The Necessity of Lavender Tea

Mystic Water #2

by Jennifer Moorman

Like most teenagers coming of age in the 1950s, Kate Muir wants the basics—rock and roll and a sense of belonging. But for Kate, one thing she can't live without is her endless supply of lavender tea.



At sixteen Kate would be happy just to blend in with her Mystic Water peers, but she has “a cursed fate,” her mama says. Kate can see the future, which makes being like everybody else nearly impossible. In spite of her special gift, Kate is forbidden to alter the future in any way, no matter what she sees. Her only chance at living a somewhat normal life is to drink lavender tea, the only remedy that stops the visions.



Kate’s older brother, Evan, is her opposite—popular, charming, everyone’s friend—and the main reason Kate isn’t completely rejected by the local kids. When Evan dies in a tragic accident, Kate withdraws into herself and becomes more of an outcast than ever before.



But a chance encounter with a young man from the most prestigious family in Mystic Water tosses Kate into a whirlwind of friendship, acceptance, and love. Just when she believes this new life might last, Kate has a terrible premonition. Will she break the rules and alter the future? At the risk of exposing her special ability, can she prevent the horrible event from happening before it’s too late?



Journey into this enchanting heart-filling tale of magical realism and the powerful changes brought on by accepting oneself.

Genres: Magical Realism, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Magic

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2023

About the author

Jennifer Moorman is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of five novels, including The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds, The Magic All Around, and the Mystic Water Series. Her creative works also include a collection of folklore retellings and Strawberry Shortcake children’s books. Praised by Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and others, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds is described as “imbued with Moorman’s trademark touch of magic,” “a seamless blend of history and magical realism,” “an absolute treasure of a book,” and “absolutely mesmerizing.”

A double major graduate of Middle Tennessee State University from the Recording Industry and English programs, her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including People, Parade, Writer’s Digest, The Nerd Daily, Women’s World Magazine, Hollywood Weekly, and many more. She holds degrees with concentrations in mass communications, linguistics, and fiction writing, reflecting her diverse background in storytelling and communication.

She put together a band and toured the United States as an accomplished professional singer for five years. She also worked many years as a senior editor for Harper Collins, guiding authors through the writing, editing, and publishing processes.

Jennifer is the cocreator and cohost of the podcast One Happy Thing with fellow bestselling authors Kerry Anne King and Maddie Dawson.

When she’s not writing, you can find her testing a new recipe, chasing rainbows, or stargazing. Jennifer lives in a magic house in Nashville, Tennessee.

Reviews

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: The Necessity of Lavender Tea
AUTHOR: Jennifer Moorman
PUB DATE: 03.02.2023 Now Available

Magical
Enchanting
Coming of Age

I loved reading The Necessity of Lavender Tea by Jennifer Moorman in this lite magic southern historical fiction read, with a main character I just enjoyed rooting for. Imagine yourself as a young woman who has the power for foresee the future and told you cannot do anything to change that fate, what would you do when people you care about and love may be in your hands? That is exactly what sixteen year old Kate is going through. She has already lost her brother Evan - would she repeat the same fate for Geoffrey?

This is a beautifully written story about fitting in, embracing yourself in the world, love, loss, and resilience. This book is simply charming and I loved getting lost in this story.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: The Necessity of Lavender Tea
AUTHOR: Jennifer Moorman
PUB DATE: 03.02.2023 Now Available

Magical
Enchanting
Coming of Age

I loved reading The Necessity of Lavender Tea by Jennifer Moorman in this lite magic southern historical fiction read, with a main character I just enjoyed rooting for. Imagine yourself as a young woman who has the power for foresee the future and told you cannot do anything to change that fate, what would you do when people you care about and love may be in your hands? That is exactly what sixteen year old Kate is going through. She has already lost her brother Evan - would she repeat the same fate for Geoffrey?

This is a beautifully written story about fitting in, embracing yourself in the world, love, loss, and resilience. This book is simply charming and I loved getting lost in this story.

