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Tea with a Drop of Honey
The Hive is proud to present its third anthology – ‘Tea with A Drop of Honey.’
After our back to back successful anthologies, ‘Rout 13: Highway to Hell,’ and ‘Blood Runs Cold,’ we decided to bring some hope and cheer in the readers’ minds. With a Global pandemic raging and lives and livelihood in peril, this is our small way of sending some positivity into the world.
This anthology has twenty-eight carefully curated stories from the everyday walk of life; simple stories of ordinary people, like you, me, and the person next door. Some stories will bring you joy, and some will evoke happiness; some might be bittersweet and will make you cry. Some will then compel you to look for magic, because what is life without a wee-bit of magic in it. But we assure you, all these stories will show you that life is indeed beautiful.
The Hive is proud to associate with Prani – The Pet Sanctuary for this anthology. Prani, located in Bangalore, India, is home to over 700 rescued birds and animals. Because of COVID-19, Prani has lost its primary source of income – gate receipts. We, at The Hive, have committed 50% of all proceeds from the sales of ‘Tea With A Drop Of Honey’ towards the upkeep of Prani.
PS: Best enjoyed with a cup of Tea with a drop of honey.
After our back to back successful anthologies, ‘Rout 13: Highway to Hell,’ and ‘Blood Runs Cold,’ we decided to bring some hope and cheer in the readers’ minds. With a Global pandemic raging and lives and livelihood in peril, this is our small way of sending some positivity into the world.
This anthology has twenty-eight carefully curated stories from the everyday walk of life; simple stories of ordinary people, like you, me, and the person next door. Some stories will bring you joy, and some will evoke happiness; some might be bittersweet and will make you cry. Some will then compel you to look for magic, because what is life without a wee-bit of magic in it. But we assure you, all these stories will show you that life is indeed beautiful.
The Hive is proud to associate with Prani – The Pet Sanctuary for this anthology. Prani, located in Bangalore, India, is home to over 700 rescued birds and animals. Because of COVID-19, Prani has lost its primary source of income – gate receipts. We, at The Hive, have committed 50% of all proceeds from the sales of ‘Tea With A Drop Of Honey’ towards the upkeep of Prani.
PS: Best enjoyed with a cup of Tea with a drop of honey.
- GenresShort Stories
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2020
14 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 17, 2023
I had been wanting to read this short story collection since long, and happy that I finally got to it. As ‘The Hive’ team who published this, mention in the afterword, this is a largely under-served space. Short stories make for easy reading and are ideal to relax with.
This book packs 28 short stories – which is quite a lot. As expected, it was a mixed bag with some being out of the usual, many feeling very familiar in terms of circumstance and a few which I could not relate to. Most stories are every day nice stories.
The stories I most liked, in no particular order, were (the first four are somewhat out of the usual).
1) Natyakari - Revathi Srinivasan
A story of a dancer at a temple, and how her life changes over the years
2) To sculpt a dream - Srivalli Rekha
How a young boy Malaya had a dream and was able to contribute to the building of the Srirangam temple
3) Return to reclaim - Monica Singh
A new kind of library/depository, and an unexpected claimant of something left by someone else
4) A cup of tea for the misfit two - Sreeparna Sen
A charming story of a witch & a prince
5) In a moment of weakness - Anshu Bhojnagarwala
A story of a maid in desperate need of money, who makes a choice she regrets
6) My big fat Punjabi divorce - Ell P
A relationship ruptured and how the family reacts
7) Unforgettable love - Chandra Sundeep
Pursuit of love at an age when it is generally not regarded as a priority
8) The reading glasses - Ratnakar Baggi
Two street vendors selling coconuts & books/stationary and their simple yearnings
The cultural context in all stories was very good and there is a glossary of terms at the end of each story, making it easy for those unfamiliar with these terms. The list in some cases, however, is too long and a better approach could have been to blend some of these into the story. What did not work too well for me was an excess of the standard romance fare (arranged, interfaith, mushy romances) and some bland writing in parts (with boiler plate references to 55,000 Indian Gods, ‘Life being the best teacher’, pantheism etc indicating a lack of depth in some cases).
Overall, a nice set of stories which are ideal to relax with. ‘The Hive’ mentions that half the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to ‘Prani’, a Pet Sanctuary, a great cause to support.
My rating: 3.75 / 5.
This book packs 28 short stories – which is quite a lot. As expected, it was a mixed bag with some being out of the usual, many feeling very familiar in terms of circumstance and a few which I could not relate to. Most stories are every day nice stories.
The stories I most liked, in no particular order, were (the first four are somewhat out of the usual).
