Publisher: HQN
Publication Date: May 7, 2019
Scroll down for the giveaway!
A rainy-day ritual—a tea party between three little girls—becomes the framework of not only their friendship, but their lives.Blonde, curly-haired Zoe is openhearted, kind and free-spirited, and dreams of becoming a famous actor in New York City. Shy Emily struggles with mental health but has the heart and soul of a writer. And Shannon—tall, athletic, strong—has a deep sense of loyalty that will serve her well when she heads off to military college.
As Zoe, Emily, and Shannon grow into women—forging careers, following dreams, and finding love—they’ll learn that life doesn’t always unfold the way they want it to, but through it all, the one constant is each other and their regular tea parties. And when the unthinkable happens, the girls must come together to face the greatest test of all.
A deeply moving novel about the family that raises us, the hearts that nurture us, and the great friendships that define our lives.
PRAISE FOR THE LITTLE TEASHOP ON MAIN:
“Heart-wrenching as well as heartwarming, the book reflects the experiences of these seven multifaceted and compelling characters as they journey through challenging years together.” — NY Journal of Books“A comforting treasure for regular Thomas readers who enjoy the easy flow of her writing, a little steamy romance to spice things up, and the development of vulnerable, realistic characters.” — Booklist
“Funny how you don’t think the little things are important until they disappear.”
The Little Teashop on Main proves that it is the ordinary events, the special relationships, and every single heartbeat that make life worth living. The emotions flow freely and abundantly throughout this sweet story, reminding us that the time to live, dream, and love is right now.
The overall plot is actually about everyday moments and about people navigating the pitfalls of childhood, adolescence, adulthood, friendships, and family dynamics. This story is about reaching for the stars without a safety net and recognizing true love sooner rather than later.
Instead of being fast paced and full of non-stop action, The Little Teashop on Main is a character-driven fiction about three girls, Zoe, Shannon, and Emily, developing a lifelong friendship at a simple tea party for princesses when they are only five years old. What happens after this first tea party is the natural progression of life as these girls grow into adulthood and face challenges that test their hopes and dreams but never their friendship. The bond they formed on that special day long ago is unbreakable, no matter what, with many more tea parties punctuating the important moments over the years.
All the other characters crisscross in their relationships with Zoe, Shannon, and Emily. Jack is the funny one and the best friend to all three girls. Mack (Shannon’s father) and Alexendra (Zoe’s mother) form a lifelong friendship at that first tea party as well, sharing in the struggle of parenting solo. But it is Fuller Wilder who might be the most interesting of all the characters. In the beginning, Fuller has the shadowy, shy, and caring qualities of Boo Radley from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. He silently and invisibly watches over fragile Emily until she can open her heart, shed her clipped wings, and soar toward the happiness that has been there all along. Jack and Shannon are friends but have a tumultuous relationship that mocks them with both animosity and attraction throughout the years. Zoe independently grabs her dream with both hands in New York City, living life in double time, faster and faster and faster.
Family and friends are at the heart of The Little Teashop on Main. They both wound and heal with each passing chapter, but they are always there, they always love, and they always listen, even when it is hard or when it hurts or when their own lives are falling apart.
Jodi Thomas’s The Little Teashop on Main and Mornings on Main (2018) both take place in Laurel Springs, Texas, and have a minor overlap; however, both books can stand alone. Jodi Thomas’s writing style is quite lyrical and hauntingly beautiful. The Little Teashop on Main flows smoothly across the years, gently pushing the reader toward an ending that is both heart wrenching and lovely because the bond of friendship will always remain strong, and the tea parties will always continue, no matter what.
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I just love Jodi Thomas’s books and this one is truly infused with warmth that wraps around you like a hug. She’s been my go-to author for over twenty years. Her stories never disappoint or leave me wanting.
I completely I agree. I absolutely adored Mornings on Main!
This is a lovely book review — but I can’t believe you didn’t mention how it made you cry! Twice! Thanks for the bonus round!
I didn’t want to get too emotional and weepy. Lol
Such a great story. So thought provoking and lovely.