[Zoë · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book in my Lavender books box and I devoured it in a day! I really enjoyed the magical realism of this story and how it was woven into the historical setting. It captured the struggles of being a teenager who wants to fit in and is finding herself. Also a teen that struggled with self loathing which is such an important topic for young girls and boys. The world tries to bring you down from all directions and it’s hard but you can fight and prove the haters wrong. Kate was a very relatable character to my 16 year old self who was constantly worried about fitting in. Finding love and doing all the things that seem to be expected but then realizing maybe those aren’t the most important things in life. Overall a great story and I’m happy I discovered it because I wouldn’t have read it if it weren’t for the box! All the gifts were very good motivators to keep reading so I could open the next one!

[Bubba Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the writing of Jennifer Moorman. It catches my attention, pulls me in, and spits me out with a full heart and a smile on my face at the end. The Necessity of Lavender Tea was the perfect choice to read on this rainy Sunday. There’s magic and mystery and - best of all - a reminder to always be yourself. No matter what. I’m SO GRATEFUL that Jennifer shared her gift of storytelling with us.

[Shionna Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It features a coming-of-age romance, magical realism, and beautifully atmospheric writing centered around nature, which is a must for me. I felt so connected to the main character, Kate, and could relate to not only her deep connection to the natural world but also her quest for love and belonging in a society that makes "fitting in" while being your true self so difficult. I admire Kate's ability to stay true to herself even when faced with rejection. I am truly inspired by her heart and soul's integrity. The ending was absolutely adorable, and it left me wanting more! I highly recommend this book!

[Maria Lew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Moorman books are so amazingly visually and unbelievable beautiful, I can see all the flowers blooming 🌼🌻 🌸 💐 , I can see the monarch butterflies 🦋 🦋 🦋 in the air. This is my third book, I loved and enjoyed The Baker's Man, and her new book The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds. In The Necessity of Lavender Tea, her words take you to the places she writes about, you become part of the story. I have had the pleasure of listening to the narration by Jennifer Groberg. She does a wonderful job giving voice and life to all of these beautiful well written characters.

There is a part in the story where it brought memories of the movie "Grease", the make over & the carnival.

There's intrigue and suspense. I couldn't stop listening, needing to know what would happen next. The young love, the rivalry, the need to fit in, being a teenager isn't easy.

"Why would anyone choose the outcast over the home coming queen 👑."

The decision in changing oneself and the future is a difficult decision to make. Just like Kate, I think we all have this gift that we must make, it's not a curse.

I agree with Oscar Wilde, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."

Little Black Bird believes in love everlasting, and so do I. The epilogue is so beautiful, just like this book 📖 😊. Enjoy ❤️.

#jennifermoorman

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love coming-of-age stories. Kyr is wonderful. I understand her struggles, trying to belong and be like the other kids when she can't see how she is so much more. Set in the 50s Kate is a young woman who hasn't experienced her first kiss, but she has experienced visions and premonitions that her mom describes as a family curse that can be silenced with Lavender Tea, but it doesn't work with Kate.
Kate just wants to experience a teenager's ordinary life, so she tries to make those connections with others. Her mom warns her that she can't break the rules and stop a premonition from happening (something that could have saved Kate's older brother's life). But when the time comes to make sure someone won't get hurt, she risks it all. I am glad the author gave us a sweet ending, even if it had sad moments. I love magic realism and the writing style of this author. I always trust that we're in for a great story.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute heart warming story about a small town and a special family that tends to keep to its self. Coming of age and all that business…Kate has visions of future events. Guilt about not telling her brother about his impending death. She is self conscious about being Native American and her mother is trying to keep her from being like all the other girls. Kate finds love in a boy from town who is just using her for the summer. Ultimately she breaks the rules and start telling people about a terrible premonition she had. In the end her friends turn their back on her and the boy she loves shows his true colors Leaving her heart broke and the town under water.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I enjoyed this, and I find this series light and entertaining, I'm still giving this one a three star. For a book set in the 1950's I didn't feel the vibes of the decade, instead the author dropped the name of a song or car model and that just didn't suffice. The immersion wasn't there. Second, I wanted Kate's coming of age process was explored in more ways than just her first love and the neighborhood bully. There was so much more we could have experienced with her, including her heritage and her late brother. Missed opportunities.