1) Natyakari - Revathi Srinivasan
A story of a dancer at a temple, and how her life changes over the years
2) To sculpt a dream - Srivalli Rekha
How a young boy Malaya had a dream and was able to contribute to the building of the Srirangam temple
3) Return to reclaim - Monica Singh
A new kind of library/depository, and an unexpected claimant of something left by someone else
4) A cup of tea for the misfit two - Sreeparna Sen
A charming story of a witch & a prince
5) In a moment of weakness - Anshu Bhojnagarwala
A story of a maid in desperate need of money, who makes a choice she regrets
6) My big fat Punjabi divorce - Ell P
A relationship ruptured and how the family reacts
7) Unforgettable love - Chandra Sundeep
Pursuit of love at an age when it is generally not regarded as a priority
8) The reading glasses - Ratnakar Baggi
Two street vendors selling coconuts & books/stationary and their simple yearnings
The cultural context in all stories was very good and there is a glossary of terms at the end of each story, making it easy for those unfamiliar with these terms. The list in some cases, however, is too long and a better approach could have been to blend some of these into the story. What did not work too well for me was an excess of the standard romance fare (arranged, interfaith, mushy romances) and some bland writing in parts (with boiler plate references to 55,000 Indian Gods, ‘Life being the best teacher’, pantheism etc indicating a lack of depth in some cases).
Overall, a nice set of stories which are ideal to relax with. ‘The Hive’ mentions that half the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to ‘Prani’, a Pet Sanctuary, a great cause to support.
My rating: 3.75 / 5.
November 3, 2020
Ok, did I cry while reading at least one of these stories? Yes, but is anyone really surprised?? No lol.
The range of different stories in this anthology is so diverse. There’s romance, historical fiction, literary, and so much more. One story will have you smiling while another will have you sobbing on the couch at 1 AM. Others will leave you in wonder at the perseverance of the characters.
I also really enjoyed that so many of the stories focused on Indian culture and customs. I know next to nothing about Indian culture beyond what I’ve learned in books from other Indian and Indian-American authors, so it was wonderful to be able to immerse myself in more stories about a culture that’s different to my own in some ways, but also the same in others (Parents (good or bad), food being a comfort, and the pressures of life seem to be universal.
There are several stories that include words or phrases that aren’t in English, but based on the context, I didn’t have any trouble understanding what was going on. But each story does end with a glossary of terms so even if you can’t guess what’s going on based on context clues, you have translations and definitions too. Some of the stories even have the translations inserted into the story.
I also SO APPRECIATE how unique some of these stories are. There is one story where the main character is a table and not gonna lie, it’s definitely one of my favorites! I love a good “an object is the MC” story.
There are also some that will make you so emotional. As I was reading, I repeatedly had the thought “oh this next story can’t affect me as much as that last story” and was wrong almost every time. Some are happy and light and some are filled with sorrow.
But while sad stories might be hard to read, I think there is no better reaction to a story an author can ask from a reader than feeling what the characters are feeling. It’s why I never shy away from telling an author that their story made me cry. It shows the writer did a great job getting the emotion across. The writers in Tea with a Drop of Honey did a great job at this.
So if you’re looking for a collection of wonderful widely-varied short stories, you need to check out Tea with a Drop of Honey. Oh and one quick fun fact: the title appears in more than one of the stories which I LOVE. It’s like when the title of a show is said by one of the actors. I am giving Tea with a Drop of Honey by The Hive 4 out of 5 stars.
Tea with a Drop of Honey is available now!
Thank you to The Hive and Srivalli Rekha for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The range of different stories in this anthology is so diverse. There’s romance, historical fiction, literary, and so much more. One story will have you smiling while another will have you sobbing on the couch at 1 AM. Others will leave you in wonder at the perseverance of the characters.
I also really enjoyed that so many of the stories focused on Indian culture and customs. I know next to nothing about Indian culture beyond what I’ve learned in books from other Indian and Indian-American authors, so it was wonderful to be able to immerse myself in more stories about a culture that’s different to my own in some ways, but also the same in others (Parents (good or bad), food being a comfort, and the pressures of life seem to be universal.
There are several stories that include words or phrases that aren’t in English, but based on the context, I didn’t have any trouble understanding what was going on. But each story does end with a glossary of terms so even if you can’t guess what’s going on based on context clues, you have translations and definitions too. Some of the stories even have the translations inserted into the story.
I also SO APPRECIATE how unique some of these stories are. There is one story where the main character is a table and not gonna lie, it’s definitely one of my favorites! I love a good “an object is the MC” story.
There are also some that will make you so emotional. As I was reading, I repeatedly had the thought “oh this next story can’t affect me as much as that last story” and was wrong almost every time. Some are happy and light and some are filled with sorrow.
But while sad stories might be hard to read, I think there is no better reaction to a story an author can ask from a reader than feeling what the characters are feeling. It’s why I never shy away from telling an author that their story made me cry. It shows the writer did a great job getting the emotion across. The writers in Tea with a Drop of Honey did a great job at this.
