It Takes Tea to Tango

by Melissa Crosby

Slightly jaded middle-aged woman with a hint of bitterness. That's me, Florence.

Twenty-four years ago, I did the rumpy-pumpy in the back seat of Darren's dad's car. Nine months later... well, you know how it goes.

All things considered, my life turned out pretty good. But then Darren messed up. I walked in on him, dressed as a tiger, about to shag a unicorn. (I'll explain that part later.)

So, I took our cat, Oscar (the Grouch), and moved to a small town called Rainbow Valley, where it sounded like only good things ever happened. I wanted to start over and find myself. I even bought a quaint little tea shop with the divorce money.

The journey hasn't been all red roses and yellow tulips, though. My daughter, Aimee, will vouch for that. She's had to come to my rescue a few times. And don't even get me started on Tom Apperley, the ex-vet (veterinarian, not veteran) who owns the dog grooming business next to my shop.

There were some hard truths staring me square in the face, but before I could deal with any of them, there was one very important question I needed an answer to. And that was: How the heck do I start over?

It Takes Tea to Tango is a chick lit / rom-com set in a fictional town in the Wairarapa region in Wellington, New Zealand.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2022

About the author

Melissa Crosby lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her husband, two children, and their adopted rescue pets, Evie and Zuko. She writes stories about women over forty that will make you smile, laugh, shed a tear (or two), and hopefully remind us all not to sweat the small stuff.

To be the first to get updates on new releases and freebies, sign up to her newsletter at www.melissacrosby.com.

Follow Melissa:

Facebook - www.facebook.com/melissacrosbyromance
Twitter - twitter.com/mcrosbyromance
Instagram - instagram.com/melissacrosbyauthor
Bookbub - www.bookbub.com/profile/melissa-crosby

Reviews

[Mari Pequenos Retalhos]

It Takes Tea To Tango is a story about starting over, even when your world seems to have fallen apart and everything you've known has suddenly change.

I decided to read it because its main character, Florence, is over 40 years old and we don't see many romance books with slightly older characters. She has just got divorced and she is trying to find a new path. So, she moves to a small town and buys a tea shop, even though she was a stay-home mom.

At first I didn't really like her, because she seemed so lost and angry, but as I got to know her and her story, I started to understand why she was acting that way. I liked reading about how she got back on track and even about the mistakes she made along the way.

It is a funny and a bit crazy story at times, but I enjoyed reading it nonetheless.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maria]

Florence is 45 and, after walking in on her husband cheating on her, she moves to a little town in the mountains to start a new life.

I liked Florence a lot, she is both funny and sweet. I like when at first she opens the tea shop without any idea of what to do with it, and what she finally creates.

I also love the main character being over 40 and still not having her life sorted out.

** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**

[Laura]

I was drawn to this book because of the humor and sarcasm in the excerpt. I received this book for free via Booksirens. Unfortunately, the further I made it in the book, the more scarce these moments of genius writing seemed to get. At times I found the story too predictable, too obvious, and at times a bit sleazy. On the one hand it is everything I expect and want in chick lit, on the other hand this story, unfortunately, didn’t seem to stick with me in the end. The writing sometimes felt a bit off. Where the (initial) humor really pulled me in and felt super original, other pieces of writing felt rather basic. For instance: “Honestly, I had no idea that a kiss could be so good. I never used to enjoy kissing. To me, it was a sloppy activity with too much tongue movement.” But then again, some lines really blew me away: “There was something magically, healing about the exchange of books. Stories passed from person to person, leaving in their hearts an imprint that would live on.” The characters never really developed and therefore stayed a bit superficial. I love books with song references and this book had quite a few. So in the end it is hard to rate this book. I enjoyed parts of it but at the same time I also expected more.

