Six months ago, Callie decided to quit her job as a tour guide and move back to Heart's Harbor, where she will help her great aunt Iphy with the vintage tea room and restoring the town's former mansion to serve as a place to hold community-wide events. As she and Iphy prepare for what they hope will be a one-of-a-kind Fourth of July celebration, Callie learns that a TV star was last seen in Heart's Harbor before she vanished decades ago. When one of the town residents who may know the truth turns up dead, Callie sets out to figure out not only what actually happened all those years ago, but who is a current-day murderer as well.

This is the second book in this series, and I enjoyed it almost as much as the first book. The town seems like the perfect place to spend a holiday weekend, although I do wonder how they were able to fund such a lavish celebration. Almost all of the characters seem like people I would want to get to know and spend time with, and I want to see what kind of book-related treats the tea shop comes up with. I'm not sure that any police department, small town or not, would be as willing to let a civilian help with a murder investigation, but I like the way Callie works with the police, rather than going off on a wild hair and putting herself in danger. I suspected the identity of the villain, but the resolution to the missing TV star took me by surprise. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Had a hard time getting into this book. I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. And the name of the store bugs me. It doesn't have a good flow. I don't think this is the series for me..

Sweet Tea and Secrets is even better than the first book in this series. Callie Aspen is becoming a well-rounded character and I hope to see the author develop her even more as the series goes on. I've recently gotten into murder mysteries that feature cold cases, so I loved that aspect of this particular book. But then the way it's connected to the present was also a good part of the plot. I wish there was a place like Book Tea in my hometown. It seems like such a fun idea. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series and hope it continues for a long time.

Note: I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own.

This was a quick, light and fun read. I liked the setting and the characters. I enjoyed the writing style. It kept me guessing. I would recommend it to others.

Sweet Tea and Secrets is as refreshing as a cold beverage on a hot summer’s day. The story is a tightly-constructed cozy mystery reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel, with characters that are appealing and a setting that is quaint, making you want to wait to pick it up until you have your favorite beverage in hand (tea, perhaps) and a sweet treat nearby to add to the experience.

What I like:

The novel focused on solving the mysteries. The story didn’t get side-tracked with the goings-on at the Book Tea or with the events happening in the town. As a reader, I appreciated that the plot stayed focus with only brief side trips to explore relationships, histories, and other relevant aspects of the characters.

The characters are relatable, even at times emotionally vulnerable. Callie Aspen has left her apartment, career, and friends to move to Heart’s Harbor, Maine and help her Great-Aunt Iphy at the Book Tea. We traverse the fear and doubt with her as she periodically questions her decision, giving her that 3rd dimension that takes the main character from being a cardboard cut out to feel like someone you know. Who hasn’t gone through times like that?

You had to pay attention to what you were reading because potential clues and red herrings fill the story. The use of Callie’s emotions as clues/red herrings, which I have not noticed any other writers utilizing, is a nice twist in the puzzle – how reliable of a narrator is Callie Aspen? The novel is a real puzzle but one that can be solved with the proper vigilance from the reader and therein lies the fun of a good cozy mystery.

What I wish:

I was able to get to know Aunt Iphy and Ace Faulk better. Though Callie is relatable, the other significant characters in the novel remained two-dimensional. The narration is third-person limited so fleshing out other characters can be a bit of a challenge, but it is possible through the main character noticing little quirks and tells during exchanges as well as providing us with insights she has ascertained with that detective astuteness she shows in other parts of the novel.

Callie didn’t moon over Falk so much. We learned a lot about Callie’s insecurities with men and romantic relationships, but we learned it repeatedly, and it became tiresome. It made Callie seem immature in her emotional responses to men, and even though she has not had an excellent track record over the course of the two novels, there was no other indication that she was emotionally immature.

There will be more mysteries featuring Callie Aspen. I look forward to reading more mysteries with Callie and cannot wait to see how the characters grow and develop over time. Joy Avon has a great framework in her novels for a mystery that reflects the talents of the greats in the genre – Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers to name a few - and I for one cannot wait to read more!

To Read or Not to Read

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, then this is a series you MUST read. Avon is smart, funny and at times whimsical in her approach to the genre but the best thing of all, she gives you a puzzle that is not easy to solve nor is impossible. Happy reading!

An advanced copy was provided to me through Netgalley upon agreement to give an honest review.

Another excellent edition to a wonderful series! Full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more and enjoying each moment until the end when the killer is caught!

Callie Aspen finally moves to Heart's Harbor to start he new life. Hiring Quinn as a handyman seems like a good idea until he drags her into an investigation about a disappearance of a famous actress many years ago. Then the editor in chief of the local newspaper is murdered and Callie starts suspecting that Monica Walker didn't actually disappear but was murdered. How is Quinn involved and why are locals lying about the investigation? And is Monica dead or did she fake her disappearance all these years ago?
A captivating book where you really couldn't figure out who the murderer is until the very end. My first experience with this author but it certainly won't be my last. A great read.