So if you’re looking for a collection of wonderful widely-varied short stories, you need to check out Tea with a Drop of Honey. Oh and one quick fun fact: the title appears in more than one of the stories which I LOVE. It’s like when the title of a show is said by one of the actors. I am giving Tea with a Drop of Honey by The Hive 4 out of 5 stars.
Tea with a Drop of Honey is available now!
Thank you to The Hive and Srivalli Rekha for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 24, 2021
My rating: 3.75 / 5
This anthology is as eclectic as it gets! It's a delightful light read, breezy yet toasty. Some stories were truly remarkable. My personal favourites are The Pigeon Man Sings, The Heimlich Manoeuver, The Adventures in the Quest for her Pot-bellied Seahorse, The Selective Lens, Lost or Found and The Frozen sky. The Pigeon Man Sings and The Heimlich Manoeuver will stay with me for a long time; the first one was surreal and the second, refreshingly delightful! Some stories gave me a sugar shock and felt too far removed from reality for me to connect. This is precisely why I will recommend this book to everyone. This anthology offers something to every type of reader by packing together themes like historical fiction, romance, slice of life, drama, fantasy, comedy, tragedy, coming of age, coping, reminiscing, nostalgia, friendship and family. The sheer diversity is worth admiring! Each story serves a well deserved sweet closure. This is a perfect holiday gift and an absolute entertainer!
This anthology is as eclectic as it gets! It's a delightful light read, breezy yet toasty. Some stories were truly remarkable. My personal favourites are The Pigeon Man Sings, The Heimlich Manoeuver, The Adventures in the Quest for her Pot-bellied Seahorse, The Selective Lens, Lost or Found and The Frozen sky. The Pigeon Man Sings and The Heimlich Manoeuver will stay with me for a long time; the first one was surreal and the second, refreshingly delightful! Some stories gave me a sugar shock and felt too far removed from reality for me to connect. This is precisely why I will recommend this book to everyone. This anthology offers something to every type of reader by packing together themes like historical fiction, romance, slice of life, drama, fantasy, comedy, tragedy, coming of age, coping, reminiscing, nostalgia, friendship and family. The sheer diversity is worth admiring! Each story serves a well deserved sweet closure. This is a perfect holiday gift and an absolute entertainer!
July 17, 2021
"Tea with a Drop of Honey" is a collection of 28 stories of love, hope and inspiration. Like the tagline itself says, these are "Stories to Soothe You". With 28 skillful raconteurs contributing to this book, the writing seemed as impressive as always.
The book cover provides you a glimpse of some of the old-world charm you can expect, but the stories don't restrict themselves to what the cover indicates. I was pleasantly surprised by the vast range covered by the tales. I somehow had this picture of the book being an Indian fiction version of Chicken Soup for the Soul. But the stories are an eclectic motley, ranging in themes from family to friendship, lockdowns to holidays, romance to breakups, reality to fantasy, archaic times to postmodern scenarios. In that sense, it went far beyond what I had expected from this collection. First time ever that I enjoyed Tea more than Chicken Soup! 😝
As I always say, in any anthology, all the stories are never equally good. So as long as at least 75% of the stories make for a entertaining read, you have got your money's worth. At the same time, the stories must meet the purpose for which they have been written. A thriller must thrill, a horror story must scare. This book was supposed to be heartwarming, so I gauged the stories mainly on this factor.
I kept a diligent count of how many met my criteria. Of the 28 stories, I found a whopping 14 stories that truly warmed the cockles of my heart with their atypical storyline and also matched the theme of the book perfectly. An additional 11 stories were very well-written and enjoyable to read. So overall, 25 really great stories: paisa vasool deal if you ask me! 25 out of 28 is 89%, or rounded up, 4.5 stars.
There are a couple of stories where the twists seem forced. But overall, this anthology still charms and soothes and inspires and makes the reader smile at the end. The purpose of the book is met successfully!
Oh, but the book has one more motive beyond offering you moving stories. The Hive has committed 50% of all proceeds from the sales of ‘Tea With A Drop Of Honey’ towards the upkeep of Prani - The Pet Sanctuary, home to over 700 rescued birds and animals. This is one more reason for you to buy this ebook and support a worthy cause.
This anthology is apt for this autumnal season, with the right amount of warmth to invigorate your mind and heart, just like tea with a drop of honey would do. Indulge in it with your favourite beverage in hand. ☕
*************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
The book cover provides you a glimpse of some of the old-world charm you can expect, but the stories don't restrict themselves to what the cover indicates. I was pleasantly surprised by the vast range covered by the tales. I somehow had this picture of the book being an Indian fiction version of Chicken Soup for the Soul. But the stories are an eclectic motley, ranging in themes from family to friendship, lockdowns to holidays, romance to breakups, reality to fantasy, archaic times to postmodern scenarios. In that sense, it went far beyond what I had expected from this collection. First time ever that I enjoyed Tea more than Chicken Soup! 😝
As I always say, in any anthology, all the stories are never equally good. So as long as at least 75% of the stories make for a entertaining read, you have got your money's worth. At the same time, the stories must meet the purpose for which they have been written. A thriller must thrill, a horror story must scare. This book was supposed to be heartwarming, so I gauged the stories mainly on this factor.