[Merry Chapman]

When you walk in on your husband of 25 years in your bed with a 20 something what do you do? Well for one thing, you try marriage counseling which could help salvage what was there or does it. When Darren, your husband turns it all around and blames you for his infidelities, calling you names and berating you in front of the counselor, it is time to go for divorce! Coming out with a decent divorce settlement our protagonist, Florence Hooker decides to get away across the mountain to Rainbow Valley and buy a house and a business called Serenitea to start over. She didn't want to move too far since she still has her daughter Aimee who has been bailing her out of troubles. With the old owner of the tea shop, Norma, bossing her around and pushing her to do better, with literally punching a dog mascot in the head and getting brought into the police station to be bailed out by Aimee again with only a warning, with her starting to drink more than she should, with her two best friends trying to get her to live again, Florence sees only doom and gloom. Suffering from depression and PTSD from her divorce, she has almost hit bottom.Whe n she learns the dog mascot she punched was an ex-veterinarian who opened a grooming shop next door, she felt even worse. When she formally meets the next door tenant, Tom Apperley she is smitten but very standoffish. He seems to fall for her too. But so many things seem to get in the way, especially since she has such low self-esteem. When her daughter and her fiance arrange for a family weekend at a resort she brings Tom as her plus one. Of course her ex-husband and his girlfriend, now pregnant are there too. But, as Florence decides to take a walk, she is approached by Darren who keeps telling her he wants to put their family back together despite getting his girlfriend pregnant! When Tom sees them together, with Darren kissing Florence, he leaves and decides he can't put up with that. What has Florence done? With a lot of humor, tears and cheers, you will definitely enjoy this book! I loved it and had to use a tissue at times and chuckled at others. I just had to read this in one sitting. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[TrishAM]

After catching my husband of twenty five years in the act of flagrantly carrying out a weird fetish with a twentysomething year old in our bed I was now reduced to having my leg humped by a huge Husky dog as the police sirens approached........could things get any worse ?
Florence Hooker's life was on a downward spiral, after she divorced her husband she left Wellington to settle in Rainbow Valley, she bought a cottage and a teas shop called "Serenitea", Florence had high hopes but things didn't go to plan, she was depressed, she couldn't put her heart into the shop, her two best friends and her daughter were worried about her but they were an hours drive away and to make matters worse she was being browbeaten by Norma, the old lady that she had bought the tea room from, who also happened to be the aunt of the owner of the humping dog who hadn't pressed charges for her assault on him, and a pillar of the community.
Tom Apperley was the town Vet, he was hoping to expand his business by opening a dog grooming and training shop called "Barking Mad"..........the shop was right next door to Serenitea, he could have got off to a better start, in fairness, Florence the dog didn't usually hump people, only Florence the tea shop owner.
This story follows Florence and Tom's second chance at love, of Florence's insecurities, of her worries about her daughter Aimee getting married too young, of having to encounter Darren and his girlfriend Chloe at the pre wedding get together, of Tom's unyielding support and of nearly throwing it all away.
This book has everything, it is a lovely story, it illustrates that romance isn't only for the young, I laughed out loud and I was sad for them. I am hoping that this is the first of many in Melissa Crosby's "Fabulously Over Forty" series.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.

[Emily Pennington]

Didn't Work for Me . . .

Wow, Florence makes starting over seem… pretty terrifying! After catching her husband dressed as a tiger about to get it on with a 20-something unicorn dresser, she divorced and moved on. He had tried to say it was not what it looked like, but there was no way to ever believe what she saw was innocent. And two years of counseling didn’t help at all. She dropped “friends” whose pity was fake anyway and she no longer wanted to be their source of amusement. So 45-year-old Florence sold the house, moved, and purchased a tea business, having no prior experience, and allows the previous owner to harass her and tell her about the numerous mistakes she is making. And the lovely house she had purchased with its awesome qualities was finally seen as not really what she wanted. The wisteria she admired smelled awful. The dahlias looked dry. The rose bushes were yellow and spotty. The warm summer was scorching hot. And the lack of wind… well, it was still windy there in the valley. (By now, even I was depressed reading her story.)

After some time passes, Florence tries dating Tom Apperley and it might even be a good experience. At least until her cheating ex-husband shows up. Having gotten Chloe pregnant, Darren saw Florence with Tom and wants her back! And she has already messed things up with Tom. So where does she go from here?

I know this was supposed to be hilariously funny, but my mind translated it into “door mat”. I didn’t like the story line, nor most of the characters. I was less amused with every incident Florence allowed to happen to her. Her troubles were not “fun”. This book just didn’t work for me. Too much negative for me to resurrect a smile.