[Carrie McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A coming of age story with a touch of seeing the future. So many confusing feeling because of a mother that is too superstitious to help her daughter understand. A daughter that seeks her own answers behind her mother's back. lot of lavender tea is drank throughout this story. This poor teen must fight her way to learn the truth.
Narration of this story was excellent. I love a book that comes to life with a narrator.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story. Feeling like an outsider is common when you’re young but can linger into adulthood. I still connect with that sentiment.

There’s something special here. I’m uncertain how to describe how comforted this book made me feel but believe I enjoyed the experience immensely. A summer setting but I imagined reading this on a cool autumn day. Just cozy.

I didn’t realize this was book 2 in a series but aside from not knowing much about the world I was able to read it just fine.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an older woman, I really enjoyed this book, but it would make a great book to gift to a teen!!!! It's a good clean book without cursing or spice. . . .AND includes a really good coming of age storyline and message. . . complete with a twist at the end. It's a cozy read that takes place in the magical town of Mystic Waters. Even though this is book 2 in the series, this can be read as a stand alone.

[Alisa Swerdlove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Story

I didn't know what to expect because this story went back in time. It was wonderful and it was great to get a story from the past on the hay day of Beans ownership of the bakery. Jennifer Moorman is becoming one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this book!

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was wonderful warm story of Kate Muir, 15 years old with some "magical" powers, who just wants to fit in with all the other girls in her school and community. Although it is #2 in the Mystic Water series, it is very doable as a standalone.

Go Cards! L1C4!!

[Catherine Petry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Necessity of Lavender Tea

Beautiful coming of age story of learning to accept one’s own specialness in the face of one’s peers who have difficulty with accepting the unique qualities of others.

[Cheryl Stauffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice, clean 1950's teenage book. Reminded me too much of my past for being different as a child.

[Katherine Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I loved the twists and turns and I want to read more of Kate and Matthias!!!

[Katelynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good coming of age book. Magical aspect was a fun twist.

[Zenobia Afeworki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, however GEOFFREY SUCKS

[Lori Fosterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! It was a great read!

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as book # 1 in the series. Still, a light easy read

[Abby Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the magical realism aspects of this story, or course. But, and even though this is a story about a teenager, the self loathing of the main character became annoying. She was always seeking validation and to fit in with others. She was looked at and treated differently because of her Cherokee heritage. And all she wanted was to be accepted. I guess, like any teenager. It just became a lot.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this southern magical realism book in one sitting. All ages from YA on up to 100+ years old would enjoy this book because even though the main characters are teens the secondary characters do range in age.

I think the book’s setting of the 1950s in the small town of Mystic River, Georgia makes this a good read for all. There is the subject of acceptance that is threaded through this book on multiple levels. I think all of these elements make for a lively multi-generational discussion.

The main character, Kate, is a 16 year old girl from mixed heritage. That makes her different among the other teens in Mystic River. As a child, Kate learns she has the “curse” of seeing the future. Kate’s mother tells her that no matter what she can’t tell the person about the future event which weighs heavy and become wildly personal to Kate. Her mother also has her drink lavender tea which is supposed to make the visions lessen.

When Kate helps another teen named Geoffrey who comes from an influential family in town, Kate pines for what others have. Thanks to Geoffrey’s influence Kate becomes part of the popular crowd, but a startling vision may change everything.

Kate has the energy that makes flowers burst into bloom and it’s that same alluring energy which makes this book so good.

[Myreadingzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up in 1954, Kate is a young girl living in an era that did not treat nor accept those whom they deemed "different" kindly. Her whole childhood, she has felt like an outsider, being half Cherokee and half Scottish. Not only does she look unique compared to other girls her age, but she also has a very unique gift that no one outside of her mom and older brother knows about. What her mother tells her is really a "curse" their family has passed down from generation to generation. If being a teen is not hard enough, Kate truly feels like an antisocial outcast with no friends.

This is an enchanting and heartfelt magical realism story all about accepting yourself fully, what makes you different, and whatever gifts you may have without shame or fear. Be true to who you are, and don't change who you are in order to be accepted and/or loved by others. This was a beautifully written, small-town, whimsical book in which you can't help but want to give Kate a hug. This book is well written, flows well, pulls you emotionally in different ways, and also has some funny moments. I enjoyed it!
Thank you to #bedsidereadingreaders
for this gifted copy! ❤

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the 1950s, Kate is not like most teenagers in Mystic Water. Although she wishes she could fit in with her peers, much like her popular, outgoing older brother Evan, Kate is “cursed.”