I kept a diligent count of how many met my criteria. Of the 28 stories, I found a whopping 14 stories that truly warmed the cockles of my heart with their atypical storyline and also matched the theme of the book perfectly. An additional 11 stories were very well-written and enjoyable to read. So overall, 25 really great stories: paisa vasool deal if you ask me! 25 out of 28 is 89%, or rounded up, 4.5 stars.
There are a couple of stories where the twists seem forced. But overall, this anthology still charms and soothes and inspires and makes the reader smile at the end. The purpose of the book is met successfully!
Oh, but the book has one more motive beyond offering you moving stories. The Hive has committed 50% of all proceeds from the sales of ‘Tea With A Drop Of Honey’ towards the upkeep of Prani - The Pet Sanctuary, home to over 700 rescued birds and animals. This is one more reason for you to buy this ebook and support a worthy cause.
This anthology is apt for this autumnal season, with the right amount of warmth to invigorate your mind and heart, just like tea with a drop of honey would do. Indulge in it with your favourite beverage in hand. ☕
*************************************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
October 28, 2020
This calming anthology titled “Tea With a Drop of Honey”, is exactly that! An enrapturing, flowing tapestry of life punctuated by tributaries of emotion that instill hope, induce smiles and infuses optimism. The collection of alleviating and ameliorating short stories acts as a much needed antidote to the unprecedented times battering a section of the population physically, and assailing the rest, mentally. A surge of optimism courses through the reader as she reads the stories, and at least for a fleeting duration, finicky time seems to stand still and serene. Whilst it would be doing a great deal of injustice to both the talented bunch of authors as well as an eager set of readers to dwell into each and every story that forms a sprightly bouquet, it would be remiss if I was not to bring to the attention of the reader a few of my favourites from the lot. This in no way, detracts from either the quality or the content of the ones not referred to here.
To Sculpt a Dream – Srivalli Rekha
This is undoubtedly my personal favourite. Srivalli selects the oeuvre of historical fiction and ‘sculpts’ (no pun intended) her story with an adroitness that is downright exemplary. The exploits, enervation, and energy displayed by a budding sculptor Malayan, as he inspires to summit the apogee of his craft, is captured in a remarkable manner by the author. The plot is tight, narrative easy on the eye and the sequence gripping. Woven around the entrenched ‘Guru-Shishya’ tradition, “To Sculpt a Dream” is a glorious tribute to passion and perseverance. Malayan is a true Karma-yogi!
The Raipur Reading and Writing Club – Meha Sharma
This story oozes confidence, bristles with positivity, and cocks a snook at the ingrained dogma that age is a barrier for giving wings to one’s innate calling. The geriatric trio of Geena Tripathi, Binita Majumdar, and Vinod Hotta, go about ‘reclaiming’ their life, in a manner that warms the very cockles of the heart. Aiding and abetting them in their ambitious endeavour is the literary world of Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. Can a Book Club unshackle self-imposed fetters and a reluctant movement of pen on paper unearth latent talent? Meha addresses these questions with triumphant results.
My Big Fat Punjabi Divorce – Ell P
When one starts writing keeping in mind her audience, the end dictates the means and the result is invariably a restrained effort. However, it is when one starts writing to herself, that all inhibitions are rend asunder. This is exactly what Ell P does in this racy, raucous story that simply poleaxes its reader with its climax. Chintu, is the eyesore of her family and every other human being who is within 100 miles of her vicinity on account of a sordid separation from her husband. When she is invited to her sibling’s wedding as an afterthought, she knows she is in for some extremely uncomfortable encounters. Insults galore-liberal admonitions-references to a steamy video tape- later, when Chintu’s ribald and risqué mother-in-law decides to take matters into her hands…. READ THIS!
The Pigeon Man Sings – Mark Blickley
The death of his wife Anna transforms Wendell Mandanay into a broken man. Oblivious to happiness and impervious to hygiene, his life is a beer keg whose swallows and gulps define both the man and his personality. A weary walk to the liquor store acquaints him with a flock of pigeons gorging on garbage…. If you do not believe in Providence, you MUST start placing your trust in pigeons! This concise and lucid story is a standout in so far as its originality is concerned.
The Murphy Conundrum – Pallavi Sawant Uttekar
What if the father of “Murphy’s Law”, irked by an indiscriminate use and abuse of his tenets was to rouse himself up from his grave and engage in a bout of preaching? This is exactly the premise underlying the humorous and compelling story penned by Pallavi Sawant Uttekar. The unfortunate human being at the receiving end of the Murphy Sermons is none other than the man’s great-grand daughter. How Sir Edward Murphy changes the contours of his despairing granddaughter makes for both engaging and pleasurable reading.