[Tanya]

Florence moves to a small town after finding her husband in a rather ugly position on Xmas day and buys a tea shop.

Determined to move on with life, Florence tries to restart life in Rainbow Valley, set in a fictional town in the Wairarapa region in Wellington, New Zealand.

I love NZ so I could picture this sort of town and the sort of people Florence was meeting and having to deal with. Tom, the eventual love interest, his overbearing aunt Norma, the nosy town folk… all made perfect sense to me. I've left a big town for a small town and yes, you are in a fish bowl.

The story itself started out a bit too quick and I worried it would go the way of some cheesy harlequin romance with heaps of sex and strange words for body parts. (not that I mind that….) Thankfully, it did not.

Not sure if I am a fan of the boy meets girl, girl kisses ex, boy leaves girl and ghosts her for months trope tho…..

I feel that since Flo was pretty open with Tom about her ex and how it all went down, he could have been a little more understanding. However, once we hear Tom's life story, it make a little more sense.

I saw the side story of Aimee and Justin coming a mile away but I thought it might go differently. Still props to her for making the right choice.

I liked the character development of this book, the way Florence changes as a person and adjusts to fishbowl living. The budding romances within the side characters was sweet as well.

All in all, this was a nice, easy read. :)

[Angela Davidson]

A fun and easy read.

I loved the anecdotal style of writing for this book. It really felt like you were sitting down to a cup of tea or coffee with Florence while she told you her story.

And what a story it is! At times you will feel sad for her, at times encouraging, other times angry for her, and then times where you will be frustrated with her and just want to grab her and shake her to wake up and see what is right before here. And then there are the bits that make you just want to laugh out loud over what she gets herself into.

As a character, Florence is likeable and relatable. She is witty and intelligent, yet at the same time very vulnerable and inexperienced at life. It is great to see her go through some major character development over the course of the novel.

With a supporting cast of equally likeable characters, and one not so likeable one, this is a nice, easy and relaxing read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - absolutely not
Would I sit down and read it all over again - maybe (if my TBR pile wasn't so huge already)
Would I read more by this author based on this book - I would definitely be interested in reading the next in this series.

[Linda]

Wit, humor and a new start in a small Wairarapa town🌬🌄

4.5🌟 stars
Plenty of great elements to this New Zealand-set story of a new divorcee starting over in a small town on the North Island. With wit and dry humor, the author got me hooked by Florence Hooker's trials, tribulations and learning curve as she adapts to small town life running a teashop. I also love a good plot set in New Zealand and a female lead who's got some living behind her.

It was entertaining from the start when her marriage falls apart in an unusual and at the same time typical way. The tale of Florence's transition from betrayed housewife to small business owner includes some great secondary characters like Norma, the bossy former owner of her teashop, Florence's dad and the Taco About It support group. And then there's Tom, her new romantic interest. Their first meeting is a real treat😃.

I found the book an easy, quick read with lots happening as the seasons pass and country life succeeds in lifting the pall of gloom that followed Florence from her broken marriage. The romance is slow build and never explicit and the ending brought out a smile.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Olivia Morris]

What happens when your world is falling apart at the seams, life isn't what you thought it would be and every thing is just not worth the effort? Hopefully you take on a new course in life just as Florence did.

After her marriage with Darren is over, Florence is lost for a while, but sensing a need to start anew, she buy into a Tea Shop that is struggling to survive. Norma the pervious owner is retiring, so new beginnings are happening for both of these women. The funny part is that Florence is a coffee drinker and running a tea shop seems to be a futile effort. Thank goodness, things turn around when books and mysteries are added to the tea shops offerings.

I don't want to give away too much of the plots (there are a few in there) so will tell you that this book is a nice little read. The twists and turns, the friendships that are forged and everyday life unfolds in a very interesting way. I'm sure everyone who reads this book will be able to see parts of it resonating in their own lives and that is what makes this book so enjoyable. I do hope you will pick it up for yourselves and enjoy a good read and a laugh or two and maybe even a tear or two as well.

