and Jack were going to be ignited or be a dud. I love Ganda she was a woman who had a wealth of information of not only the family recipes but also the history of how the town and colleges was founded by their previous ancestors.
I highly recommend this book to read, it is rich in historical family history, multicultural romance, and the choices one makes in their life.
Cassandra H.
I voluntarily received a ARC from Netgalley and this review is of my honest opinion and thoughts.
Jack Derwent comes from a southern family where his father wanted him to follow in his foot steps of being a lawyer. When Jack decides to not practice law at his father’s firm he decides to go into the culinary field because of his love for cooking.
When Althea comes home she feels that Jack is trying take advantage of her Ganda’s recipes to use for his own and not pay any compensation to Ganda for participating in the documentary.
The characters are well developed and the storyline kept me going to see if the sparks between Althea and Jack were going to be ignited or be a dud. I love Ganda she was a woman who had a wealth of information of not only the family recipes but also the history of how the town and colleges was founded by their previous ancestors.
I highly recommend this book to read, it is rich in historical family history, multicultural romance, and the choices one makes in their life.
Cassandra H.
I voluntarily received a ARC from Netgalley and this review is of my honest opinion and thoughts.
August 13, 2021
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed Inger Tudor's narration of this story which was a good depiction of a southern romance. I especially loved the grandma's gentle voice because it reminded me of my own grandmother. I am so happy that Piper Hughley wrote a heroine that was clear to her purpose. Althea Dailey was determined to be the first black person to make partnership at her top ranked New York City law firm. When she was basically told that if she won her new case, she would be invited to join as a partner, Althea had to return to the southern roots that she had worked diligently to escape.
Althea went back home to Milford, Georgia where she met Jack Darwent, a friend of her grandmothers. Instantly, Althea disliked Jack as she suspected him of taking advantage of her grandmother. Jack gave Althea everything she gave him in terms of attitude, until he decided to kill her with kindness in an effort to end their cold war. This journey home allowed both Althea and Jack to reflect on their life's purpose, the family issues they were hiding from and what they ultimately wanted to do career-wise.
This hallmark book had snarky banter, thought provoking conversations, and words of acceptance. It felt realistic and reminded me of how family oriented southern people are. These characters finally got a place of peace and happiness. I love the title because Sweet Tea is satisfying and this southern romance was that.
*Special Thanks to Netgalley for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed Inger Tudor's narration of this story which was a good depiction of a southern romance. I especially loved the grandma's gentle voice because it reminded me of my own grandmother. I am so happy that Piper Hughley wrote a heroine that was clear to her purpose. Althea Dailey was determined to be the first black person to make partnership at her top ranked New York City law firm. When she was basically told that if she won her new case, she would be invited to join as a partner, Althea had to return to the southern roots that she had worked diligently to escape.
Althea went back home to Milford, Georgia where she met Jack Darwent, a friend of her grandmothers. Instantly, Althea disliked Jack as she suspected him of taking advantage of her grandmother. Jack gave Althea everything she gave him in terms of attitude, until he decided to kill her with kindness in an effort to end their cold war. This journey home allowed both Althea and Jack to reflect on their life's purpose, the family issues they were hiding from and what they ultimately wanted to do career-wise.
This hallmark book had snarky banter, thought provoking conversations, and words of acceptance. It felt realistic and reminded me of how family oriented southern people are. These characters finally got a place of peace and happiness. I love the title because Sweet Tea is satisfying and this southern romance was that.
*Special Thanks to Netgalley for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
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