Not only is Kate of mixed race but Kate has premonitions of the future. And as her mama has told her, you are not allowed to try and change the outcome. The one thing that calms her is her lavender tea; it helps to keep the visions at bay.

After the tragic loss of her brother, Kate feels as if she will never be accepted into society for who she is. Until Geoffrey Hamilton brings her into his circle of friends and opens her heart to love. But then a dark premonition falls over Kate, and she realizes she may have to intervene - going against all the rules.

This is such a sweet, yet enchanting story. I loved Kate’s attitude - watching her come into her own and embrace what others call a curse. I’m a fan of a sprinkling of magical realism in a story especially when it doesn’t distract from the characters, and Jennifer Moorman does this beautifully.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @jenniferrmoorman for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[wellreadtraveler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few years ago I read Jennifer Moorman's book The Bakers Man and I loved her writing style and story telling so much that I was excited to read anything else she writes. The Necessity of Lavender Tea really hit the spot for me. Jennifer's stories have a little touch of magic, a sprinkle of mystery, and a big dose of sweet love. As soon as I finished the book I was looking for her next book which comes out September 12th!
Kate is different than most kids she knows and struggles with wanting to be normal. Her family lives a simple life and relies heavy on herbs and natural remedies for their everyday life. Kate has premonitions that need to stay secret and her mom tells her she can never intervene with what she sees. This is something that haunts Kate because she already lost someone that meant the world to her and she has to live with the guilt from that everyday. When Kate helps a fellow student in his time of need the two realize they are from different worlds but something pulls them together. Kate battles between wanting to belong and doing the right thing, and soon she will be faced with a life changing decision. Will she follow her heart or listen to what she's been taught?

[Brittany]

The whole time I was reading this, I kept getting “Where The Crawdads Sing” vibes. I think in the beginning it was because Kate was a loner living in the outskirts of a small town. She was different and everyone made her feel different, or even ignored her. Then she starts a relationship ship with the local popular rich boy. Crawdads vibes. I loved that book by the way.

It also gave off Hallmark movie vibes. This would be a good one for that! So would the first in Mystic Water series.

The book has a message/theme: be true to yourself. You don’t have to change to make others happy or to fit in. Accept yourself.

The cover and title of this book (I think it may have been called Little Blackbird before maybe?) were what drew me in at first. But the cover is magical, which made me realize the story was magical realism with her talents or “curse” as her mama said. Also, I am a big tea fan.

Do yourself a favor, if you enjoy romance without steamy scenes, small town stories, magical realism, or stories about accepting yourself….then pick this up pronto.

[Laura Seppala-symington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a teenaged girl who looks different from the other girls is hard enough, but when you could have a crippling vision of the future at any moment, which you are forbidden from using to help people, fitting in is even harder.
When Kate’s kindness draws the attention of a popular boy, suddenly she is drawn into his world,and the the most dangerous feeling of all emerges: Hope

Will she be able to hide her abilities & actually have friends like this?
Will she be able to balance what her parents expect with what her new friends expect?
Will she lose herself in the process?

And when she sees that awful vision begin to form in real life, can she really just sit back & let it happen?


This was a beautiful read of a girl finding herself as her home & school worlds battle to mould her.
She deals with the age old question we all do:
How far would you go to change yourself just to fit in?

Jennifer’s poetic words pull you along in this beautiful journey with another of Mystic Water’s fascinating, yet so identifiable, residents.

[Travelisfers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about the world Jennifer Moorman has created in her series about the inhabitants of the town of Mystic Water? I was moved to tears when I finished reading The Necessity of Lavender Tea:.

Jennifer writes so beautifully about life and love, growing up and trying to fit in. Sprinkled with just the right amount of magic, this heartwarming second book in the series, will bring you to tears as you become one with Kate as she struggles through hiding her ability to see the future, the pain of wanting to belong, love, and the awkwardness of being different. The book leaves you wanting to visit Mystic Water again and again.

Highly recommend!