I was given and ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Suze82]

(un)settling
I expected a romantic comedy for middle aged people, but I was confronted with a mix of making me sand and showing me there is always hope.
You are never too old to be cheated on but there is alway a chance you will find somebody who suits you better, we all make mistakes: some learn from them and do better next time and some just cannot be helped. As far as relationships are concerned it´s hard not to settle for fear of spending your life alone, but is being second choice really what anybody wants?
I liked that Tom and Florence finally found their HEA, Florence´s former husband Darren seems to like himself in the role as a cheater (not only doing it to his wife of 20+ years but also to his girlfriend Chloe and their son Theo) and will hopefully one day get what he deserves. All in all this book shows us good can come from bad, you can find new friends in places you never expected, so when times are rough we should still try not to give up, even if it´s not easy, better times will come.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shannon Patterson]

Florence is a character I can really embrace. She's old enough to have some life experiences but still jumps into her next adventure a little blind. Starting new things doesn't have to be a bad thing, it doesn't need to be scary and sometimes the best choice is stepping outside your box. Florence does just that and jumps feet first into being a business owner, she quickly finds herself overwhelmed with learning new things, juggling life in general and dealing with negative factors that keep budding in.

I found this a fun adventure and as someone who recently jumped into a whole new work field, I could really relate to parts of the story. Florence did have to deal with more drama and trouble than I have though. I loved trying to figure out what her next obstacle would be.

I received a free copy of this story through BookSirens and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[Kris]

This was a really awesome read.
It had a slow start, but once I was in, I just couldn’t put it down.
I would be reading and anticipating the storyline to go one way, and just when you think that’s where you are, there would be a plot twist and you’d be thrown in a totally different direction.
This didn’t just happen once either. Melissa got really creative and threw numerous plot twists in, so you could never fully guess where the story was going.
Florence had the most horrible surprise of her life on Christmas Day 2 years ago, now she has to how out how she wants to spend her future. Can she move on from her past?
If you like sweet romances then this book is definitely for you.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Lori R]

I liked that this book focused on a woman in her forties who was recently divorced.  The book was heartfelt, funny, sad, and amusing at times.  I really liked Florence and watching her start her new life among trials and tribulations, happy moments, tears, and maybe new love. It was fun watching her buy and run the tea shop and then turn it into something she really loved. I was so glad she finally got over her ex-husband, Darren and could open her heart to someone else if she wanted to.  It was also nice to see her relationship with her sister grow.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Laura Jutras]

It Takes Tea to Tango is a sweet, later in life romance. Florence and Tom are both carrying baggage from their first failed marriages. Yet when they meet, they are immediately attracted. The story chronicles their (mis)adventures and (mis)understandings. I found myself groaning and laughing right along with them. Even the secondary characters are quirky and fun. The story takes place in New Zealand. I like how the author put in some details about New Zealand. I hope Melissa continues this as a series with other townspeople. I really enjoyed this story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tracy]

This was absolutely charming. I love rom-coms but lovely 20-somethings don't have the same challenges we middle-aged daters do: adult children, love handles, saggy bums...

Florence is starting over after a divorce, which too many of us can relate to. She's jumped headfirst into important life choices (again, WAY too relatable) and is floundering. Running a tea shop (while hating tea) in wild and wacky Rainbow Valley, she meets Tom -- an absolutely awful neighbor. Can I just say, I never want to leave Rainbow Valley? I'm not sure which is better, Florence herself or the cast of characters and crazy that make up Rainbow Valley.

[Holly Bleggi]

I thought this story was well written. I liked how it told the story of trying to find love again after divorce. I liked how both people had to deal with their own issues before they could be together. I also liked how each person had to be honest. I enjoyed the different characters and their personalities and the way they added color to the story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Sumaiyah]

I love that I can relate to Florence (the main character in the book). Life throws us curveballs when we just think we have everything in order and we need to hit rock bottom to find our true strength, purpose, and character. Melissa offers real-life stories that are relatable. painful, humorous, kind, and spirited. I went through all the emotions crying, laughing, smiling, and anger. I am hoping Melissa plans to write many more and build a series.

[Sherry]

Florence may have taken on more then she can handle, she bought a business without any experience and every day she has the previous owner telling her what she is doing wrong. She tries dating but just when it starts to feel serious her cheating ex husband shows up. Luckily Florence has friends and a daughter that she can lean on and ask for help. This story is so fun, every time you turn a page you wonder what trouble she will get herself in to.