Callie Aspen has given up her job as a tour guide for Travel the Past and come home to the place where she spent her summers as a child to work with her Great Aunt Iphy at Book Tea in Heart's Harbor, Maine. When she was back home for Christmas, she was instrumental in solving a murder. She's hoping that doesn't happen again.

Her aunt has found her a cottage to rent and even found a handyman to do the needed cosmetic repairs. The cottage is by an old lighthouse and her nearest neighbors are the former keeper and his wife.

Since plans are underway for a big Fourth of July celebration, Iphy asks Callie to find some historical event to spotlight. Her handyman Quinn suggests that Callie look into the disappearance of Monica Walker. The famous television actress was last seen in Heart's Harbor in 1989. Quinn's behavior is a little suspicious. Why is he concerned about the disappearing actress? Why does he say he camping out when the local hotel owner says he has rooms there?

Things get even more complicated when the editor of the local newspaper, who had been the reporter who investigated the original disappearance, is found murdered in his office. Quinn isn't the only one who is under suspicion. Callie's light house keeping neighbor is also behaving very suspiciously.

Callie wants to get involved in the investigation despite police officer Falk's disapproval. Callie and Falk had begun a romance when Callie was there at Christmas but now Falk is pulling away. Along with Callie's doubts about whether or not she should have given up her job and changed her life, Callie is wondering whether she made the right decision in coming back home.

This was an entertaining cozy mystery with interesting characters and a great setting. I liked Callie's rescue dog and the new rescue dog that she is trying to find a permanent home for.

This is book 2 in the Tea and Read series and it was worth the wait. Book 1, In Peppermint Peril left the reader hanging as to weather Callie would return to Heart's Harbor, Maine to help her Aunt run the local tea room. Still unsure she made the right decision about leaving her job she jumps into the planning of the local 4th of July celebration. She also falls back into her romance with Deputy Falk as she uncovers a mystery about the disappearance of a 1980 tv star. Good cozy for fans to solve. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This a great little cosy murder mystery - the second in Joy Avon's A Tea and a Read Mystery series.

Callie Aspen has recently moved to Heart's Arbor, Maine and is organising the town's 4th July party. While researching the town history she uncovers the mystery "elopement" of 1980s TV star Monica Walker.

Callie starts investigating Monica's disappearance and soon uncovers a web of secrets hiding in the seaside town.

This is a quick, enjoyable read that is perfect for a rainy day.

I enjoyed the second in Joy Avon's A Tea & Read Mystery series. Callie is more likeable and decided in her course and all of the surrounding characters are engaging. I feel as if I am really visiting a town in Maine. I did figure out the majority of the mystery in the first third of the book, but the who in the whodunit eluded me until the end. I loved the hopefulness of the ending and look forward to more in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions express in this review are entirely my own.

The second book in the "A Tea and Read Mystery" series is a quick and entertaining read. I haven't read the first book "In Peppermint Peril" yet but I can't wait to dive in.

Sleuth Callie Aspen wants to light up the Fourth of July tea party by solving a celebrity's decades-old disappearance, but her digging results in more fireworks than she expects.

Last Christmas, Callie Aspen left her tour guide job and settled in Heart's Harbor, Maine. Now, she helps out at Book Tea, her great aunt's vintage tearoom, where each treat has a bookish clue. Though she's excited to start her new life, Callie worries she may regret having burned her bridges behind her. Fortunately, she finds immediate distraction in the preparations for a spectacular Fourth of July tea party, which will recreate key moments from the town's rich history.

Intrigued to learn that 1980s TV star Monica Walker was last seen in Heart's Harbor before she vanished - allegedly to elope - Callie probes the townsfolk for information. She's stunned when several locals share contradictory stories about the last day before Monica's disappearance. Did she intend to leave her hit TV series? Was she being stalked by her ex? And why is the newspaper editor who investigated the story at the time so anxious about the cold case heating up?

When one of the talkative townspeople turns up dead, Callie aims to catch the killer. But it's no picnic: Deputy Falk doesn't want her meddling, and the locals suddenly know more about the past than they'd been at liberty to admit. If Callie and the Book Tea crew can't crack the case, they'll pay a very steep price in Joy Avon's explosive second Tea and a Read mystery.

The book is filled with wonderful characters who are interesting and well developed. I was drawn in right away, the story moved at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing as to what happened to the missing movie star and who committed murder to keep that secret.

This book can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend that you read "In Peppermint Peril" first.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading light, cozy mysteries.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I did not read the first book in this series but I would very much like to do so now. This was a great cozy! I enjoyed the cast of characters and really liked Callie. In this book, Callie is investigating a decades old disappearance of a celebrity which leads to a new murder. I look forward to reading about Callie’s adventures in the 3rd installment. Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the 2nd book in the Tea and Read mystery series. I have not read the first book, but thoroughly enjoyed book 2.

