Sweet Tea

GIVEAWAY

HUGULEY, PIPER

SWEET TEA

Southern traditions, history, and hope come together in author Piper Huguley's heartfelt romance from Hallmark Publishing.

Althea Dailey has succeeded beyond her wildest dreams: she's about to make partner at her prestigious law firm in New York. So why doesn't she feel more excited about it? When she has to travel South for a case, she pays a long-overdue visit back home to Milford, Georgia. To her surprise, a white man she's never met has befriended her grandmother.

Jack Darwent wasn't interested in the definition of success dictated by Southern high society. His passion for cooking led him to his current project: a documentary and cookbook about authentic Southern food. Althea's grandmother is famous for her cooking at Milford College, a historically Black institution. But Althea suspects Jack of trying to steal her grandmother's recipes.

Despite Althea and Jack's first impressions of one another, they discover they have more in common than they'd guessed...and even as they learn about one another's pasts, they both see glimmers of a better future.

This Southern small-town romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Grandma's Biscuits and Gravy.

My Review:

I was so excited to discover Piper Huguley's first contemporary romance on audible and I have to say I was entranced by Inger Tudor's performance as narrator. Her rich tones and unique interpretation of each character elevated the story. Kudos to the brilliant collaboration of author and narrator! I enjoyed listening to Sweet Tea immensely.

And this story!!! First, loved the tie it has to the author's Milford College series. That was such a fun surprise! Althea is a descendant of those earlier book characters and I got a little thrill every time they were mentioned. No worries if you haven't read that historical series, Sweet Tea is definitely a standalone novel, I just get a bibliophile boost when I find fictional connections like that. Yes, I'm that book nerd. :-)

While this has all the makings of a typical Hallmark movie, Huguley's delivery is anything but. Her approach to the small town girl makes big in the city and returns home to find herself trope fresh and exciting. And a lot of that excitement comes courtesy of Jack. (This is your cue to clear off your fainting couch.)

He's a dream hero. Unflappable, creative, dedicated to living in the moment with zest and enthusiasm. He's learned how to slow down and focus on what's really important and when he sets his sights on Althea...oh my! (Might want to grab a couple of fans too.)

By contrast, Althea is uptight and driven -- out to prove something -- but why and to whom? I was itching to figure her out from the very first chapter. She is so distrustful of Jack even as she fights an attraction to him. And the man is so happy and content it makes her antsy! Such great dynamics between these two. Plenty of opportunities for verbal sparring and teasing banter which brings the romance sizzling to life.

But it's Miss Ada, Althea's grandmother, who steals every scene she's in. I love that woman! Everyone needs a Miss Ada in their life, bossing them around and telling them what's what and reminding them of where they come from and who God made them to be. If I'd had a book in hand I would have underlined a variety of Ada-ism to treasure after the reading glow has dimmed. Might just have to have a re-listen to appreciate Miss Ada some more.

This is a story about finding your place -- in your family, in the world and especially in God's kingdom. Althea' journey of discovery is moving and uplifting and I appreciated the inspirational themes intrinsically woven into the heart of her story.

And I do so love a clever title tie-in and this one is beyond that! All in all a thrilling read (or listen) and I'm hoping the author has more contemporary Milford stories coming out soon!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Sweet Tea, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 14 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!