The Heimlich Maneuver – R Pavan Kumar
One can never stop either laughing or smiling as she goes about reading this wonderfully crafted story. Simple yet stunning, sparse yet rich, “The Heimlich Manoeuvre” is a resounding testimony to its authors story telling abilities. Ajay gets the fright of his life when the Vermas (his parents) make an unexpected appearance at the front door of their house, cutting short their pilgrimage due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Ajay’s girlfriend sits, unbeknownst to his parents, in his bedroom. Can Ajay smuggle her out of the eyes without the prying eyes of his parents detecting her presence? Would his father and mother discover the girl and the does all hell break loose? You will keep coming back to this witty tale.
Much Ado About Nothing – Sarves
A wickedly humorous tale with wonderful word play as its bulwark, “Much Ado About Nothing” is a must read both for its plot and for its language. Flawlessly handled and fabulously constructed, Rodney’s singularly unique experience in a tavern with a writing tragic takes the reader on a literary as well as satirical twirl. Escaping the sharp tongue of his perpetual nag of a wife, Rodney, looking for a much needed respite heads to the tavern. What he finds instead is a talkative playwright….
The Adventures in the Quest for her Pot Bellied Seahorse – Namratha Varadharajan
The travails and tribulations of a woman forced to meet a never ending procession of suitors in encapsulated in a splendidly captivating manner by Namratha Varadharajan. The contours of her story is as unique as the title assigned by her to it. The obnoxious behaviour and ostentatious demands of the entourage accompanying the ‘groom’, the shenanigans of the groom himself at times, all combine together to make a veritable spectacle of the woman, getting whom married away, serves the singular purpose of her parents. A delightful story that hides within its explicit humour a subtle revelation.
Razon de Ser – Priya Bajpai
Alessa and Alejandro represent a couple, incorrigibly in love. While he is an inveterate hiker and trekker, she is a grumbling and hesitant follower. When an unimaginable tragedy strikes, life itself comes to a standstill and the world seems to have come to an abrupt and apocalyptic end. How hope springs eternal forms the bedrock of Priya’s endearing and enduring story. A cathartic plot, a bleak setting and a stunning climax regales the reader.
All Because of You – Supriya Bansal
Easily the most assuring, affirmative and empowering story in the book, “All Because of You” holds forth in a beautifully reverberating manner the story of Dwija Devi, a transgender. From the depths of despair to the pinnacle of achievement, the story of Dwija Devi is inspiring. Long after the covers have come down on the anthology, this story will linger in the minds of the reader.
Some other notable stories include “Table No.9” by Varadharajan Ramesh, where a table in a Coffee Joint narrates its experience, “Kingdom of Kitchen” by Arti Jain, the mere perusal of which will leave one salivating, and “Light and Darkness” by Sowrabha Karinje that dwells in a poignant manner on inter-faith relationships.
“Tea with a Drop of Honey” – an invigorating beverage for the soul!
To Sculpt a Dream – Srivalli Rekha
This is undoubtedly my personal favourite. Srivalli selects the oeuvre of historical fiction and ‘sculpts’ (no pun intended) her story with an adroitness that is downright exemplary. The exploits, enervation, and energy displayed by a budding sculptor Malayan, as he inspires to summit the apogee of his craft, is captured in a remarkable manner by the author. The plot is tight, narrative easy on the eye and the sequence gripping. Woven around the entrenched ‘Guru-Shishya’ tradition, “To Sculpt a Dream” is a glorious tribute to passion and perseverance. Malayan is a true Karma-yogi!
The Raipur Reading and Writing Club – Meha Sharma
This story oozes confidence, bristles with positivity, and cocks a snook at the ingrained dogma that age is a barrier for giving wings to one’s innate calling. The geriatric trio of Geena Tripathi, Binita Majumdar, and Vinod Hotta, go about ‘reclaiming’ their life, in a manner that warms the very cockles of the heart. Aiding and abetting them in their ambitious endeavour is the literary world of Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. Can a Book Club unshackle self-imposed fetters and a reluctant movement of pen on paper unearth latent talent? Meha addresses these questions with triumphant results.
My Big Fat Punjabi Divorce – Ell P
When one starts writing keeping in mind her audience, the end dictates the means and the result is invariably a restrained effort. However, it is when one starts writing to herself, that all inhibitions are rend asunder. This is exactly what Ell P does in this racy, raucous story that simply poleaxes its reader with its climax. Chintu, is the eyesore of her family and every other human being who is within 100 miles of her vicinity on account of a sordid separation from her husband. When she is invited to her sibling’s wedding as an afterthought, she knows she is in for some extremely uncomfortable encounters. Insults galore-liberal admonitions-references to a steamy video tape- later, when Chintu’s ribald and risqué mother-in-law decides to take matters into her hands…. READ THIS!