The story is about sleuth Callie Aspen wanting to solve a decade old disappearance. Living in Heart’s Harbor, Maine and helping out at her aunt’s shop keeps Callie busy most of the time. But of course, that changes almost immediately as she prepares for the Fourth of July tea party. As she continues to dig into the history of the city she stumbles upon the story of TV star Monica Walker. The more she digs into the disappearance the more she realizes that there are different stories. And then to make matters worse a corpse turns up dead.

The characters were well written and the storyline is one that keeps you guessing until the end.

Does Callie stay or does she leave? You have to read the book to find out, but I can say I cannot wait for book 3. By the way, I love Falk’s gift to Callie...

A must cozy mystery read!!!

this is a good mystery, what happened to the actress? did she leave on her own or was she forced to go? as they try to find out what happened back then and who killed the newsman? is Quinn a good guy or not? there are more questions than answers if you like who done its you will like the story. there are dogs , children and food, I was given a copy by netgalley but this is an honest review.

I enjoyed this book, which is the second in the series. The first one Callie had come for a visit, this one she has moved to the town. There is an old mystery that Callie gets involved in thanks to the new guy in town. The current murder gets tied into the old mystery nicely. I enjoy the characters and the mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A BOOK TEA SHOP MYSTERY #2

The second of the series after Peppermint Peril.

Callie may be having movers remorse after relocating to Heart's Harbor. And I liked that. I think we have all had that at one time or another. She's second guessing Deputy Falk as well. In the first book they had such a good flow and now he seems to be pulling away.

Callie decides to throw herself into the preparations for the Fourth of July and finds out a famous television star was last seen in Heart's Harbor before she disappeared for good. When Callie starts poking around, not everyone is happy and not everyone is telling the truth. When one chatty resident ends up dead Callie now has 2 mysteries to solve. Only the good Deputy would rather she stay far away from his business. And so would the town's residents!

Will Callie call it quits or will she be the next to die?

NetGalley/ June 11th 2019 by Crooked Lane Books

Sweet tea and secrets by Joy Avon
I enjoyed this 2nd book as much as the first.
Callie has come home after giving up her job to help her great aunt Lphy in heart’s harbour.
Quinn has his own reasons to involve Callie into trying to solve a cold case of a well know actress who disappeared.
With a present day murder to solve are they connected! .
Keeps you guessing with plenty of twists .
Definitely look out for the next book.
Thanks to crooked lane books and Nettgalley for letting me read this book for a honest review.

It had been a while since I read a cozy mystery when I selected this book from NetGalley. In fact, I selected a couple of them that day and I have to say I was ready to shift gears a little in my reading. This is the second book in the A Book Tea Shop Mystery series. However, it can be read on its own as each book has it’s own mystery to be solved.

Having moved to Heart’s Harbor, Maine, Callie Aspen is working in her aunt’s book themed business. Callie meets Quinn when he offers to make the repairs to the cottage she is going to rent. When she tells Quinn of a project she has volunteered for he tells her to visit the library for ideas. It is at the library that they find the story of the disappearance of the famous Monica Walker. There’s no harm in looking into a decades old case right? I mean it certainly couldn’t be the reason for the new murder, right?

Since I didn’t read the first book prior to this one I didn’t have anything to judge or compare from before. I thin that was great because I had read that this one was better than the first. To me this one was great on its own. I love the idea of a decades old murder mystery to solve and Callie was certainly a great character. Although I do wish there was a bit more tea and books but that is certainly alright. All in all this was a good book.

Callie Aspen decided to make a huge change in her life after visiting her Aunt over the Christmas holiday. She is quit her job as a tour guide and is moving to Heart's Harbor to help her Aunt with her store Book Tea. Callie is looking forward to her first holiday as a resident and can't wait for the Fourth of July weekend to kick off. Her first duty at Book Tea is to help her Aunt prepare for the Fourth of July tea party. Her Aunt wants something special to commemorate the holiday and has left it up to Callie to come up with a fabulous idea. She learns during her research that a famous movie star stayed in town and disappeared during her stay. Story after story has been spread about what could have happened to the star but nothing concrete has ever been found. Did she run away because she was tired of her life, did she run off and elope, or was she killed and her body hidden never to be found. Callie hopes that she can come up with the answers that she is looking for but finds roadblocks along the way. She begins to wonder if moving here and changing her whole life was a mistake. Follow along as Callie tries to come up with the answers to all her burning questions and see if in the end she decides to take on the new life she is starting for herself or returns to her old life. This was a fun read filled with some great characters. I look forward to seeing where the author leads them to next!