An Everly Swan mystery set in a North Caroline beach town. Everly must solve this mystery to ensure the success of her new business, Sun, Sand, and Tea Shop.
A shop on a beach that serves a variety of iced teas sounds like a perfect idea to me! Not everyone agrees in this novel. This is book #1 in the series and it is off to a great start!
Live and Let Chai by Bree Baker
Outline and Tone:
This is the first book in Bree Baker’s Seaside Café Mysteries and I am extremely glad that there are more books in this series to read. The protagonist in this series is Everly Swan. The setting is an island off North Carolina. Everly’s family is reported to be some of the original settlers of this town. Everly has recently returned home to the island and opened an iced tea shop called Sun, Sand, and Tea. I was sold on the novel as soon as I learned that tidbit. I wish there was a locally owned iced tea shop by me. Everly’s family is known to have some superstitions, so when someone dies in her tea shop, the town is immediately skeptical about what luck Everly has brought back to the island. It is up to Everly and the new handsome sheriff, Grady, to solve the mystery and restore Everly’s reputation. One of the things I loved about the novel is that there is some obvious attraction between Everly and Grady, but the author knows how to keep us on the edge of our seats to see if they will get together.
The author:
Julie Anne Lindsey writes as Bree Baker, Julie Chase, and Jacqueline Frost. She writes both mystery and romance novels. As Bree Baker, she is an award winning author. Her website highlights all of her book series and even a cozy mystery reading club. Ms. Lindsey is also active on Facebook and Twitter (@julieALindsey). She is a prolific writer and even has a mystery series starring cats titled Kitty Couture Mysteries that have rave reviews on Amazon.
What is not to like?:
I’m not completely sold on the notion of the superstitions surrounding Everly’s family. However, since this is book one in the series, I’m still open to the possibility of being won over to the concept. Other than that, there was nothing not to love about the story, the characters, and the subtle cliffhanger at the end.
The verdict:
Read it, drink it, even snack on the Carolina Cucumber Sandwiches recipe listed at the end. The leading lady is confident, intelligent, and likable, what more could a reader ask for? Another novel!
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
Summer Strawberry and Peach Iced Tea Recipe
Assemble the ingredients
In a saucepan that can hold at least 10 cups, add 4 cups of water, strawberry preserves, and the herbal peach tea bags. Bring to a boil then remove from hat and allow to steep at least 15 minutes.
Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion Herbal Tea is caffeine free and my favorite sweet peach tea.
When it gets to the boiling point, the mixture will smell wonderful, but look horrible. Something about broken down preserves looks unappetizing. Don’t be fooled! This tea tastes amazing.
After it has had time to steep, add 6 more cups of cold water and remove the tea bags. Allow to cool completely and refrigerate.
When it is ready to serve, pour it over ice and add a fresh strawberry to the top. You will not need to add sweetener due to the sugar from the preserves. Sit on your front porch and enjoy.
What would I do differently next time?
This tea is perfect, don’t change a thing! Everyone in my family loved it. So the only thing to do differently next time would be to try other herbal tea and fruit combinations. A raspberry tea with blueberries and blackberries comes to mind for a Tri-Berry tea. Please leave a comment and tell me what other tea and fruit combinations you will try next.
Summer Strawberry and Peach Tea
Ingredients
- 10 cups cold water divided
- 1 cup strawberry preserves
- 8 herbal peach tea bags
- 12 fresh strawberries cored and sliced
- Ice
Instructions
- Using a medium saucepan, add 4 cups of water, strawberry preserves, and peach tea bags, and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat, and steep 15 minutes.
- Pour in remaining 6 cups of cold water.
- Remove tea bags and let cool completely. Then, add strawberry slices, and stir.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Pour over ice.
Pear Ginger Tea from A Call for Kelp,
Cranberry Mint Black Tea from Tide and Punishment,