The Pigeon Man Sings – Mark Blickley
The death of his wife Anna transforms Wendell Mandanay into a broken man. Oblivious to happiness and impervious to hygiene, his life is a beer keg whose swallows and gulps define both the man and his personality. A weary walk to the liquor store acquaints him with a flock of pigeons gorging on garbage…. If you do not believe in Providence, you MUST start placing your trust in pigeons! This concise and lucid story is a standout in so far as its originality is concerned.
The Murphy Conundrum – Pallavi Sawant Uttekar
What if the father of “Murphy’s Law”, irked by an indiscriminate use and abuse of his tenets was to rouse himself up from his grave and engage in a bout of preaching? This is exactly the premise underlying the humorous and compelling story penned by Pallavi Sawant Uttekar. The unfortunate human being at the receiving end of the Murphy Sermons is none other than the man’s great-grand daughter. How Sir Edward Murphy changes the contours of his despairing granddaughter makes for both engaging and pleasurable reading.
The Heimlich Maneuver – R Pavan Kumar
One can never stop either laughing or smiling as she goes about reading this wonderfully crafted story. Simple yet stunning, sparse yet rich, “The Heimlich Manoeuvre” is a resounding testimony to its authors story telling abilities. Ajay gets the fright of his life when the Vermas (his parents) make an unexpected appearance at the front door of their house, cutting short their pilgrimage due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Ajay’s girlfriend sits, unbeknownst to his parents, in his bedroom. Can Ajay smuggle her out of the eyes without the prying eyes of his parents detecting her presence? Would his father and mother discover the girl and the does all hell break loose? You will keep coming back to this witty tale.
Much Ado About Nothing – Sarves
A wickedly humorous tale with wonderful word play as its bulwark, “Much Ado About Nothing” is a must read both for its plot and for its language. Flawlessly handled and fabulously constructed, Rodney’s singularly unique experience in a tavern with a writing tragic takes the reader on a literary as well as satirical twirl. Escaping the sharp tongue of his perpetual nag of a wife, Rodney, looking for a much needed respite heads to the tavern. What he finds instead is a talkative playwright….
The Adventures in the Quest for her Pot Bellied Seahorse – Namratha Varadharajan
The travails and tribulations of a woman forced to meet a never ending procession of suitors in encapsulated in a splendidly captivating manner by Namratha Varadharajan. The contours of her story is as unique as the title assigned by her to it. The obnoxious behaviour and ostentatious demands of the entourage accompanying the ‘groom’, the shenanigans of the groom himself at times, all combine together to make a veritable spectacle of the woman, getting whom married away, serves the singular purpose of her parents. A delightful story that hides within its explicit humour a subtle revelation.
Razon de Ser – Priya Bajpai
Alessa and Alejandro represent a couple, incorrigibly in love. While he is an inveterate hiker and trekker, she is a grumbling and hesitant follower. When an unimaginable tragedy strikes, life itself comes to a standstill and the world seems to have come to an abrupt and apocalyptic end. How hope springs eternal forms the bedrock of Priya’s endearing and enduring story. A cathartic plot, a bleak setting and a stunning climax regales the reader.
All Because of You – Supriya Bansal
Easily the most assuring, affirmative and empowering story in the book, “All Because of You” holds forth in a beautifully reverberating manner the story of Dwija Devi, a transgender. From the depths of despair to the pinnacle of achievement, the story of Dwija Devi is inspiring. Long after the covers have come down on the anthology, this story will linger in the minds of the reader.
Some other notable stories include “Table No.9” by Varadharajan Ramesh, where a table in a Coffee Joint narrates its experience, “Kingdom of Kitchen” by Arti Jain, the mere perusal of which will leave one salivating, and “Light and Darkness” by Sowrabha Karinje that dwells in a poignant manner on inter-faith relationships.
“Tea with a Drop of Honey” – an invigorating beverage for the soul!
November 30, 2020
Hey guys! This is a review that's been long time coming 🧡
And this is the perfect weather for that warm cup of tea, with a drop of honey, and getting cosy with your hands around a good book! That's right, The latest anthology from Hive, Tea with a Drop of Honey, gives you that and more! I know we have had amazing reviews for it here on RF and I wasn't expecting anything less after being blown away by their previous anthology, but what surprised me pleasantly was, not just the warm, feel good stories but the range of emotions and situations the book encompasses! It's a book which will warm your insides and melt your heart, apt for the season I say🧡
And this is the perfect weather for that warm cup of tea, with a drop of honey, and getting cosy with your hands around a good book! That's right, The latest anthology from Hive, Tea with a Drop of Honey, gives you that and more! I know we have had amazing reviews for it here on RF and I wasn't expecting anything less after being blown away by their previous anthology, but what surprised me pleasantly was, not just the warm, feel good stories but the range of emotions and situations the book encompasses! It's a book which will warm your insides and melt your heart, apt for the season I say🧡
November 3, 2020
Well, I could be partial because it has my story, but each story is different from the other and equally enjoyable. Some sweet, some bittersweet, but all a part of life.