[Jeanne Richardson]

I've read several books written by Melissa Crosby; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Fabulously Over Forty Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Florence and how she dealed with her life after her divorce; she caught her husband cheating.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

I really enjoyed this book. There were sad moments but I found the book full of humor and heart. It was interesting and fun to read about an over 40’s Florence and all her experiences to find happiness. I liked the writing style, story line and how it kept my interest throughout the book. I definitely recommend this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jaclyn Howell]

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the characters and how the main character showed that starting over is possible. The story flowed well and had very relatable characters. It was great how Florence's friends didn't sugar coat things and that everything was dealt with head on. This book makes for a great weekend read.

[Cricket1327_Zmob King]

I really liked it! It was cool having a heartbreak/love story from the viewpoint of a more mature women. The characters were well written as well as the storyline itself.

There were a few inconsistenties and gaps in the story, but definitely worth reading!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Wanda Madelaine]

I love rom-coms, and there were parts of the story that I laughed out loud. The story was cute. Also, I was caught off guard when Philippines was mentioned, thank you for that.

I cannot wait to read the other books in this series.

I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joanne]

Nice, entertaining story. Florence turned out to be quite a witty MC who started out very angry that her life was upended in divorce but soon recovered with a little help from her friends. Lots of funny situations, but I did have a little trouble believing in her new romance. I just didn't feel it. But, the writing flowed and the story was still entertaining.

[Mary Mazzella]

Hallmark movie vibes, tastefully done. The book follows the transformation main character Florence, a cheeky, yet respectable divorcee who bravely decides to start over. Her journey is heartwarming and funny. I enjoyed the writing and the developed characters. This was a sweet, light read!
Thanks to BookSirens for the opportunity for this ARC!

[Nati]

Funny and sad and everything in between. This story will make you laugh out loud but also cry. Forty five divorced Florence just bought a Tea Shop in Rainbow Valley, a quaint little town to try to start over after her bitter divorce. Meeting the handsome and funny veterinary next door can be the best thing ever happened to her or the worst since their relationship can break her heart again.

[Rita Kunselman]

I loved the book & the innocence of a forty year old woman who left a marriage with a jerk! It is placed in NZ, and a NZ author which, I seem to find them the best authors! Maybe the weather? Or living on an island but, whatever they are a great read! I would definitely recommend this book! Perhaps this Author will become a favorite of mine!

[Corinne Dewey]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily

This was a lovely read nice to have a love story about an older couple

The ups and downs of exes particularly ones who lie and spout forth flattery

I loved the small town feel although I personally would find it a bit stifling with all the rules and regulations and gossip

A charming love story

[Andra Weis]

It Takes Tea to Tango by Melissa Crosby is the first book by this author that I have read. And I must say - I do hope it is not my last. Her writing style and storytelling made the whole experience very enjoyable. I was swept up in the life of our protagonist Florence (not to be confused with the veterinarian’s pooch Florence :). I seemed to feel her pain of a forty something year old divorcee (yes - the ex - Darren - what a character). Florence Hooker is starting over in Rainbow Valley where she has a new to her home and a new business - Serenitea. Quite a change for Florence - running a business for the first time in her life. With no experience behind her - it is a bumpy ride (and at times a wee bit funny in my opinion). Her next door business neighbor is Tom Apperley, the owner of a dog grooming business (which on their first meeting - he is trying to contain Florence - the dog).

I felt the characters were sufficiently developed. I was so understanding of Florence and her apprehension at starting over in the dating/falling in love scenario. Being married for so long and then to have to emotionally survive the betrayal of Darren… hard for anyone to take and move on from. But with the help of Tom, Florence’s friends and her daughter - Florence was finally able to have the confidence in herself to move forward. But not without many chuckle worthy moments.

I really enjoyed reading this love story, which shows that romance isn't only for the young. I chuckled and as well as feeling the pain during the tough times that Florence and Tom’s journey took to get to a HEA.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that this is the first of many in Melissa Crosby's "Fabulously Over Forty" series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.