Read And Revel

When Grace’s entire world implodes, she finds herself right back home. With her mom and dad. Yikes! After leaving her big corporate job, rich boyfriend, and instagram curated-perfect life just weeks before her wedding (with a too expensive custom dress to prove it) she cleans off the Doritos dust and goes in search of a job in her little hometown, Lavender Hollow. After too many rejections, she ends at the last shop on the street, Matcha Made In Heaven. The place is quiet with few customers, but the tranquility is a balm to her aching heart. She feels a pull to stay there, but what’s pulling her, exactly?

Grace meets new friends,Yuji the shop owner,  the resident baker, Abigail, and her brother, the bookshop owner, Max. Max is handsome, a little nerdy, and going through big transitions of his own. 

Learning to embrace her own new talents and to open herself up to new people and possibilities we journey with Grace to enjoy the everyday magic. 

This book was a pleasant journey from start to end. I love the small town romance, the cozy tea shop, and a town full of fun residents to get to know. The magic starts small and grows into something unique and wonderful. The stakes feel real and relevant, when a franchise coffee shop moves in across the street, how will they save their little slice of local peace? 

I loved the dive into Grace’s world, how she must rebuild her life with the pressures of family expectation, financial responsibilities, and not falling for the cycles of her past. She learns to trust again, to be cautious of manipulation but also not to push people away before knowing the truth. This journey of discovery is relevant to so many people, feeling too much and not enough for the person you love. Feeling worthy or deserving to receive what you’ve been given in life. Many of us have felt imposter syndrome or like we don’t deserve our partner, or have a partner that makes us feel less than them. This book is a sweet reminder that we must find our own self-worth, we must grow beyond that and accept the life that brings joy and peace. 

I found the magical elements very unique. The setting is modern day England, in the fictional town of Lavender Hollow. When little peculiar things begin happening at the tea shop whenever Grace makes matcha, we start to see the magic come alive and impact those around her- for better or worse. While there are cell phones and K-Pop Demon Hunters references, we also get the space to step away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a moment of serenity, and find a slice of magic tucked away. 

Tropes: grumpy/sunshine (my personal favorite), small town romance, found family

Number of Times I Wanted to Throw the Book Across the Room: Twice!

Did the Book Pass the “One More Chapter” Test?: Absolutely! I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next, and what new secrets would come out.

Number of Emotional Roller Coasters: 2 big ones, for sure!

Perfect snack pairing: A strawberry matcha latte, and a chocolate cupcake.

Character I Would Most Like to Have a Drink With: Abigail, I want all the town tea, and who she’s scheming to matchmake next.

Quote that perfectly sums up the main characters relationship: “Anything is possible… But whatever you decide, you’re not alone in this Grace. Not anymore.”

Level of spice: 3/5 , some tension throughout and open door. 

Unique bits I love: I love all of the history on Japan and matcha, the magical and whimsical elements are so fun. 

Thank you NetGalley and Natasha Bache for the opportunity to review this ARC. This is not a sponsored post, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

If you’d like to find more about Natasha Bache, or get a copy of this book, her Instagram is @NatashaBache_Author