November 10, 2020
Perfect blend for autumn evenings ❤️
March 31, 2021
In the last couple of months, I have had the opportunity to read some amazing short story collections. From Amega Bohdre to Krishnasish Jana, from Khaled Hosseini to Ruskin Bond, the list is never-ending. A recent addition to this awesome collection of short stories written by Different Indian authors when I had the opportunity to read this book published by The Hive
I also like to recommend to my fellow boost grammar, booktuber,
latest short of stories collection ( Anthology collection ) by The Hive
Tea with a drop of honey, the name itself has a certain attraction, luring the reader towards the many mysteries that it has to offer.
Tea is just like the words and honey is just like the emotion ( in general it is called an emotion with words )
When tea becomes a ritual, it takes its place at the heart of our ability to see greatness in small things. Where is beauty to be found? In great things that, like everything else, are doomed to die, or in small things that aspire to nothing, yet know how to set a jewel of infinity in a single moment.”
The gorgeous cover also subtracts to its many elegances. Read on to know more about my impressions of the book and about my understanding of reading it.
Tea with a drop of honey is a collection of 28 short stories each of which has something unique to offer. Expect a short read. Expect a book that dabbles in a wide variety of genres – romance, emotions, drama, friendship, dystopia, day to day issues, emotional, and tragedy. Expect a book with lyrical writing and beautiful words. Finally, expect a book that will have you wondering about its meaningful and subjective narrative.
An avid reader of intros, prefaces, and forewords, it was amusing for me to read the dedication at the beginning of the book. The authors begin the book with the shortest, cutest, and sweetest dedication ever. After all, what better anniversary gift to give your best friend and husband than a beautifully written collection of short stories.
My favourite stories from this book
✍ In The Movement Of Weakness
By Anusha Bhojnagarwala
✍ Unforgettable Love
By Chandra Sundeep
✍ The Selective Lens
By Priya Bajpai
I also like to recommend to my fellow boost grammar, booktuber,
latest short of stories collection ( Anthology collection ) by The Hive
Tea with a drop of honey, the name itself has a certain attraction, luring the reader towards the many mysteries that it has to offer.
Tea is just like the words and honey is just like the emotion ( in general it is called an emotion with words )
When tea becomes a ritual, it takes its place at the heart of our ability to see greatness in small things. Where is beauty to be found? In great things that, like everything else, are doomed to die, or in small things that aspire to nothing, yet know how to set a jewel of infinity in a single moment.”
The gorgeous cover also subtracts to its many elegances. Read on to know more about my impressions of the book and about my understanding of reading it.
Tea with a drop of honey is a collection of 28 short stories each of which has something unique to offer. Expect a short read. Expect a book that dabbles in a wide variety of genres – romance, emotions, drama, friendship, dystopia, day to day issues, emotional, and tragedy. Expect a book with lyrical writing and beautiful words. Finally, expect a book that will have you wondering about its meaningful and subjective narrative.
An avid reader of intros, prefaces, and forewords, it was amusing for me to read the dedication at the beginning of the book. The authors begin the book with the shortest, cutest, and sweetest dedication ever. After all, what better anniversary gift to give your best friend and husband than a beautifully written collection of short stories.
My favourite stories from this book
✍ In The Movement Of Weakness
By Anusha Bhojnagarwala
✍ Unforgettable Love
By Chandra Sundeep
✍ The Selective Lens
By Priya Bajpai
November 16, 2020
Autumn feels. A slight nip in the air. The evenings are the perfect occasions to get lost into the pages of a book cuddled in a cozy corner with a cup of warm tea.
Make your favourite tea and find a corner but let me suggest the book to you. A soothing, sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, but always heart warming collection of stories, like the cup you so lovingly have nestled between your palms. Pick up Tea With a Drop of Honey and the evening is perfectly set.
The newest anthology of stories from the Hive had me excited since I had loved their their last two anthologies too. Needless to say I wasn't disappointed once I got my hands on this one. They have chilled our souls and thrilled our minds and now promise to soothe our hearts (I would say they are somewhat obliged to with their past offerrings) with this collection of twenty-eight stories. The stories, an eclectic mix, explore second chances, love, hope, loss, reunion and other myriad human emotions and stay with you.
The topics range from lockdowns, loss of a loved one, redemption, to the follies of arranged marriages or even divorces. Whether they belong to the past or the future and dish out reality or magic, they do so with aplomb, leaving you warm and charmed. I was particularly blown away by the fun quotient of a few stories and the clever writing of more than a few. I had expected soothing stories, but not ones that would make me chuckle more than a few times.
I wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful collection that touches your heart and leaves you with a yearning for more.
Rating - 4/5
Make your favourite tea and find a corner but let me suggest the book to you. A soothing, sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, but always heart warming collection of stories, like the cup you so lovingly have nestled between your palms. Pick up Tea With a Drop of Honey and the evening is perfectly set.
The newest anthology of stories from the Hive had me excited since I had loved their their last two anthologies too. Needless to say I wasn't disappointed once I got my hands on this one. They have chilled our souls and thrilled our minds and now promise to soothe our hearts (I would say they are somewhat obliged to with their past offerrings) with this collection of twenty-eight stories. The stories, an eclectic mix, explore second chances, love, hope, loss, reunion and other myriad human emotions and stay with you.
The topics range from lockdowns, loss of a loved one, redemption, to the follies of arranged marriages or even divorces. Whether they belong to the past or the future and dish out reality or magic, they do so with aplomb, leaving you warm and charmed. I was particularly blown away by the fun quotient of a few stories and the clever writing of more than a few. I had expected soothing stories, but not ones that would make me chuckle more than a few times.
I wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful collection that touches your heart and leaves you with a yearning for more.
Rating - 4/5
January 20, 2021
Book title : Tea with a drop of honey by The Hive
An anthology of short stories
Author - various
Tea with a drop of honey is an anthology of short stories by 28 different authors so you can be assured about the variety on offer. As is the wont for The Hive, this anthology gets a smashing foreword by Aparna Vedapuri Singh, Founder & CEO, Women's Web.
The anthology opens with a beautiful love story, Not so Parsi Love, a story of love overcoming the religious divide.
Coming to my most favourite story in this anthology, The Heimlich Manoeuvre, I loved how the author has woven a humorous situation around the national lockdown.
Another story which stayed with me is My Big Fat Punjabi Divorce, a tale of a Punjabi family putting aside their petty differences and supporting their daughter/sister. I wouldn't want to reveal more, do read the story…
To Sculpt a dream is a story which took me back in history and the setting is magical, with a profound message hidden in it.
Cup of Tea for the Misfit Two beautifully weaves a fairy tale-like love story around the title of the book and was entertaining.
Much Ado about nothing is an audacious and hilarious prequel to a very famous love story,by the author and she succeeds in entertaining the readers.
Raz'on de Ser is a surefire tearjerker of a love story which tugs at the heartstrings.
Table number 9 is as philosophical as they come, with some great quotes.
The Murphy Conundrum surprised me with a mixture of genres and left me with a feel good feeling at the end.
The other stories are entertaining too and you must read Tea with a drop of honey to know still more hidden gems.
Yatindra Tawde
An anthology of short stories
Author - various
Tea with a drop of honey is an anthology of short stories by 28 different authors so you can be assured about the variety on offer. As is the wont for The Hive, this anthology gets a smashing foreword by Aparna Vedapuri Singh, Founder & CEO, Women's Web.
The anthology opens with a beautiful love story, Not so Parsi Love, a story of love overcoming the religious divide.
Coming to my most favourite story in this anthology, The Heimlich Manoeuvre, I loved how the author has woven a humorous situation around the national lockdown.
Another story which stayed with me is My Big Fat Punjabi Divorce, a tale of a Punjabi family putting aside their petty differences and supporting their daughter/sister. I wouldn't want to reveal more, do read the story…
To Sculpt a dream is a story which took me back in history and the setting is magical, with a profound message hidden in it.
Cup of Tea for the Misfit Two beautifully weaves a fairy tale-like love story around the title of the book and was entertaining.
Much Ado about nothing is an audacious and hilarious prequel to a very famous love story,by the author and she succeeds in entertaining the readers.
Raz'on de Ser is a surefire tearjerker of a love story which tugs at the heartstrings.
Table number 9 is as philosophical as they come, with some great quotes.
The Murphy Conundrum surprised me with a mixture of genres and left me with a feel good feeling at the end.
The other stories are entertaining too and you must read Tea with a drop of honey to know still more hidden gems.
Yatindra Tawde
October 28, 2020
Tea with a drop of honey" is an anthology of 28 stories. Each of them is written in a unique style, some will tug your heart, some will linger a little longer and a few might be that food for thought. Every story is different, a figment of the author's imagination and whether the theme is romance or social issue, you will ponder back and enjoy them just as I did.
Read full review on my blog
https://thevagabond.me/2020/10/27/tea...
Read full review on my blog
https://thevagabond.me/2020/10/27/tea...
November 5, 2020
A charming collection of stories that will warm your hearts. Spoiler alert: my story is one of the 28 in this anthology. Pick this book, sit back with your favourite beverage and enjoy reading.
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